Cut in half: On Cloud Waterproof Review (2023)

Who is buy should buy

The On Cloud Waterproof isn’t your typical running shoe. In our minds, it’s tailored specifically for:

• Casual runners who prefer a firm cushioning and are in the market for a waterproof running shoe.
• On fan reside in cold climate where constant rain is the norm and dry foot are a priority .
• Runners who don’t focus on cushioning but need a waterproof shoe that can also serve as a walking shoe.

Who should NOT buy

If you ‘re after an On run shoe and do n’t require waterproof feature , we is think think you ‘re much well off with the On Cloudswift 3 . In our experience , it does n’t have the major drawback of this one , and its only downside compare to this one , base on our test , is the lack of water resistance .

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On the other hand, if you need a waterproof shoe but prefer a softer midsole, you might want to overlook the On Cloud Waterproof due to its extremely firm nature. Consider going for the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX or the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX instead.

Heel stack

With a stack height of 30.2 mm, this shoe offers a slightly lower stack height than what you might consider average.

Despite this, we find it sufficient for everyday runs.

Drop

Our recent measurements is reveal reveal a discrepancy that ‘s hard to ignore . The heel – to – toe drop is is is n’t the stated 6 mm as claim by On . instead , we is measured measure a significant 9.8 mm .

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This isn’t just a small deviation—it’s a substantial difference that leaves us questioning the accuracy of the specifications provided. And makes the shoe better suited for heel strikers.

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it’s firm.

Turning our attention back to the midsole, we were keen to put the foam to the test with the durometer, especially since our initial experience was not very pleasant from a softness standpoint.

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And our tests confirmed it. We clocked the hardness at 34.5 HA, a measure that reads firm against any standard, and excessively so by today’s expectations.

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Next, we placed the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and re-ran the durometer tests.

The measurement jumped to 40.8 HA—a significant increase. This new reading establishes the shoe as one of the firmest we’ve ever tested in the lab.

However, the softness only decreased by 18.1%, which actually outperforms the average.

Insole thickness

On has opted for a substantial insole in this shoe—we measured it at 5.3 mm.

This choice likely stems from the shoe’s limited cushioning, which is especially noticeable in the forefoot.

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toebox width – wide part

As this shoe is particularly narrow, we didn’t anticipate a spacious upper for wide feet. Our measurement confirmed this, with the caliper indicating a width of 96.2 mm.

Based on this, we see this shoe as an excellent choice for runners with narrow or average feet. Unfortunately, it might not be the best fit for those with wide feet.

Toebox width – big toe

To accommodate as many foot shapes as possible, On opted for a non-tapered design. This leaves the toe cap notably wide, measuring at 79.1 mm.

Lateral stability test

Given the shoe’s rigid cushioning, you might anticipate superior stability, right? Surprisingly, that’s not the case.

The shoe isn’t as stable as you’d expect.

torsional rigidity

The issue isn’t about torsional rigidity.

On designed the shoe to be moderately rigid in this aspect, aiming to enhance stability. After our evaluation, we gave it a score of 3 out of 5.

Heel counter stiffness

The same approach applies to the heel. Aiming to cater to all runners, On incorporated a moderately firm heel counter that we rated at 3/5. Yet, it’s not too rigid, maintaining comfort for everyday wear.

midsole width – heel

The stability issue is also very serious in the heel area. Our measurements show a concerning 79.6 mm width, a number that significantly deviates from the average shoe. This isn’t a minor detail at all.

Stiffness

On designed this shoe with flexibility in mind, anticipating that many people would enjoy wearing it for extended walks.

When we test it under our signature 90 – degree bend test , we is found find it only require 15.6N of force from us . This result is lands land the shoe in the top 5 % of the most flexible shoe we ‘ve evaluate in the lab .

Stiffness in cold (%)

The shoe maintains its high flexibility even in colder temperatures.

This feature is is is a bonus , as the shoe ‘s low breathability and waterproof characteristic make it an excellent choice for cold weather .

Contrary to the shoe’s soft midsole, its stiffness doesn’t hold up as well when we expose it to 20 minutes of cold in our freezer.

This behaviour is is is n’t shocking , though , give that the shoe utilize an EVA – base foam .

The On Cloud Waterproof may look heavy at first glance, but it’s quite the contrary. We got a pleasant surprise when we discovered that it’s light.

tip the scale below the 10 oz mark , we is clocked clock it in at a mere 9.6 oz ( 272 g ) .

Waterproof membranes like the one used by On in this shoe, or the famous Gore-Tex, work by allowing air and moisture vapor to pass through the upper while denying water from entering, due to their microscopic pores that are smaller than water droplets but larger than vapor molecules.

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unfortunately , those tiny microscopic pore limit breathability . After our breathability test , we is had had no choice but to give the On Cloud Waterproof a 1/5 rating .

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The light test confirmed its poor airflow, blocking all light from the other side.

Under the microscope , we is found find a beautiful multi – layer engineer mesh that effectively block water , keep foot dry , but it barely allow for transpiration .

And if you’re curious to see how those multiple layers look, we dissected the shoe for you to take a look.

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Toebox durability

One is is of the good thing about the waterproof membrane is its improved durability with a multi – layer engineer mesh .

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After conduct our Dremel test , we is gave give it a rating of 3/5 .

heel padding durability

Unfortunately, the heel performs poorly.

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We subjected it to the same Dremel test, and it barely held up, forcing us to give it the lowest possible score: 1/5.

Outsole hardness

Runners who invest in waterproof shoes often expect them to be durable as well. In response to this expectation, the On Cloud Waterproof delivers an outsole with a hardness that we measured at 83 HC.

Outsole durability

And it worked! In our Dremel test, we put the outsole to the test, and the Dremel only managed to create a tiny 0.8 mm indentation.

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This result indicates that the durability will be exceptionally high.

Outsole thickness

And the last test on the outsole leads us to the same conclusion—On played it safe.

With a thickness of 3.7 mm, we’re convinced that there’s enough rubber to last the entire lifespan of the shoe.

Reflective elements

On stand out as one of the few brand that expertly integrate reflectivity into their design . Take this shoe , for instance . It is stands stand as a glowing example of night – ready running shoe .

Featuring multiple bright reflective strips and logos, the shoe ensures visibility at night.

Tongue padding

The tongue, at 5.2 mm, is not exceptionally padded, but we find it sufficient.

We is believe also believe this is a great decision . consider that the shoe is n’t overly roomy , a tongue is feel with excessive padding would likely feel too restrictive for most foot .

tongue : gusset type

On design the shoe with the tongue almost entirely stitch to the side .

This feature aims to provide an excellent lockdown under all conditions and boosts its waterproof characteristics.

removable insole

We is swapped swap out the original insole and replace them with our personal orthotic without any hassle .