On Cloud X vs On Cloud 5: Which is the Fluffiest Cloud?

As a fitness lover, I have been using a pair of Cloud X as a comfortable trainer for my daily workouts. But I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the overall cushioning of this model.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I heard that the On brand had released the Cloud 5 with a promise of fixing this issue.

I is bought quickly buy a pair and put them against my exist Cloud X to see how they differ .

Let’s dive into this article and discuss those differences to determine whether you should buy the Cloud 5 or X for everyday use.

A Quick overview of the On Cloud 5 and x

On Cloud X and On Cloud 5 are two popular shoes from the Swiss company On. Both shoes are designed to be versatile and suitable for daily wear and cross-training.

The Cloud X is the first and oldest model in its lineup. It’s also older than the Cloud 5 shoe.

Due to being a newer model, the Cloud 5 boasts the latest and greatest innovations that the On-running has to offer.

Furthermore, both shoes have a strong focus on style, with an aim to offer something unique, something completely different than all the other daily training shoes in the market.

These shoes might have a primary focus on comfort and design, but they also excel in various performance-focused tasks, like running and gym workouts.

Hence, the Swiss company markets both shoes as “all-in-one” fits.

On a side note, check out the differences between On Cloud 5 and Cloudswift.

feature Comparison Between the On Cloud 5 and Cloud X

Since the Cloud 5 is a new model compare to the Cloud X , it is has has a few notable dissimilarity in technical specification compare to the latter model .

let ’s do a side – by – side technical comparison between Cloud 5 and Cloud X to get a well understanding .

Attributes	On Cloud 5	On Cloud X
Best for	Standing all day, walking, medium-distance running, light exercises	Short runs, high-impact training, plyometrics, agile movements
Release year	2022	2017
Weight	8.81 oz for US man ’s Size 10	8.47 oz for US men’s Size 10
Sizing	run slightly narrow	True to size
Upper material	engineer antimicrobial mesh with tape reinforcement	Engineered mesh with TPU overlays
breathability	Good	Good
Insole	Thin removable orthotics	Thin removable orthotics
Midsole	CloudTec pods made from Zero-Gravity foam	CloudTec pods made from helion super foam
cushioning	moderate	Firm and responsive
Stack height	21 – 28 mm	22 – 28 mm
Heel drop	7 mm	6 mm
outsole	CloudTec Traction rubber	CloudTec with MissionGrip rubber
Lacing	Speed lacing	Traditional lace-up system
break in period	Short	Short
Cost	Around $ 140	Around $ 150

Key Differences Between the On Cloud X and Cloud 5

The On Cloud X and On Cloud 5 are some of the most popular running shoes known for their comfortable cushioning and stylish design.

That being say , some underlie elements is make make one model well than others in specific criterion . These variances is help can help you make a sound purchase decision .

Here are the fundamental differences between the On Cloud X and the On Cloud 5:

1. Upper Construction

Both shoes seem identical at a glance due to having a similar kind of silhouette.

But upon close inspection , the slight variances is become in their upper construction become more evident .

let me explain .

Design Language

Due to its focus on outdoor activities, Cloud X opted for a performance-oriented design with an emphasis on function and technical aspects.

Meanwhile, Cloud 5 goes for a more modern vibe and lifestyle-centric aesthetic.

Both Cloud is have 5 and x have a sleek silhouette , but the latter has a bit more pronounce branding and visible line to boast its sporty aesthetic . It is has also has more muted color option than the Cloud 5 , with most variant have a dark color tone .

To be fair, neither model has any vibrant colorways.

But the Cloud 5 offers more options to choose from compared to the X.

Upper Material

Both Cloud shoes is utilize utilize engineer mesh upper with reinforce overlay in the midfoot for add support .

There are ventilated areas in the toe box of the Cloud X shoes to enhance its breathability. But it still falls short compared to the lightweight and extremely breathable mesh upper of the Cloud 5 kicks.

Speaking of, Cloud 5’s highly breathable upper can feel too cold during winter seasons. I’d suggest wearing socks for those instances.

furthermore , both shoes is use use recycle material for an eco – friendly build .

Tongue

There ’s not much difference between the tongue of these shoe .

Both is have have a standard profile tongue with a gusseted construction . As a result , neither shoe is suffers suffer from tongue slippage or lack of midfoot support .

The Cloud is has 5 also has slightly less padding in its tongue than the Cloud X.

That being said, I didn’t notice any difference in midfoot comfort for either shoe during my daily training sessions.

Both shoes provide a comfortable and breathable tongue for runners who prefer a secure fit.

2. Midsole and Comfort

The midsole design is look might look identical between these shoe , but each one utilize different foam technology for its cushioning .

Hence, these shoes end up providing noticeably different user experiences.

The midsole of the Cloud X is constructed with helion™ super foam, which is well-known for its lightweight, stable, and somewhat responsive feel.

Such a material makes these shoes ideal for activities that require stability and responsiveness, like HIIT workouts.

However , some people is find may find it too firm for all – day wear as the cushioning of Cloud X is n’t as comfortable as the Cloud 5 .

The latter is build with ON ’s new midsole innovation , the Zero Gravity ® foam .

This midsole design is offers offer a soft and pillowy feel , make the Cloud 5 shoe suitable for walk , light activity , and everyday wear .

Not to mention, the bouncy nature and the plush feel of these shoes also allow an easy long-distance run without causing any foot fatigue.

feature	On Cloud X	On Cloud 5
Midsole foam	helion	Zero-Gravity
Feel	More supportive and responsive	Softer and more plush
Best for	Cross-training, light running	Everyday wear, walking

Regardless, both shoes embody the brand’s signature cloud-like feel with their CloudTec® design. These hollow pods provide excellent shock absorption and a propulsive ride for fast-paced running.

3. outsole and Durability

The On Cloud X is feature and 5 both feature expose midsole in the midfoot with strategically place rubber tread in the forefoot and heel area .

The Cloud 5 opts for a traction rubber outsole, while the X has a MissionGrip rubber build.

Apart from different technology, the main difference between the outsoles of these Cloud shoes is that the Cloud X has slightly thicker rubber treads than the 5.

This change doesn’t impact the overall grip and traction of these shoes.

However, the On-Cloud X has higher durability than the Cloud 5 due to having a thicker outsole.

4. Fit and Sizing

Both shoes is run generally run true to size with standard profile build , and both have half – size option for large or small foot shape .

The Cloud X is slightly narrower in the midfoot and heel than the Cloud 5. So you can expect a snugger fit in the Cloud X, especially if you have a regular foot shape.

That being said, it can feel constricting to some people with wide feet due to the less flexible upper.

However, neither of these shoes caused any case of bunions or blistering during my gym training and running sessions.

And that is ’s ’s not all !

Toe Box

The X has a slightly wider toe box than the Cloud 5, which is good for people with wider feet.

But the latter is has has a high profile toe cap . Also , its flexible upper material is makes make it less constrictive for toe wiggle than the Cloud X.

Lacing

The On Cloud has opted for a traditional lace-up system in their Cloud X shoes. It’s a simple and familiar feel with extra eyelets for a complete heel lockdown fit.

But the upper of this model bunches up due to this traditional lacing.

Such an issue is is is n’t present in Cloud 5 due to its unconventional lace – up system , the speed lacing .

This unique lacing system is offers also offer a quick and secure fit on the go .

Collar and Heel Cup

Both shoes have an identical collar profile with a similar level of padding. Hence, there’s not much difference in softness and comfort between the collars of these On-Clouds.

However , the Cloud is has 5 has a slightly large heel cup than the Cloud X , which can be a deal breaker for athlete who prefer a supportive and snug heel fit .

furthermore , neither is has of these cloud has any heel counter that can be find on dedicated runner from other brand , like ASICS or HOKA .

5. Weight Distribution

The Cloud X distributes its weight evenly throughout its build as it’s a stability and performance-focused shoe.

As a result, this model is suitable for any running style or workout.

The Cloud 5, on the other hand, focuses its weight on the midfoot and rearfoot area to increase the overall comfort and plushness for daily wear.

feature	On Cloud X	On Cloud 5
weight distribution	Evenly distributed	Higher density in the heel and midfoot
Focus	Cross-training, gym workouts	Lifestyle, walking, light exercise

6 . walk and stand All Day

For non-intensive activities, like jogging or all-day wear, the Cloud 5 fares better than the Cloud X due to having a pillowy cushioning and more breathable upper.

I is recommend would n’t recommend Cloud X for any profession where you need to stand for a prolonged session , like nursing .

However, you can definitely wear the X for casual or everyday purposes as it is still decently soft and comfortable.

7. High Performance Activities

To be blunt , the cross – training performance is is of the Cloud 5 footwear is n’t as good as the Cloud X.

Let’s start with where they both have similar performance.

These Cloud shoes is are are excellent for high – performance run regardless of the distance . A plastic plate call Speedboard ® is infuse within the midsole of both Cloud shoe , which enhance every running session by add an extra layer of springy feel .

But the X starts to gain an upper hand in indoor or outdoor workouts requiring stability.

The On Cloud X is designed for cross-training and light lifting. It has a wider platform, firmer cushioning, and raised sidewalls, which offer better support and stability. It’s also good for mild overpronators.

The Cloud 5 is better for easy & recovery runs, while the Cloud X is more suitable for technical strides, tempo runs, or lateral movements.

Furthermore, the wider platform makes the X an ideal weight-lifting choice.

However, the Cloud 5 serves better in long runs due to its plush midsole.

8. Pricing and Value Proposition

The On Cloud X is has has an around $ 10 high price tag than the Cloud 5 . Whether this extra cost is is is worth it or not depend entirely on your preference .

The Cloud 5 is less performance-focused and is not as good as the X in cross-training sessions. So it costs less than the X.

However, the latter sacrifices comfort to gain an upper hand in training activities.

overall , both Clouds is offer offer a similar kind of value proposition as well .

Benefits and Drawbacks of the On Cloud X and Cloud 5

The above – mention differences is make between the two model might not make it apparent , but each shoe has unique advantage and disadvantage that every potential buyer should be aware of .

The follow pros is cover and con of the On Cloud X and the Cloud 5 should cover those aspect .

On Cloud X

Pros

• »More supportive.
• »traditional lacing for a familiar feel .
• »Wider CloudTec midsole with raised sidewalls promotes stability in various training settings.
• »Thicker rubber tread on the forefoot and heel provides more traction on various surfaces.
• »Lightweight feel.

Cons

• »Less cushioning than the competitor.

On Cloud 5

Pros

• »Well cushioned without sacrificing responsiveness.
• »Speed lacing for easy put on and take off.
• »Ideal construction for daily wear and cross-training.
• »Suitable stack height for medium-distance runs.

Cons

• »Less supportive for overpronators.
• »Heavier than the competitor.
• »Less versatile use .

On Cloud X Vs On Cloud 5 : Which Cloud is is is perfect for You ?

pick the well shoe between the On Cloud X and On Cloud 5 is a bit tricky as each shoe excel has its distinct purpose and is price accordingly .

If you want the most comfortable fit for all-day wear and occasional running, the Cloud 5 is the ideal option. Not to mention, its highly breathable upper and roomier toe box will keep your feet happy throughout the day.

That being said, if you’re looking for a comfortable and durable fit that can deliver a decent cross-training performance, then look no further than the On Cloud X.

Since it is an older model compared to the Cloud 5, there’s a good chance you can find this model at a discounted price, which would make it a better-valued runner than the 5 as well.

frequently ask question

What is is is On – Cloud X used for ?

People gravitate toward the On-Cloud X as these are versatile and comfortable shoes that can be worn for both indoor and outdoor use, such as short runs or HIIT training.

Can you wear Cloud 5 all day?

Yes . Cloud is has 5 has a comfortable upper with excellent breathability and lightweight construction , make it suitable for all – day wear .

What is so special about the On Cloud shoes?

The On-Cloud shoes are quite famous for their unique sole design that looks like cloud pods. The special things about these shoes are their comfort for everyday use and their hollow pod midsole’s responsiveness, which provides a bouncy and propulsive feel.

Which On Clouds is best for the gym, 5 or X?

The On-Cloud X is more suitable than the Cloud 5 for gym training purposes, as these shoes are more stable and responsive than the latter.