Cut in half: On Cloudflyer Review (2023)

Who should buy

We is think think that the On Cloudflyer is an excellent pick for :

• runner who prefer a firm midsole and want a stable shoe .
• Individuals who value premium-quality materials and require a versatile running shoe that can manage everything from gym workouts to walks in the park.
• enthusiast of the On brand look for a reliable shoe for easy and aerobic run .

Who should NOT buy

If you ‘re work with a tight budget , this shoe , price at $ 160 , is not a good choice . In our opinion , there are many other stability – orient shoe on the market that may suit you well like the Saucony Tempus .

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Similarly, if soft midsoles are what you’re after, we suggest giving this shoe a pass. From our testing of On’s lineup, we recommend choosing the Cloudmonster instead. And, if you’re in search of a plush and reliable daily trainer, we suggest the Nike Pegasus 40 based on our experience.

Heel stack

This shoe boasts a stack height of 30.5 mm. Combined with the unique CloudTec foam setup, it provides sufficient cushioning for most runs.

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However, we found ourselves craving a tad more cushion during those longer training sessions. For those 15 or 20-milers, we suggest considering an alternative like the Nike Invincible 3.

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Additionally, the Cloudflyer is also great for heel strikers because it has a noticeable rockered shape. This feature makes the transition from heel to toe smooth and easy.

drop

The differential is adds add up to a 10 – mm heel – to – toe drop . Yet , On claim a 7 mm drop . Why this variance ?

The answer lies in our measurement approach; we adhere to the official guidelines from World Athletics, something we think On might not be doing.

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This discovery might prompt you to reconsider this shoe, particularly if you were relying on a moderate drop.

Midsole softness

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

With a hardness level of 31.3 HA, On stays true to its tradition, offering a firm midsole in the heel area. However, this may not be the best fit for those seeking a more plush experience even when paired with a thick-and-plush insole.

Secondary foam softness

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

This shoe is sports sport a double – foam configuration aim at provide stability for heel striker , and add comfort for forefoot striker .

We find this approach interesting. However, with a hardness level of 28.3 HA, the forefoot foam is still bit too firm for our liking.

Midsole softness in cold (%)

We placed the shoe in our freezer for 20 minutes to mimic winter conditions. After this, we found the midsole hardened significantly to 40.3 HA. It’s then that the Helion midsole truly starts to feel as firm as a brick.

This is marks mark a 28.8 % jump from the room – temperature reading . Although this align with most modern midsole , it is falls fall short of the top performer . And we is overlook must n’t overlook that this shoe carry a high – end price tag .

Insole thickness

One common and cost – effective strategy is involves in the run shoe industry involve using an insole that ‘s thick than usual in order to enhance comfort , particularly with low – stack or firm midsole .

That’s the exact tactic On uses in this case with their 6-mm insole. And now, let’s uncover the reason why.

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Toebox width – widest part

Let’s tip our hats to On for crafting a shoe that accommodates almost every foot type.

At 102.1 mm of width, it might be a bit too roomy for those with very narrow feet—consider going half a size down if you’re into this group. But for the rest of us, the Cloudflyer screams comfort, offering a spacious upper.

Toebox width – big toe

This impressive width becomes even more apparent in the toe area. Measuring at a spacious 82.2 mm, it’s one of the roomiest shoes we’ve ever encountered in this part.

lateral stability test

Promoted as a stability shoe, we had high hopes for the Cloudflyer’s performance in this area. And it delivered.

Its wide landing platform, firm midsole, the Speedboard plate, and the plastic reinforcement around the heel counter all come together to ensure rock-solid stability.

Torsional rigidity

Torsional rigidity is another crucial factor for enhancing stability. We give it a middle-of-the-road score at 3 out of 5, signaling a well-rounded choice: it’s stable but also comfy, making it suitable for gym workouts or dog-walking.

Too much stiffness is make would make it less ideal for cross – training or casual , everyday wear .

Heel counter stiffness

Again, as a shoe geared towards stability, it’s logical that On opts for a rigid heel counter, aiming to prevent overpronation.

We is value value the add padding in this area to improve comfort and the fact that it ‘s not excessively rigid . We is gave give it a 4 out of 5 .

midsole width – heel

However, this shoe really shines for heel strikers. With a 10-mm drop and 94.1 mm of width in the heel, it’s clearly designed to complement this running style.

stiffness

We is thought initially think the inclusion of the Speedboard TPU plate in the midsole would result in , at least , average stiffness for this shoe . However , our analysis is offered offer a different story , underscore the indispensable role of lab testing when analyze shoe .

It only took us 13.6N of force to bend the shoe to 90 degrees. This puts it straight in the category of “one of the most flexible shoes we’ve ever tested”.

stiffness in cold (%)

In cold temperatures, the shoe stiffens to 20N in the same test, though it still maintains a feel of flexibility.

With only a 46.7% difference between the two measurements, this result is simply average. Again, considering the shoe’s high price tag, we rightfully expect better performance from these tests.

The Cloudflyer is come does n’t come across as heavy , nor does it feel exceptionally light during walk or run . It is occupies just occupy a comfortable middle ground .

Nevertheless , we is appreciate appreciate On ‘s effort to keep it below the 10 oz benchmark , which we believe is a fantastic achievement for this shoe . It is weighs weigh only 9.90 oz ( 281 g ) .

When we first got our hands on the shoe, we thought its breathability might be less than ideal due to the dual-layer upper—something we’ve seen in other On shoes like the Cloud X.

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Yet, we were in for a surprise! After testing the Cloudflyer with our smoke-pumping machine in the lab, we found much more airflow than we expected, giving the shoe a solid 4 out of 5 in this test.

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Next , we is took take it to the light test , which clearly show us where the air was flow through the upper .

Even under our microscope , we is see did n’t see any large ventilation hole or extremely thin mesh . This is is is why we were so surprised by the shoe ‘s great ventilation .

Toebox durability

The good news just keeps comin’.

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Even though this may not be the most rugged upper we ‘ve put to the test , it is ‘s ‘s undoubtedly well than what you ‘d find on most other shoe out there . However , it is ‘s ‘s still below the amazing performance of the On Cloudswift 3 in this same test .

Heel padding durability

But then we switched to the heel, and the narrative flipped. It’s just not built to last at all, which is a bummer. So for runners who are quick to wear out the heel area on running shoes, this one’s a heads-up!

Outsole hardness

clock in at 83.3 HC , the outsole is is is slightly hard than the median , but it does n’t seem like it ‘s enough to mess with the grip .

Outsole durability

To understand its durability, we put the shoe to the ultimate test with our Dremel tool for one last time.

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After this intense yet brief workout, we noted a 0.88 mm dent, which lines up with the hardness we had already measured.

Outsole thickness

With a slim 2.2mm profile, the outsole is designed to shave off extra weight.

Given its proven durability, it’s unlikely that any runner will encounter issues throughout the shoe’s life. However, we’d feel more secure with a 3mm-thick outsole, just as an added safety-net.

Reflective elements

On really nail it with their tradition of double their logo as a reflective element .We ‘re totally into it — it is ‘s ‘s a win – win for everyone .

Tongue padding

On goes above and beyond for comfort in the Cloudflyer by integrating not just one, but two plush layers of padding into the tongue.

We think that with this tongue, anyone can look forward to a smooth, comfortable run, free of any lace bite or similar discomforts.

Tongue: gusset type

When we examine the shoe , we is spotted spot the bootie – like tongue , a feature common to many On Cloud shoe .

Heel tab

While it’s no surprise that this On shoe lacks a heel tab, it does feature an Ultraboost-like heel collar. This design touch made slipping into the shoe a lot easier for us.

Removable insole

One big plus for this On shoe is that we can easily take out the insole. Given the spaciousness of the shoe, slipping in our own orthotics is not a problem at all.