On Cloudflyer 4 review

Who should buy On Cloudflyer 4

The On Cloudflyer 4 is very dependable for your daily training needs. This would be great if you are in the market for:

• A pair of high-cushioned stability trainers
• A daily trainer that is versatile and comfortable enough for easy or long runs
• Running shoes that are responsive and have excellent lockdown

Who shouldn’t buy it

Runners looking for stability daily runners that weigh less than 300 grams can look to the On Cloudflyer 2.0. Also, the On Cloudrunner has better breathability which would be more recommended for workouts on warmer days. 

Well-padded and plush

Padding is everywhere in this iteration of the Cloudflyer. From the heel cup to the tongue, more padding means maximum comfort the moment these are worn. A critic mentioned: "these feel well-cushioned the moment I step in.”

An expert reviewer also commented that these shoes “feel plusher and softer than ever before” compared to previous versions. An On fan said that each pod could still be felt underfoot in the previous version. The Cloudflyer 4 gives runners a “more consistent feeling” when running.

A wider option is available

Although reviewers commend the Cloudflyer 4 as being true to size, the front part of the shoe is something to be cautious about. An expert commented that wide-footers should take note of how the shoes get a bit narrow towards the top of the toe box. 

However, wide-footers would be pleased to know that the On Cloudflyers come in a wider option that's 4mm wider than the regular fit of the shoes.

The On Cloudflyer 4 is for a dynamic ride

A delicate balance of cushioning and responsiveness is experienced by many runners using the Cloudflyer 4. The “distinctly firm feeling” of the midsole was appreciated by critics who also attributed this to the responsive ride. Runners mentioned how these gave them an “energetic ride” for their daily runs. 

The stability provided by these shoes is praised by wearers with flexible arches and overpronators alike. According to them, these “keep your feet going in the right direction” and supports the feet “very well.”

Keeps your feet in place

Compared to the previous version of the shoes, the minor tweaks all add up to a more secure lockdown. According to Cloudflyer fans, “the re-engineered mesh upper hugs your foot, and the padded tongue and heel collar hold your feet in place.” Not only that, the slightly higher heel collar adds to the “more secure feel” experienced by runners. Lastly, an extra pair of eyelets was very useful in ensuring a locked-in experience.

The Cloudflyer 4 lets you fly through your daily routine

Whether the workout of the day is a short or long run, these daily runners would be more than enough. A critic mentioned how these are a “good all-around shoe” and another even described them as a “reliable choice for daily training.” 

Not only are these great for logging in the miles, but cross-training days could also benefit from this workhorse. A reviewer appreciated the shoe’s stable platform, which also makes it a “safe pick for HIIT workouts” as well. 

50:50 breathability

A minor concern raised by an expert was how the updated structure of the shoes affected their breathability. While the toebox provided runners’ toes with a super airy experience, the upper half did not. Although the synthetic material used on the top half of the upper helps with the foot’s lockdown, it doesn’t help much in terms of breathability. An expert said that this part of the shoe “was not breathable at all.”

The Cloudflyer 4 has a 7% weight increase

The On Cloudflyer 4 is a relatively heavy shoe as it comes in at 300 grams for a Men’s size 9. This makes it 12% heavier than other On running shoes. 

However, this 20-gram increase from the previous version wasn’t a bother as reviewers said that they “didn’t notice a heavier feeling while running.”

A bit expensive

This iteration of the On Cloudflyer is pricey at $170. This makes it 21.5% more expensive than the $137 average price of stability road running shoes in the market.