As one of the latest entrants in the running industry, On Running has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing brands. Offering a diverse range of highly cushioned shoes suitable for both casual wear and road running, they have captured the attention of many. In this review, we will delve into two of the brand’s most sought-after models: comparing the On Cloudswift vs Cloudflow. I’ll break down the key distinctions, specs, and provide an in-depth assessment of their performance on the road. Ultimately, providing my choice of which is the better of the two. So let’s get to the shoes!
On Cloudswift vs Cloudflow
- Both models are considered neutral shoes. Not providing any extra support for over or underpronation.
- On’s Cloudswift is considered am city runner and lifestyle shoe. While the Cloudflow is a traditional light weight road running shoe.
- The Cloudswift also offers more cushion for everyday wear and getting in some miles before or after the gym. The Cloudflow on the other hand is one of On’s low cushioned runners.
- With less cushion the Cloudflow is lighter at 238 grams for men’s and 198 g for women. Compared to the Cloudswift men’s weighing 330 grams and women’s at 263 g.
- The Cloudflow also has a slightly larger drop at 9 mm, designed to create forward roll. With the Cloudswift having an 8 mm drop for daily wear.
- Both shoes feature a breathable upper. Making them great for warmer weather and humid environments.
- The Cloudflow is noticeably more narrow in the mid foot. And I found the Cloudswift’s arch support to be more comfortable for my medium arch.
- Again, the biggest difference between the two models is that the Cloudflow is a running shoe. While the Cloudswift is designed for daily activewear, rather than running.
On Cloudswift
MSRP Price: $160
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Type: City Runner
Weight Men: 330 g
Weight Women: 263 g
Support: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 8 mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 8 mm
Condition: Warm Weather
Cushion: High
On Cloudflow
MSRP Price: $140
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Type: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 238 g
Weight Woman’s: 198 g
Support: Neutral
Drop/Offset Mens: 9 mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 9 mm
Running Style: Forward Roll
Cushion: Low
Performance Summary
The On running brand emerges as a definitive symbol of innovation and performance in the realm of athletic footwear. Founded on a philosophy that melds Swiss engineering precision with a passion for elevating the running experience, On has swiftly risen to prominence as a coveted choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. By reimagining traditional running shoe design, On has introduced a revolutionary cushioning technology that propels runners forward with unparalleled comfort and energy return. As a result, the brand stands at the vanguard of a new era in running, where cutting-edge functionality and sleek aesthetics harmonize to redefine the very nature of movement and stride.
On Cloudswift
My first time trying on the Cloudswift, what stood out the most was the brand’s patented CloudTec soles. These soles provide a unique design with cushioned air pockets between the main shoe and the bottom of the sole. Aside from that, the overall design makes for a good-looking shoe. The upper is almost entirely composed of breathable material, with two solid sides allowing the laces to comfortably secure your feet.
Once on your feet, there is no question that these are comfortable shoes with plenty of cushioning for standing all day or walking through the city. Providing a base that you could wear the entire day. The overall weight actually feels quite good for urban runner, and I believe this is due to the breathable design of the uppers. Testing them in the summer in the southeast, I am confident in saying that they are a perfect choice for warm to hot weather. Additionally, the all-white version gives off a summer vibe.
When it comes to functionality, it’s crucial to emphasize that the Cloudswifts deviate from the norm of traditional running shoes I typically test. Although they can be used for running, their overbuilt design primarily caters to providing comfort during periods of standing, walking, urban hiking, and serving as versatile gym footwear. They truly excel in situations where you have the choice of either logging a few speedy miles or engaging in a fulfilling run on the treadmill
On Cloudflow
After testing On’s lifestyle shoe, I was really excited to get my hands on one of their road running shoes, the Cloudflow. Out of the box, I must say, they are a good-looking shoe. I’m a fan of the color fade and the unique solid strip crossing across the top. Combined with the brand’s CloudTech soles, they really stand out. And in the hand, I was surprised at how light they felt.
Lacing them up for the first time, the first thing that stood out was the arch support. It does not seem to be evenly dispersed, and I wish there was a bit more for my medium arch. They also run a bit narrow, which I’m guessing helped keep the overall weight down, because they are really lightweight while providing a decent amount of cushion. Overall, walking around in them felt pretty good. So, let’s get to how they perform out in the streets.
Heading out for my first run in the Cloudflows, I was impressed with the turnover. The lightweight design is noticeable, but unfortunately, they lacked the rebound I would hope to find in a shoe that advertises having a “forward roll.” In fact, I found the lack of forefoot padding to be a bit disappointing. While they felt good for the first few miles of my run, after about 5 miles, my feet were telling me they had enough. Over the testing period, I put in about 50 miles on the pair I had, and unfortunately, I wouldn’t go back to them.
I feel like they would be a good fit for someone looking to walk a few miles a couple of times a week. But if you’re looking to rack up the miles, these wouldn’t be the shoes I would recommend.
Image Comparison
When comparing the On Cloudswift vs Cloudflow side by side, it’s easy to see the difference, The Cloudswift has noticeably more cushion creating an almost rounded effect to the sole.
On Cloudswift Profile
On Cloudflow Profile
Looking at the top views of both, you can easily see the difference of the two shoes in width. The Cloudflow get’s much more narrow around the forefoot. While the On Cloudswift is a larger shoe overall.
Cloudswift Topview
Cloudflow Topview
While the soles are very similar, you can see the added groove running the length of the On Cloudflow. While this helps cut weight, it does takeaway from cushion on the balls of the feet. Something I noticed when testing.
On Cloudswift Soles
On Cloudflow Soles
Conclusion – On Cloudswift vs Cloudflow
ON Running has become known for their unique look and CloudTec soles, features you will find in both of these shoes. Apart from that, when comparing the Cloudswift vs Cloudflow, you are considering two distinctly different types of shoes. The Cloudswift offers a wider fit with more cushioning, improved arch support, and is designed for comfortable daily wear, hitting the gym or running a few city miles. On the other hand, the Cloudflow is a lightweight road running shoe with minimal cushioning and a slim fit. So, which one should you choose?
Which road running shoe to buy?
After testing, I can confidently say that I’m not a huge fan of the Cloudflow as a running shoe. It lacks the necessary cushioning for covering a substantial number of miles and, overall, it feels more like activewear footwear designed for running a few miles per week. If I were considering a running shoe, I would explore other available options.
On the contrary, the Cloudswift fulfills its intended purpose quite effectively. It offers comfort for everyday wear, gym sessions, and short runs. Additionally, its breathable upper makes it suitable for almost any weather condition. Given the choice, I would undoubtedly opt for the Cloudswift.
