Which On Running Shoes Should I Buy? A Guide to Their Best Current Models
On Running's current collection delivers three genuinely different shoes for three different purposes. The Cloudflow 5 at £138 is your daily driver, the Cloudsurfer Max at £156 prioritises comfort over speed, and the Cloudflyer 5 at £127.50 bridges training and casual wear. Each excels in its lane—the choice depends on whether you're chasing pace, padding, or versatility.
Why On Running?
On Running, founded in 2010 in Switzerland, built its reputation on CloudTec®—a patented cushioning system that separates rigid structure from soft foam landing pads. This lets the shoe absorb impact without sacrificing responsiveness. Unlike traditional foams that compress uniformly, CloudTec's column-and-cloud design compresses only where your foot lands, leaving perimeter areas rigid for propulsion.
The brand has expanded beyond ultramarathon gear into everyday running and lifestyle footwear, but the engineering philosophy remains consistent: optimise the biomechanics of running itself. Their shoes tend to be lighter and snappier than equivalent models from Nike or Brooks, making them popular with runners who want efficiency over extra cushioning.
Top Picks
On Running Cloudflow 5 Shoes — £138
Best for: Daily training and tempo runs. The Cloudflow 5 is the speed-focused option—lighter than both alternatives at approximately 230g per shoe, with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop. The Cloudtec cushioning responds quickly, making this ideal if you rotate between easy runs and threshold work. Durable enough for 600+ kilometres before noticeable wear, though the foam does soften gradually after 400km.
Men's On Cloudsurfer Max Running Shoes — £156
Best for: Long-distance running and comfort-first training. This is On's most padded offering, with a thicker foam stack (approximately 12mm more cushioning than the Cloudflow) and a rocker geometry that encourages a natural gait. Best suited to runners logging high mileage or those who prioritise joint protection over race-day speed. Heavier than the Cloudflow but significantly more forgiving on tired legs.
On Running Cloudflyer 5 "Stone/Glacier" Sneakers — £127.50
Best for: Versatile training and casual wear. The most affordable option and the most design-flexible. The stone/glacier colourway works with both athletic and smart-casual styling. Mid-weight cushioning (between Cloudflow and Cloudsurfer) makes it suitable for tempo runs, gym sessions, and everyday walking without feeling sluggish. A good entry point to On's ecosystem.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Cloudflow 5 | £138 | Speed and tempo work | Lightweight (230g) with quick response | | Cloudsurfer Max | £156 | Long-distance comfort | Maximum padding and rocker geometry | | Cloudflyer 5 | £127.50 | Training and lifestyle | Affordable versatility with style |
What to Look For
- Drop height: Cloudflow and Cloudflyer use a 10mm drop (heel-to-toe); Cloudsurfer Max varies by size but typically 10-11mm. Lower drops (under 8mm) suit experienced runners with efficient gaits; 10mm+ suits most trainers.
- Foam firmness: On's CloudTec responds differently depending on running pace. Faster cadences (170+ steps per minute) get snappier responses; slower runners may feel CloudTec as mushy. Test if possible.
- Lifespan: Expect 600-800km before noticeable cushioning degradation across all three. The Cloudflow softens fastest due to lighter foam; Cloudsurfer Max holds firmness longer.
- Fit width: On shoes run true-to-size but slightly narrower than Nike or Brooks. Women with wide feet should consider half a size up; men typically don't need adjustment unless you have very high arches.
The Bottom Line
The Cloudflow 5 at £138 is the most versatile all-rounder—fast enough for races, durable enough for everyday training, and priced fairly against equivalents from Saucony or ASICS. Buy the Cloudsurfer Max if you're logging 40+ km weekly and prioritise joint protection; buy the Cloudflyer 5 if budget is tight or you want a shoe that doubles as casual wear. All three offer genuine value for their price point, which is rare in premium running footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is On Running good value for money?
Yes—all three models are priced fairly against competitors with similar technology. The Cloudflow 5 (£138) matches Nike Pegasus pricing but with superior responsiveness; the Cloudsurfer Max (£156) compares favourably to Brooks Ghost or ASICS Gel-Nimbus at similar price points. You're paying for engineering, not just branding.
Which On Running shoe is best for flat feet?
The Cloudsurfer Max is best for flat feet because its increased cushioning and rocker geometry provide more arch support than the lighter Cloudflow 5. If you have severe overpronation, consider a specialist stability shoe from Brooks or New Balance instead—On doesn't currently make a dedicated stability model.
How long do On Running shoes last?
Most On models deliver 600-800km before cushioning noticeably degrades, which typically means 4-8 months for regular runners. The Cloudflow 5 softens slightly faster due to lighter foam; the Cloudsurfer Max maintains firmness longer. This is in line with premium running shoes generally—expect to replace annually if you run 50+ km per week.
Do On Running shoes run true to size?
Yes, they run true-to-size in length but fit slightly narrower than Nike or New Balance. If you have wide feet, consider sizing half a size up. Unisex sizing is also consistent—women's and men's models in the same size generally fit proportionally the same.
