On Cloudflyer 4: For the On Traditionalist
By Matthew Klein
On Running has been making some big moves recently. From the increasing number of athletes being sponsored, to a true super shoe coming to market, then actually making comfortable cushioned running shoes like the On Cloudmonster and the On Cloudsurfer 7. Despite being the "cloud" company, many of On's models have been quite firm. As walking shoes, they are comfortable, hence the increasing number of people wearing them as casual shoes (especially here in Southern California). For running, they attract a specific type of runner who likes better ground feel and firmer rides. For those concerned about On becoming a soft shoe company, the On Cloudflyer 4 maintains the tradition of a firm ride. Featuring a wider, more comfortable upper and a stable neutral ride, the Cloudflyer 4 stays as a firm shoe while adding a stronger rocker to keep things moving.
On Cloudflyer 4Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.8 oz, 306 g (men's size 9), 9.4 oz, 266 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 37.7 mm / 31.7 mm
Drop: 6mm (11mm drop per On)
Classification: Mild Stability Daily Training Shoe
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The
On Cloudflyer 4 is a mild stability daily training shoe for those that
want a little thicker upper and a firm rolling ride. The upper is plush
with a thicker knitted liner that makes for a lower volume fit in the
forefoot with a secure and slightly snug fit elsewhere. The ride is
extremely firm and strongly rockered, which combined the weight makes it
better for slower efforts and walking. With a combination of newer and
older of stability, the On Cloudflyer is a more traditional On design
for those who want to feel grounded and roll along.
SIMILAR SHOES: On Cloudswift
FIT
The
On Cloudflyer 4 fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The
upper is plush with extra padding throughout. The height feels lower
because of this, especially in the forefoot and almost made the shoe
feel short. This material immediately broke in and began to feel true to
size. As the material compresses the fit transitions from normal to
slightly wider. This creates a slightly relaxed fit with a little extra
room in the heel. The knitted liner mesh is comfortable against bare
skin. I have worn this shoe sockless extensively and not had any issues.
The midfoot features a half gusseted tongue (front half) that is on the
thicker side. The part closest to the ankle is free floating but I had
not issues with slippage. The laces are thin and I had to pull them
tight to get a secure fit. The midfoot fits fairly normal and
transitions into a normal width heel thanks to the extra heel collar
padding. The heel counter is external with plenty of internal padding.
My heels had no issues with this shoe, although I do expect the fit and
pressure at the rearfoot to change as this material breaks in. The
security was fair. I have had some heel slippage due to the wider heel
and had to really tie the laces down. I would suggest lace locking this
shoe for security especially if you are prone to heel slippage.
PERFORMANCE
The
On Cloudflyer 4 is a firm riding, heavier daily training shoe for
slower runs and walking. The midsole features two columns of cloudtec
elements with a midline groove in the heel and midfoot that transition
into a full width forefoot. The full length Helion foam is quite firm
and a highly curved sole design makes for a rockered ride. The 10.8 oz
weight is extremely noticeable, making this a shoe only for slower
efforts. The heel drop feels higher initially and On Running lists this
shoe as having an 11mm drop. Once it breaks in, the rocker makes this
shoe feel like a moderate drop shoe. The heel transition is fairly
smooth thanks to a well rockered heel and a slightly posterior lateral
heel. The midfoot transition is solid thanks to the rockered sole and
the torsional stiffness of the speedboard. The forefoot has moderate
flexibility for a shoe with a stiffening agent and provides a firm and
smooth transition off the toes. This is not a shoe for those with
limited great toe mobility as there is still a surprising amount of bend
up front.
The On Cloudflyer 4 is best for slower runs and
walking. Those with a higher cadence that want to roll along in a firmer
shoe will enjoy this shoe most. I struggled with it due to the weight
while running, but enjoyed the rocker and smoothness during walking. I
have over 20 miles of running on my pair and another 15-20 of walking.
There is only mild abrasion on the posterior lateral heel and the
durability appears to be slightly above average. Use-wise, this shoe can
only handle road. I have still gotten rocks stuck in the central groove
so would not take this shoe on anything other than smooth hard
surfaces.
STABILITY
The
On Cloudflyer 4 is a mild stability shoe that uses several newer
elements of stability and a partially traditional one. The platform is
wider except for a mildly narrowed midfoot. There is also a large
guidance line through the heel and midfoot. The medial clouds do
compress less than the lateral clouds, creating a mild post/wedge like
design. This is mild but noticeable as the shoe breaks in. The
speedboard also adds a high level of longitudinal stiffness helping to
keep things centered. For those sensitive to sidewalls, these are not
present at all although the external heel counter and padding does a
mild job of centering the heel. The firmer ride throughout also adds
inherent stability, especially at the forefoot. These elements are all
mild and are most present in the rearfoot and midfoot.
Thoughts as a DPT: Variations in Midsole Softness Perception with Varying Speeds and Cadence
By Matthew Klein
On Running shoes are typically firm despite the large clouds shaped cushioning devices. Although still firm, I have found them to be a little softer and better suited for me during walking. There are several reasons for this. During walking, the impact into the ground and ground reaction forces are far less than during running (Nilsson & Thorstensson, 1989). That may mean there is less compression of the midsole. A foam that is compliant may still feel firm if it compresses completely before being loaded completely. Loading a material slower may also prevent it from getting the "bottoming out" feeling where it is completely compressed. With higher impact forces, speeds of forces and ground reaction forces, running will compress a shoe's insole and midsole more and faster. A compliant and resilient foam that bounces make may provide a responsive feel especially when loaded more during running. This may create some of the variations in how a shoe feels underfoot.
We also know that biomechanical factors, like cadence, can modify the forces underfoot. A higher cadence has lower ground reaction forces compared to a lower cadence (Farina & Hahn, 2021). Higher ground reaction forces usually means more impact force per footstrike. Someone like me, who has a longer stride and lower cadence, will have greater impact forces (have you seen my posterior lateral heels?) than someone with a shorter stride and higher cadence. The sharp rocker design of the Cloudflyer 4 also feels better running with a higher cadence. This may be a combination of hitting the geometry at a better angle but also compressing the foam less and not bottoming out the shoe. Some people may really enjoy the ride of this shoe, but their mechanics will need to match its design for that.
Sources:
Farina, K. A., & Hahn, M. E. (2021). Increasing step rate affects rearfoot kinematics and ground reaction forces during running. Biology, 11(1), 8.
RECOMMENDATIONS
While
the fit is decent, my major recommendations are focused around the
midsole. The look is fine, but the cushioning and weight need to match
how little midsole there is compared to other companies with full length
foam midsoles. It is unacceptable for this shoe to weigh 10.8 oz (men's
size 9) and have such huge spaces in the midsole. It is also way too
firm (I know what I just wrote in the DPT thoughts section). The midsole
material needs to have its density drastically reduced to improve
compliance of the material as well as to lighten it. On needs to learn
from some of the new foams they are working with in their faster shoes
because the weight and firmness make this shoe uncomfortable for running
for me. For a "cloud" company, these are heavy and firm.
As
mentioned, the fit is fine but it is far more plush than I think it
needs to be. The extra material makes the shoe feel lower volume and
more snug. This may be great for those with more narrow feet but those
with wider feet may have trouble until the material breaks in. This is
also a source of extra weight. Given how good On Running does with its
apparel, I'm sure this upper can be lighter yet still secure.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The
On Cloudflyer is best for those wanting a mild stability, highly
rockered, sturdy shoe with a comfortable slightly wider fitting upper
for easy runs and walking. While it can certainly roll, the shoe is
quite heavy. This took some adjustment to my mechanics but those who
have a shorter and faster stride may enjoy this more than someone like
myself who has a longer stride. The fit is slightly wider and relaxed,
requiring some additional lockdown while being a great option for
sockless wear. There is truly mild stability here with firmer medial
clouds compared to the lateral ones combined with a speedboard and
guidance line. It is biased laterally, so those looking for the rare
mild stability trainer may enjoy this.
Although many people
may come to this website looking for running shoe reviews, the On
Cloudflyer really shines as a walking shoe. The rockered ride, mild
stability and sturdy feel make it an excellent shoe for long days on
your feet. Those with mobility deficits (ie stiffness or lack of motion)
at the ankle will do particularly well, although the stiff flexibility
at the forefoot may be better for those who have at least moderate
movement at their toe joints. While I will not keep this shoe in my
running rotation, it has earned a spot for walking and longer standing
due to the upper comfort, mild stability and rockered ride that works
far better dealing with the impact forces of walking than running.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: A-/B+ (Comfortable,
plush upper. Fits slightly relaxed and wider when it breaks in. Great
for sockless wear but has heel slippage with socks)
Performance: C+/B- (Extremely firm and rockered ride. Better for walking than running unless you want that kind of ride)
Stability: A- [Mild Stability] (wider platform, firmer, firmer medial pods)
DPT/Footwear Science: B- (Stable ride, but unnecessarily heavy and firm for the stack height and lack of midsole)
Personal: B- (Great shoe for walking and standing all day but firmer ride and weight make it feel too heavy for running)
Overall: B
SHOP | SUPPORT DOROn Cloudflyer 4Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
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