On Cloudflow 4 Review: A Super-Inspired Overhaul
By David Salas and Matthew Klein
On Cloudflow 4Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 8.7oz, 247 g (men's size 9), 7.0 oz, 200g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 32 mm / 24 mm
Drop: 8mm
Classification: Lightweight Training Shoe, Performance Trainer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Matt: The
On Cloudflow 4 is a more traditional stack height, lightweight neutral
training shoe. A new upper provides a slightly fit, securing the foot
well while staying light. A sharp forefoot rocker with a large amount of
toe spring sits up front, which provides a fast roll forward off a
slightly firmer Helion/Cloudtec midsole. Inspired by the Cloudboom Echo 3, the Cloudflow 4 is a solid shoe for workouts and potential racing for
those who prefer lightweight trainers.
David: The On
Cloudflow 4 is a low riding lightweight training shoe in the neutral
category. The shoe pulls some inspiration from the Cloudbloom Echo 3
with more of a training focus. The shoe has a moderate rocker through
the heel and midfoot, with a sharp forefoot toe spring to give you a
rolling sensation with each step. The shoe also uses a nylon speedboard
to help with additional responsiveness when loaded.
SIMILAR SHOES: Brooks Launch 10, Adidas Adizero SL
FIT
Matt: The
On Cloudflow 4 fits me true to size if slightly long in my normal Men's
US size 10. The length is not enough to size down but it feels like
there is a little extra length at the end. The width is slightly snug
throughout the length of the shoe. The light engineered mesh holds the
foot well on the platform and is on the performance side. The forefoot
fits slightly snug with a light taper with normal-width socks. The
volume is average to slightly lower with a performance-like fit. The
midfoot is slightly snug with a thin, gusseted tongue. I did not have to
lace lock the shoe or overly tighten the laces. However, the thinness
of the tongue did cause me to experience some biting on the top from the
laces. Thus, be careful how tight you tie the laces. The heel features
mild heel collar cushioning with a highly flexible heel counter. The
counter did not bother me at all and those with sensitivities should be
fine. Outside of the lace bite, wearing this shoe sockless is awesome.
The inner liner is seamless and fits comfortable against the skin both
while running and wearing causally. Overall, this upper has a
performance edge and a solid degree of comfort outside of some lace
bite.
David: The On Cloudflow 4 fits true to size in my
Men's 9.5. The length may be on the longer side, though I did not have
any issues with slippage or translation. The fit of the upper is done
well and the lacing system holds the foot secure. The width in the heel,
midfoot, and forefoot are all normal width and are not overly narrow or
wide. The mesh material is lightweight and feels performance-esque. It
has mild stretch, but maintains its form well. The shoe does draw some
inspiration from the Cloudboom Echo line and this upper may have some
pull from that as well. There is a flexible heel counter with mild
padding that holds the heel cup structure pretty well without being
intrusive. The tongue is very thin and is consistent with the
performance-esque feeling of the shoe, but does have some mild padding
in the meat of the tongue. The volume of the shoe definitely fits more
like a training shoe and there is some room for swelling accommodation.
Despite some performance inspiration this does fit like a normal
training shoe. From a comfort and performance standpoint I am a big fan
of the upper. The only thing I'd really note here would be wanting
perhaps a tiny bit more padding in the tongue and making the length a
tiny bit shorter. Otherwise the upper is really comfortable.
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The
On Cloudflow 4 is a performance trainer/lightweight daily training
shoe. The midsole sits at a more traditional stack height, with
classical On-styled firmer cushioning. The cushioning is slightly softer
than previous as On takes small steps forward in softening their rides.
This provides just enough cushioning for moderate mileage and of course
higher mileage for those who prefer a slightly firmer ride. The 8mm
drop is noticeable in a positive way. This is partially due to the small
heel bevel that makes for a slightly clunky rearfoot transition. The
midfoot and forefoot take over and roll you forward quickly through the
large forefoot rocker. The toe spring (toe extension), is noticeable but
does add to the fast transition off the front. The forefoot does has
mild flexibility, but is mostly stiff thanks to the speedboard that
further adds some snappiness.
The lighter weight and firmness make it
easy to pick up the pace in this shoe. I have done a few fartlek
workouts (with my students) in this shoe and it responds extremely well.
It does not have a ton of bounce but does roll quickly, making it easy
to change gears. The firmer cushioning does allow for moderate mileage,
so normal daily runs have been fine. The Cloudflow 4 is a little harsh
for longer runs, but those who like firmer daily trainers will probably
be fine. So pace-wise, daily running, uptempo, tempo and fartlek
workouts are all things this shoe can handle.
Durability-wise, I am
starting to wear through the small outsole rubber patches after 20
miles. Thus, like most lightweight trainers, I would expect slightly
below-average mileage. I will say these are fantastic for casual wear.
The roll is extremely comfortable while walking and I have gotten
several compliments on these.
David: The On Cloudflow 4
is a very fun shoe to run in. The shoe has a low to the ground profile
and you certainly feel each step. The shoe has a firm feel to the
cushioning, though there is still enough for daily running. Those that
like a high amount of cushioning may struggle with this one, as this
caters more to the opposite crowd. The shoe has balanced transitions
through the heel and midfoot with a very quick rolling sensation in the
forefoot thanks to the toe spring. The shoe does have a nylon speedboard
throughout the shoe that is relatively flat with a heavy spooning up in
the forefoot. This is definitely noticeable and creates that rolling
feeling each step in the forefoot. The shoe has decent rigidity to it
but under load there is mild flexibility. The weight of the shoe
combined with the toe spring make for a pretty nimble experience. You
consistently feel like you are rolling forward without dragging too much
shoe around. There are some mild sidewalls, though this shoe is
definitely a very neutral experience.
This reminds me of the likes of a
shoe like the original Cloudboom, but with having more cushion and a
more training friendly upper. Those wanting close ground feel and a
rockered experience in the same shoe may have some appeal with the
Cloudflow 4. From a usage standpoint, this would definitely lean on the
training side of things for me, but there is enough responsiveness to
justify some tempo runs as well. This shoe offers good versatility
across daily running, slight uptempo, and even casual wear. This would
not be a bad "everything shoe" investment if your shoe purchases extend
beyond the usage of running as well.
STABILITY
Matt: The
On Cloudflow 4 is a neutral shoe. There are no traditional methods of
stability integrated into the shoe. There are small sidewalls in the
anterior heel on the medial and lateral sides but these are not that
noticeable. The sole is slightly narrower overall, which adds to the
neutral feeling but does make the shoe more nimble. Outside of the
sidewalls, these are solidly neutral.
David: The On
Cloudflow 4 is very neutral shoe. The shoe does not have any major sole
flaring, sidewalls, or reinforcement in the platform. The low-to-the-ground nature and speedboard do help with some stabilization, but the
overall experience is very neutral. There are some small sidewalls in
the medial and lateral heel, but they do not seem to do too much. Upper
security is pretty good, though I can't say I feel the platform is
"stable."
Thoughts as a DPT: Toe Spring in a flat shoe?
By David Salas, PT, DPT, CSCS
In today's world it seems that every shoe has to have a rocker, a stiff platform, and a lot of cushioning. For shoes that do not fit that category it seems that they need to be on the flatter end, lower profile, and flexible. There are not many shoes that meet in the middle. The On Cloudflow 4 does. One of the things that make the On Cloudflow 4 an interesting shoe is the usage of the rocker component on a lower stack height shoe. It gets most of its rocker profile through the forefoot by the usage of a toe spring.
A toe spring essentially is a rounding of the platform in an upward direction, placing the toes in a small moment of extension. This is normally done with firmer foam or through the usage of a plate/board. In the case of the Cloudflow 4 it is done with a nylon-based Speedboard.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: While
I have enjoyed my miles casually in the On Cloudflow 4, it is not
something I will keep reaching for. Partially due to the fact that I
don't want to get these dirty, but also due to the fact that these are a
little too firm for me for mileage. I typically like firmer rides but
the extra toe spring and firmer ride is just a little much. ON is
getting better with their midsoles but I want to continue to encourage
them to live up to their "clouds" tagline and continue to soften their
rides. This will improve the comfort with running (walking is fine) over
longer miles. I would also like to see the tongue protect the top of
the foot a little more from the laces. A little bit more padding will
fix this and will still maintain the lighter weight.
David: I
really enjoyed my experience in the On Cloudflow 4. My recommendations
mainly lie with the upper. Despite the comfort I do think the length
could be shortened a tad and the tongue a little more padded. I do find I
get a small amount of biting. It isn't a deal breaker, but for comfort
reasons the tongue could use a little more padding.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
Matt: The
On Cloudflow 4 is a lightweight/performance training/workout/potential
non-super racing shoe for those who want a firmer, lower to the
ground ride with a highly rockered forefoot. The light upper provides a
slight performance fit, although some adjustments may need to be made
to the tongue to avoid lace bite. The firmer ride and large forefoot
rocker lends itself to moderate mileage and quick pace changes,
continuing the Cloudflow's legacy as a shoe with uptempo/speed
capabilities. While this will serve as a great workout companion to the
On Cloudboom Echo 3, it also is an excellent causal shoe based on the
comfort with walking and its looks. Thus, those who want a versatile
shoe for moderate miles with some uptempo efforts and some casual
wear/walking may want to look at the On Cloudflow 4.
David: The
On Cloudflow 4 is a lightweight running shoe for someone that wants a
low to the ground experience alongside a rocker profile. The shoe is
definitely on the firmer side of cushioning. The weight provides a
pretty nimble package. The shoe has a lot of toe spring in the forefoot
and so you definitely notice a rolling sensation forward. There is also
decent comfort with casual wear as well and so this could even serve as
an option for someone looking to have an "everything" shoe that extends
beyond running into everyday wear as well.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: B+ (Comfortable lighter mesh with slightly snug fit. Mild lace bite from thin tongue. )
Performance: A- (Slightly firmer ride that lends to pace changes from moderate distance easy runs to faster intervals)
Stability: B/B- [Neutral] (Highly neutral ride. Mild stiffness from speed board helps a tiny bit but not much)
DPT/Footwear Science: B- (Versatile shoe but slightly too firmer for distances. Excessive toe spring may not be necessary)
Personal: B (Great for casual wear and impromptu uptempo efforts but a little firm and not quite stable enough for me during daily miles).
Overall: B/B+
David
Fit: B+/A- (Length a tad long, tongue could use a little more padding, mild biting)
Performance: A (Simple,
nimble, fun forefoot rocker. Lightweight package that gives an
enjoyable rocker experience to the lower profile category.)
Stability: B (Very neutral shoe throughout, not much sole flaring, sidewalls, etc. Speedboard and firm nature help.)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Very good usage of toe spring in otherwise a relatively flat shoe)
Personal: A (One of my favorite shoes right now that I keep reaching for. Great for easy mileage and strides, some tempo potential.)
Overall: A- (A solid daily training shoe for those wanting a low stack, firm, rockered ride.)
SHOP | SUPPORT DOROn Cloudflow 4Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
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FURTHER READING: TRAINERS
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 - A big update to this daily trainer makes it the softness, most cushioned yet
Adidas Adizero SL - A remodernized daily trainer for the Adidas line
AltraFWD Experience - Altra's first non-zero drop trainer
Brooks Launch 10 - Huge value training for everyday runners
Brooks Revel 6 - At $100, a simple, but effective neutral trainer that fits well
Hoka Clifton 9 [Stable Neutral Trainer] - A change to the midsole shapes the change to this classic maximal trainer
Mizuno Wave Rider 27 - Retooled to feel a little lighter underfoot and with a greatly improved fit
New Balanace FuelCell Propel v4 - Version 4 adds a forefoot plate to this budget trainer
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 - A new update to this versatile "wogger" shoe
Nike Pegasus 40 - A light upper update makes this the most comfortable Pegasus to slip on yet
Nike Vomero 17 - More ZoomX midsole helps make this trainer excel
On Cloudsurfer - The softest On yet ushers in a new redesign for the future of On
On Cloudswift 3 - A versatile run/everyday activity trainer with classic On elements
Puma ForeverRun Nitro - A new "stability" entry in the lineup that provides a cushioned ride
Reebok Floatride Energy 5 - Major changes to the popular training series, including a torsion system
Salomon Aero Blaze - A new lightweight trainer from Salomon
Salomon Aero Volt - An old-school flat that's light and versatile
Saucony Echelon 9 [Stable Neutral Trainer] - A wide-fitting, high cushion shoe that also fits orthotics perfectly well
Saucony Kinvara 14 - Higher stacked than ever, and lighter as well
Saucony Ride 16 - A light update that refines the daily trainer to its very best yet
Skechers GO RUN Ride 11 - New HYPERBURST ICE makes for an incredibly soft new entry
Topo Phantom 3 [Stable Neutral] - A daily training shoe with a fantastic upper and simple, functional ride
Tracksmith Eliot Runner - All-new trainer from the apparel brand, featuring a peba midsole
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Danbury and Stevens Point areas, we am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
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