I was looking for a faster, shorter distance racing shoe, which is how I stumbled on the On Running Cloudflash. The On Cloudflash is made for shorter races. If you run long in the shoe, you might get injured. Since I have no interest in marathons, I thought it might be a suitable workout and racing shoe for me. In fact, I’m surprised I haven’t tried the On Running Cloudflash until now.
About On Running:
On is a brand from Switzerland known for its cloud lugs. These cloud lugs add cushion but since they are hallow don’t have a lot of weight.
On Running Cloudflash Quick Facts:
Weight: 6.8 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
On Running Cloudflash Intro:
The On Cloudflash is a light and fast shorter distance racing shoe. It’s made for distances 10k and below, although I am sure a few people might prefer them for the half marathon. It’s not a shoe to train much in unless you want to get injured. It competes with shoes such as the Saucony Type A. These racing flats are slowly disappearing as carbon plated shoes take over the world.
On Running Cloudflash Fit:
On is from Switzerland, their shoes generally fit different than US shoes. They are typically longer and more narrow. The On Cloudflash is no different.
The upper of the On Running Cloudflash is lightweight and made of breathable mesh. The tongue is smooth and not razer sharp, as I’ve found with many racing flats.
One weird this is how long the shoelaces are. I could use about 5 inches less of shoelaces. What is all of this room for, and it could be dangerous for those known to trip and fall? The shoelaces are also thin, and I feel as though they might rip. In all, I hate the shoelaces, and once I replace them with something else, it will be fine.
Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s 10-11 wide. With On Running, it’s normally a women’s size 11, and the On Cloudflash is no different. While the Cloudflash size 11 is the best fit, although I might have gone wide if that was an option.
On Running Cloudflash Ride:
The On Cloudflash is a true racing flat at about twice the price. When you first put the On Cloudflash on, you become aware of the ground. While there is a little more protection than many racing flats, you’ll feel the ground more than almost any other running shoe.
The sole of the On Running Cloudflash uses 14 of their signature Cloud lugs. These lugs transfer energy and cushion you where you need it. What are On Cloud Lugs? The On Cloud Lugs are made from foam that includes blown rubber. It works well to store and return energy when and where you make contact with the ground.
Stacked on top of the On Cloud Lugs is a hard soleplate that On calls the “Cloudflash Speedboard.” It’s built from the material Pebax. Pebax is expensive and known for its high and efficient energy return.
The first time I ran in the On Cloudflash was on track. I wanted a “fast” workout shoe, and I didn’t want to hit the pavement until I knew they felt good on softer ground. On the track, I felt fast and ran one of my faster workouts. I’ve since taken them on pavement and felt good as well. Since they are so low to the ground, you do feel the pavement. If you’ve never run in a racing flat, I suggest trying them on the softer ground beforehand.
Traction: As far as traction, I haven’t had any issues. We’ve had many rainy days and I’ve stayed grounded each day.
For me, the On Running Cloudflash works best as a track workout shoe or faster speed workout shoe. I would definitely race in it for a 5-10k but probably no more. The durability seems like it will last comparatively to any other racing flat type of shoe (between 100-200 miles).
On Running Cloudflash Conclusion:
The On Cloudflash is a great workout and shorter distance racing shoe. It’s hard to justify the cost of these ($180) when most racing flats doing similar things are around $100. If you are looking for a fast shorter distance racing shoe or workout shoe, the On Cloudflash is a solid option. Personally, I like the Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro, which is just a little more expensive but feels a little better (to me anyway). Or you could get the carbon fiber plated Asics Metaracer, which does roughly the same thing. In all, I’m not exactly sure where the On Cloudflash fits in from a price and durability standpoint.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: On Cloudflash, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: adidas Adizero Pro, Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the On Running Cloudflash?
What is your favorite 5-10k running shoe?