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0 A Legacy Product That Has Evolved
The On Cloudflow series has been a cornerstone for the brand since its first release in 2017. Initially priced at a competitive USD 140, it has seen a steady increase to the USD 180 price point of the new Cloudflow 5. Over the years, the shoe has undergone a series of prominent changes, especially after the Cloudflow 3. The most significant shift came with the Cloudflow 4, which introduced a new design that was lighter than the new version, weighing in at just 235 grams. However, the new Cloudflow 5 has seen a considerable weight increase to 273 grams for a Men’s US 9. It’s a change that reflects a wider industry trend, as the market has gravitated towards higher stack heights and more cushioned rides since 2017. Historically, the Cloudflow has been marketed as a speedier shoe for the brand often inspired by their fastest racing shoes like the Cloudboom Echo or Cloudboom Strike.
About the On Cloudflow 5 and its specifications
The Cloudflow 5 is a product of this market shift, incorporating new technologies to meet a higher demand for cushioning and energy return. Here’s a look at the official specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
| Weight | 278g (M), 230g (W) |
| Stack Height | 36mm (Heel) / 28mm (Forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Midsole | Helion™ foam with a Helion™ HF top layer |
| Plate | Glass fiber nylon-blend Speedboard® |
| Price | USD 180 / SGD 289 |
The shoe features a new layer of Helion™ HF foam for maximum energy return, a propulsive glass fiber nylon-blend Speedboard®, and an engineered woven mesh upper. This design is inspired by On’s top-tier super shoes, with an extreme rocker shape for a fast, forward-rolling ride. I will consider the price point of SGD 289 to be high in today’s highly competitive market even with its updates.
What are the Other Options for Cloudflow 5?
From both a training and a price perspective, the Cloudflow 5 is up against some serious competition. In my view, here’s a comparison of some of the leading contenders in the market today.
| Shoe Model | Price (SGD) | Weight (M) | Midsole Foam | Plate |
| On Cloudflow 5 | 289 | 278g | Helion + Helion HF | Glass Fiber Nylon |
| Adidas Adizero Boston 13 | 209 | 255g | Lightstrike + Lightstrike Pro | ENERGYRODS |
| ASICS Magic Speed 4 | 249 | 242g | FF BLAST™ TURBO + FF BLAST™ PLUS | Full-length Carbon Plate |
| Nike Zoom Fly 5 | 259 | 289g | ZoomX core + EVA blend | Full-length Carbon Plate |
| ASICS Sonicblast | 279 | 256g | FF Turbo² + FF Blast Max | Astroplate (Pebax) |
| Adidas Adizero EVO SL | 209 | 230g | Full-length Lightstrike Pro | Midfoot Nylon Shank |
Takeaway & Is it Worth Your Dollars?
Given its current market position, I personally don’t think the Cloudflow 5 is a product that meets its competition, both from a performance and a price perspective. Yes, it’s one of On’s key products from the past, but I believe it has outlived its role in the product lineup. The Cloudflow 5 in my view is overshadowed by products that have garnered more positive reviews and consumer focus, such as the Cloudsurfer 2 and the Cloudsurfer Max.
While the experience provided by the Cloudflow 5 might appeal to a specific group of runners like brand loyalists or those who prefer a firmer midsole, I believe it won’t be a product with widespread appeal. The competition is simply too tough. The Adidas Adizero EVO SL, for instance, has been cited by Adidas as a key driver that “contributed significantly to an increase of almost 30% across the brand’s running footwear business.” From this you can see where the market is shifting. Additionally, when you consider the sheer number of viable and more appealing options available in the market today, I would personally not even consider the Cloudflow 5 as an option.
