I’ve had a mixed history with On’s running shoes. The design always pulls me in, they just look fast and flashy, and they tend to fit my feet really well, but it’s the ride that usually makes or breaks it for me.

The Cloudflow 5 is pitched as a fast training shoe with race-inspired geometry and On’s upgraded Helion™ HF supercritical foam. It’s meant to fill that tempo day slot in your rotation, sitting just under a race shoe in terms of performance.

I’ve been testing it during tempo workouts and fartlek sessions to see how it holds up when the pace picks up, and more importantly, how it handles when it doesn’t.

Here’s how it performs and whether it’s earned a spot in my rotation.

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If you purchase gear through links in this review, I may earn a small affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting my work. -Alastair ✌🏼

Key specifications

  • Price: $180 at On.com / Sportsshoes.com (UK Readers)
  • Weight: 9.5oz (269g) in US Men’s size 9
  • Drop: 8mm (36mm heel / 28mm forefoot)
  • Upper: Engineered woven mesh, light and breathable with an updated toebox
  • Midsole: Helion™ HF supercritical foam with glass fiber-infused nylon-blend Speedboard
  • Outsole: Road-ready rubber with mostly forefoot landing zones
  • Extra attributes: Rocker geometry, good toe spring, and bold race-inspired design

Sizing and fit

The fit feels dialed in for medium-width feet. It's secure at the heel and midfoot with a nice spacious toe box, allowing for optimal toe splay, and as a result, performance.

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