At the very heart of the On Cloud Waterproof lies the On Running Cloud and you may think that the only difference between the two shoes is that the on Cloud Waterproof is, well waterproof.
While this is the main difference, there are more features that separate these two extra versatile running shoes. Interested in getting up to 40% OFF On running shoes? Visit On’s Classic range page to see their latest deals.
The Cloud Waterproof has been designed for people who are always on the move in urban environments during the wet and cold winter months.
But don’t let that stop you actually running in them, read on to find out why in this On Cloud Waterproof review.
Fit & Design
The On Cloud Waterproof is a firm feeling shoe so if you’re familiar with the On Cloud, Cloud X or Cloud Edge Moonlight then this is probably the biggest difference in ‘feel’ that you’ll notice.
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There’s not much flex/stretch in the upper materials because of the shoe’s firmness and waterproof properties so it’s important to get your shoe size right. On running shoe sizing is in line with Salomon, Inov-8, Nike and Merrell.
If you’ve tried those brands before then go with the size you usually do. Some will like this firmness, while others may not but the reason for it is the waterproof materials being used.
I personally prefer the fit and feel of this shoe over the On Cloud, because it provides more cushioning under-foot and extra support in the upper but it’s definitely a stiffer shoe that’s less breathable in the warmer months.
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All-Black
You don’t often see an all-black running/lifestyle shoe that looks as classy as this.
It’s due in part to the mixed texture and varied reflective/matte properties carried by each patch of material in the upper’s construction.
The only colour you’ll see is on a tiny Swiss flag on the back. A nice touch that you’ll find on all On running shoes.
If you need a bit of color on your feet and in your life, On have recently added another color to choose from. It’s called ‘Forest & Lunar’ and looks equally stylish.
Finger Loop
There’s also a fairly sizeable finger loop on the back which I have noticed all the Waterproof On running shoes have.
This combined with the elasticated lacing system makes them fast and easy to slip on in cold and wet conditions.
Reflective Details
To complement the design, and to make sure you’re seen at night, there’s a ton of reflective material on the upper too.
Even the outsole and tip of the toe box has reflective properties. Safety is an important factor when choosing a shoe to run with at night, so make sure you pick one with lots of reflective detailing.
Upper
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The outer mesh material used for the Cloud Waterproof is fully waterproof making it the right choice for running during those cold and wet winter months.
Being waterproof means that the upper is not very breathable but on the flip side, these shoes will keep your feet warm because of it!
There are also areas in the upper that have been protected with strips of ‘no-sew foil’ which will firmly hold fabrics together without the edges fraying adding to the overall durability of the shoe.
Inner Sock
As with all On’s I have tested recently, there’s an inner sock that attaches the tongue to the forefoot area.
This keeps the forefoot snug and consistently holds the tongue in place while at the same time reducing any chaffing due to there being fewer seams inside.
Also worth noting is that inside the shoe there are soft rubbery strips that run either side of the insole which keeps your foot in place while walking or running.
Tongue & Laces
The tongue is slim, comfortable, and soft to the touch, so you could probably even wear these shoes without socks if that floats your boat.
On has an elasticated On speed lacing system for the Cloud Waterproof which means you can slip them on and off quickly. I’m a fan of that for shoes that I wear every day, not just for my running but lifestyle too.
If you’re wondering how to adjust or tighten On Cloud speed laces, I put together this helpful 2-minute video demonstrating how I personally tighten the laces for when I wear the On Cloud for gym workouts or HIIT training where I need the Cloud to be securely on my feet when moving fast.
Outsole
The outsole used on the Cloud Waterproof is identical to that of the On Cloud, On Cloud Edge Moonlight and On Cloud X which is definitely a winner from On.
It’s worth noting that the Cloudboom happens to be my current favorite shoes for speed training right now.
If you haven’t tried “Running On Clouds” before, I recommend you give it a try! CloudTec is an innovation that seems to help me run much faster.
As always, let’s take a closer look at that sexy CloudTec outsole, seeing as it’s one of the biggest innovations in running that On has designed.
In this photo, you can also see the micro-bump noise that provides extra traction in wet conditions.
Drop & Weight
The On Cloud Waterproof has a heel-to-toe drop of 6mm, great for all-day comfort whether you choose to wear this shoe for everyday lifestyle, running, gym workouts or all of the above.
The On Cloud Waterproof has a neutral running footbed which will suit most people with an average arch height.
If you do feel you need extra arch support then I would recommend getting yourself a pair of Superfeet insoles to help improve comfort and running form for those who need the extra support underfoot.
Weight
Moving onto weight reveals another difference between this shoe and the On Running Cloud. Weighing in at 250g (US M 8.5), the Cloud Waterproof is a good 20g heavier than the On Cloud.
It’s true, that’s not much of a difference and it’s still a very lightweight shoe but it’s heavier nonetheless. The reason for this is down to the waterproof materials used in the upper’s construction.
Toe Box
The toe box is medium width with just enough space for your toes to wiggle, important if you plan to wear these all day as a lifestyle shoe.
On-running.com
On Cloud Waterproof Review Summary
The On Cloud Waterproof is the first pair of shoes I reach for when I’m faced with a wet and cold day ahead. It’s a versatile shoe that can be worn throughout the day for running, cross-training or even lifting.
They will keep your feet warm and dry during the winter months without sacrificing on style and although they’re all black, you won’t be missed at night because of all the reflective detailing that’s elegantly placed around the shoe.
For me, it’s important to be able to feel comfortable while on my feet all day at work and then break into a run whenever I feel the urge.
This is why I repeatedly choose the On Cloud line of shoes for my everyday lifestyle shoe.
Still not sure which On Running Shoes to buy?
Visit our Best On Running Shoes Guide for an ordered list of the top ON shoes for road and trail running. It has been designed to make your buying decisions easier.
