The On Cloudflow is back with yet another new design that gives these popular running shoes a similar feel to the previous generation but with definite improvements. Interested in getting up to 40% OFF On running shoes? Visit On’s Classic range page to see their latest deals.
This in-depth On Cloudflow 3 review focuses on the key features of these running shoes, how well they perform while running, and as always how well they rank against other On running shoes in our Best On Running Shoe Reviews Buyer’s Guide.
!NEW RELEASE!: The On Cloudflow 4 has landed! Read my review here.
While the new On Cloudflow looks quite similar to the 2nd gen, it’s a very different beast. It feels just as responsive and cushioned as the previous model, thanks to the same Helion outsole and springy speedboard which sits above it.
But this new Cloudflow has a much better upper, made from 70% recycled polyester, which makes it better for the planet too.
The On Cloudflow is very much a 5k, 10k and half-marathon running shoe for fast training sessions and races, but those who enjoy running marathons in a more minimal running shoe will also enjoy these.
If you’re after a highly-cushioned On running shoe for marathons or road ultramarathons, have a read of my Cloudstratus, Cloudace, and Cloud X reviews after this one, or if you’re a serious marathon racer, the On Cloudboom Echo is the shoe that will get you hitting personal speed records.
And if you’re simply looking for the top-performing running shoes available right now, read our best running shoes buyer’s guide next.
Hopefully, this On Cloudflow 3 review answers all the questions that you may have but if not, please feel free to ask me anything in the comments section down below, I usually respond within a few hours – or for a faster response, ask me on Instagram.
On Cloudflow Sizing and Fit
If you’re familiar with On running shoes then you probably know they generally feel comfortable right out the box, the On Cloudflow is no exception. Much of the comfort comes from the cozy inner layer of the upper.
The internal sock (just about visible in the photo below) that is attached to the sides of the tongue also adds to the overall comfort as it helps the upper wrap around and conforms to your feet.
This also reduces the chances of any chaffing and blisters.
These running shoes fit true to size relative to other On Running shoes and other popular brands like HOKA, Nike, Adidas, and Brooks Running for example, so there’s no need to size up or down, go with the size that you’re used to.
The On Cloudflow Upper Construction
The upper is very breathable with ventilation in the right places to keep your feet cool while running fast in hot weather.
There’s also some stretch in the upper too, which helps keep your feet comfortable as they expand in the heat of your run.
I really like the elastic strap on the tongue (which was also present on the 2nd Generation Cloudflow) which is for securing your laces one tied up (see image below).
This loop is very useful because in the past, anyone with average to slim feet would have had to deal with excess laces flapping around during a run unless you tied a double knot.
The materials get thicker and more cushioned towards the rear for additional heel and ankle support (see image below).
Looking at the image above you’ll notice a solid plastic strip that acts as a heel cage, designed to lock your heel in place and reduce lateral foot roll when running in the On Cloudflow.
This gives a really stable yet responsive feel while running fast, particularly when you need to dodge people in crowded places.
The Helion midsole
The podium-topping Cloudflow shoe loved by many elite athletes still has the latest cushioning tech from On, Helion superfoam.
Refined with input from world-class triathlon and running athletes the Helion superfoam midsole provides a really smooth ride, soft landings and very explosive take-offs.
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With the new Cloudflow (3rd generation), you can expect more kick, more speed, and more comfort over shorter runs.
On does say that they recommend this shoe for Marathon running too, but in my opinion, it’s quite a minimal feel and your feet may prefer these for fast half marathons.
If you are used to running long distances in lightweight minimal shoes though, these are definitely for you.
On’s Speedboard combined with this Helion midsole make the On Cloudflow a very cushioned shoe that will inevitably allow you to run faster than you may be used to, solely due to the fact that your feet will feet comfortable and as such you’ll want to push harder.
The Cloudflow outsole rubber compound and tread formation have been updated too. The tread is now in an advanced traction pattern that offers much better grip on wet roads. Something that is required on some city sidewalks.
Cloudflow weight and drop
The On Cloudflow weighs 238g / 8.4oz, 3 grams heavier than the previous version, which is such a small number that you won’t even notice a difference – it’s still a very lightweight running shoe.
There’s a drop of 9mm from heel to toe which actually feels closer to 4mm, I don’t know why but it just does. Helen and I both thought the same.
The On Cloudflow has neutral running stability which means that they’ll feel good on most people but there is definitely a subtle amount of arch support/cushioning in there, which feels more pronounced than other On’s but I like how it hugs your feet nonetheless.
If you do feel you need extra arch support then I would recommend getting yourself a pair of good running insoles to help improve comfort and running form for those who need the extra support underfoot.
Toe Box
The toe box is medium/normal width and feels airy due to the very breathable upper material.
Roger Federer wears the On Cloudflow for running
If you didn’t know already, Roger Federer has joined the team at On Running in an effort to collaborate and help shape the future of research and development of the Swiss running brand.
Roger will use his unique experience to help take product development, marketing, and fan experiences to new levels. This is very exciting news for the direction of the brand.
How and why did they become partners? Roger was spotted wearing On shoes around the world, by the On team, and so they reached out, not in the traditional sponsored athlete sense, but more of an entrepreneurial collaboration between them both.
I suppose Switzerland is a relatively small place and it makes sense for two such powerhouses in design and sport to collaborate at some point!
Roger’s first On Running shoe, aptly named the On Roger, are the tennis shoes you’ll see him wearing at Wimbledon, the US Open, French Open, and other world-class tennis tournaments.
Final thoughts and where to buy
In summary, the On Cloudflow is one of the best lightweight running shoes for running races of distances between 5km and the half-marathon – Find out how they rank on our On Running Shoes Buyer’s Guide.
Marathon runners who enjoy minimal running shoes will have a lot of fun in these responsive shoes too. The toe box is airy and of a medium width and the midsole has the enjoyable Helion foam that responds well to fast running, on hard surfaces.
The upper is really breathable and I love how the material stretches and conforms to your feet while you run.
The upper is a big improvement over the original Cloudflow too, with it being made with 70% recycled polyester. These are currently my go-to running shoes for tempo runs.
At $139.99 the On Cloudflow is very well priced for such a durable and high-performance training and racing shoe.
On Cloudflow 3 Review Summary
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Cloudflow 3 Image Gallery
Jump over to our Best On Running Shoes Ranked and Reviewed buyer’s guide to find out how well the Cloudflow 3 ranks against other On running shoes, HINT – They’re rocking it!
Living in Monterey county, ca. We have a lot of mixed running. Road
Running to get dirt trails. Have you had experience with mixed surfaces. The trials are mostly packed dirt, single track(mountain bike trails) to some looser sandy trails. I just bought these and would love
To wear them on any type of run. Thoughts? Thank you
Hey Justin, what a wonderful part of the world Monterey is! 🙂 the Cloudflow is very much a road running shoe but i guess you could wear them on buffed, hard-packed, and dry trails. The closest On trail running shoes to the Cloudflow would be the Cloudventure Peak. They will definitely be better suited and actually handle road surfaces pretty well too! Hope that helps a little?
Best,
Alastair
I had the first gen Cloudflow which I used mainly for road. However I also did a 100km trail in them. It was dry trail mostly dirt with few small stones here and there. Worth noting I had changed the insoles with some gel to provide extra cushioning. They were brilliant.
Thanks for your insights into the On Cloudflow! THat’s so great you were able to run a 100k race in them, and I bet the gel insole helped with that a bit.
Hi! I am the “marathon runner who enjoys minimalist shoes”. I’ve been running in Vibrams 7 years and have finally hung them up and decided to wear real shoes (after years of pressuring from friends and family). That being said, I am looking for every day trainers that are minimalist. Do you think that the cloudflows could work for that use rather than just for speed work? Thank you! 🙂
Hey Maddie,
Yes the Cloudflows would be a great choice in the On range for the minimal feel! If you want a touch more cushioning though, maybe look at the Cloud X! Then if you’re looking to run faster, and still have that minimal feel, the Cloudboom is an awesome shoe for reasons explained here: https://www.trailandkale.com/gear/best-on-running-shoes-reviewed/
-Alastair
Hey Alastair,
Many thanks for the reviews, they are super helpful and thorough.
I recently bought the Cloudflow to train for a half-marathon and love them, but I also do a lot of crossfit / HIIT training, and so I’m wondering whether it is worth investing in CloudX as well. I know the CloudX are marketed as ON’s go-to shoes for crossfit/HIIT training, but I don’t understand what the CloudX have that the Cloudflow don’t have.
Thanks again for the website, which as a fellow WFPB nature enthusiast I find very inspiring 🙂
Hey Hingle,
So glad you’ve been enjoying my On Running gear reviews – it’s always a pleasure for me to be able to test their gear and report back to all of you! The Cloud X is a really great all-round shoe. The difference you’ll find when comparing to the Cloudflow is that there’s extra cushioning in the Cloud X, and there’s a bit more flex in them too which is what you want ideally for HIIT training, as there’s a wider range of motion involved. There’s also less bulk around the heel on the Cloud X – If you end up buying them you’ll notice that they’re just generally more comfortable for everyday use than the Cloudflow which I only use for running with. I often wear mine like the On Cloud – all day, for any use.
-Alastair
Thanks!
Hey Alastair,
Great reviews. I’m looking for a Christmas gift for my wife. I was debating between the Cloudflow and the Cloud for her. She is training for a half marathon, but more so a casual runner. The Clouds sounds great, but would the cloudflow be better for her training? Thank you in advance for your help!
Cheers,
Cliff
Hey Cliff,
You’re on the money there. The Cloudflow is more geared toward run training whereas, in my experience, the Cloud is just an all-round excellent day to day lifestyle shoe, but I wouldn’t run train in them as there are better On’s specifically for running.
-A
Thanks for the quick reply! Is there one you would recommend over the cloudflow for someone training for a half?
The Cloudsurfer is always a great running shoe. It has a bit more cushioning underfoot than the Cloudflow so depending on your wife’s predicted time/speed, the Cloudsurfer offers more comfort over longer distances.
GREAT review, Alastair. I’m a huge fan of the Cloudflow and I’ve run 1500-2000 miles in the Gen 1&2’s. They are the best running shoes I’ve ever put on my feet in my 43 yrs on this earth. I’m just getting to my first pair of Gen 3 and my foot screamed a bit when I put them on – they felt really different out of the box. I HAVE NOT run in them yet & yours was the first review that I read that acknowledged how different they were. I was delighted that I wasn’t totally crazy. Obviously with your score you don’t dislike the changes. As someone who runs ~20 miles a week, should I stick with the Cloudflow gen 3 or try the boom or something else in the On line? Keep up the great work!!
Hey Ryan!
Thanks for your kind words! If you’re finding that the Cloudflow’s aren’t working for you now, and you’re after the On shoe that feels most similar to them, then maybe try the Cloud X. They’re a great shoe but as you rightly picked up on, there is an On Running shoe that I believe beats them both (for running), and that’s the Cloudboom. If you’re looking to hit faster times, or just try a shoe that feels very different to many other shoes (in a good way), try them out for sure. Let me know how you get on either way as I’m always curious to see what others think too.
– Alastair
Hey where did you snag that amazing black/rose pair? I don’t see anything like them and I’m obsessed
Hey there! It’s blue and orange 🙂
Hey, thank you for the great review! In you opinion, do you think the Cloudflows would be okay for a wide foot?
Hi Brittany, I’d say it’s a medium-width shoe. Depending on how wide your feet are, the Cloudrunner or Cloudmonster may be a better choice..
Hi Alastair,
Thank you for this review, this is by far the most comprehensive and thorough review I have come across and it is very helpful.
I am looking for On shoes that would be good for everyday use and provide all-day comfort after a day of long walk, but I also do quite a lot of off-ice figure skating jumps exercises (which involves a lot of jumping, landing etc.). I was thinking about buying Cloud 5 (for everyday use) and Cloudflow (for off-ice jumps). I don’t suppose Cloud 5 would have enough support for the off-ice jumps?
Do you think these would be sensible choices? Or would you suggest going for Cloud X or others?
Thank you!
Hi Sandra,
You’re pretty much right on the mark there! The Cloud 5 for everyday use, and the Cloud X for off-ice jumping would be my recommendations. Here are my reviews for each of them: https://www.trailandkale.com/gear/on-cloud-review/ and https://www.trailandkale.com/gear/on-cloud-x-review/ — and if you’d like to learn about any other On running shoe, you find those reviews here: https://www.trailandkale.com/gear/best-on-running-shoes-reviewed/
Best,
Alastair
Would these be a good walking shoe? I’m looking for something comfortable for long walks. Thank you!
Hi Kristin, I’d recommend a shoe with more midsole cushioning for long walks. Maybe look at the Cloudrunner as they have good support too! If you want a very plush and bouncy feel on the other hand the Cloudsurfer will feel very nice on long walks too. Review links below:
Cloudsurfer: https://www.trailandkale.com/gear/on-cloudsurfer-review/
Cloudrunner: https://www.trailandkale.com/gear/on-cloudrunner-review/
On Cloud Buyer’s Guide: https://www.trailandkale.com/gear/best-on-running-shoes-reviewed/
-A
I am excited for these to come out!!! I am looking for a replacement for Cloudflyer 4.0 (huge disappointment). I went through three pairs last year and loved them. Used them for speed work, light trail work and everyday wear. Also would like to thank you for your review on the new Cloudsurfer, picked up a pair to replace my flyers and love them!!! They are great ride.
You’re welcome! Those Cloudsurfers are all kinds of awesome aren’t they! 🙂
-A