You see them everywhere. At the airport, in the grocery store, and definitely at that one brunch spot where everyone wears athleisure. The distinctive "clouds" on the sole are basically a status symbol for the suburban dad and the urban commuter alike. But honestly, are the On Cloud 5 men's walking shoes actually good for your feet, or is it just clever Swiss marketing?
I’ve spent years tracking footwear trends and looking at the mechanics of how we walk. Walking isn't running. It’s a completely different gait cycle. When you walk, you spend more time with your heel on the ground. You need different things. People buy the Cloud 5 because it looks sleek, but the reality of how it performs on pavement for six hours is a lot more nuanced than a 15-second Instagram ad suggests.
The "Cloud" Tech is Polarizing
Let's talk about the CloudTec. Those little hollow pods on the bottom are designed to compress horizontally and vertically. On says it's like "running on clouds." Marketing speak. In reality, the On Cloud 5 men's walking shoes feel firm. If you’re expecting a marshmallow-soft experience like a Hoka Bondi or a New Balance Fresh Foam, you’re going to be disappointed.
The Zero-Gravity foam is stiff. This is intentional. On wants to provide energy return, not just a sink-in feeling. For walking, this firmness is actually a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps your foot from getting "lazy," which can happen in overly plush shoes. On the other hand, if you have plantar fasciitis or sensitive fat pads on your heels, that initial strike might feel a bit jarring after a few miles.
The "Speedboard" is the secret sauce here. It’s a liquid-injected plate of thermoplastic polymer sitting right above the clouds. It snaps back when you step. It pushes you forward. It makes the shoe feel fast. But do you need "fast" when you're just walking the dog? Probably not. You need stability.
Why the On Cloud 5 Men's Walking Shoes Win the Commuter War
There is one reason, and one reason only, why this shoe dominates the market: the speed lacing system.
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Look, tying shoes is a chore nobody wants. The On Cloud 5 men's walking shoes come with these elastic laces that let you slip the shoe on and off in two seconds. It’s a game changer for TSA lines. It’s great for when you’re running out the door. It makes the shoe feel like a sock with a sole.
But here is the catch.
Because the laces are elastic, the lockdown is... mediocre. If you have a narrow foot, you might feel like you're sliding around. On includes a pair of traditional laces in the box for a reason. If you’re actually planning to do a five-mile fitness walk, swap the laces. Seriously. Use the real ones. Your ankles will thank you because the heel collar on the Cloud 5 is relatively low, and without a tight lockdown, you might experience some "heel slip," which leads to blisters.
The Gravel Trap Problem
We have to address the elephant in the room. Or rather, the rock in the shoe.
The central channel that runs down the middle of the sole is a magnet for stones. If you walk on a gravel path, you are going to pick up hitchhikers. It’s annoying. You’ll be walking along, hear a clack-clack-clack, and realize a pebble is wedged deep in the CloudTec. On has tried to narrow this gap in newer versions, but the Cloud 5 still suffers from it. It’s a road shoe. Keep it on the asphalt or the treadmill.
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Sustainability and Specs
People often ask about the "5" in the name. It’s the fifth iteration of their flagship model. They increased the recycled content significantly—about 44% of the shoe is recycled material. The polyester is almost 100% recycled.
- Weight: Around 250g. That is insanely light. You almost forget they're on.
- Drop: 8mm. This is a "sweet spot" for most walkers, providing enough heel lift to take pressure off the Achilles without feeling like a high heel.
- Upper: Breathable antimicrobial mesh. It keeps the stink down, sort of.
The Fit: It's Not for Everyone
On shoes historically run small. The On Cloud 5 men's walking shoes have a slightly improved fit compared to the 4, but they are still narrow. If you have a wide forefoot, you’re going to feel the edges of the Speedboard. It doesn't stretch much.
I’ve seen plenty of guys try to "break them in." Don't do that. If a shoe doesn't feel good in the store (or right out of the box), it’s not the right shoe for you. The materials in the Cloud 5 are synthetic and designed to hold their shape, meaning they won't stretch out like a leather boot or a knit Allbirds shoe.
Real-World Durability
Don't expect these to last 1,000 miles. They won't.
The foam is exposed. There isn't a full-length rubber outsole covering the bottom because that would add weight. The rubber pads are only on the high-wear areas. If you have a heavy gait or you drag your feet, you’ll grind through the foam in about 300 to 400 miles. For a casual walker, that’s about six months to a year of use. For a heavy-duty traveler, it might be less.
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Is it Actually a "Walking" Shoe?
Technically, On markets this as an "all-day" shoe. In the world of podiatry, a true walking shoe usually has a more rounded "rocker" sole to assist with the heel-to-toe transition. The Cloud 5 is flatter. It relies on the flexibility of the cloud elements to mimic that motion.
It works well for people who want a "do-everything" shoe. You can wear it to the gym, wear it to work with chinos, and wear it for a walk. It’s the Swiss Army knife of footwear. But if you have specific orthopedic needs—like severe overpronation—this shoe offers almost zero medial support. It’s a neutral shoe. If your ankles roll inward, you’ll likely feel that lack of support within the first hour of a long walk.
What Most People Get Wrong
Most people think "On" is a brand for elite athletes only. It's actually the opposite now. While they have high-end marathon shoes, the On Cloud 5 men's walking shoes are designed for the masses. They are lifestyle shoes that happen to have running DNA.
Don't buy them because you think they'll make you faster. Buy them because they are lightweight and easy to live with.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
If you're looking at getting a pair, do these three things first:
- Check your arch height. If you have flat feet, go to a store and try them on with an aftermarket insole like Superfeet. The stock insole is very thin and provides almost no arch support.
- Size up a half-size. Especially if you plan on walking in the heat. Your feet will swell, and the narrow toe box of the Cloud 5 can become a "toe-crusher" by the end of the day.
- Inspect your terrain. If your daily walk involves loose gravel or woodchips, look at the Cloudultra or the Cloudwander instead. They have closed outsoles that won't trap debris.
- Test the "Speed Laces" immediately. Walk around your house. If your heel feels loose, pull them out and put in the regular laces right away. Don't wait until you're halfway through a vacation to realize your foot is sliding.
The On Cloud 5 men's walking shoes are a triumph of design and convenience. They aren't the softest shoe on the market, and they certainly aren't the cheapest, but for a guy who wants to look decent and stay light on his feet, they're hard to beat. Just keep them on the pavement and watch out for the occasional pebble.