Flat feet are a pain. Literally. If you’ve ever felt that dull, aching throb in your arches after a long walk, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You want that "walking on clouds" feeling everyone raves about with On Running, but there’s a nagging fear. People say On Clouds are too soft. They say they’re for neutral runners. They say they’ll collapse under a flat arch.
Actually, that's not entirely true.
The Swiss brand has changed a lot since they first launched those funny-looking "Cloud" pods. While some of their early models were admittedly like balancing on marshmallows, the current lineup has some serious contenders for people with low arches or overpronation. But—and this is a big "but"—you have to pick the right ones. If you grab the wrong pair of on cloud shoes for flat feet, you’re basically asking for a date with plantar fasciitis.
Why Your Flat Feet Hate Most "Cool" Shoes
Flat feet, or pes planus, basically means your arches have collapsed or never developed. When you walk, your feet roll inward too much. Doctors call this overpronation.
Most trendy sneakers focus on "energy return." That’s marketing-speak for "bouncy." For someone with a high arch, bounce is great. For us flat-footed folks? Bounce without support is like jumping on a trampoline with a broken ankle. We need structure. We need something that stops that inward roll before it wreaks havoc on our knees and hips.
On’s signature CloudTec technology uses individual "clouds" that compress horizontally and vertically. In the beginning, this was a nightmare for flat feet because the pods moved too independently. You’d step down, the pod would tilt inward, and your arch would follow it right into the ground.
The Breakthrough: Support Without the "Brick" Feel
Thankfully, things changed. On started using something called a Speedboard—a liquid-injected plate that sits above the clouds. Think of it like a spine for the shoe. It gives the shoe rigidity. For someone searching for on cloud shoes for flat feet, the Speedboard is your best friend because it prevents the shoe from twisting too much.
Then there’s the Helion superfoam. It’s firmer than the original EVA foam they used. Firm is good. Firm means the shoe won't just bottom out the second you put your weight on it.
The Cloudflyer 4: The Honest Best Choice
If you ask a podiatrist which On shoe to buy for flat feet, they’ll almost certainly point to the Cloudflyer. It’s their flagship stability shoe.
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What makes it different? The clouds are bigger. Specifically, the pods on the medial side (the inside of your foot) are wider and tougher. This acts as a physical barrier to overpronation. I've worn these, and honestly, they feel a bit stiff at first. That's the point.
The heel-to-toe drop is about 11mm. This is actually quite high. A higher drop can take some of the strain off your Achilles tendon, which is often tight in people with flat feet. It’s a smart design. The plush tongue and molded sockliner also help "hug" the foot, making it feel more secure than the slip-on models.
The Cloudrunner 2: The Underdog
Not everyone wants a heavy stability shoe. The Cloudrunner is sort of the "Stability Lite" option. It uses a cradle-shaped construction. Essentially, your foot sits inside the midsole rather than on top of it.
It’s like a bucket seat in a race car.
It keeps you centered. For someone with mildly flat feet who just wants a daily walker or a light jogger, this is usually the sweet spot. It’s lighter than the Cloudflyer but way more supportive than the standard Cloudsurfer.
Let’s Talk About the Cloudmonster Misconception
You've probably seen the Cloudmonster everywhere. It’s got those massive, chunky soles. It looks like it would be great for flat feet because there’s so much "stuff" underfoot.
Be careful.
The Cloudmonster is a maximalist neutral shoe. While the wide base provides some inherent stability, it lacks the specific medial support flat feet need. If your arches are truly collapsed, the softness of the Cloudmonster might actually make your feet work harder to stay balanced. It’s a blast to wear for short bursts, but for a 10-hour shift or a marathon? Your arches might pay the price.
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Real-World Stress Test: On the Pavement
I talked to a physical therapist in Boulder who works with marathoners. She noted that many patients come in complaining that On shoes "die" too fast.
This is a valid criticism.
The "clouds" are open. Over time, and especially if you overpronate heavily, those pods can lose their structural integrity faster than a solid block of foam. If you’re a heavier runner with flat feet, you might find that on cloud shoes for flat feet need replacing every 300 miles rather than the standard 400-500. It’s an expensive habit, but for many, the reduction in joint pain makes it worth the "Swiss premium."
Another thing: rocks. If you live somewhere with gravel paths, the "clouds" are literal rock-catchers. There is nothing more annoying than feeling a sudden "clack-clack-clack" and realizing you've picked up a hitchhiker in your outsole. If you have flat feet, that extra rock can actually change your gait and cause pain. Stick to the newer models like the Cloudrunner 2 or Cloudflyer 4, where the channel down the middle is shallower to prevent this.
How to Tell if They’re Working for You
You can't just trust a review. You need to do the "Wet Foot Test" and then try the shoes on.
- Get your feet wet.
- Step on a piece of cardboard.
- If you see a full footprint with no curve on the inside, you have flat feet.
When you put on a pair of On Clouds, pay attention to your ankles. Stand in front of a mirror. Do your ankles cave inward? If they do, the shoe isn't supportive enough. You want to see a straight line from your calf down to your heel.
Also, check the "twist test." Hold the shoe by the heel and the toe and try to wring it like a towel. A shoe for flat feet should resist that twisting. If it folds in half like a piece of paper, put it back on the shelf.
Beyond the Shoes: The Insole Secret
Here is a pro tip that most shoe stores won't tell you: You can take the insole out.
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Most On shoes have a pretty basic, thin foam insole. If you love the look of the Cloudrunner but need more arch support, buy a pair of third-party orthotics like Superfeet or Currex. These are designed specifically for flat feet. Swapping the factory insole for a structured one can turn a "maybe" shoe into a "perfect" shoe.
What About the Cloud 5?
The Cloud 5 is the most popular shoe they make. It's the one with the speed-laces that everyone wears at the airport.
Is it good for flat feet? Kinda. No. Mostly no.
It’s a lifestyle shoe. It’s meant for looking good and walking short distances. It has very little arch support. If you have flat feet and you wear Cloud 5s all day, you will probably feel it in your lower back by 5:00 PM. If you must have that style, at least get the "Waterproof" version—the membrane makes the upper a bit stiffer, which provides a tiny bit more lateral support. But really, if you're serious about your foot health, stick to the performance line.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
Buying on cloud shoes for flat feet shouldn't be a guessing game.
First, ignore the "hottest" new release and go straight for the Cloudflyer or Cloudrunner. These are the only two models specifically engineered with the stability required for low arches.
Second, don't be afraid to size up. Flat feet tend to spread out (splay) more than high-arched feet. If the shoe is too narrow, your arch will hang over the edge of the midsole, which is incredibly uncomfortable and ruins the support system of the shoe.
Finally, listen to your body. If you feel a "pulling" sensation in your arch or pain in your shins after the first three miles, the shoes aren't a match. On offers a 30-day trial period on many of their products if you buy directly. Use it. Run on a treadmill, see how your feet feel the next morning, and don't settle for "okay" when you're paying $160 for sneakers.
The right pair of On Clouds can absolutely work for flat feet, provided you prioritize the "board" and the "foam" over the hype and the aesthetics. Stick to the Cloudflyer for maximum support or the Cloudrunner for a more natural feel. Your arches—and your knees—will thank you for it.