On Cloud X4 Review: Why I Think They’re Sub-Par for Training

Performance Assessment

For the On Cloud X 4, I acknowledge that this shoe is more of a generalist and HIIT-focused model, but I wanted to push them for a breadth of activities since that’s how most will be using this model.

Below are some of the core tests I used to assess this shoe’s versatility and stability.

	Test Thresholds	TF2 Rating
Deadlift	365 lbs x 6	6/10
Lunge	185 lb Barbell Reverse Lunge	6.5/10
Box Jumps/Jump Rope	30-sec bouts / 36″ Inch Height	8/10
1-Mile run	Curved Treadmill	8.2/10

They’ll Fall Short With Pure Strength Work

I know I know…the Cloud X 4 isn’t built for stability and lifting, but I wanted to push them to see where I start to notice them falling short. I think a lot of lifters also like to use these for strength training, so it’s not a reach to assume others want to know stability, too.

The CloudTec midsole in this shoe will definitely have its limitations regarding compression. For example, I pushed my deadlifts in this shoe to a top set of 365 lbs for 6 reps and I felt unstable and was bouncing around. Up until 315 lbs, these worked okay.

 

I also used these for RDLs up to 275 lbs, and they worked, but I didn’t love how I was somewhat pitched forward in them. Factor in the forefoot compression, and this isn’t even more exaggerated.

For lower body training, I purposely did heavier barbell reverse lunges to feel how stable I felt when loading a single leg. When hitting 185 lb deficit reverse barbell lunges, I noticed my planted foot rocking A LOT.

To be honest, I only hit one set in these at that weight because I felt uncomfortable with the lack of stability. These would NOT be my go-to pick for hitting heavy leg days, especially when doing single-leg work and heavy machine work.

 

For more casual sessions where I wasn’t going crazy with loading, these worked fine, so I don’t want to deter you entirely from these if you’re not lifting as much. These, again, are good generalists and if you’re a beginner or intermediate lifter these should work fine.

Good Option for HIIT and Classes

When it comes to more HIIT and cross-training-focused sessions, I liked the Cloud X 4 for the most part. These will get the job done in most of these settings sans a few specific places where they fall short, which I’ll cover below.

The good with these shoes entails their lightweight build and flexible construction. I like the reworked SpeedBoard in this shoe and found it to give the forefoot more flexibility compared to the past iterations.

 

I noticed this most when doing forefoot dominant tests like sled pushes, jump rope and single-leg box jumps. The breathability of this shoe’s upper is also a perk for this training context. When using these in Austin, Texas, where it’s FAR too hot, these didn’t feel overbearing.

At the end of the day, I think if you prioritize breathability and flexibility in your trainers, then you’ll resonate with the Cloud X 4. They’re a good option for slapping on the feet, walking to the gym, taking a class, doing a cooldown mile, and then heading home. Think, city dwelling.

Where these fall short for cross-training is with their lateral security. When doing explosive lateral exercises, I think you’ll also notice that the midsole compresses, so you end up spilling over in this shoe a bit.

 

For my athletic-focused individuals who demand maximal upper security and ground feel, these would not be my first pick. Instead, I would rather go with models like the Nike Free Metcon 6 or Born Primitive Savage 1 if you want width and stability.

Comfortable for Walking, Okay for Short Runs

I always think of the On Cloud X models as being “hybrid-lite” training shoes, as in, you can wear them for a few miles without them beating you up and they can work for other stuff, too.

They’re not going to be your best training shoes for diehard hybrid workouts, but for the casual 1-3 miles pre and post-work out these can feel okay. Granted, if you’re used to a lot more plushness then you’ll likely feel these run a little dense for you.

 

Where I’ve liked these shoes the most is for short interval runs on curved and normal treadmills. This is also why I like these shoes for a good class option. For outdoor runs, these are so-so, and I’d be cautious of their exposed foam on the midfoot regarding durability.

For all-day wear, the Cloud X 4 has once again excelled as being a comfortable option. I’ve worn these for running errands all day around Austin and for travel days, and I’ve enjoyed them.

These can be good options for anyone traveling and wanting a single training shoe for walking around places like Disney and hitting casual hotel gym workouts. The breathability, comfort of the CloudTec midsole, and flexibility all give these shoes a comfortable ride.

Now, that said, I don’t think everyone will agree on this shoe’s comfort. These do have a bit of arch, so if you have flat feet, you’ll want to consider this, as it will cut into this shoe’s all-day comfort. For normal arches and medium/slightly wider feet, these will work great.

Construction Breakdown

Midsole

• CloudTech midsole is lightweight with a moderate level of compression. It’s pretty easy to squish with your fingers, and you can feel it compress when you move and train.
• There are breaks in the CloudTec, and rocks can get stuck in this shoe’s midsole when training outdoors.
• The heel-to-toe drop of this shoe sits at 7mm, and you can feel this when training and wearing this shoe. The heel does pitch your forward slightly.

Outsole

• There are rubber overlays that cover the heel and forefoot of this shoe to promote overall grip when training.
• In the midfoot, there is exposed foam which can scuff with high-volume concrete use if you’re doing multi-directional exercises outside.
• The edges of the midsole are also not very protected with the rubber overlays in this shoe, so you may see some scuffing over time in this model.

Upper

• This model’s upper features a breathable mesh that covers the midfoot and forefoot. There is ventilation over the toe box in this shoe.
• The midfoot and heel materials are a little more rigid with their feel and do a decent job with abrasion resistance and scuffing in the gym.
• This shoe’s boot has a reinforced cup to promote lockdown and additional support.

Tongue and Laces

• The tongue is padded in this model with a cushioned mesh. It’s a lot more comfortable than the thinner tongue in the Cloud X 3.
• This shoe features 5 core eyelets with a 6th for lace-lock in the event you experience heel slippage in this shoe.
• There’s still the X-lacing on the bottom of this shoe, which I don’t love. It creates an awkward bunching of this shoe’s upper when you tighten your laces.

Final Thoughts: Would I Buy it Again?

Yes and no.

I call the On Cloud X 4 the Equinox and Lifetime of training shoes. They’re good for a little bit of everything, but they’re not specialized enough to be “great” for any one form of training.

If you go into this shoe understanding that, then you’ll enjoy this model. Plus, I think if you like On shoes in general and how they look, then you’ll vibe and resonate with this shoe.

All that said, if you need a shoe for heavier lifting, longer runs, or more serious cross-training sessions, then you could do better. There are stronger and more specialized options out there to help you crush your training, imo.

If you have additional questions about this shoe, comment below or reach out to me via Instagram!