On Cloud X 5 Review | Best Version Yet Or a Step Back?

The On Cloud X shoe line has continued to evolve with every iteration since its initial release. The updates made to this shoe line are often subtle and the Cloud X 5 follows that flow. In my eyes and knowing the niche cross-training shoe world, they’re always one of those shoes in the background serving as the strong generalist option.

With the release of the On Cloud X 5, On has made some notable design pivots that you wouldn’t notice unless you had the context—one example being that On most prominently ditched the signature plastic Speedboard shank that was used in the Cloud X 4 (and prior models) to allow for a more flexible ride.

While the Cloud X line has always catered to those wanting a stylish, running-biased hybrid shoe, the Cloud X 5 seems to be On’s first swing at being an even more versatile option for the market, coming for shoes like the Nike Free Metcon 7 and Reebok Nano Gym 2, similarly versatile options.

For the Cloud X 5, I bought my pair and made a point to test them for lifting, cross-training, and short runs/walking. I wanted to find where their thresholds lie so you don’t end up making a subpar call for your next pair of gym shoes in the event these are a miss for you, since these have a higher price point.

Who Should Buy the On Cloud X 5?

• Gym Generalists & Class Goers: If you want a stylish, lightweight shoe for HIIT classes, dumbbell workouts, and short treadmill intervals, these shoes can work well.
• Athletes Who Crave Arch Support: If you like having a fair amount (read: noticeable amount) or arch support, you’ll like the fit of these. The medial midfoot material wraps and supports the foot a ton.
• Travel & Athleisure Enthusiasts: If you want an everyday shoe with a sleek silhouette that effortlessly transitions from airport travel to hotel gym workouts. These can be a more sporty and workout-focused shoe while delivering a Cloud 6 type of vibe.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the On Cloud X 5?

• Heavy Barbell Lifters: If your workouts frequently exceed 275 lbs on squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts where compressible foam pods compromise your base. For those wanting more stability from On shoes, go with the Cloudpulse Pro.
• Flat-Footed Athletes: If you dislike aggressive medial arch pressure and need a flatter, unrestricted footbed, skip these. I’d grab something like the Forged & Tested Catalyst or Flux Adapt Graphene Trainer.
• Budget-Minded Lifters: At $160, you can find significantly higher-performing dedicated cross-trainers or hybrid shoes for less money. Look into options like the Adidas Rapidmove 2, Nike MC Trainer 3, or Reebok Nano Gym 2.

In the Gym, Quick Take

• Best For: General fitness classes, short interval runs (1–3 miles), casual lifting, walking, travel, and athletes who love prominent medial arch support.
• Lifting Threshold: Best with loading for free weight up to 275 lbs. Beyond 275 lbs, the CloudTec midsole will start to compress more and hinder stability.
• Underfoot Feel: Moderately cushioned CloudTec midsole with a noticeably flexible forefoot (due to the removed Speedboard), an 8mm drop, and aggressive medial arch structure.

The Performance Takeaway

If you stop reading this review here, here are your core takeaways.

The On Cloud X 5 is a decent step forward for the Cloud X line and edges out the Cloud X 4 in underfoot flexibility. By removing the rigid plastic Speedboard shank, On made the shoe flex much more naturally through the forefoot during lunges, sprints, and single-leg drills, while slightly firming up the CloudTec foam formula.

If you are a gym generalist looking for a stylish, lightweight shoe to handle daily wear, treadmill intervals, HIIT classes, and light-to-moderate lifting—and you love prominent arch support—the Cloud X 5 will fit right into your routine.

However, if you are flat-footed, need a wide toe box, lift heavy barbells over 275 lbs, or do high-force lateral cutting and agility drills, the shoe’s rigid medial midfoot overlays, narrow forefoot, and $160 price tag make it a tough sell compared to dedicated cross-trainers.

Sizing and Fit Suggestions

About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.

The On Cloud X 5 fits true to size in terms of length. I went with my standard US Size 10 and had just under a thumb’s width of space at the end of the toe box. You can safely order the same size you wear in Nike, Reebok, or Adidas trainers.

• Narrow to Medium (D-Width) Feet: Stick true to size. You will get a locked-in, snug feel through the midfoot and heel.
• Flat Feet: Tread lightly. The medial overlay and contoured arch support are very pronounced and can create uncomfortable pressure points along the inside of the foot.
• Wide Feet (2E/3E Width): The forefoot features an athletic taper and the midfoot overlays pull tight. If you have 2E or wider feet and want more forefoot splay, consider going up a half-size.

My Performance Experience Expanded

To evaluate the On Cloud X 5, I tested it across four primary categories: lifting, cross-training and HIIT, short runs, and daily wear.

Lifting: 7.8/10

For general strength training, the Cloud X 5 is an improvement over older On models. The CloudTec midsole formula has been re-tuned to feel slightly firmer and more stable underfoot. Working with free weights, dumbbells, and machine work between 185 and 275 lbs, the shoe holds its own well.

Removing the plastic Speedboard shank is a massive plus for lunges, split squats, and calf raises because your forefoot can actually bend and articulate naturally. However, once you load heavy barbell squats or deadlifts past 275 lbs, you will still experience noticeable compression in the CloudTec pods, meaning dedicated powerlifters should look elsewhere.

Cross-Training and HIIT: 8.3/10

During conditioning circuits, box jumps, and jump rope, the forefoot provides a nice, lively bounce. The shoe handles vertical bounding and linear conditioning movements with ease.

The main limitation in cross-training comes down to lateral cutting and multi-directional stability. The forefoot mesh and knit upper is fairly relaxed and tapered, meaning wider feet can experience lateral foot spill when planting hard. While lateral sled drags and basic gym movements are fine, aggressive lateral cuts feel somewhat disjointed due to how the rigid midfoot overlays pull tightly against a softer forefoot mesh.

Short Runs (1–3 Miles): 8/10

For short running bouts, warm-ups, and treadmill intervals, the Cloud X 5 performs decently. The absence of the rigid plastic midfoot shank makes the heel-to-toe transition smoother and more forgiving than the Cloud X 3 or 4. These can be a decent hybrid training shoe for someone tackling a few miles pre, intra, and post workout.

That said, this is strictly a short-distance running option. I would cap single-session running volume at 2 to 3 miles. If you regularly run 4 to 6+ miles, you will want a dedicated running shoe that offers more progressive cushioning and propulsion.

Daily Wear and Walking: 8.4/10

From a style and casual comfort standpoint, the Cloud X 5 delivers the clean, premium aesthetic On is known for. It is lightweight, breathable, and easy to pair with athleisure for travel or running errands.

The major caveat for daily wear is the aggressive medial arch support. If you have flat feet or prefer a neutral, flat platform, the structured medial overlay and contoured insole press noticeably into the arch, which can cause fatigue during long days of standing or walking.

Construction Details

Upper

The upper utilizes a breathable mesh and knit construction through the forefoot, transitioning into a more rigid synthetic overlay across the medial and lateral midfoot for lateral lockdown.

The lacing system features five core eyelets with a sixth eyelet for lace locking. Padding has been increased around the heel collar compared to prior models, offering a comfortable rearfoot hold without an external pull tab. Because the midfoot overlay is somewhat stiff, you will need to fully unlace the shoe each time you put it on.

Midsole

The midsole features On’s signature CloudTec foam construction with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. On officially removed the internal plastic Speedboard shank, drastically improving forefoot flexibility and ground articulation while slightly stiffening the foam density for better lifting stability.

Outsole

The outsole places targeted rubber tread panels across the high-wear zones of the forefoot and heel, leaving exposed foam pods along the midfoot to reduce weight. The deep CloudTec flex channels provide natural bending, though they are primarily optimized for clean indoor gym floors, treadmills, and dry pavement.

Final Remarks: Would I Buy Again?

The On Cloud X 5 is an improvement over the Cloud X 4, largely thanks to the removal of the rigid plastic Speedboard and a slightly more stable CloudTec midsole setup. It offers a much more natural underfoot flex for lunges and short runs.

However, at $160, it remains a classic “jack of all trades, master of none” B-tier option. It works well as a stylish, casual gym generalist for athletes who love arch support, but it falls short for heavy barbell training, aggressive lateral cutting, and flat-footed lifters.

If you have additional questions about the On Cloud X 5, sizing, or how it compares to other hybrid trainers, drop a comment below!