On Cloud X Training Shoe Review | Can You Lift In Them?

On Cloud X Pros

The On Cloud X are fairly proprietary with their construction and with their uniqueness, there are a few standout pros that I like about this.

1. Super Versatile for Casual Lifting and Versatile Training
2. CloudTec and Helion Superfoam Are Comfortable
3. Breathable and Lightweight Upper Feel Seamless

The first thing that I enjoy about the On Cloud X shoe is how versatile it is for various forms of training. This shoe is not going to be the best pick for CrossFit and heavy lifting, however, for versatile training and shorter runs this shoe excels.

Additionally, this model is a good pick for anyone who wants a shoe for daily wear that they can also rock to the gym.

I like how responsive the midsole and outsole are and the shoe is super lightweight so it feels easy to wear for long durations. If you’re a HIIT athlete, take classes often, or run in the short-mid mileage range regularly, then I think you’ll like the versatility of the Cloud X shoe.

The second pro is the CloudTec outsole and Helion Superform that On uses in this model. On uses their proprietary CloudTec in most of their shoes’ outsoles which give them a very mobile and comfortable feel. Combine this with the Helion Superfoam and you have a shoe that’s lightweight, flexible, and highly responsive, all of which help feed into the versatility of this model.

The final pro is the breathability and lightweight nature of the upper. The Cloud X model weighs 8.47 oz, and its upper construction is composed of breathable mesh. This keeps them light on your feet and allows them to breathe well for outdoor training and sweaty gym sessions.

On Cloud X Cons

Despite enjoying the versatility of the Cloud X, there are a few cons that new buyers should keep in mind with this model.

1. Not Great for CrossFit and Lifting
2. Price Point Is Hit Or Miss
3. Toe Box Material Fold

The first drawback to this is the overall stability of this model. It’s marketed as a cross-training shoe, but I’d say pump the breaks on lifting in this model. The midsole and outsole are highly responsive, however, they lack when creating stability under loads over 275 lbs.

Contextually speaking, it’s important to understand what this model is best for before investing. There’s a big difference between this model’s design and cross-training shoes for supporting heavy loads. The On Cloud X is not going to be your training shoe for heavy lifting and serious CrossFit workouts.

The upper construction on this shoe lacks the durability features that you’d want from a great CrossFit shoe and the midsole compresses under fairly light loads. Both of these attributes are a knock on this shoe’s performance for anyone that plans to use for heavier lifting sessions.

The second drawback to this model is its price. At a price of $139.99 USD, it’s a far from cost-efficient training shoe. The price for me with this shoe is hit or miss. For daily wear and casual training, the price makes sense and this is one of the few shoes that works really well for standing, walking, and wearing all day.

On the flip side, the price falls short for serious lifting and CrossFit. Plus if you compare these to other cross-training shoes that are designed for more serious training, then the price for this model falls short.

The last drawback and cosmetic detail that I noticed with the Cloud X is that the upper at the bottom of the laces folds a bit when tightening them. It’s not the biggest deal and it doesn’t negatively impact performance, but it’s something aesthetic that I noticed when tightening these shoes up and if you have to tighten your shoes similarly, then you’ll notice this material fold, too.

On Cloud X Performance

To help you assess if the On Cloud X shoes are right for you, I’ve broken their performance into three sections below. We’ll talk about how the On Cloud X performs for lifting, versatile training, running, and daily wear.

On Cloud X for CrossFit and Lifting

When it comes to lifting, the Cloud X will excel for light loading but this shoe falls short for heavier training. In this model, I’ve worked up to about 225-245 lbs with deadlifts and cleans. Once I hit this weight, I noticed that the midsole was starting to compress and my balance was starting to be compromised.

In the context of CrossFit, this is equally problematic since a majority of the work in WODs requires a relatively stable shoe with less compression at moderate and heavy loads. The upper construction on this model also is problematic for CrossFit.

Exercises like rope climbs and burpees will wreak havoc on this shoe’s lighter upper construction over time as it lacks structured layers for protection that most CrossFit shoes have. If you’re looking into this shoe for heavier lifting and CrossFit, then I’d suggest passing on this model.

Personally, I’m actually not the biggest fan of On marketing this shoe as a dedicated “cross-training shoe” because it does fall so short for lifting and CrossFit. For casual lifters, this model looks good and will work for lighter exercises, but if you’re planning to train with a barbell or heavy on machines like a leg press or hack squat, then you’ll want to pass on this model.

Note, this shoe works for class workouts and lighter sessions, however, I would say look into other cross-training shoes that offer more stability if your main focus is lifting and bias a lot of your training toward barbell work.

On Cloud X for Classes, Agility, and Plyometrics

For agility training, classes, and plyometric work, I enjoy this shoe. The midsole and outsole are highly responsive and you get a lot of bounce out of them when in the takeoff stages of bounding and ballistic movements. Plus, they’re pretty good at helping to absorb landing phases.

I also really like this shoe’s upper construction in regard to its breathability and maneuverability. The upper construction may not be the best for lifting and CrossFit. However, it’s a good pick for breathability in the context of more versatile training.

This model has strategic mesh upper areas to promote breathability in the areas that you want it most especially if you’re in hotter classes and gym settings or training outdoors.

The weight of this shoe is 8.47 oz, and it has a heel-to-toe drop of 6mm. The only area where the On Cloud X falls short for versatility training is with lateral movement. The CloudTec midsole doesn’t provide a ton of support when cutting and really digging into the ground so you may feel limited in this regard with this model.

Day-to-Day and Running

On a day-to-day basis, the Cloud X is incredibly comfortable. They’re one of my favorite cross-training shoes to wear out and about all day when I want a shoe that’s comfortable and responsive.

If you need training shoes for standing all day or working on your feet and then wearing them to the gym for casual lifting or versatile training, then this model is a good pick. They’re a good training and day-to-day hybrid training shoe.

For shorter and mid-range runs, these shoes excel. Unlike other cross-training shoes, the construction of the Cloud X feeds really well into running. Plus, On is a running shoe brand, so it makes sense that the construction of this model does really well at accommodating running-focused workouts.

On Cloud X Sizing

On’s site describes this shoe as having an athletic fit. I have to agree with them and think this shoe has more of a neutral last. It doesn’t feel excessively narrow and there’s an okay amount of toe box room for lifters and athletes who may desire a slightly wider toe box.

When it comes to selecting your size, you should be safe going true to size in the On Cloud X Training Shoes.

Construction Details

If you’re new to On shoes, then there are a few construction callouts that are proprietary to their style of training and running shoes. The Cloud X model has multiple details that can easily get overlooked without doing a little research.

Below, I’m going to provide a quick analysis of the main construction features in this model. For a visual breakdown of this shoe’s construction, skip to 8:26 in my video above!

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 8.47 oz
• Removable Insole: Yes
• CloudTec Outsole
• Helion Superfoam Midsole
• Mesh Upper Construction
• Speedboard Tech

If you have additional questions about the On Cloud X’s construction, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally.

Takeaway Thoughts

The On Cloud X training shoes have seriously grown on me, especially for versatile training and daily. They’re not the best option for heavy loading or CrossFit, but for agility workouts and shorter runs, this model is really awesome.

I think if you go into these training shoes knowing where they excel the most and where they fall short, then you’ll be happy with the On Cloud X.

If you have any questions on the Cloud X, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram (@jake_boly)!