ON Cloudflow 3 review
31 other reviews
ON Cloudflow 3 Verdict
The pros
- Durable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Versatile
The cons
- Narrow
- Break in period required
Rating breakdown
Facts / Specs
Size/Fit
Cushioning & ride
Usage
Who should buy the ON Cloudflow 3 ?
It’s for the runner that is looking for a shoe that can be used on a regular basis and for various running workouts.
Who should not buy the ON Cloudflow 3 ?
This shoe is not for the runner who is looking for a very cushioned shoe. I also wouldn’t recommend it to a person with a wider foot, as it runs narrow.
ON Cloudflow 3 Introduction
The On Cloudflow 3 works quite well as an everyday shoe to run in. It’s not a top choice to wear for those longer distances but can get the job done if needed.
Compared to other daily trainers they are ridged and lack the responsiveness on those longer runs. They have a nice ground feel to them along with decent stability.
You’ll pay $139.99 and considering the new technology and the quality of the shoe, I think it’s a reasonable price. This third iteration has some good updates that make it a solid choice.
It weighs in at 9.2 oz and is a little heavier than the previous model but that can be attributed to On adding some extra padding.
Even with the extra weight, it feels very lightweight. It has a higher stack height of 32mm in the heel and 22.4 mm in the forefoot.
They run very narrow and it was an adjustment to get used to them, but they are true to size.
Like most brands, On has made the Cloudflow 3 out of 20% recycled materials.
ON Cloudflow 3 First Impressions
Opening the box for the first time and seeing the Cloudflow 3s I thought they looked typical to the On brand except extremely narrow. I received the Rock/Rose color scheme and the colors complement one another.
Putting them on for the first time was a different experience. Like I mentioned before they are narrow and by putting them on you are made fully aware of that. My first thought was that they felt like a bowling shoes and resembled one.
Appearance-wise, I don’t love the look on my feet. I guess I’m used to a wider shoes and doesn’t seem to elongate my feet. Putting them on at first I noticed the overall firm feel they have except in the midsole.
There is a slight cushioning that welcomes the bottom of your feet. I did think you need to give them a break-in period to fully appreciate what the Cloudflow has to offer. Once I wore them for a few runs, they grew on me and I ended up enjoying them.
My first run was a 5k at a moderate pace. I had no issues. You’ll notice the signature pods throughout the length of the midsole and it gives you a solid ground feel. I tend to pick firmer shoes when taking them out for a short and fast run. This would be the ideal situation for when I would run in them, others use would be in the gym. I loved wearing them for training sessions because of the stability they give you.
A similar but lower-budget shoe that they reminded me of would be the Under Armour Charged Assert or on the same price level, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo.
Another shoe in the On brand family that reminds me of the Cloudflow would be the On Cloudstratus. The Cloudstatus would be for those looking for a longer-distance shoe.
ON Cloudflow 3 Upper
The upper is updated from the previous model to a less padded one. It’s made up of engineered mesh and is about 70% recycled materials. It’s all one piece, there are no overlays.
This updated version offers a precise fit. It does hug your foot in all the right places but it is narrow. My foot isn’t wide but I would see this being a problem for the runner with a wider foot.
I have used them in low and high temperatures, and I can say they are very breathable and offer comfort no matter what the weather is. They are not waterproof but did dry our fairly quickly.
The heel counter is moderately built up and did take a bit to get used to but caused no issues. It hugs your heel very nicely.
The tongue is very thin and not much to it. It’s like a single layer of material that is cut out to lay perfectly on the ankle. The lacing system is standard and has no frills.
ON Cloudflow 3 Sole Unit
The midsole is made up of On’s signature Cloudtec outsole. Combine that with a layer of Helion foam above that and you get a fantastic midsole that absorbs the impact of your foot hitting the ground. The speedboard that runs the length of the shoe is flexible with each motion of the foot while they strike the ground.
There is a removable insole that gives you slight arch support and adds just a tad more cushion.
The CloudTec outsole is a new rubber material that isn’t overly hard. It’s just the right amount of firm and soft. This outsole does a fantastic job at absorbing impact and making sure your stride rolls smoothly from landing to toe-off.
I have taken them out in various weather conditions and surfaces. They have great traction.
ON Cloudflow 3 Conclusions
My conclusion of the On Cloudflow3 would be that it’s a great daily trainer for those shorter distances but it is durable enough for a half marathon.
I have worn them for well over 50 miles, and I don’t see much wear and tear.
They do well picking up the pace but also work well just for a recovery jog.
Looks-wise, the Cloudflow is beautifully engineered and crafted. If you’re looking for a lightweight trainer, look no further!
How does the Cloudflow 3 compare?
ON Cloudsurfer 7
ON Cloudflow 3
ON Cloudflyer 4
Why you can trust us
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.We purchased this pair of ON at Running Warehouse with our own money.
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Reviewed by Olivia
Lives in Marietta, Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and dog. Olivia is a personal trainer and soccer coach. She has been running for 10 years and competes in various distances. For the past few years she has been concentrating on the ultra distances. She never would have thought that one sport would change her whole outlook on life like running has.
User feedback (3)
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4 months ago
I would have to disagree with the comparison to the Hyperion Tempo. The Cloudflow is almost 2 oz heavier, has a much more plush upper, but does not have sufficient cushion underfoot. While the Hyperion Tempo is firm, and can be a tad uncomfortable if you’re a heel striker and are trying to run easy in them, overall it at least does have adequate cushioning, and running in it isn’t horribly uncomfortable like the Cloudflow.
4 months ago
I tried this shoe when it first came out. On classifies it as a mid-level cushion shoe, but as you can tell by looking at it, it barely has a midsole. On says that the cloud pods outsole provides additional softness and cushioning; it doesn’t. You hear running shoe reviewers talk about ground feel; this shoe takes that idea to another level. It obviously provides protection from stepping on rocks or glass on the road, but otherwise it practically feels like running barefoot directly on the pavement. I have never run in an old school racing flat, and I’m glad, because I don’t think they would have worked well for me. This shoe felt how I would have imagined those did. I didn’t feel like I could really push in these shoes, because I was basically recoiling from the unusually uncomfortable ground impact. I ran in this shoe 4 times (7 miles each time) and woke up the next morning with my feet all the way up into my lower calves in pain. I could not put these shoes on my feet a fifth time, and I had to return them. I honestly don’t understand how anyone could do any serious road running in these shoes, but to each their own I guess. Definitely my worst experience with any shoe ever, by far. They do look nice though!
4 months ago
Worst running shoe ever