CloudRunner vs CloudGo Shoes

Are you looking for the perfect shoes for your active child? CloudRunner and CloudGo are two popular choices that many parents consider.

Let’s explore these shoes to help you decide which pair will work best for your little one.

What Makes a Good Kids’ Shoe?

Before we compare CloudRunner and CloudGo, let’s understand what makes a good shoe for children. Kids need shoes that can keep up with their energy while protecting their growing feet.

Good kids’ shoes should:

• Be comfortable
• Provide good support
• Last a long time
• Look nice
• Fit well

Now, let’s see how CloudRunner and CloudGo compare in these areas.

Material Quality

CloudRunner Materials

CloudRunner shoes use soft but strong fabrics. The top part (upper) is made of breathable mesh that lets air flow to your child’s feet. This helps keep their feet cool even when playing hard. The inside has a soft lining that feels nice against the skin and prevents rubbing.

The soles of CloudRunner shoes contain recycled rubber, which is good for the planet. This material grips well on different surfaces, helping prevent slips and falls.

CloudGo Materials

CloudGo shoes feature a blend of synthetic materials and natural cotton. The upper part has more cotton content, giving it a different feel compared to CloudRunner. The materials feel light but might not be as breathable as CloudRunner’s mesh.

CloudGo uses non-recycled rubber for their soles, which provides excellent grip but isn’t as eco-friendly. The inner lining has a moisture-wicking treatment to help keep feet dry.

Durability: How Long Will They Last?

CloudRunner Durability

CloudRunner shoes are built to last. The stitching is reinforced in high-wear areas like the toe and heel. Many parents report these shoes lasting 6-8 months of regular wear before showing signs of breaking down.

The soles resist wear well, maintaining their grip pattern even after months of use. The mesh upper may show dirt but rarely tears or develops holes under normal play conditions.

CloudGo Durability

CloudGo shoes tend to have stronger toe caps which helps them resist scuffing. The cotton-blend upper can be more prone to staining but holds up well structurally. Most CloudGo shoes last about 5-7 months before needing replacement.

The sole attachment to the upper is particularly strong in CloudGo shoes, meaning they rarely separate even with rough play.

Breathability: Keeping Feet Cool

CloudRunner Breathability

The mesh design of CloudRunner shoes makes them extremely breathable. This is great for active kids whose feet tend to get sweaty, especially during summer months. The shoes allow constant airflow around the foot, reducing moisture buildup.

This breathability helps prevent foot odor and can reduce the risk of fungal infections that thrive in warm, moist environments.

CloudGo Breathability

CloudGo shoes don’t breathe quite as well as CloudRunner models. The cotton-blend material absorbs some moisture but doesn’t allow as much airflow. This makes CloudGo shoes better for cooler weather but potentially less comfortable on hot days or during intense activity.

CloudGo does compensate with moisture-wicking inner materials that help pull sweat away from the foot.

Cushioning: Protecting Growing Feet

CloudRunner Cushioning

CloudRunner shoes feature a multi-layer cushioning system. The midsole contains soft foam that compresses slightly with each step, absorbing impact when your child runs or jumps. This helps protect their developing joints.

The cushioning is thicker in the heel area where impact forces are greatest, and gradually becomes thinner toward the toe for better flexibility.

CloudGo Cushioning

CloudGo takes a different approach to cushioning. Their shoes use a uniform thickness of slightly firmer foam. This provides more stability but slightly less impact absorption than CloudRunner.

Many kids who walk with a heavier step prefer the CloudGo cushioning system because it feels more supportive and less “squishy.”

Shoe Fit: Finding the Right Size

CloudRunner Fit

CloudRunner shoes tend to run true to size. They have a slightly wider toe box, giving children’s toes room to spread naturally when walking. The heel cup is snug but not tight, holding the foot securely in place.

The lacing system allows for adjustment across the entire top of the foot, making these shoes work well for children with various foot shapes.

CloudGo Fit

CloudGo shoes typically run a half-size smaller than standard measurements. Many parents need to size up when purchasing CloudGo. The toe box is more average in width, and the overall fit is slightly narrower than CloudRunner.

CloudGo offers more models with hook-and-loop closures (like Velcro), making them easier for younger children to put on and take off by themselves.

Stability: Supporting Active Play

CloudRunner Stability

CloudRunner shoes provide moderate stability through a semi-rigid heel counter and supportive midsole design. These features help guide the foot into a proper position during walking and running without being overly restrictive.

The shoes have a slight arch support that helps maintain foot alignment without interfering with natural foot development.

CloudGo Stability

CloudGo shoes offer greater stability features. The heel counter is firmer, and the shoes include more pronounced arch support. This makes CloudGo a better choice for children who tend to roll their feet inward (pronate) when walking.

The trade-off is that the increased structure makes CloudGo shoes slightly less flexible than CloudRunner models.

Comfort: Happy Feet All Day

CloudRunner Comfort

Children often say CloudRunner shoes feel “soft” and “bouncy.” The shoes require almost no break-in period and feel comfortable from the first wear. The seamless interior reduces the chance of irritation or blisters.

The lightweight design (about 6 ounces per shoe for size 13) means kids hardly notice they’re wearing them, which can be a big plus for children who dislike heavy footwear.

CloudGo Comfort

CloudGo shoes take a few days to fully conform to the child’s foot. Once broken in, they provide excellent comfort with particular attention to arch support and heel cushioning.

At about 7 ounces per shoe for size 13, they’re slightly heavier than CloudRunner but still light enough for all-day wear. The structured design provides a sense of security that some children prefer.

Style: Looking Good While Playing Hard

CloudRunner Style Options

CloudRunner offers vibrant color choices with fun patterns and reflective elements. The designs tend to be more playful and bright, appealing to children who want to stand out. Available styles include solid colors with accent details, space themes, animal prints, and light-up options.

Most CloudRunner shoes have a modern, athletic look that works well with casual clothes and sportswear.

CloudGo Style Options

CloudGo takes a more subtle approach to design with classic color schemes and cleaner lines. Their shoes look more like traditional athletic footwear with fewer bold patterns.

CloudGo does offer character-themed models featuring popular cartoon and movie characters, which many children love. The more restrained design makes CloudGo shoes easier to coordinate with school uniforms or dressier outfits.

Size Range: Growing Room

CloudRunner Size Range

CloudRunner makes shoes in toddler sizes 4-10 and youth sizes 11-7. They offer half sizes throughout the range, making it easier to find a precise fit. The shoes are consistent in sizing across different models and seasons.

CloudRunner also provides a printable size guide on their website to help parents measure their child’s feet at home.

CloudGo Size Range

CloudGo offers toddler sizes 5-10 and youth sizes 11-6. They only offer half sizes in their most popular size ranges (11-3), which can make finding the perfect fit more challenging for very small or larger children.

One advantage of CloudGo is their “grow room” indicator—a line inside the shoe that shows when a child is outgrowing their current size.

Flexible vs. Supportive: Finding the Balance

CloudRunner Flexibility

CloudRunner shoes bend easily at the ball of the foot, mimicking the natural movement of bare feet. You can twist the shoe slightly from side to side and compress the heel counter with moderate pressure.

This flexibility helps strengthen foot muscles and allows for natural foot development. It’s particularly good for children with normal or high arches.

CloudGo Flexibility

CloudGo shoes are noticeably stiffer, especially in the midfoot section. They bend at the ball of the foot but resist twisting forces much more than CloudRunner shoes.

The reduced flexibility provides more support, which can benefit children with flat feet or those who need extra stability when walking or running.

Water Resistance: Ready for Puddles

CloudRunner Water Resistance

CloudRunner shoes aren’t waterproof but do have a water-resistant coating that helps repel light rain and morning dew. The mesh upper, while breathable, allows water to penetrate in heavy rain or puddle splashing.

The materials dry relatively quickly—about 3-4 hours at room temperature after being thoroughly soaked.

CloudGo Water Resistance

CloudGo shoes feature better water resistance with a more effective repellent treatment. Water beads up and rolls off the surface more effectively than on CloudRunner models.

The trade-off is slightly reduced breathability, as mentioned earlier. When soaked, CloudGo shoes take longer to dry—often 5-6 hours or overnight.

Sole Design: Grip and Protection

CloudRunner Sole Design

CloudRunner soles feature a multi-directional tread pattern that grips well on playground equipment, gym floors, and grassy surfaces. The rubber compound is slightly softer, providing excellent traction but potentially wearing down faster.

The sole wraps slightly up around the toe area, offering additional protection against stubbing.

CloudGo Sole Design

CloudGo uses a harder rubber compound with a more traditional linear tread pattern. This design excels on smooth surfaces like hallways and sidewalks but may not grip as well on loose playground material like mulch or sand.

The harder rubber typically lasts longer before showing wear patterns, making it good for children who tend to drag their feet when walking.

Weight: Light on Their Feet

CloudRunner Weight

CloudRunner shoes are among the lightest options available, weighing approximately:

• Size 10 toddler: 4.5 oz per shoe
• Size 13 kid: 6 oz per shoe
• Size 3 youth: 7.5 oz per shoe

The lightweight design helps reduce fatigue during long days of play and may encourage more physical activity.

CloudGo Weight

CloudGo shoes weigh about 15-20% more than comparable CloudRunner sizes:

• Size 10 toddler: 5.3 oz per shoe
• Size 13 kid: 7 oz per shoe
• Size 3 youth: 9 oz per shoe

The additional weight comes from the more substantial support structures and denser sole material. Some children appreciate the feeling of sturdiness this provides.

Price Comparison

Size Range	CloudRunner Price	CloudGo Price
Toddler (4-10)	$45-52	$40-48
Little Kid (11-13)	$55-60	$50-55
Big Kid (1-7)	$65-75	$58-68

CloudRunner shoes typically cost about 10-15% more than comparable CloudGo models. Both brands occasionally offer sales and discounts, especially during back-to-school season and major holidays.

User Reviews

CloudRunner User Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maria P. – My 7-year-old son loves his CloudRunners! They’ve survived a full semester of recess, PE class, and weekend sports. Still looking good!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ James T. – Great shoes, though they show dirt easily. Very comfortable according to my daughter who says they feel like “walking on marshmallows.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aisha K. – Perfect for my child with sensory issues. No complaints about seams or tags, and he can put them on himself.

⭐⭐⭐ Michael R. – Good shoes but they got smelly faster than expected despite the breathable material. Washing helped but they took almost two days to dry completely.

CloudGo User Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Samantha W. – These shoes were recommended by our pediatrician for my daughter’s flat feet. She says they’re comfortable and her foot pain has decreased significantly.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ David L. – Sturdy shoes that have handled everything my son throws at them. The only issue was needing to size up from his normal measurement.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily T. – Love the character designs! These are the only shoes my 5-year-old actually wants to wear, and they’ve held up well for almost 6 months now.

⭐⭐⭐ Robert G. – Good support but my daughter says they get hot during outdoor play in warmer weather. Great for school days with less intense activity.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	CloudRunner	CloudGo
Material	Breathable mesh with recycled rubber sole	Cotton-blend with synthetic elements
Average Lifespan	6-8 months	5-7 months
Breathability	Excellent	Good
Cushioning	Soft, graduated thickness	Firm, uniform thickness
Fit	True to size, wider toe box	Runs small, average width
Weight (Size 13)	6 oz	7 oz
Water Resistance	Light resistance, quick drying	Better resistance, slower drying
Best For	Active play, hot weather, normal/high arches	Structured support, flat feet, everyday wear
Price Range	$45-75	$40-68

Which Shoe Is Right For Your Child?

Choose CloudRunner If:

Your child has normal to high arches and needs flexible, lightweight shoes. CloudRunner excels in breathability, making them perfect for active children who play hard and tend to have sweaty feet. They’re also great for summer wear and kids who prefer a softer, more cushioned feel.

CloudRunner’s wider toe box makes them a good choice for children with wider feet or those who need room for natural toe spreading during development.

Choose CloudGo If:

Your child needs more support, especially if they have flat feet or tend to roll their feet inward when walking. CloudGo provides better structure and stability for developing feet that need extra guidance.

CloudGo shoes are also a good choice for cooler weather wear, children who prefer character-themed shoes, and those who need hook-and-loop closures for independent dressing.

How To Make Your Child’s Shoes Last Longer

Whichever brand you choose, these tips will help extend the life of your child’s shoes:

1. Alternate between two pairs if possible, giving each pair time to fully dry and recover between wears.
2. Remove excess dirt after play by wiping with a damp cloth. Don’t put shoes in the washing machine unless absolutely necessary.
3. If shoes do need washing, remove insoles and laces first, use cold water on a gentle cycle, and always air dry away from direct heat.
4. Use a shoe deodorizer spray or baking soda sprinkled inside overnight to reduce odors.
5. Check regularly for wear patterns that might indicate your child needs a different type of support.

Conclusion

Both CloudRunner and CloudGo make quality shoes for children, but they serve slightly different needs. CloudRunner offers lightweight flexibility and superior breathability, while CloudGo provides better structure and support.

Consider your child’s specific foot shape, activity level, and comfort preferences when making your choice. Remember that the best shoe is one that your child will wear happily and that supports healthy foot development.

Many parents find that having both styles on hand works well—CloudRunner for active outdoor play and warmer weather, and CloudGo for school days and more structured activities.

Frequently Asked Questions