On Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudstratus Shoes

Running shoes can make a big difference in how comfortable your feet feel when you run or walk. Today, we’re looking at two popular shoes from the On Running brand: the Cloudflyer 4 and the Cloudstratus. These shoes might look similar, but they have some important differences that might make one better for you than the other.

I’ll help you understand what makes each shoe special and which one might be the best fit for your feet. We’ll look at things like comfort, how long they last, and how much they cost. By the end, you’ll know which shoe might be the better choice for your next run or walk.

On Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudstratus Shoes

On Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudstratus shoes is their purpose and cushioning. The Cloudflyer 4 is lighter and focuses on stability for overpronators, while the Cloudstratus has double-layer cushioning for maximum comfort during long runs. Both are quality On Running shoes but serve different running needs.

Feature	Cloudflyer 4	Cloudstratus
Cushioning	Medium	Maximum
Weight	10.6 oz (Men’s 9)	11.6 oz (Men’s 9)
Stability	High	Medium
Best For	Overpronators, Daily Training	Long Distances, Maximum Comfort
Drop (Heel to Toe)	7mm	8mm
Stack Height	Medium	High
Width Options	Standard	Standard (Wide Fit)
Arch Support	Medium to High	Medium

In summary, choose the Cloudflyer 4 if you need a supportive, stable shoe that’s lighter and helps correct your running form. Pick the Cloudstratus if you want the most cushioning possible for long runs and don’t mind a slightly heavier shoe. Both are well-made, but they’re designed for different types of runners and running styles.Retry

What Are On Running Shoes?

On Running is a Swiss company that makes shoes with special cushioning pods on the bottom called “clouds.” These clouds help make running feel softer on your feet. Both the Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudstratus are made by On Running, but they’re designed for different types of runners.

Cloudflyer 4: The Basics

The Cloudflyer 4 is a newer shoe from On Running. It’s made to give runners support while still feeling light on your feet. This shoe works well for people who need some extra help keeping their feet stable when they run.

Cloudstratus: The Basics

The Cloudstratus is made with extra cushioning. It has two layers of cloud pods on the bottom to make your steps feel really soft. This shoe is good for longer runs when you want lots of padding under your feet.

Comfort: Which Feels Better?

Cloudflyer 4 Comfort

The Cloudflyer 4 feels like a happy medium – not too soft and not too firm. The cushioning is balanced, making it comfortable for most runs. The inside of the shoe has soft material that feels nice against your foot, and there’s good padding around the ankle to prevent rubbing.

Many runners say the Cloudflyer 4 feels comfortable right away without needing to “break them in” (which means wearing them several times until they feel good).

Cloudstratus Comfort

The Cloudstratus is all about maximum comfort with its double layer of cloud pods. When you step down, you can really feel the cushioning doing its job. The shoe has a wider toe box (the front part where your toes go), giving your toes more room to spread out.

If you like a shoe that feels very cushioned and plush, the Cloudstratus might feel more comfortable to you. It’s like running on a softer surface, which some people really enjoy.

Cushioning: Which Has Better Padding?

Cloudflyer 4 Cushioning

The Cloudflyer 4 has medium cushioning that works well for most running distances. The clouds on the bottom compress when you land and then bounce back when you push off. This gives you some energy return, which means the shoe helps you move forward.

The cushioning in the Cloudflyer 4 is firm enough to provide support but soft enough to absorb impact when your foot hits the ground.

Cloudstratus Cushioning

The Cloudstratus has significantly more cushioning thanks to its double layer of cloud pods. This makes it especially good for longer runs when your feet need more protection from impact.

The extra cushioning doesn’t just make the shoe more comfortable – it also helps reduce the stress on your joints when running on hard surfaces like roads or sidewalks.

Fit: How Do They Feel On Your Feet?

Cloudflyer 4 Fit

The Cloudflyer 4 has a medium width that works for most foot shapes. The midfoot (middle part of your foot) feels secure and hugged by the shoe. The heel has a special shape that helps keep your foot from sliding around.

The lacing system on the Cloudflyer 4 lets you adjust how tight the shoe feels across different parts of your foot. This helps you get a customized fit.

Cloudstratus Fit

The Cloudstratus has a wider fit, especially in the toe box. This gives your toes more room to spread out naturally. The shoe has a secure midfoot wrap to keep your foot stable while still allowing your toes to have space.

If you have wider feet or like having extra room in your shoes, the Cloudstratus might feel better. The lacing system is similar to the Cloudflyer 4, letting you adjust the fit to your liking.

Stability: Which Keeps Your Feet More Balanced?

Cloudflyer 4 Stability

The Cloudflyer 4 is designed as a stability shoe, which means it helps keep your feet from rolling inward too much when you run (something called overpronation). It has a wider base and special support features to keep your foot aligned.

The shoe has a firm piece in the middle that helps guide your foot through each step. Many runners who need extra stability find the Cloudflyer 4 helps them run with better form.

Cloudstratus Stability

The Cloudstratus offers moderate stability. While not specifically designed as a stability shoe like the Cloudflyer 4, its wide base provides natural stability. The double layer of clouds creates a stable platform that works well for neutral runners (people whose feet don’t roll inward too much).

If you don’t need specific stability features but still want a shoe that feels secure, the Cloudstratus could work well for you.

Weight: Which Is Lighter?

Cloudflyer 4 Weight

The Cloudflyer 4 weighs about 10.6 ounces (300 grams) for a men’s size 9 shoe. This puts it in the medium weight range for running shoes. It’s not super light, but the weight comes from the stability features that help support your feet.

Despite not being the lightest shoe, many runners say the Cloudflyer 4 doesn’t feel heavy when running because the weight is well-distributed throughout the shoe.

Cloudstratus Weight

The Cloudstratus is slightly heavier at around 11.6 ounces (330 grams) for a men’s size 9. The extra weight comes from the additional cushioning layer. You might notice this weight difference on longer runs or if you’re trying to run fast.

However, many runners feel the extra cushioning is worth the additional weight, especially for longer distances when comfort becomes more important than having the lightest possible shoe.

Materials: What Are They Made Of?

Cloudflyer 4 Materials

The Cloudflyer 4 upper (the top part of the shoe) is made of engineered mesh that lets air flow in and out. This mesh is partly made from recycled materials, which is better for the environment.

The cloud pods on the bottom are made of a special foam that’s durable but still provides good cushioning. The shoe has a medium-thickness insole (the part your foot rests on) made of soft foam.

Cloudstratus Materials

The Cloudstratus also uses engineered mesh for the upper, but it’s a slightly thicker material that feels more plush. The double layer of cloud pods is made of the same special foam as the Cloudflyer 4, just with more of it.

The Cloudstratus has a thicker insole with extra padding, which adds to the overall cushioned feel of the shoe.

Durability: Which Lasts Longer?

Cloudflyer 4 Durability

The Cloudflyer 4 is built to last around 300-500 miles of running, which is pretty standard for good running shoes. The rubber on the bottom covers the areas that typically wear out first, helping the shoe last longer.

Users report that the cloud pods hold up well over time and don’t lose their cushioning too quickly. The mesh upper is reinforced in high-stress areas to prevent tearing.

Cloudstratus Durability

The Cloudstratus has similar durability to the Cloudflyer 4, typically lasting 300-500 miles. The double layer of clouds doesn’t seem to wear out faster than the single layer, and the extra rubber on the bottom helps protect the foam from wearing down.

One thing to note is that the Cloudstratus’s softer cushioning might feel like it’s “flattening out” sooner than the Cloudflyer 4, even though the shoe itself is still structurally sound.

Breathability: Which Keeps Your Feet Cooler?

Cloudflyer 4 Breathability

The Cloudflyer 4 has excellent breathability thanks to its lightweight mesh upper. The material lets hot air escape and cool air enter, keeping your feet from getting too sweaty during runs.

The shoe also has moisture-wicking properties in the lining, which helps pull sweat away from your skin so your feet stay drier.

Cloudstratus Breathability

The Cloudstratus has good breathability, but it’s slightly less breathable than the Cloudflyer 4. The thicker upper materials and extra padding provide more comfort but reduce air flow a bit.

If you run in very hot weather, you might notice your feet getting warmer in the Cloudstratus compared to the Cloudflyer 4.

Flexibility: Which Bends Better?

Cloudflyer 4 Flexibility

The Cloudflyer 4 has moderate flexibility. It bends where your foot naturally bends (just behind your toes), but the stability features make it somewhat stiffer than some other running shoes.

This controlled flexibility is actually good for runners who need more support, as it helps guide your foot through each step in a more structured way.

Cloudstratus Flexibility

The Cloudstratus has similar flexibility to the Cloudflyer 4, despite its extra cushioning. The shoe bends at the right points to work with your foot’s natural movement.

Some runners find that the additional cushioning in the Cloudstratus actually makes it feel more flexible in certain ways, as the clouds compress and adapt to your specific foot strike pattern.

Water Resistance: Which Handles Wet Conditions Better?

Cloudflyer 4 Water Resistance

The Cloudflyer 4 isn’t waterproof, but it does resist light rain reasonably well. The mesh upper sheds small amounts of water instead of soaking it up immediately. However, in heavy rain or puddles, your feet will get wet.

The good news is that the Cloudflyer 4 dries relatively quickly after getting wet, and the materials don’t get heavy or uncomfortable when damp.

Cloudstratus Water Resistance

The Cloudstratus has similar water resistance to the Cloudflyer 4 – it can handle light rain but isn’t waterproof. The thicker upper might take slightly longer to dry if it gets soaked compared to the Cloudflyer 4.

Both shoes perform similarly in wet conditions, but neither is specifically designed for very wet or rainy running environments.

Sole: How Do The Bottoms Compare?

Cloudflyer 4 Sole

The Cloudflyer 4 sole features a single layer of cloud pods arranged in a pattern that promotes stability. The rubber coverage on the bottom is placed strategically in high-wear areas to improve durability while keeping weight down.

The sole has a moderate rocker shape (a curved bottom that helps roll your foot forward), which many runners find helps them transition smoothly from landing to pushing off.

Cloudstratus Sole

The Cloudstratus sole stands out with its double layer of cloud pods, providing significantly more cushioning. The outsole has excellent rubber coverage for durability and good grip on most surfaces.

The Cloudstratus also has a rocker shape, but it’s slightly more pronounced than the Cloudflyer 4’s. This helps compensate for the extra cushioning by keeping your running motion fluid.

Style: How Do They Look?

Cloudflyer 4 Style

The Cloudflyer 4 has a sleek, modern look with clean lines and a less bulky appearance despite being a stability shoe. It comes in several color options ranging from subtle to more vibrant choices.

The cloud pods on the bottom give it a distinctive look that people recognize as an On Running shoe. The overall design looks athletic but can also work with casual outfits.

Cloudstratus Style

The Cloudstratus has a slightly chunkier look due to its extra cushioning and the visible double layer of cloud pods. It also comes in various color options to suit different preferences.

While both shoes are recognizably from the same brand, the Cloudstratus has a more maximum-cushioned appearance that some runners prefer for its bold look.

Quality: How Well Are They Made?

Cloudflyer 4 Quality

The Cloudflyer 4 shows excellent craftsmanship with even stitching, no excess glue, and high-quality materials throughout. On Running is known for their attention to detail, and it shows in this shoe.

Users rarely report manufacturing defects or premature breaking down of materials, suggesting good quality control in the production process.

Cloudstratus Quality

The Cloudstratus maintains the same high quality standards as the Cloudflyer 4. The additional cushioning elements are well-integrated into the design without compromising structural integrity.

Both shoes represent the premium quality that On Running is known for, with durable construction that justifies their higher price point compared to some other running shoe brands.

Size: Do They Run True To Size?

Cloudflyer 4 Sizing

The Cloudflyer 4 generally runs true to size, though some runners find they need to go up a half size for the best fit. The toe box has medium width, so those with wider feet might want to size up.

On Running provides a detailed size chart that can help you choose the right size based on your foot measurements.

Cloudstratus Sizing

The Cloudstratus tends to run true to size for most people, and its naturally wider toe box accommodates more foot shapes without needing to size up. However, some runners still prefer going up a half size for extra toe room.

If you’re between sizes, both shoes might work better in the larger size to give your toes enough room to spread out when running.

Price Comparison Table

Feature	Cloudflyer 4	Cloudstratus
Retail Price	$159.99	$169.99
Sales Price Range	$120-$160	$130-$170
Value for Money	Good	Good
Typical Discounts	Rare, 10-15%	Rare, 10-15%
Price Per Mile	$0.32-$0.53	$0.26-$0.56

User Reviews and Ratings

Cloudflyer 4 User Reviews

Aspect	Rating (out of 5)	Common Comments
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3)	“Great balance of stability and comfort”
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2)	“Comfortable from the first run”
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0)	“Holding up well after 200 miles”
Stability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)	“Excellent support for overpronation”
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.8)	“Expensive but worth it for the support”

Cloudstratus User Reviews

Aspect	Rating (out of 5)	Common Comments
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2)	“Cloud-like cushioning for long runs”
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6)	“Most comfortable running shoe I’ve worn”
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.9)	“Cushioning compresses after ~300 miles”
Stability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0)	“Stable despite the soft feel”
Value	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.7)	“Expensive but the comfort is worth it”

Who Should Choose The Cloudflyer 4?

The Cloudflyer 4 is the better choice if:

1. You need more stability and support for your feet
2. You want a lighter shoe
3. You prefer a firmer feel under your foot
4. You have normal to narrow width feet
5. You like a more responsive (bouncy) feel when running
6. You care about having a slightly lower price point

The Cloudflyer 4 works well as an everyday training shoe for runners who need some extra stability. It’s versatile enough for different distances and paces.

Who Should Choose The Cloudstratus?

The Cloudstratus is the better choice if:

1. You want maximum cushioning
2. You run longer distances
3. You have a wider foot or like more toe room
4. You prefer a softer feel underfoot
5. You don’t mind a slightly heavier shoe
6. You’re willing to pay a bit more for extra cushioning

The Cloudstratus shines on longer runs when the extra padding helps protect your legs from fatigue and impact.

Conclusion

Both the Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudstratus are excellent running shoes from On Running, but they serve different needs. The Cloudflyer 4 offers better stability in a lighter package, while the Cloudstratus provides maximum cushioning for comfort on long runs.

Your choice should depend on what matters most to you. If you need support and stability, go with the Cloudflyer 4. If cushioning and comfort are your top priorities, especially for longer distances, the Cloudstratus is your best bet.

Remember that the best running shoe is the one that feels right on your feet. If possible, try both shoes on and see which one feels better when you walk or jog around the store. Your feet will often tell you which shoe is the right match for you.

Frequently Asked Questions