On Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudswift Shoes

Choosing the right running shoe can make a big difference in how you feel when you run. Today, we’re looking at two popular shoes from the Swiss brand On: the Cloudflyer 4 and the Cloudswift. These shoes look similar but have different features that might make one better for you than the other.

We’ll compare these two shoes in detail so you can decide which one fits your needs. We’ll look at how comfortable they are, how long they last, and much more.

On Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudswift Shoes

The main difference between On Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudswift shoes is their purpose. Cloudflyer 4 is a support shoe with extra stability features and plush cushioning for overpronators and long-distance runners. Cloudswift is a lighter, more responsive neutral shoe designed for faster runs with a snugger fit and firmer feel.

Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of On Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudswift Shoes:

Feature	Cloudflyer 4	Cloudswift
Type	Support/Stability	Neutral
Weight	Heavier (10.2 oz men’s)	Lighter (9.1 oz men’s)
Cushioning	Soft and plush	Firm and responsive
Fit	Roomy toe box	Snug, sock-like fit
Best for	Long runs, overpronators	Fast runs, neutral runners
Toe drop	9mm	7mm
Upper	Thicker engineered mesh	Thinner breathable mesh
Flexibility	Moderate	High
Price	$160-170	$150-160
Durability	300-400 miles	250-350 miles

Summary: Choose the Cloudflyer 4 if you need extra support, have wider feet, or run longer distances. It’s comfy but a bit heavier. Pick the Cloudswift if you want a lighter, faster shoe for speed workouts and have normal or narrow feet. The Cloudswift feels more responsive but offers less support. Your running style and foot type should guide your choice.

What Makes On Running Shoes Special?

On is a Swiss company that makes running shoes with special cushioning pods on the bottom called “Clouds.” These shoes are known for feeling bouncy and light. Both the Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudswift have these cloud pods, but they’re designed for different types of runners.

Shoe Purpose

The Cloudflyer 4 is mainly a support shoe. This means it helps keep your foot stable if you tend to roll your foot inward when you run (which many people do). It gives extra help to people who need more support.

The Cloudswift is a neutral running shoe. It doesn’t have special support features. It’s made for people who don’t need extra help with how their feet land when running.

Cushioning

Cloudflyer 4 Cushioning

The Cloudflyer 4 has lots of soft cushioning. It feels like running on a soft, bouncy surface. The clouds on the bottom are bigger and softer than on many other On shoes. This makes the Cloudflyer 4 great for long runs when your feet might get tired and need extra softness.

Cloudswift Cushioning

The Cloudswift also has good cushioning, but it’s a bit firmer than the Cloudflyer 4. This firmness helps the shoe feel more responsive – like it’s giving you energy back with each step. The Cloudswift is good for faster runs and workouts when you want to feel quick.

Shoe Fit

Cloudflyer 4 Fit

The Cloudflyer 4 has a roomy toe box (the front part where your toes go). This gives your toes space to spread out, which many runners like. The middle of the shoe hugs your foot to keep it in place. The heel has extra padding to stop your heel from slipping.

Cloudswift Fit

The Cloudswift has a more snug fit throughout the shoe. Some runners describe it as “sock-like” because it wraps around your foot. The toe box is less roomy than the Cloudflyer 4. This tighter fit helps the shoe feel more connected to your foot during quick movements.

Stability Features

Cloudflyer 4 Stability

The Cloudflyer 4 is designed with stability in mind. It has:

• A wider base to prevent wobbling
• Firmer foam on the inner side to stop your foot from rolling in
• A special guide rail system that helps keep your foot moving straight forward

These features make the Cloudflyer 4 good for runners who need help keeping their feet stable.

Cloudswift Stability

The Cloudswift doesn’t have special stability features. It relies on its snug fit to help keep your foot in place. The midsole (the foam part between your foot and the ground) is the same firmness all the way across.

Durability

When you buy running shoes, you want them to last a long time. Let’s see how these shoes compare:

Cloudflyer 4 Durability

The Cloudflyer 4 has reinforced areas where shoes usually wear out first. The rubber on the bottom covers more area than on some other On shoes. Most runners get about 300-400 miles out of these shoes before they need replacing. The cloud pods are connected with a sturdy material that helps them last longer.

Cloudswift Durability

The Cloudswift uses a special rubber called Helion superfoam that’s designed to last a long time without getting flat. The upper part (the fabric that covers your foot) is made of a tough engineered mesh. Runners typically report getting 250-350 miles from these shoes. The outsole has extra rubber in high-wear areas.

Breathing

Running makes your feet hot, so shoes that let air in are important:

Cloudflyer 4 Breathing

The Cloudflyer 4 has a mesh upper with lots of tiny holes that let air flow through. The shoe also has special channels inside that help move hot air out and cool air in. Your feet stay fairly cool in these shoes, even on warm days.

Cloudswift Breathing

The Cloudswift uses a thinner mesh material that’s very breathable. It lets more air through than the Cloudflyer 4. If having cool feet is very important to you, the Cloudswift might be better. However, this thinner mesh might not keep your feet as warm in cold weather.

Comfort

Comfort is very personal, but here’s how these shoes generally feel:

Cloudflyer 4 Comfort

The Cloudflyer 4 feels plush and cushioned. It has extra padding in the tongue and heel collar. The insole (the part your foot rests on) is soft and shaped to match your foot. Many runners who stand all day or have sensitive feet love how comfortable these shoes are.

Cloudswift Comfort

The Cloudswift feels springy and responsive. It has less padding than the Cloudflyer 4, which some runners prefer. The sock-like fit hugs your foot, which can feel very comfortable if you like that sensation. However, if you have wide feet, this tight fit might feel uncomfortable.

Quality of Materials

Both shoes use high-quality materials, but there are differences:

Cloudflyer 4 Materials

The Cloudflyer 4 uses premium materials throughout. The upper is made of engineered mesh with reinforced areas. The midsole uses On’s Helion superfoam, which keeps its bounce for a long time. The insole is antimicrobial to prevent odors.

Cloudswift Materials

The Cloudswift also uses Helion superfoam but in a slightly different formula that’s a bit firmer. The upper mesh is thinner but very strong. The shoe has reflective details that help keep you visible in low light. The laces are made of a special material that stays tied better.

Style

Running shoes should work well, but looking good is also nice:

Cloudflyer 4 Style

The Cloudflyer 4 has a chunky, supportive look. It comes in several color options, including some bright choices and some more neutral ones. The cloud pods are very visible on the bottom, which gives the shoe the distinctive On look.

Cloudswift Style

The Cloudswift has a sleeker, more streamlined appearance. It looks a bit more like a casual shoe you could wear with jeans. The cloud pods are still visible but blend into the design more. Many runners like that they can wear these shoes for running and then out to lunch without looking too “sporty.”

Sizing

Getting the right size is important for comfort:

Cloudflyer 4 Sizing

The Cloudflyer 4 tends to run true to size or slightly large. If you’re between sizes, you might want to go with the smaller size. The wide toe box means many people with wider feet can wear their regular size.

Cloudswift Sizing

The Cloudswift runs a bit small due to its snug fit. Many runners need to go up half a size from their usual shoe size. If you have wide feet, you might need to go up a full size or consider a different model.

Weight

Lighter shoes can help you run faster, but heavier shoes sometimes last longer:

Cloudflyer 4 Weight

The Cloudflyer 4 is the heavier of the two shoes. Men’s size 9 weighs about 10.2 ounces (289 grams). Women’s size 8 weighs about 8.5 ounces (241 grams). This extra weight comes from the additional support features and cushioning.

Cloudswift Weight

The Cloudswift is lighter. Men’s size 9 weighs about 9.1 ounces (258 grams). Women’s size 8 weighs about 7.8 ounces (221 grams). This lighter weight makes the Cloudswift feel faster for many runners.

Flexibility

How much a shoe bends affects how it feels when you run:

Cloudflyer 4 Flexibility

The Cloudflyer 4 is moderately flexible. It bends at the front where your foot naturally bends, but the middle stays fairly rigid to provide support. This balanced flexibility works well for most running styles.

Cloudswift Flexibility

The Cloudswift is more flexible throughout the shoe. It bends easily with your foot, which can make your running feel more natural. This increased flexibility helps the shoe adapt to different surfaces as you run.

Water Resistance

Getting caught in the rain happens to every runner sometimes:

Cloudflyer 4 Water Resistance

The Cloudflyer 4 has a water-repellent coating on the upper that helps keep light rain out. However, in heavy rain, water will eventually get through. The shoe drains well if it does get wet inside.

Cloudswift Water Resistance

The Cloudswift has similar water resistance to the Cloudflyer 4. The thinner mesh might let water in slightly faster in heavy rain. Both shoes will get wet in puddles or heavy downpours, as they’re not waterproof.

Sole Construction

The bottom of the shoe affects how it feels and how long it lasts:

Cloudflyer 4 Sole

The Cloudflyer 4 sole has larger cloud pods arranged in a pattern that supports your foot. The pods at the heel are bigger to absorb more impact when your heel hits the ground. The rubber on the bottom covers more area to improve grip and durability.

Cloudswift Sole

The Cloudswift sole has medium-sized cloud pods arranged for faster transitions from heel to toe. The rubber pattern is designed to grip well on roads and light trails. The middle of the sole has a special plate that helps propel you forward.

Activity Suitability Rating

Activity	Cloudflyer 4	Cloudswift
Long distance runs	9/10	7/10
Speed workouts	6/10	8/10
Daily training	8/10	8/10
Gym workouts	7/10	8/10
Walking all day	9/10	7/10
Road running	9/10	9/10
Light trails	6/10	7/10
Rainy conditions	6/10	6/10

User Reviews and Ratings

Cloudflyer 4 User Reviews

Aspect	Star Rating	Common Comments
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Like walking on clouds, my feet never hurt even after long runs”
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Still looking good after 300 miles, but the cloud pods are showing wear”
Support	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Finally found a shoe that stops my ankles from rolling inward”
Value	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	“Expensive but worth it for the comfort and support”
Style	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Look great with running clothes, a bit bulky for casual wear”
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“My go-to shoes for long runs and when my feet need extra care”

Cloudswift User Reviews

Aspect	Star Rating	Common Comments
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Comfortable once broken in, took about 20 miles to feel right”
Durability	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	“The thin mesh tore after about 250 miles of use”
Responsiveness	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Feel fast and springy, great energy return”
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Good price for the technology and performance”
Style	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Sleek design, I wear them running and with jeans”
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Perfect for speed work and races, not as good for recovery days”

Who Should Choose the Cloudflyer 4?

The Cloudflyer 4 is best for you if:

• Your feet roll inward (overpronate) when you run
• You need extra support and stability
• You like soft, plush cushioning
• You run longer distances
• You have wider feet or like a roomier toe box
• Comfort is more important to you than speed
• You stand or walk all day at work
• You’re recovering from an injury and need extra protection

The Cloudflyer 4 works well as an everyday training shoe that can handle lots of miles while keeping your feet comfortable and supported.

Who Should Choose the Cloudswift?

The Cloudswift is better for you if:

• You have a neutral running style (your feet don’t roll inward much)
• You prefer a firmer, more responsive feel
• You like to run fast or do speed workouts
• You enjoy a snug, sock-like fit
• You want a lightweight shoe
• You like a shoe that can work for both running and casual wear
• You have narrow or normal-width feet
• You prefer maximum breathability

The Cloudswift shines during faster runs and workouts when you want to feel quick and responsive.

Price Comparison

Cloudflyer 4 Pricing

• Regular price: $160-170 (varies by retailer)
• Sale price: Often found for $130-140 during seasonal sales
• Available at: On’s website, specialty running stores, some department stores

Cloudswift Pricing

• Regular price: $150-160 (varies by retailer)
• Sale price: Can be found for $120-130 during promotions
• Available at: On’s website, running specialty stores, sporting goods stores

Conclusion

Both the Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudswift are quality running shoes from On, but they serve different purposes. The Cloudflyer 4 focuses on support, stability, and plush comfort, making it perfect for runners who need extra help keeping their feet aligned or who prioritize cushioning over speed. The Cloudswift offers a more responsive, lightweight experience for neutral runners who want to feel fast and agile.

Your choice between these two shoes should depend on your running style, foot type, and what feels most comfortable to you. Many serious runners actually own both – using the Cloudflyer 4 for long runs and recovery days, and the Cloudswift for faster workouts and races.

Frequently Asked Questions