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On Cloud X Review: Here's Why They SMASH The Competition!
This On Cloud X Review reveals 1.) how they perform for running 2.) how they compare to other On running shoes 3.) Pros & Cons, Overall Rating & MORE!
The On Cloud X is marketed as the do-it-all workout shoe. This shoe has it all; stability, agility, versatility, with the potential to crush runs and mixed-sport workouts in a lightweight and very reactive training shoe. This is exactly why this shoe is so popular with so many, including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Interested in getting up to 40% OFF On running shoes? Visit On's Classic range page to see their latest deals.
This shoe is for those who love to mix up their training but want to only have 1 pair of training shoes. I hope this On Cloud X review answers your pre-purchase questions but if there's anything else you would like to know, please leave me a comment down below.
This shoe is built with versatility in mind, from running, training and racing in mixed environments across a range of different events/sports involving running.
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This means you can hit your goals wearing these shoes for trail running on light trails (like I did - read on later for how I smashed a 50m race in these shoes!), road running, in the gym, and even for triathlon training as they are comfortable to wear without socks, resulting in fast transitions.
Keep reading this On Cloud X review to gain valuable insights into the stellar shoe from On Running.
On Cloud X Fit & Design
The On Cloud X shoes have a neutral fit, similar to the most popular On Running shoes, the On Cloud, reviewed here.
When I first slipped them on, I was impressed at how comfortable they felt, easily as comfortable as the infamous On Cloud, which in itself is impressive.
When you combined this comfort with their minimal weight, they really feel like an extension of your foot.
If you do feel you need extra arch support then I would recommend getting yourself a pair of good running insoles to help improve comfort and running form for those who need the extra support underfoot.
Inner & Outer Meshes
The inner and outer mesh materials that On are using for the Cloud X really stand out to me as something innovative.T
hey both stretch but the inner 'sock liner' is much softer than the outer, which negates the need for socks, should you prefer running in that style.
The stretchy mesh is breathable and allows your feet to expand comfortably as they warm up during exercise.
Feet can also shrink marginally during a workout or race, if external temperatures shift suddenly, so it's important to have a running shoe that can accommodate these changes. The On Cloud X shoes do this very well.
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On Cloud X Heel Support
The Cloud X shoes heel support is sturdy yet slim in its construction and also very soft and comfortable to the touch.
The On Running Cloud X ankle-wall height is just right for me allowing my ankles to fit snugly above while benefiting from their support!
On Cloud X Shoes Inner Sock
On Cloud X shoes have a nice little sock that attaches the tongue to the forefoot area, similar to the On Cloudflow running shoes.
This helps keep the forefoot snug within the shoe and stops the tongue from slipping out of place.
As a result of this sock, I didn't feel any discomfort caused by rubbing materials. All seams inside the shoe appear to be really well hidden, which also helps.
The Tongue in the On Cloud X Shoes
The Cloud X shoes' tongue itself is very thin, and lightweight but also has a good amount of padding to help give them that "run on clouds" feeling. Kudos to On Running!
On Cloud X Laces
On Running has massively improved their laces for this shoe. In some of my other On running shoe reviews, you will learn that I'm not a fan of their slim, non-stretchy and most of the time overly long laces.
These, on the other hand, are a perfect length and only require 1 tie for a secure knot.
This is down to the stretchy fabric they are built with which is another design feature to allow your feet to expand and shrink comfortably over the course of a run.
This whole experience makes for a much smoother ride that your feet will thank you for.
On Cloud X Outsole
If you haven't tried to "Run On Clouds" before, you must! They somehow make you want to run faster. I always notice this, especially when putting on a new pair.
The cloud pods give you that feeling of a cushioned landing, as they compress under your weight and forward force but also provide the feeling of a barefoot take-off as the pods are compressed and then spring back at the time of your foot leaving the ground.
Taking a closer look at the outsole reveals that the 'clouds' have sliced-off inside edges, angling outward.
This much-needed design tweak stops any small stones or debris getting caught in the pods, which used to be a problem shared amongst many.
On Cloud X Drop
The Cloud X running shoes have a heel to toe drop of 6mm, which is a recurring theme for most of their shoes.
6mm is a happy medium for runners moving towards a more minimal style of running, which I highly recommend.
On Cloud X Toe Box
I would say that the toe box area has a medium width. I have pretty average feet and they fit me really well. I'm guessing that the new stretch mesh will support almost any size feet anyway.
The On Running Cloud X weighs in at 8.47 ounces (240g) which is very light for a shoe with good cushioning.
I really felt the benefits of having such a lightweight shoe after my long runs.
The On Running Cloud X shoes come in a large variety of men's and women's specific colors, so be sure to check them all out in the On-Running store before purchasing a pair.
The color scheme of the shoes In my review is called "Glacier | Olive". I love having the "flash" of orange on the shoe, it really spices up my running outfit.
The color of the On Cloud X Women's shoe, pictured to the right (above on mobile) is called "White | Black". Pretty nice hey!
Running in the On Cloud X
The On Running Cloud X are so comfortable for running on the roads and light trails. I haven't tried any technical trails with them yet but if I do, I'll update this post to share my thoughts with you.
So far they have been very good for long and fast runs and I feel like I can push harder in my training sessions knowing that my feet won't suffer from it.
This, in turn, motivates me to want to run more often, which is so important during training blocks.
UPDATE:I ended up running a 50km trail ultramarathon in these during the summer and they performed better than I thought they would! The trails were mostly forest and buffed. I still rate these as one of my favorite On shoes for running!
On Cloud X Review Summary
Maybe you enjoy mixing up your trail running with some road running, training at the gym or playing other sports. The Cloud X running shoes will hold its own for all of them.
I bet you notice a flurry of PBs when you start running in them too because the outsole transfers energy to forward motion so well!
If you enjoyed this On Cloud X Review please share it with a friend who would also love these shoes.
Still not sure which On Running Shoes to buy?
Visit our Best On Running Shoes Guide for an ordered list of the top ON shoes for road and trail running. It has been designed to make your buying decisions easier.
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