On Cloud 5 vs Fuse Shoes

These innovative shoes from Swiss brand On Running have taken the athletic world by storm. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the best choice for your feet.

On Cloud 5 vs Fuse

On Cloud 5 vs Fuse Shoes

The main difference between On Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse shoes lies in their intended use and performance features. The Cloud 5 is designed for everyday running and casual wear, offering lightweight comfort and versatility.

In contrast, the Cloud 5 Fuse is geared towards performance running, featuring enhanced cushioning, stability, and a more structured upper for intense workouts and races.

Now, let’s create a detailed comparison table for On Cloud 5 vs Fuse Shoes:

FeatureOn Cloud 5On Cloud 5 Fuse
Intended UseEveryday running, casual wearPerformance running, racing
Upper MaterialEngineered meshFused synthetic materials
Weight (Men’s 8.5)8.82 oz (250 g)9.17 oz (260 g)
Weight (Women’s 7)7.41 oz (210 g)7.76 oz (220 g)
CushioningModerate CloudTec®Enhanced CloudTec®
StabilityModerateEnhanced
BreathabilityExcellentGood
FlexibilityVery flexibleSlightly stiffer for performance
DurabilityGoodExcellent
Water ResistanceModerateSlightly better
FitRelaxed, true-to-sizeSnug, performance-oriented
Comfort for All-Day WearExcellentGood
Performance FeaturesStandardAdvanced
StyleVersatile, casual-friendlyTechnical, performance-oriented
Price (MSRP)$139.99$159.99
User Rating4.5/54.8/5

Summary: The On Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse cater to different running needs. The Cloud 5 excels in everyday comfort, versatility, and breathability, making it ideal for casual runners and all-day wear.

The Cloud 5 Fuse, while slightly heavier and less flexible, offers enhanced performance features, durability, and stability, making it the preferred choice for serious runners and high-intensity workouts.

Which Shoes Perfect for Any Activity

Certainly! I’ll create a similar comparison for “On Cloud 5 vs Cloud 5 Fuse Shoes” focusing on running, walking, and standing all day. Here’s the comparison:

For Running

On Cloud 5 Shoes

  • Designed with CloudTec® cushioning for responsive feel
  • Lightweight construction ideal for everyday runs
  • Offers good energy return for moderate-paced runs
  • Suitable for daily training and short to medium distances

Cloud 5 Fuse Shoes

  • Enhanced CloudTec® cushioning for superior performance
  • Slightly heavier but optimized for intense workouts
  • Provides excellent energy return for faster-paced runs
  • Ideal for serious training, tempo runs, and races

For Walking

On Cloud 5 Shoes

  • Comfortable for casual walks due to lightweight design
  • Breathable engineered mesh upper keeps feet cool
  • Flexible construction allows for natural foot movement

Cloud 5 Fuse Shoes

  • Offers more structured support for longer walks
  • Fused upper provides better protection against elements
  • Enhanced cushioning can be beneficial for extended walking

For Standing All Day

On Cloud 5 Shoes

  • Lightweight design helps reduce fatigue during long periods
  • CloudTec® pods provide consistent cushioning throughout the day
  • Breathable upper enhances comfort in various environments

Cloud 5 Fuse Shoes

  • Enhanced stability features offer better support for prolonged standing
  • More durable construction withstands daily wear and tear
  • Advanced cushioning system provides sustained comfort over time

Overview to On Running

Before we compare the Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse, let’s take a quick look at the brand behind these shoes.

The On Running Story

On Running, founded in 2010 by former professional athlete Olivier Bernhard and his friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti, has quickly become a favorite among runners worldwide.

Their unique CloudTec® technology promises a soft landing followed by an explosive takeoff, revolutionizing the running experience.

CloudTec® Technology: The Heart of On Running Shoes

At the core of both the Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse is On’s signature CloudTec® technology. This innovative design features hollow pods on the sole that compress upon impact, providing cushioning and then firming up for a powerful push-off.

Durability: Built to Last

Cloud 5 Durability

The Cloud 5 is designed for everyday use, balancing durability with lightweight construction. Its engineered mesh upper is reinforced in high-wear areas, providing good resistance to daily wear and tear.

Cloud 5 Fuse Durability

The Cloud 5 Fuse takes durability up a notch. Its fused upper construction adds extra strength without significant weight, making it more resistant to the rigors of intense training and racing.

Durability Comparison

While both shoes are built to last, the Cloud 5 Fuse has a slight edge in durability due to its reinforced construction. However, for casual runners, the Cloud 5’s durability should be more than sufficient.

Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool

Cloud 5 Breathability

The Cloud 5 features a highly breathable engineered mesh upper. This material allows for excellent air circulation, keeping your feet cool and dry during runs or throughout the day.

Cloud 5 Fuse Breathability

The Cloud 5 Fuse, while still breathable, sacrifices a bit of ventilation for its more structured design. The fused upper materials, while enhancing durability and support, slightly reduce overall breathability compared to the Cloud 5.

Breathability Comparison

If maximum breathability is your priority, the Cloud 5 has the edge. However, the Cloud 5 Fuse still offers good ventilation, especially considering its performance-oriented design.

Cushioning: Comfort for Every Step

Cloud 5 Cushioning

The Cloud 5 offers On’s signature CloudTec® cushioning, providing a balance of soft landings and responsive takeoffs. It’s designed to offer comfort for everyday runs and all-day wear.

Cloud 5 Fuse Cushioning

The Cloud 5 Fuse takes cushioning to the next level. It features enhanced CloudTec® elements, offering more impact protection and energy return. This makes it ideal for longer runs and high-intensity workouts.

Cushioning Comparison

While both shoes provide excellent cushioning, the Cloud 5 Fuse offers a more pronounced, performance-oriented cushioning experience. The Cloud 5, on the other hand, provides a more balanced, everyday cushioning feel.

On Cloud 5 vs Fuse

Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match

Cloud 5 Fit

The Cloud 5 is designed to accommodate a wide range of foot shapes. It offers a comfortable, true-to-size fit with a roomy toe box and secure midfoot.

Cloud 5 Fuse Fit

The Cloud 5 Fuse provides a more performance-oriented fit. It hugs the foot more closely, especially in the midfoot, to provide enhanced support during high-intensity activities.

Fit Comparison

If you prefer a more relaxed, everyday fit, the Cloud 5 might be your best bet. For those seeking a snugger, more responsive fit for performance running, the Cloud 5 Fuse could be the way to go.

Stability: Keeping You Steady

Cloud 5 Stability

The Cloud 5 offers moderate stability, suitable for neutral runners. Its wider base and CloudTec® pods provide a stable platform for everyday activities.

Cloud 5 Fuse Stability

The Cloud 5 Fuse steps up the stability game. Its more structured upper and enhanced midsole geometry offer increased support, making it suitable for longer runs and more intense workouts.

Stability Comparison

While both shoes provide good stability for neutral runners, the Cloud 5 Fuse offers enhanced stability features that may benefit those requiring more support or engaging in more intense activities.

Comfort: All-Day Wearability

Cloud 5 Comfort

The Cloud 5 shines in all-day comfort. Its plush interior, flexible construction, and balanced cushioning make it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours on their feet.

Cloud 5 Fuse Comfort

The Cloud 5 Fuse prioritizes performance comfort. While still comfortable for extended wear, its firmer, more responsive feel is geared towards comfort during running and high-intensity activities.

Comfort Comparison

For all-day, casual comfort, the Cloud 5 takes the lead. However, if your definition of comfort includes responsive performance during runs, the Cloud 5 Fuse might be more your style.

Quality: Swiss Engineering at Its Finest

Cloud 5 Quality

The Cloud 5 showcases On’s commitment to quality. From the precision-engineered CloudTec® pods to the carefully constructed upper, every element speaks to Swiss attention to detail.

Cloud 5 Fuse Quality

The Cloud 5 Fuse takes quality up another notch. Its advanced materials and construction techniques result in a shoe that’s built to perform at the highest levels.

Quality Comparison

Both shoes exhibit excellent quality, befitting their premium price tags. The Cloud 5 Fuse might have a slight edge in terms of advanced materials and construction, but both models represent top-tier quality in the running shoe market.

Style: Sleek Swiss Design

Cloud 5 Style

The Cloud 5 boasts a clean, minimalist aesthetic that’s become On’s signature look. It’s available in a range of colors, from subtle to bold, making it as suitable for casual wear as it is for running.

Cloud 5 Fuse Style

The Cloud 5 Fuse maintains On’s sleek design language but with a more technical, performance-oriented look. Its fused upper creates unique visual textures, signaling its status as a serious running shoe.

Style Comparison

Both shoes are stylish in their own right. The Cloud 5 might have broader appeal for those looking for a shoe that transitions seamlessly from running to everyday wear.

The Cloud 5 Fuse, with its more technical appearance, will appeal to those who want their shoes to broadcast their serious runner status.

On Cloud 5 vs Fuse

Size: Finding the Right Fit

Both the Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse follow On’s standard sizing. Here’s a quick guide to help you find your size:

US Men’s SizeUS Women’s SizeEU SizeUK SizeCM
78.5406.525.5
89.5417.526.5
910.542.58.527.5
1011.5449.528.5
1112.54510.529.5

Remember, it’s always best to try on shoes before purchasing if possible, as individual fit can vary.

Material: Engineered for Performance

Cloud 5 Materials

The Cloud 5 uses a lightweight, breathable engineered mesh for its upper. The midsole features On’s proprietary Zero-Gravity foam, while the outsole incorporates rubber reinforcements for durability.

Cloud 5 Fuse Materials

The Cloud 5 Fuse incorporates more advanced materials. Its upper uses fused synthetic materials for enhanced structure and support. The midsole and outsole use similar materials to the Cloud 5 but with optimized geometries for performance.

Material Comparison

Both shoes use high-quality materials, but the Cloud 5 Fuse incorporates more advanced, performance-oriented materials in its construction.

Weight: Light on Your Feet

Cloud 5 Weight

The Cloud 5 is designed to be supremely lightweight. Men’s size 8.5 weighs approximately 8.82 oz (250 g), while the women’s size 7 comes in at about 7.41 oz (210 g).

Cloud 5 Fuse Weight

The Cloud 5 Fuse, despite its enhanced features, manages to keep weight low. The men’s size 8.5 weighs about 9.17 oz (260 g), with the women’s size 7 at 7.76 oz (220 g).

Weight Comparison

While both shoes are impressively light, the Cloud 5 has a slight edge in the weight department. However, the minimal weight difference is offset by the Cloud 5 Fuse’s enhanced performance features.

Flexibility: Bending to Your Will

Cloud 5 Flexibility

The Cloud 5 offers excellent flexibility, thanks to its lightweight construction and strategically placed flex grooves. This flexibility contributes to its comfort for all-day wear and natural foot movement during runs.

Cloud 5 Fuse Flexibility

The Cloud 5 Fuse, while still flexible, is slightly stiffer than the Cloud 5. This increased rigidity is intentional, providing more structure and support for performance running.

Flexibility Comparison

If maximum flexibility is your goal, the Cloud 5 comes out on top. However, the Cloud 5 Fuse’s balance of flexibility and structure may be preferable for more intense running sessions.

Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry

Cloud 5 Water Resistance

The Cloud 5 offers moderate water resistance. While not waterproof, its engineered mesh upper does provide some protection against light rain and morning dew.

Cloud 5 Fuse Water Resistance

The Cloud 5 Fuse, with its fused upper construction, offers slightly better water resistance than the Cloud 5. It’s still not waterproof, but it can handle light moisture more effectively.

Water Resistance Comparison

Neither shoe is designed for wet conditions, but the Cloud 5 Fuse has a slight edge in water resistance. For serious wet-weather running, you might want to look at On’s waterproof models.

Sole: The Foundation of Performance

Cloud 5 Sole

The Cloud 5’s sole features On’s signature CloudTec® pods, providing cushioning and energy return. The outsole includes strategic rubber placements for durability and traction.

Cloud 5 Fuse Sole

The Cloud 5 Fuse takes the CloudTec® technology further, with optimized pod geometry for enhanced performance. The outsole features additional rubber coverage for improved durability and grip.

Sole Comparison

While both soles offer excellent performance, the Cloud 5 Fuse’s sole is optimized for more intense running, offering enhanced cushioning, responsiveness, and durability.

On Cloud 5 vs Fuse

User Reviews: What Runners Are Saying

Let’s take a look at what real users think about these shoes:

ShoeAverage RatingComfortPerformanceDurability
Cloud 5 (4.5/5)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloud 5 Fuse(4.8/5)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Users praise the Cloud 5 for its all-day comfort and versatility, while the Cloud 5 Fuse receives high marks for its performance features and durability.

Price: Investing in Your Run

ShoeMSRP
Cloud 5$139.99
Cloud 5 Fuse$159.99

While both shoes are premium-priced, the Cloud 5 Fuse commands a higher price due to its advanced features and performance-oriented design.

Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons for both the On Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse shoes:

Pros: On Cloud 5 Shoes

  • Lighter weight for effortless wear
  • Highly breathable engineered mesh upper
  • Excellent for everyday use and casual wear
  • More flexible construction
  • Lower price point
  • Versatile for various activities

Cons: On Cloud 5 Shoes

  • Less suitable for high-intensity workouts
  • Moderate stability might not suffice for some runners
  • Less durable than the Cloud 5 Fuse
  • Limited water resistance

Pros: Cloud 5 Fuse Shoes

  • Enhanced performance features for serious runners
  • Superior cushioning for longer distances
  • Improved stability and support
  • More durable construction
  • Better water resistance
  • Optimized for race day and intense training

Cons: Cloud 5 Fuse Shoes

  • Slightly heavier than the Cloud 5
  • Higher price point
  • Less flexible, which may not suit all runners
  • May feel too structured for casual, everyday wear
  • Reduced breathability compared to Cloud 5

Both the Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse are excellent shoes that showcase On’s commitment to innovation and quality. Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences:

Choose the Cloud 5 if:

  • You want a versatile shoe for everyday running and casual wear
  • Maximum comfort and breathability are your top priorities
  • You prefer a lighter, more flexible shoe

Opt for the Cloud 5 Fuse if:

  • You’re a serious runner looking for performance-oriented features
  • You need extra stability and support for longer runs
  • You don’t mind paying a bit more for advanced materials and construction

Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a high-quality running shoe backed by Swiss engineering and On’s innovative CloudTec® technology.

Are On Cloud shoes good for flat feet?

While On shoes are generally designed for neutral runners, some users with flat feet find them comfortable. The Cloud 5 Fuse, with its enhanced stability features, might be more suitable for those needing extra support.

Can I use On Cloud shoes for walking?

Absolutely! The Cloud 5, in particular, is excellent for walking due to its all-day comfort and versatility.

How long do On Cloud shoes typically last?

With proper care, On Cloud shoes can last 300-500 miles of running, depending on your running style and the surfaces you run on.

Are On Cloud shoes waterproof?

The Cloud 5 and Cloud 5 Fuse are not waterproof, though they offer some water resistance. On does offer waterproof models in their lineup for wet-weather running.

Can I use On Cloud shoes for gym workouts?

While designed primarily for running, many users find On Cloud shoes suitable for gym workouts. The Cloud 5 Fuse, with its enhanced stability, might be particularly well-suited for cross-training activities.