Are you looking for the perfect athletic shoe? Maybe you’ve heard about the On Cloud X and Nike Metcon, but you’re not sure which one to choose.
Don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure it out. Let’s compare these two popular shoes and see which one might be the best fit for you.

Contents
- 1 On Cloud X vs Nike Metcon Shoes
- 2 What Are These Shoes?
- 3 Durability: Built to Last?
- 4 Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 5 Cushioning: Comfort for Your Feet
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Steady
- 8 Comfort: Feeling Good All Day
- 9 Quality: Built to Last
- 10 Style: Looking Good While You Work Out
- 11 Size: Finding the Right Fit
- 12 Material: What Are They Made Of?
- 13 Weight: Light as a Feather?
- 14 Flexibility: Bending and Moving
- 15 Water Resistance: Staying Dry
- 16 Sole: The Bottom Line
- 17 User Reviews and Ratings
- 18 Price Comparison
- 19 Pros and Cons
On Cloud X vs Nike Metcon Shoes
The main difference between On Cloud X and Nike Metcon shoes is their primary purpose. On Cloud X is designed for versatile training and running, while Nike Metcon is built specifically for CrossFit and weightlifting.
On Cloud X is lighter and more flexible, focusing on comfort for various activities. Nike Metcon offers more stability and support for heavy lifting and intense workouts.
Now, let’s create a detailed comparison table for On Cloud X vs Nike Metcon Shoes:
Feature | On Cloud X | Nike Metcon |
Best for | Versatile training, running | CrossFit, weightlifting |
Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
Cushioning | More cushioning | Less cushioning |
Stability | Moderate | High |
Flexibility | More flexible | Less flexible |
Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm | 4mm |
Durability | Moderate | High |
Price | Similar | Similar |
Upper material | Engineered mesh | Varies (often mesh or leather) |
Outsole | Rubber | Rubber with rope guard |
In summary: On Cloud X is a versatile shoe for various activities, especially running and light training. Nike Metcon is specialized for CrossFit and weightlifting, offering more stability and durability. The choice depends on your main workout style and needs.
What Are These Shoes?
Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly introduce our contenders:
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X is a versatile shoe made by the Swiss company On Running. It’s designed for various activities, from running to gym workouts.
Nike Metcon
The Nike Metcon is a training shoe created by the well-known brand Nike. It’s built for CrossFit and other high-intensity workouts.
Now, let’s compare these shoes in different areas to help you decide which one might be better for you.
Durability: Built to Last?
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X is made with strong materials that can handle a lot of wear and tear. The upper part of the shoe is made of a tough mesh that doesn’t rip easily. The bottom of the shoe, called the outsole, is made of rubber that grips well and doesn’t wear down quickly.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes are known for being very durable. They have a strong rubber sole that can handle rough surfaces in the gym. The upper part is made of a material that resists scrapes and tears, which is great for activities like rope climbs in CrossFit.
Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X has a breathable upper made of light mesh. This lets air flow through the shoe, keeping your feet cool and dry during workouts or runs.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes also have good breathability. They use a material called Flywire in the upper, which allows air to circulate while still providing support.

Cushioning: Comfort for Your Feet
On Cloud X
On Cloud X shoes are known for their unique cushioning system. They have little pods on the bottom that look like clouds (that’s where the name comes from!). These pods compress when you step down and spring back when you lift your foot, giving you a bouncy, cushioned feeling.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes have less cushioning than the On Cloud X. They’re designed to keep your feet close to the ground, which is good for lifting weights and quick movements. However, they might not feel as soft when you’re running or jumping.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X tends to have a narrower fit, especially in the heel area. It’s good for people with narrow to average-width feet. The shoe also has a snug fit in the midfoot, which helps keep your foot secure during quick movements.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes usually have a wider fit, especially in the toe box (the front part of the shoe). This gives your toes more room to spread out, which is helpful when you’re lifting weights or doing exercises that need a stable base.
Stability: Keeping You Steady
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X provides good stability for running and general workouts. The “cloud” pods on the bottom help distribute your weight evenly, which can make you feel more stable when you’re moving in different directions.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes are designed for maximum stability during weightlifting and CrossFit exercises. They have a flat, wide base that helps you feel grounded and steady when you’re lifting heavy weights or doing squats.
Comfort: Feeling Good All Day
On Cloud X
Many people find the On Cloud X very comfortable for all-day wear. The soft cushioning and lightweight design make it easy to wear these shoes for long periods without feeling tired.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes are comfortable for gym workouts, but they might not be as cozy for all-day wear or long walks. Their firmer cushioning is great for workouts but might feel a bit hard if you’re on your feet all day.

Quality: Built to Last
On Cloud X
On Running is known for making high-quality shoes, and the Cloud X is no exception. The materials and construction are top-notch, which means these shoes should last a long time with proper care.
Nike Metcon
Nike is a well-respected brand, and the Metcon line is known for its quality. These shoes are built to withstand tough workouts and should hold up well over time.
Style: Looking Good While You Work Out
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X has a sleek, modern look that many people love. It comes in various colors, from simple black and white to bright, eye-catching combinations. The unique “cloud” pods on the bottom also give it a distinctive appearance.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes have a more traditional athletic shoe look, but with some cool design elements. They often feature bold colors and patterns, and the Nike swoosh is prominently displayed. Many people like their sturdy, no-nonsense appearance.
Size: Finding the Right Fit
On Cloud X
On Cloud X shoes generally run true to size, meaning the size you usually wear should fit well. However, because they have a narrower fit, some people with wider feet might want to go up half a size.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes also tend to run true to size. However, because they have a wider toe box, people with narrow feet might find they need to go down half a size for the best fit.
Material: What Are They Made Of?
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X uses a mix of materials. The upper is made of a lightweight, breathable mesh. The midsole (the part between the upper and the sole) is made of a special foam that On calls “CloudTec.” The outsole is made of durable rubber.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes use a variety of materials too. The upper is often made of a durable mesh or synthetic material. The midsole uses Nike’s React foam for cushioning, and the outsole is made of tough rubber designed to grip well on different surfaces.
Weight: Light as a Feather?
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X is known for being very lightweight. A typical pair weighs about 8 ounces (230 grams) for men’s shoes and 6.6 ounces (190 grams) for women’s shoes. This light weight makes them great for running and activities where you need to move quickly.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes are a bit heavier than the On Cloud X. A typical pair weighs about 11.5 ounces (326 grams) for men and 9.5 ounces (269 grams) for women. The extra weight comes from the materials used to make the shoe more durable and stable for weightlifting.
Flexibility: Bending and Moving
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X is quite flexible, especially in the forefoot (the front part of the shoe). This flexibility makes it easy to run and do quick movements. The “cloud” pods on the bottom also flex well, adding to the overall flexibility of the shoe.
Nike Metcon
Nike Metcon shoes are less flexible than the On Cloud X. They’re designed to be stiffer to provide more support during weightlifting and CrossFit exercises. However, they do have some flex in the forefoot to allow for natural foot movement during workouts.
Water Resistance: Staying Dry
On Cloud X
The On Cloud X isn’t specifically designed to be water-resistant. The mesh upper will let water in if you’re running in rain or stepping in puddles. However, the shoe does dry relatively quickly due to its breathable design.
Nike Metcon
Like the On Cloud X, Nike Metcon shoes aren’t made to be water-resistant. They’re designed for indoor gym use, so they don’t have special features to keep water out. If they get wet, they might take a bit longer to dry due to the denser materials used in their construction.

Sole: The Bottom Line
On Cloud X
The sole of the On Cloud X features the unique “cloud” pods that give On Running shoes their distinctive look and feel.
These pods are designed to provide cushioning when you land and a firm push-off when you take your next step. The outsole (the very bottom of the shoe) is made of durable rubber that provides good traction on various surfaces.
Nike Metcon
The Nike Metcon has a flat, wide sole that’s designed for stability during weightlifting and CrossFit exercises. The outsole is made of tough rubber with a pattern that provides excellent grip, even when you’re pushing hard during workouts. The sole also wraps up the side of the shoe in some areas, which helps protect it during activities like rope climbs.
User Reviews and Ratings
Let’s see what other people are saying about these shoes:
Shoe | Average Rating | User Comments |
On Cloud X | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 | “Super comfy for all-day wear!” |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Great for running and gym workouts.” | |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Wish they were a bit more durable for the price.” | |
Nike Metcon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 | “Perfect for CrossFit and weightlifting.” |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Stable and supportive during intense workouts.” | |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Not the best for running, but amazing in the gym.” |
Price Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the price range for these shoes:
Shoe | Price Range |
On Cloud X | $140 – $160 |
Nike Metcon | $130 – $150 |
Remember, prices can change and there might be sales or special deals available!
Pros and Cons
On Cloud X Shoes
Pros
It’s super light and comfy. You can use it for lots of different activities like running, gym workouts, or even short races. It feels bouncy and helps you move fast. It’s also good for everyday wear.
Cons
It’s not the best for heavy lifting or really tough workouts. It might not last as long as some other shoes if you use it for intense training. It doesn’t give as much support for side-to-side movements.
Nike Metcon Shoes
Pros
It’s great for CrossFit and weightlifting. It gives you a lot of support when you’re lifting heavy weights. The bottom of the shoe is really tough and won’t wear out quickly. It’s stable for exercises where you move side to side.
Cons
It’s not very comfy for running, especially longer distances. It’s heavier than the On Cloud X. It might feel too stiff for some people who want a more flexible shoe. It’s not as good for everyday wear or casual use.
In conclusion: After looking at all these details, you might be wondering which shoe is the best choice. The truth is, it depends on what you need!
If you want a shoe that’s great for running, general workouts, and everyday wear, the On Cloud X might be your best bet. It’s lightweight, flexible, and has lots of cushioning to keep your feet comfy all day long.
If you’re more into weightlifting, CrossFit, or other intense gym workouts, the Nike Metcon could be the better choice. It’s super stable, durable, and designed to handle tough exercises.
Can I use On Cloud X for weightlifting?
While you can do some light weightlifting in On Cloud X shoes, they’re not specifically designed for heavy lifting. For serious weightlifting, the Nike Metcon might be a better choice.
Are Nike Metcon shoes good for running?
Nike Metcon shoes are okay for short runs or sprints during a workout, but they’re not designed for long-distance running. The On Cloud X would be better for longer runs.
Which shoe is better for wide feet?
The Nike Metcon typically has a wider fit, especially in the toe box, so it might be more comfortable for people with wide feet.
Can I wear these shoes for everyday activities?
Many people find the On Cloud X comfortable for all-day wear. The Nike Metcon, while great for workouts, might feel a bit stiff for everyday use.
How long do these shoes typically last?
With regular use, both shoes should last about 6-12 months. However, this can vary depending on how often you wear them and what activities you do.