On Cloud 5 Waterproof Review: Stylish, Lightweight Sneakers for All-Weather Travel

The Cloud 5 Waterproof sits in that sweet spot where style meets function—something that’s trickier to pull off than it sounds. After weeks of testing, I can say this: if you need one pair of shoes for unpredictable weather and varied activities, this is genuinely one of the best options out there. But it’s not perfect, and perhaps that’s what makes it feel human. See how the Cloud 5 compares to other waterproof sneakers in our complete buying guide.

First Impressions & Design

Right out the box, these feel surprisingly light at 10.2 oz—lighter than most regular walking shoes, which is impressive given the waterproof membrane. The aesthetic is clean, minimal, almost sneaker-meets-running-shoe in the best way. The speed laces system works exactly as advertised; you can slip these on and off without bending down, which becomes addictive once you’re used to it.

The silhouette isn’t bulky like some waterproof shoes tend to be. They look good with jeans, decent enough for casual offices, and don’t scream “hiking gear” when you’re just trying to grab coffee. That said, the CloudTec pods on the sole are distinctive—you’ll either love the unique look or find it a bit much.

What struck me first was how refined this version feels compared to the regular Cloud 5. The waterproof upper has a slightly more structured feel, less flexible but more protective. It’s subtle, but you notice it.

Waterproof Performance

Here’s where things get interesting. On uses their proprietary waterproof membrane rather than Gore-Tex, and honestly? It works. Lab testing shows it blocks essentially all moisture—we’re talking 1 out of 5 on the breathability scale, which means water isn’t getting in. I’ve worn these through proper downpours, standing water, even accidentally stepped through some surprisingly deep puddles, and my feet stayed completely dry.

The membrane is made from 100% recycled materials, which feels good from an environmental standpoint. But here’s the trade-off everyone talks about: breathability suffers significantly compared to regular mesh sneakers. Your feet will run warmer, especially during active use or in hot weather. It’s the price you pay for waterproofing, but it’s noticeable.

Compared to Gore-Tex options, On’s membrane feels slightly less breathable but equally waterproof. If you want serious Gore-Tex performance in a lightweight walking shoe, check out the Hoka Clifton 9 GTX. The advantage? It’s often more affordable than Gore-Tex equivalents, and the environmental angle is appealing.

Comfort & Fit

This is where the Cloud 5 Waterproof really shines, though with some caveats. The CloudTec midsole provides that signature bouncy feeling—it’s firm enough to feel supportive but soft enough for all-day wear. The durometer testing shows it’s about 10% firmer than average walking shoes, but that translates to better stability rather than discomfort.

The 6.5mm heel-to-toe drop (not the 8mm On claims) feels natural for most walking gaits. Stack heights of 28.9mm heel and 22.4mm forefoot provide decent cushioning without feeling excessive.

Sizing is crucial here. These run noticeably small and narrow. I’d recommend going up a half size, especially if you have average to wide feet. The toebox measures narrow at 94.7mm width, and several testers experienced blisters when wearing their normal size. If you typically wear a 9, try a 9.5 in these.

The fit through the midfoot is snug—almost sock-like when you get the sizing right. But that narrow profile means they’re not great for wide feet. On doesn’t really make wide-fitting shoes, so keep that in mind.

Durability & Traction

After several months of testing, durability looks promising but with some asterisks. The rubber CloudTec pods are 3.3mm thick (nearly double the average) and 16% harder than typical rubber, which should extend their lifespan. One tester put 237km on a pair with minimal visible wear.

But there are concerns. The mesh upper isn’t particularly thick in common wear areas. The lace holes lack reinforcement, which could become an issue over time. And those distinctive CloudTec pods? They definitely catch small rocks and debris, though it’s less problematic than with some other On models.

Traction is… adequate. The CloudTec system works well on dry pavement and light wet conditions. But on tricky surfaces—wet leaves, loose gravel, steep gradients—these can feel a bit sketchy. This isn’t a technical hiking shoe; it’s more urban-focused with some light trail capability. For serious mixed-terrain running with better traction, consider the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

The Cloud 5 Waterproof excels as a travel and commuter shoe—that’s its sweet spot. If you need something that transitions seamlessly from airport security to city exploration to unexpected weather, this delivers. The waterproofing is legit, the comfort is impressive, and the style works in more situations than typical waterproof footwear.

It’s less ideal as a serious hiking shoe or for hot climates where breathability matters more. And if you have wide feet, look elsewhere—the narrow fit just won’t work. For a more packable, machine-washable travel option, see our Vessi Weekend Sneaker review.

Best for: Travelers, urban commuters, anyone needing stylish wet-weather protection for moderate activities

Skip if: You have wide feet, prioritize breathability, or need serious trail traction

Related Models You Might Like:

• For style-first daily wear: Sorel Ona Ave Low Waterproof review
• For more ankle coverage: On Cloudroam Waterproof review

Ready to try them? Check current prices and availability: Amazon

The Cloud 5 Waterproof isn’t perfect, but for what it promises—stylish, lightweight, genuinely waterproof shoes for daily life—it delivers more than it disappoints.