Athletic Shoes

Published on December 24th, 2024 | by Kirsten Borrink

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On Cloud 5 Sneaker Review from a Non-Runner with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Disclaimer: I am not a runner. I wear running shoes to work out because they cushion my joints better than other types of fitness shoes (I do an interval-type workout of elliptical, rower and weights along with Zumba dance). If you have compromised joints yet still enjoy working out, read on. Or if you wear custom orthotics and have a difficult time finding an exercise shoe to accommodate them, watch the above On Cloud 5 review by yours truly.

It was 2018 when I bought my first and only (until now) pair of On Cloud shoes. The pod-soled shoes hadn’t trended yet but the initial reviews were stellar. At the time, there were only a few styles to choose from, so I opted for the original On Cloud sneaker–similar to the one featured above. I loved how lightweight they felt on my aching RA feet and how the mesh uppers conformed to my bunions and hammertoes. But over time, I opted for more supportive footwear as I found the arch support of the On Clouds to be minimal to moderate at best.

Fast forward six years and On running shoes have taken off among Lululemon moms, Gen-X dads, health professionals, serious athletes…and then there’s me: 50-something former teacher with rheumatoid arthritis that has ruined her feet. Yep, I bought myself the same basic On Cloud shoes I wore back in 2018 with a new motivation: I wanted a pair of stylish sneakers that would accommodate my new clunky orthotics. I already have my favorite fitness shoes for Zumba and long walks (Topo Athletic), but I wanted something a little spiffier for casual outings around town.

I read that the On Cloud 5 runs just a little short, so I ordered the 10.5 (glad they carry this unicorn size). They accommodate my orthotics perfectly as you can see in the above video. The speed lacing system stretches nicely to conform to my instep which an be painful due to midfoot arthritis and a bone spur on top of my left foot (I swear, I’m falling apart).

Of course, the signature CloudTec® cushioning pods on the outsole provide that springy, lightweight feel that I remember from my very first pair of On Cloud shoes six years ago. These are keepers. Whatever it takes to cheer up my sad feet, I’m ON it!

Find a pair of On Cloud shoes for your happy or unhappy feet in sizes 5-11 (men’s sizes too!) for $140 from ON, Zappos, Nordstrom and Amazon.

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