Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudstratus Shoes

Hey there, young runners! Are you looking for a new pair of shoes to help you zoom around the track or cruise through your neighborhood?

Well, you’re in luck because today we’re going to talk about two awesome running shoes: the Cloudflyer 4 and the Cloudstratus. These shoes are made by a cool company called On Running, and they’re both great choices for different reasons.

Let’s dive in and see which one might be perfect for you!

Quick Comparison: Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudstratus Shoes

The main difference between Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudstratus shoes is their support level. Cloudflyer 4 offers moderate support for overpronators, while Cloudstratus provides maximum support for runners needing extra stability. Cloudflyer 4 is lighter and more flexible, ideal for everyday runs. Cloudstratus has more cushioning, making it better for long distances.

Now, let’s create a detailed comparison table for Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudstratus shoes:

Feature	Cloudflyer 4	Cloudstratus
Support Level	Moderate	Maximum
Weight	Lighter (about 280g)	Heavier (about 305g)
Cushioning	Medium	High
Best Use	Everyday runs, shorter distances	Long-distance runs
Pronation Control	Mild to moderate overpronation	Severe overpronation
Flexibility	More flexible	Less flexible
Heel-to-Toe Drop	9mm	8mm
Upper Material	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Midsole Technology	Helion superfoam	Helion superfoam
Price	Slightly less expensive	Slightly more expensive

In summary: Cloudflyer 4 and Cloudstratus are both running shoes made by On, but they have some differences. Cloudflyer 4 is lighter and better for everyday runs. It helps a little if your feet roll inward when you run.

Cloudstratus is heavier but has more cushioning. It’s great for long runs and helps a lot if your feet roll inward too much. Cloudflyer 4 bends more easily, while Cloudstratus gives more support. Both shoes have special foam to make running comfy. Choose Cloudflyer 4 for shorter runs and Cloudstratus for longer ones.

Also Read: Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudswift

What Makes These Shoes Special?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s talk about what makes these shoes stand out. Both the Cloudflyer 4 and the Cloudstratus are designed to give you a comfy ride while you run.

They use special technology to help cushion your feet and make you feel like you’re running on clouds (hence the “Cloud” in their names!).

Comfort: Walking on Clouds

Cloudflyer 4: Soft and Bouncy

The Cloudflyer 4 is like having little trampolines under your feet. It’s super soft and bouncy, which means it’s great for long runs or if you have sore feet. The shoe has lots of cushioning, especially in the heel, so when your foot hits the ground, it feels nice and gentle.

Cloudstratus: Double the Cushion

Now, the Cloudstratus takes cushioning to a whole new level. It has not one, but two layers of cloud-like cushioning! This means it’s extra soft and comfy, perfect for runners who want the most cushion possible. It’s like running on a fluffy cloud mattress!

Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match

Getting the right fit is super important when you’re choosing running shoes. Let’s see how these two stack up:

Cloudflyer 4: Snug and Secure

The Cloudflyer 4 has a fit that’s snug but not too tight. It hugs your foot in all the right places, which helps prevent your foot from sliding around inside the shoe. This is great for keeping your feet stable when you’re running.

Cloudstratus: Roomy and Comfortable

The Cloudstratus has a bit more room in the toe box (that’s the part where your toes go). This extra space can be really nice if your feet tend to swell up during long runs or if you just like having some wiggle room for your toes.

Stability: Keeping You Steady

When you’re running, you want shoes that help you stay balanced and prevent wobbling. Both of these shoes do a good job at this, but in slightly different ways.

Cloudflyer 4: Extra Support

The Cloudflyer 4 is designed with extra support features. It has a wider base and special cushioning pods that help keep your foot in the right position. This is awesome if you tend to roll your foot inward when you run (which is called overpronation).

Cloudstratus: Balanced and Smooth

The Cloudstratus also provides good stability, but in a more subtle way. Its double layer of cushioning helps distribute your weight evenly across your foot, which can help you maintain good form as you run.

Durability: Built to Last

You want your running shoes to last a long time, right? Let’s see how these shoes hold up over time.

Cloudflyer 4: Tough and Resilient

The Cloudflyer 4 is built with strong materials that can handle lots of miles. The rubber on the bottom of the shoe (called the outsole) is extra durable, so it won’t wear down quickly even if you run on rough surfaces.

Cloudstratus: Long-Lasting Comfort

The Cloudstratus is also made to last. Its double layer of cushioning not only provides comfort but also helps the shoe maintain its shape and support over time. The upper part of the shoe (the part that covers your foot) is made of a tough material that resists tears and stretching.

Also Read: Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloudsurfer

Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool

Nobody likes sweaty, stinky feet! Let’s see how these shoes help keep your feet fresh and dry.

Cloudflyer 4: Light and Airy

The Cloudflyer 4 has a mesh upper that allows air to flow through the shoe. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, even on hot days or during long runs.

Cloudstratus: Ventilated Comfort

The Cloudstratus also features a breathable upper, with strategic ventilation zones to let hot air escape and cool air enter. This helps prevent your feet from overheating during intense workouts.

Weight: Light as a Feather?

The weight of your running shoes can make a big difference in how you feel during your run. Let’s compare these two:

Shoe Model	Average Weight (Men’s)	Average Weight (Women’s)
Cloudflyer 4	10.2 oz (289g)	8.5 oz (241g)
Cloudstratus	10.7 oz (303g)	9.1 oz (258g)

As you can see, the Cloudflyer 4 is slightly lighter than the Cloudstratus. This might not seem like a big difference, but over many steps, it can add up!

Flexibility: Bend and Flex

Running shoes need to be flexible so they can move with your foot. Let’s see how these shoes flex:

Cloudflyer 4: Responsive Flex

The Cloudflyer 4 has a good balance of flexibility and support. It bends easily at the front of the foot, which helps you push off the ground with each step.

Cloudstratus: Adaptive Movement

The Cloudstratus is designed to flex with your foot’s natural movement. Its unique cushioning system allows the shoe to adapt to your stride, providing flexibility where you need it most.

Water Resistance: Splish Splash

While these shoes aren’t meant for swimming, it’s good to know how they handle a little water.

Cloudflyer 4: Quick-Drying

The Cloudflyer 4 isn’t waterproof, but its mesh upper dries quickly if you happen to run through a puddle or get caught in a light rain.

Cloudstratus: Water-Ready

The Cloudstratus has similar properties, with materials that don’t absorb much water and dry out fast. This helps keep your feet comfortable even in damp conditions.

Sole: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

The sole of a running shoe is super important. It’s the part that actually touches the ground and helps propel you forward.

Cloudflyer 4: Grippy and Responsive

The Cloudflyer 4 has a sole with lots of little “cloud” pods. These pods compress when your foot hits the ground and then spring back, giving you a bouncy feel. The rubber on the bottom provides good grip on different surfaces.

Cloudstratus: Double the Fun

The Cloudstratus has a unique sole with two layers of cloud pods. This gives you extra cushioning and a smooth ride. The rubber on the bottom is designed to last a long time and give you good traction.

Style: Looking Good While You Run

Let’s face it, we all want shoes that look cool too! Here’s how these shoes stack up in the style department:

Cloudflyer 4: Sleek and Modern

The Cloudflyer 4 has a sleek, modern look with clean lines and cool color options. It looks fast even when you’re standing still!

Cloudstratus: Bold and Eye-Catching

The Cloudstratus has a more pronounced sole design that really stands out. It comes in some fun color combinations that are sure to get noticed on the track or trail.

Also Read: Cloudflyer 4 vs Cloud X 3

User Reviews: What Do Other Runners Think?

It’s always good to hear what other people think about these shoes. Here’s a summary of user reviews:

Shoe Model	Overall Rating	Comfort	Durability	Style
Cloudflyer 4	⭐⭐⭐⭐½	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloudstratus	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐½

As you can see, both shoes are highly rated, with the Cloudflyer 4 getting a slightly higher overall score.

Price: What’s It Gonna Cost?

Running shoes can be a big investment, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Here’s a comparison of the prices:

Shoe Model	Average Price Range
Cloudflyer 4	$160 – $180
Cloudstratus	$170 – $190

The Cloudstratus is usually a bit more expensive, likely due to its double layer of cushioning.

Pros and Cons

Shoe	Pros ✅	Cons ⚠️
Cloudflyer 4	Lighter weight, easy to run in	Less cushioning for long runs
	More flexible, bends easily	Not enough support for very flat feet
	Good for everyday runs	Might wear out faster on rough roads
	Slightly cheaper	Not ideal for very long distances
Cloudstratus	1More cushioning, comfy for long runs	Heavier, might feel clunky
	Great support for flat feet	Less flexible, might feel stiff
	Durable, lasts longer	Can be too much shoe for short runs
	Good for bigger runners	Slightly more expensive

Conclusion

After looking at all these details, you might be wondering which shoe is the best choice. The truth is, both the Cloudflyer 4 and the Cloudstratus are great shoes, but they might be better for different types of runners.

Choose the Cloudflyer 4 if:

• You want a lighter shoe
• You need extra stability support
• You prefer a snugger fit

Go for the Cloudstratus if:

• You want maximum cushioning
• You like a roomier toe box
• You’re okay with a slightly heavier shoe for more comfort

Remember, the best shoe for you is the one that feels most comfortable when you run. If possible, try both shoes on and take them for a short jog around the store. Your feet will tell you which one they like best!

Frequently Asked Questions