Are you looking for a new pair of running shoes? You might have heard about On Cloud and New Balance 880.
These two popular brands offer great options for runners, but how do you know which one is best for you? Don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure it out.
We’ll compare On Cloud and New Balance 880 shoes. We’ll look at things like how comfortable they are, how long they last, and what makes them special.
Contents
- 1 On Cloud vs New Balance 880 Shoes
- 2 Which Shoes Perfect for Any Activity
- 3 What Makes These Shoes Special?
- 4 Comfort: Which Shoe Feels Better?
- 5 Cushioning: Softness and Support
- 6 Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match
- 7 Stability: Keeping You Steady
- 8 Durability: How Long Will They Last?
- 9 Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
- 10 Quality: What Are You Getting?
- 11 Style: Looking Good While You Run
- 12 Size and Fit: Finding Your Match
- 13 Materials: What Are They Made Of?
- 14 Weight: Light on Your Feet
- 15 Flexibility: Bending with Your Foot
- 16 Water Resistance: Dealing with Wet Conditions
- 17 Sole: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
- 18 User Reviews and Ratings
- 19 Price Comparison
- 20 Pros and Cons
On Cloud vs New Balance 880 Shoes
The main difference between On Cloud and New Balance 880 shoes is their design philosophy. On Cloud shoes focus on lightweight cushioning with unique “cloud” pods, while New Balance 880 offers a more traditional running shoe design with balanced cushioning. Both brands aim for comfort, but On Cloud has a more distinctive look and feel.
Here’s a detailed comparison table for On Cloud vs New Balance 880 Shoes:
| Feature | On Cloud | New Balance 880 |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
| Cushioning | Cloud pods | Fresh Foam midsole |
| Upper material | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Heel-to-toe drop | Lower (around 6mm) | Higher (around 10mm) |
| Fit | Snug, sock-like | More traditional |
| Price range | Higher | More affordable |
| Best for | Short to medium distances | Long distances |
| Style | Modern, unique | Classic running shoe |
| Durability | Good | Very good |
Summary: On Cloud shoes are lighter and more stylish, with unique cushioning. New Balance 880 shoes are more traditional, durable, and better for long runs. Both offer good comfort, but On Cloud is pricier while New Balance 880 is more affordable.
Which Shoes Perfect for Any Activity
For Running
On Cloud
Designed for lighter, everyday runs. Offers a comfortable, lightweight feel suitable for casual runners and shorter distances. Provides good energy return and is versatile for various running needs.
New Balance 880
Built for daily training and long-distance runs. Features a balanced cushioning system that offers comfort and support for longer distances. Suitable for neutral runners looking for a reliable, all-around performance shoe.
For Walking
On Cloud
Suitable for casual walking. Its lightweight nature and comfortable cushioning make it a good choice for everyday walks and general wear.
New Balance 880
Excellent for walking due to its plush cushioning and supportive design. The Fresh Foam midsole provides comfort for extended periods, making it ideal for both casual strolls and longer walks.
For Standing All Day
On Cloud
Well-suited for all-day wear in casual or office settings. Offers comfort without a bulky appearance, making it a good choice for those who need to stand for extended periods in various environments.
New Balance 880
Provides excellent support and cushioning for long periods of standing. The Fresh Foam midsole and engineered mesh upper offer a comfortable fit and good breathability, making it suitable for all-day wear in various settings.
Also Read: On Cloud vs Nike Air Max
What Makes These Shoes Special?
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about what makes On Cloud and New Balance 880 shoes stand out.
On Cloud: The Swiss Sensation
On Cloud shoes come from Switzerland. They’re known for their unique cushioning system called “CloudTec.” This special design uses hollow pods on the sole that compress when you run, giving you a soft landing and a springy takeoff.
New Balance 880: The Reliable Runner
New Balance has been making shoes for over 100 years. The 880 model is part of their “Fresh Foam” line. It’s known for being a dependable, comfortable shoe that works well for many different types of runners.
Comfort: Which Shoe Feels Better?
When you’re running, comfort is super important. Let’s see how these shoes stack up.
On Cloud Comfort
On Cloud shoes feel light on your feet. The CloudTec pods give you a unique sensation, like you’re running on little clouds. Many runners say these shoes feel comfy right away, without needing to break them in.
New Balance 880 Comfort
New Balance 880 shoes have a more traditional feel. The Fresh Foam midsole provides a soft, cushioned ride that many runners love. These shoes often feel great for longer runs and everyday use.
Cushioning: Softness and Support
Cushioning helps protect your feet and legs when you run. Both shoes offer good cushioning, but in different ways.
On Cloud Cushioning
The CloudTec pods in On Cloud shoes give you a mix of soft landings and firm takeoffs. This can make your run feel more energetic. However, some runners find that the pods can feel a bit firm on harder surfaces.
New Balance 880 Cushioning
New Balance 880 uses Fresh Foam cushioning throughout the sole. This gives you a consistent, soft feel with each step. Many runners find this cushioning works well for both short and long runs.
Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match
Getting the right fit is crucial for comfortable running. Here’s how these shoes compare in terms of fit.
On Cloud Fit
On Cloud shoes often run a bit narrow, especially in the midfoot. They’re great for people with narrower feet, but if you have wider feet, you might need to go up a half-size.
New Balance 880 Fit
New Balance 880 shoes are known for their roomy fit. They come in different widths, which is great if you have wider feet or need extra space in your shoes.
Stability: Keeping You Steady
Stability helps prevent your foot from rolling inward too much when you run. This can be important for some runners.
On Cloud Stability
On Cloud shoes offer moderate stability. The CloudTec pods can help your foot land more evenly, but these aren’t designed as heavy-duty stability shoes.
New Balance 880 Stability
New Balance 880 shoes provide neutral stability. They’re not made for severe overpronation, but they offer a stable base for many runners.
Durability: How Long Will They Last?
You want your running shoes to last, right? Let’s look at how durable these shoes are.
On Cloud Durability
On Cloud shoes are generally durable, but some runners find that the CloudTec pods can wear down faster on rough surfaces. The upper part of the shoe usually holds up well.
New Balance 880 Durability
New Balance 880 shoes are known for their durability. The solid construction and quality materials mean these shoes often last for many miles of running.
Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool
Nobody likes sweaty feet when running. Here’s how these shoes handle breathability.
On Cloud Breathability
On Cloud shoes usually have a lightweight, breathable upper. This helps keep your feet cool and dry, even on warm days.
New Balance 880 Breathability
New Balance 880 shoes also offer good breathability. The engineered mesh upper allows air to flow, helping to prevent your feet from overheating.
Quality: What Are You Getting?
Both On Cloud and New Balance are known for making quality shoes. Let’s look at what you can expect.
On Cloud Quality
On Cloud puts a lot of effort into design and innovation. Their shoes often feel high-tech and modern. The materials and construction are usually top-notch.
New Balance 880 Quality
New Balance has a long history of making reliable shoes. The 880 model uses high-quality materials and solid construction techniques. These shoes often feel well-made and sturdy.
Style: Looking Good While You Run
While performance is key, it’s nice to have shoes that look good too. Here’s how these brands approach style.
On Cloud Style
On Cloud shoes have a distinctive look. The CloudTec pods on the sole make them stand out. They often come in sleek designs and cool color combinations.
New Balance 880 Style
New Balance 880 shoes have a more classic running shoe look. They come in a variety of colors, from subtle to bold. These shoes blend performance with a timeless style.
Size and Fit: Finding Your Match
Getting the right size is crucial for comfort and performance. Here’s what you need to know about sizing for these shoes.
On Cloud Sizing
On Cloud shoes can run a bit small and narrow. If you have wider feet or like a roomier fit, you might want to go up a half-size. It’s a good idea to try them on if you can.
New Balance 880 Sizing
New Balance 880 shoes usually fit true to size. They also come in different widths, which is great if you need a wider or narrower fit. This makes it easier to find your perfect size.
Materials: What Are They Made Of?
The materials used in running shoes affect how they feel and perform. Let’s look at what these shoes are made of.
On Cloud Materials
On Cloud uses lightweight, synthetic materials for the upper part of the shoe. The CloudTec pods are made of a special rubber compound. These materials are designed to be light and responsive.
New Balance 880 Materials
New Balance 880 shoes use a mix of synthetic and mesh materials for the upper. The Fresh Foam midsole is made of a special foam compound. These materials aim to provide comfort and durability.
Weight: Light on Your Feet
Lighter shoes can make running feel easier. Here’s how these shoes compare in terms of weight.
On Cloud Weight
On Cloud shoes are known for being lightweight. The exact weight varies by model, but they’re generally on the lighter side of running shoes.
New Balance 880 Weight
New Balance 880 shoes are a bit heavier than On Cloud shoes. However, they’re still in the medium weight range for running shoes. Many runners find them light enough for comfortable running.
Also Read: On Cloud vs New Balance 1080
Flexibility: Bending with Your Foot
Flexible shoes can help your foot move more naturally. Let’s see how flexible these shoes are.
On Cloud Flexibility
On Cloud shoes are quite flexible. The CloudTec pods allow the sole to bend easily with your foot. This can give you a more natural running feel.
New Balance 880 Flexibility
New Balance 880 shoes offer moderate flexibility. They’re designed to bend with your foot, but they might feel a bit stiffer than On Cloud shoes, especially when new.
Water Resistance: Dealing with Wet Conditions
Sometimes you might have to run in the rain. Here’s how these shoes handle wet conditions.
On Cloud Water Resistance
On Cloud shoes aren’t specifically designed to be water-resistant. The mesh upper can let water in if it’s really wet. However, they do dry fairly quickly.
New Balance 880 Water Resistance
New Balance 880 shoes also aren’t made to be water-resistant. They can get wet in rainy conditions. But like On Cloud shoes, they tend to dry out reasonably fast.
Sole: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
The sole of a running shoe is super important. It affects how the shoe feels and performs. Let’s look at the soles of these shoes.
On Cloud Sole
On Cloud shoes have a unique sole with CloudTec pods. These pods compress when you land and spring back when you take off. The sole is designed to be lightweight and responsive.
New Balance 880 Sole
New Balance 880 shoes have a more traditional sole design. It uses blown rubber in high-wear areas for durability. The Fresh Foam midsole provides cushioning throughout the sole.
User Reviews and Ratings
Let’s see what other runners think about these shoes. Here’s a summary of user reviews and ratings:
| Shoe Model | Average Rating | Comfort | Durability | Value for Money |
| On Cloud | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 stars | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2/5 |
| New Balance 880 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5 stars | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 |
Price Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the typical price range for these shoes:
| Shoe Model | Price Range |
| On Cloud | $129 – $159 |
| New Balance 880 | $129 – $149 |
Remember, prices can vary depending on where you buy the shoes and if there are any sales or discounts.
Pros and Cons
On Cloud Pros: On Cloud shoes are super light. They feel comfy like socks. They look cool and different. They’re great for short runs and everyday wear.
On Cloud Cons: On Cloud shoes cost more money. They might not last as long as other shoes. Some people think the cloud pods feel weird at first.
New Balance 880 Pros: New Balance 880 shoes are comfy for long runs. They last a long time. They’re cheaper than On Cloud. They’re good for many types of running.
New Balance 880 Cons: New Balance 880 shoes are a bit heavier. They don’t look as fancy as On Cloud. Some people think they’re boring.
In conclusion: Both On Cloud and New Balance 880 are great running shoes, but they have different strengths. On Cloud shoes are lightweight and have a unique feel with their CloudTec pods. They’re great if you want a shoe that feels different and energetic.
New Balance 880 shoes are more traditional but very reliable. They offer consistent cushioning and come in different widths, which is great if you need a specific fit.
Are On Cloud shoes good for long-distance running?
Many runners find On Cloud shoes comfortable for long distances, but it depends on your personal preference. Some runners prefer more cushioning for very long runs.
Can I use New Balance 880 shoes for other activities besides running?
Yes, many people use New Balance 880 shoes for walking, gym workouts, or everyday wear. They’re versatile shoes that can work for different activities.
Do On Cloud shoes really feel like running on clouds?
The CloudTec pods give a unique sensation that many runners enjoy. Whether it feels like running on clouds is a matter of personal opinion, but many users do find them very comfortable.
Are New Balance 880 shoes good for beginners?
Yes, New Balance 880 shoes can be great for beginner runners. They offer good cushioning and support, which can be helpful when you’re starting out.
How often should I replace my running shoes?
Generally, it’s a good idea to replace running shoes every 400-500 miles. However, this can vary depending on your running style, weight, and the surfaces you run on. Keep an eye on how your shoes feel – if they’re less comfortable or supportive, it might be time for a new pair.
