On Cloud 5 Sizing: Do Cloud 5s Run True to Size? (Plus Cloud 6)

Quick answer: Yes, the On Cloud 5 runs true to size for length, so most people should order their usual size. It feels snugger through the middle of the foot than most adidas sneakers, and it has more toe room than tapered Nike running shoes. If you have wide feet or are between sizes, go up a half size. The newer On Cloud 6 fits about the same, so the same advice applies.

JD Specialist Perspective: The IYKYK Detail: The Cloud 5 is a go-to all-day sneaker, but its fit is precise. Coming from a Nike Pegasus, the Cloud 5 will likely feel roomier at the toes. Coming from an adidas Ultraboost, it will feel more locked in and snug. Most fit problems come from the midfoot, not the length, and many of them can be fixed with the laces instead of a bigger size.

JD Expert Question 1: "When switching from Nike or adidas to the Cloud 5, is it the speed laces or the narrow midfoot that feels tight?"

JD Expert Answer: For most people, it's the laces. The Cloud 5's stretchy speed laces pull the top of the shoe snug across your instep. Loosen them first, or swap in regular laces, before you decide the shoe is too small. If it still pinches along the sides of your foot, the midfoot is the issue, and a half size up or a roomier On model is the better fix.

JD Expert Question 2: "Will sizing up a half size fix my toes touching the front, or will my heel slip?"

JD Expert Answer: If your toes touch the front, a half size up usually solves it, and the Cloud 5's molded heel cup holds most heels in place. If you do notice some slip, lace through the top eyelet for a tighter heel lock. If your toes have room but the shoe still feels tight, stay in your size and adjust the laces instead.

Every brand builds its shoes on its own foot-shaped form, called a last. That's why the same size can feel different from brand to brand.

• Toe box: The Cloud 5 has a rounded toe box with more room for your toes than tapered Nike runners. But it's snugger overall than a roomy adidas trainer.
• Structure: The Cloud 5 has a Speedboard®, a flexible plate inside the sole, and a structured mesh upper. The shoe won't stretch out much over time, so if it feels too tight in the store, it will likely stay that way.

The Cloud 5 has a moderate heel-to-toe drop, a bit lower than many Nike and adidas running shoes.

A lower heel can let your foot sit slightly farther back, which some people feel as less room at the toes when walking fast or running. If that's you, a half size up can help.

Nike running shoes are known for a tapered fit that gets narrow at the toes. The Cloud 5 has a more rounded toe box. It isn't a wide shoe, but your toes have more room to spread than in a Nike Pegasus or Nike Dunk.

• Sizing tip: If you usually go up a half size in Nike to get enough width, you can likely wear your true size in the Cloud 5.
• Air Max and Dunk wearers: These lifestyle Nikes often run a bit snug too. Most people wear the same size in the Cloud 5 as in their Air Max.

adidas shoes like the Ultraboost use a stretchy knit upper and a roomier shape, so they fit a wide range of feet. The Cloud 5 uses a structured mesh with very little side-to-side stretch.

• Sizing tip: If adidas shoes feel just right because they're roomy, the Cloud 5 may feel snug. Stay with your usual size if you have narrow or average feet. Go up a half size if you have wide feet.

The Cloud 5 comes with stretchy speed laces, so you can slip it on without tying. They're handy, but they pull the top of the shoe tighter than regular laces.

• Our advice: If the top of your foot feels squished but the length is right, don't size up. Loosen the speed laces or swap in regular laces. That gives your foot more room without changing the size.

• Narrow or average feet: Get your usual size. The molded heel and speed laces give a secure fit without heel slip.
• Wide feet: Go up a half size, or try a roomier On model like the Cloudmonster. Check the product page for wide options before you buy.
• Ready to shop? Browse On Running shoes at JD Sports, including the Cloud 6.

On has released the Cloud 6, the update to the Cloud 5. It keeps the same easy slip-on style and a similar fit. Most people wear the same size in the Cloud 6 as in the Cloud 5. If your Cloud 5s fit well, order the same size in the Cloud 6.

• Do On Cloud 5s run small? No. They run true to size for length. They can feel snug in the midfoot, so wide feet may need a half size up.
• Should I size up in On Cloud 5? Only if you have wide feet, are between sizes, or your toes touch the front. Otherwise, stick with your usual size.
• Is On sizing the same as Nike? Mostly, yes. Most people wear the same size. If you size up in Nike for width, try your true size in On.
• Is On sizing the same as adidas? Same length, but the Cloud 5 feels snugger than roomy adidas shoes like the Ultraboost.
• Do On Cloud 5s stretch? Not much. The mesh is structured, so buy the size that feels right from day one.

• On Product Information: Fit, materials, and Speedboard® details for the Cloud 5 and Cloud 6, from On's official product pages.
• JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.
• Independent Reviews: Wear tests comparing the fit, weight, and comfort of the On Cloud 5.
• Brand Fit Guides: Official size charts from On, Nike, and adidas for comparing lengths across brands.