Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch vs On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,100 owners)

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Full Review

On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes

9.1/10 Excellent

4.5★ (18,400 owners)

CloudTec pods, zero-gravity foam, versatile road + casual, 255g lightweight. Swiss engineering.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch	On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,100)	4.5★ (18,400)
Verdict	Great	Excellent

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10. CloudTec pods, zero-gravity foam, versatile road + casual, 255g lightweight. Swiss engineering. That said, the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch is worth considering if Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

AMOLED display brings Garmin's best screen to the entry price point
Training Readiness score guides workout intensity without overwhelming beginners
11-day battery in smartwatch mode — matches the more expensive Forerunner 265
GPS accuracy from Garmin's trusted GNSS satellite support
Under £200 brings proper training analytics to budget-conscious runners

Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain
No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+
Smaller feature set vs Forerunner 265 for structured workouts

On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes

CloudTec pod system compresses independently on impact for adaptive cushioning from Swiss engineering
Zero-gravity foam midsole is lightweight at 255g while delivering significant impact absorption
Versatile enough for running, walking and casual wear — one shoe for multiple contexts
18,400 Amazon reviews at 4.5★ validate comfort across diverse use patterns
On's Swiss engineering heritage from 2010 — founded by Roger Federer's training partner

CloudTec pods are distinctive — aesthetics are bold and not universally appreciated
Less maximal cushioning than Hoka Clifton for high-mileage marathon training
£140+ is premium pricing for a running shoe

FAQ

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS or On Cloud 5 Running &?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS worth the extra cost?

The On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS best suited to?

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Who is the On Cloud 5 Running & best suited to?

CloudTec pods, zero-gravity foam, versatile road + casual, 255g lightweight. Swiss engineering.

What are the main downsides of each?

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain; No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+. On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes: CloudTec pods are distinctive — aesthetics are bold and not universally appreciated; Less maximal cushioning than Hoka Clifton for high-mileage marathon training.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch sits at 4.5★ from 6,100 verified Amazon owners, and On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes at 4.5★ from 18,400.

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