On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes vs Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe (2026)

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

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

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

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe

9.1/10 Excellent

4.6★ (8,400 owners)

Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark.

Full Review

At a Glance

	On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes	Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (18,400)	4.6★ (8,400)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Foam	Zero-gravity	EnergyCell

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes: CloudTec pods, zero-gravity foam, versatile road + casual, 255g lightweight. Swiss engineering. Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe: Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

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

Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe

Contagrip outsole is the trail running traction benchmark — 30 years of development
3D Advanced Chassis provides underfoot torsional stability on uneven terrain
EnergyCell foam delivers cushioning and energy return without weight penalty
Quicklace system one-pull tightening with single lock — faster than standard laces
Salomon's 25-year trail running shoe heritage — the original trail shoe brand

Narrower last than New Balance or Hoka alternatives — not suited for wide feet
Higher price than budget trail options — reflects Salomon's engineering investment
Quicklace system replacement is proprietary — not standard shoelace compatible

FAQ

Which is better, On Cloud 5 Running & or Salomon XA Pro 3D V9?

Is the On Cloud 5 Running & worth the extra cost?

The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

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

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

Who is the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 best suited to?

Contagrip, 3D Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell foam. 25-year trail running benchmark.

What are the main downsides of each?

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. Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe: Narrower last than New Balance or Hoka alternatives — not suited for wide feet; Higher price than budget trail options — reflects Salomon's engineering investment.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — On Cloud 5 Running & Walking Shoes sits at 4.5★ from 18,400 verified Amazon owners, and Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Shoe at 4.6★ from 8,400.

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