Barefoot VS Heavily Padded Running Shoes | + ON Cloud 5 Review, My Take

I explore the ongoing debate between barefoot running and using heavily cushioned shoes, such as the ON Cloud 5 shoes, in the video below.

Barefoot running encourages a natural gait, engaging the muscles in your feet and lower legs more effectively. This can improve balance and strength over time, but lacks the cushioning needed to protect against impact on hard surfaces, increasing the risk of injury, especially over the long term.

In contrast, heavily padded shoes like the ON Cloud 5 provide substantial cushioning, which reduces impact on the joints and makes them ideal for long-distance running and everyday wear. While these shoes offer comfort and shock absorption, they may promote heel striking, which could lead to biomechanical inefficiencies or injuries in the long term.

In the review of the ON Cloud 5, its lightweight feel and stylish design makes it versatile for casual use. However, I don’t think that it is the best choice for serious longer distance runners, as it lacks the responsiveness needed for intense training or high-performance running, and it does not provide enough padding.