Cloudeasy Cyclon, first look
In Part I of this blog I wrote about buying some new walking shoes for travel, and coming across the On Cyclon rent-a-shoe subscription plan the company has to support their shoe recycling program. I decided to try them out!
The Cloudeasy Cyclons arrive!
They look less cushy, for sure, than the On Cloud 5.
They are a slip on shoe, like the Cloud 5, but the mesh reminds me more of Sketchers than On. And the woven nature of it is like the Allbirds walking shoe. The heel is similar to the On Clouds 5s, but the sole is not. Maybe it will be better, who knows, and not trap those little stones (honestly it's so click-clacky everyone knows I'm coming).
Kind of on the drab side. It's a start! Maybe they can evolve the process to include some terrycloth...
They are pretty comfortable!
I wear them around for a couple of days, to see if the fit is right, and I am sorry to come to the conclusion that they feel a little smaller than the On Cloud 5s. I don't know if this is actually true, or if my big toe is still injured from the women's club championship last week...
I really want to like these and I decide to give it three full days of thought and indoor walking. I can return for a full refund if I get them back before thirty days, which is reasonable.
Close, but no cigar
And unfortunately, that is exactly what I do. Or fortunately, I don't know. I know that I wouldn't want to have a too small shoe while walking a ton on my trip.
I so wanted to like these and you know, walk the sustainability walk. Literally. These shoes stand out (despite the drab color) and would be a conversation starter for recycling and I just love having an open door. Maybe other people don't like that for me, but, lol, who cares.
I cancel the subscription, send the shoes back, and look again at the On subscription site, for another shoe. This time a running shoe that maybe fits better, and has a bit more cushioning.
But I really don't have time try another new subscription shoe because I am leaving soon. I need to go with what works. I need those On Cloud 5s.
Resale To The Rescue!
Before going back to my resale sites, I realize that On has it's own separate resale site just for On shoes-one that I had heretofore not seen! It is called Onward:
Onward enables you to trade in clean and gently-worn On shoes and apparel and shop premium gear while working towards a greener future. Simply send us your used gear and we'll make sure it finds a new home. You'll also get a credit towards your next purchase. Less waste, more performance.
You get a $30 gift card to use at on if you trade in your shoes in good condition, your incentive to trade it. They in turn sell them to someone like me seeking good shoes that are not "new". And they sell them for more money, of course, making it good for them. If you send them crappy shoes, they donate them (not sure where), and you get nothing.
If you are a reseller, this isn't a good deal at all (you would get $100 or more if you sold your barely used On shoes online). If you are not a reseller (and don't want to be), then sending the shoes back is a good recycling move and you get a little cash to boot. It's nice to have the option!
So I start searching for a size 9 On Cloud 5 with the terry cloth tongue, because those are my favorites, and by jove, they have it! I order it up and in a week, voila.
Brand new, just no box.
And here is a comparison of the soles, my last pair and these:
Yes I wear shoes until they won't work. Just like my car.
I'm relieved. I am getting a sure thing shoe and in time for me to use them!
I am happy that I gave the lifestyle Cyclons a go, they just aren't a good fit for me. Literally. And the product has to be a good fit-meaning one that you are going to use-because otherwise it's just more stuff sitting around. These shoes will fit someone, and make someone happy. They have to be a hit with a lot of people to make it worthwhile to On, and I hope the company reaches that threshold.
Kudos to On for trying. And kudos to On for doing resale. These programs are relatively new, and I am anxious to see the data on how they work out from an environmental point of view. I will keep my eyes open for that.
I am happy with my "new to me" On Cloud 5s, and I will try the subscription model again, on a different cyclon shoe, when these guys kick the can. I want to participate and I will.
If the shoe fits, that is.
CODA- September 2, 2025, I'm back from a 10 day trip in Italy where I climbed a billion steps in Cinque Terre and I am so grateful that I had my On Cloud 5s instead of a "lifestyle" shoe that didn't quite fit. The subscription running shoe, though, might have worked. Next time!
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