Four Running Shoes on Trial: On Cloudflow 4, Under Armour Flow Velocity 3, New Balance Vongo 6, and Nike Infinity Run 4 Gore-Tex

Introduction

Four new running shoes, one honest verdict on each. The shortlist covers a lightweight daily speed option from On, a third edition of Under Armour’s Flow Velocity, a heavy-hitting stability shoe from New Balance, and a weatherproofed Nike built for winter miles. This is not about calling a shoe great or trash outright; it is about whether each one earns a spot in a rotation. Here is how they stack up.

On Running Cloudflow 4

The Cloudflow 4 takes a more traditional approach to the upper than earlier On shoes, dropping the lace loops and extra detailing that sometimes felt like decoration more than function. The focus this time is on lightness and a more responsive ride than other speedboard-equipped Helion midsole shoes in the range.

The numbers back up the intent: an 8mm drop, a claimed 235g in the sample size, and more rubber on the outsole than before. That extra outsole coverage arguably makes it a more versatile daily speed option. It should feel more nimble than the Cloudswift and less ponderous than the Cloudmonster, whose overall heft kept it out of the faster daily rotation. Build quality has consistently been a strong point across On’s line, with manufacturing that feels a cut above much of the competition.

The simplified upper paired with proven midsole technology makes this a more usable shoe across a variety of paces and sessions. The incremental improvements On keeps making feel functional rather than cosmetic, which is exactly the right direction. This one is a yay.

Under Armour Flow Velocity 3

The third Flow Velocity keeps an 8mm drop and a midsole and outsole that appear essentially unchanged from the previous two versions. The big change is the upper, which moves from mesh to a knit-style material. That could be welcome news, or a letdown depending on your preferences.

Weight is the sticking point. The second version already came in around 278g, and with the sample size hovering around 249g, this edition is likely the same or heavier in a typical size. The knit upper may account for the difference. The outsole was good enough on most surfaces before, though loose dirt and debris quickly filled the small cut-outs and reduced grip. At £135, the Team Royal and Mystic Magenta colorway is genuinely attractive, but without a meaningful weight reduction, it is hard to call this a true speed shoe. A nay for now, pending more information.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo 6

The Vongo line has always been a puzzling one: very heavy, and firmly in the stability camp. Version six brings 300g in the sample size, a 6mm drop, a blown rubber outsole, and a plush-looking upper. That weight is an immediate concern, as it will climb further in larger sizes.

The midsole features a considerable rocker from heel through forefoot, almost Hoka-like in shape. The medial side is tuned firmer for overpronators while the lateral portion stays softer, and the booty-style construction inside is designed to minimise rubbing on longer miles. New Balance has also cut more flex grooves into the outsole to maximise flexibility. Think of it almost as an amplified version of the 1080v13 with extra upper comfort.

The problem is the combination of price and use case. At £160, it is a heavy price for a heavy shoe, and the stability niche simply narrows the audience. The Mercury Blue and 30 Watt colorway is very nice, but that alone is not enough. A nay this time, best left to dedicated long-range stability runners.

Nike Infinity Run 4 Gore-Tex

A Gore-Tex edition of the Infinity Run 4 arrives as a potential winter tool for the wettest months. The upper switches to Gore-Tex material and the outsole gains storm tread rubber patterns, both aimed at improving wet weather traction and keeping water out. The black, white, and reflective colorway is also among the easiest to keep clean.

At £175, though, the price is colossal for this type of shoe. Gore-Tex uppers do stop water getting in, but once water finds its way inside, there is nowhere for it to escape. Modern road shoes from other brands have handled wet conditions perfectly well without storm tread, and cheaper cushioned alternatives exist within Nike’s own range, such as the Vomero 17 with ZoomX and Cushlon 3.0. The Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex remains a strong weatherproof pick at a lower price, and this shoe sits not far off an Invincible Run 3, which offers far more cushion.

For most runners in built-up areas, the case for this specific shoe is hard to make. ReactX foam is worth trying at some stage, but not at this price. A nay for now.

Buying Advice

If you want one shoe from this group, the Cloudflow 4 is the clear standout for a versatile daily speed option. The Flow Velocity 3 only makes sense if you loved the previous uppers and accept the weight. The Vongo 6 suits committed overpronators who prioritise plush comfort over price. The Infinity Run 4 Gore-Tex is worth a look only if you genuinely need a dedicated wet-weather trainer and the price does not put you off.

Conclusion

Of the four, only the On Cloudflow 4 earns a yay, thanks to its lighter build, more responsive intent, and functional refinements. The other three each have real strengths but face tougher questions on weight, price, or niche appeal. Match the shoe to your actual needs and the right choice becomes obvious.