Stop the Funk! The 8-Hour Trick for Fresh On Cloud 5s [Safe]

Evan Chymboryk Founder • B.S. Exercise Science

You spent good money on those On Cloud 5 shoes. They're stylish, they feel like walking on air, and they've become the unofficial uniform for everything from school runs to the gym. But then it happens. You walk into the mudroom, and there's a scent that definitely isn't "fresh mountain air." It's more like "damp locker room."

If you're a parent of a teenager or an active runner, you know this smell well. It’s frustrating because these aren't cheap sneakers you can just toss in the bin. You want to save the footwear and your nose at the same time. The problem is that the very thing that makes these shoes comfortable—the CloudTec technology—is exactly what makes them a magnet for odors.

Why Do On Cloud 5 Shoes Smell So Bad?

The hollow CloudTec pods in the sole act as tiny heat traps that catch moisture and body oils, while the recycled polyester upper holds onto dampness longer than traditional mesh.

Think about those little pods on the bottom of your shoes. They’re great for cushioning your joints, but they’re also perfect little caves for moisture. When you sweat, that dampness doesn't just evaporate. It sits in those hollow spaces. Since On uses a lot of recycled materials (which we love for the planet), the fibers can sometimes be a bit more absorbent than old-school plastic-heavy sneakers.

If you don't get that moisture out fast, the smell becomes a permanent resident. Most people think they can just spray some perfume and call it a day, but that just creates a "floral dumpster" scent. You have to address the moisture and the source of the smell at the same time.

If you want to stop the moisture before it starts, you need a heavy-duty absorber. This is the one we keep by the door:

What Is the Best Way to Deodorize On Cloud 5 Shoes Overnight?

To refresh On Cloud 5s in eight hours, you must remove the insoles to break the internal seal, apply a natural odor neutralizer, and use active airflow to dry the CloudTec pods completely.

Here is the "8-hour trick" that actually works while you sleep. First, pull those insoles out. Don't leave them inside! The space between the insole and the bottom of the shoe is where the worst smells live. Next, grab some newspaper. Crumple it up and stuff it deep into the toe box. The paper pulls moisture out of the fabric from the inside out.

Before you go to bed, give the inside a thorough misting with an odor-fighting spray. You want something that uses plant oils rather than harsh chemicals that might break down the recycled glue in your shoes. Finally, don't just put them in the closet. Place them in front of a high-velocity fan. That moving air is the secret to drying out the pods before the funk can set in. You'll wake up to shoes that actually smell like... nothing. And "nothing" is exactly what we're aiming for.

For more tips on handling athletic gear, check out our guide on how to zap smelly cleats odor in 24 hours.

What Is the Best Natural Deodorizer for On Cloud 5s?

Natural sprays containing lemon, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils are the best choice because they neutralize odors without using harsh chemicals that could damage the delicate recycled fibers of the shoe.

I’ve seen people try to use those heavy aerosol cans you find at the grocery store. Honestly, those are often full of butane and propane. Do you really want that on your skin? Plus, those chemicals can be hard on the specialized foam in your On Clouds. Using something plant-based is much better for the longevity of the shoe.

I tested our natural spray against the big-brand aerosols. The difference isn't just in the smell—it's in the chemistry.

A simple spray of the Extra Strength Shoe Deodorizer Spray after every run makes a massive difference. It uses lemon and eucalyptus to knock out the scent rather than just covering it up. It’s been a life-saver for my son’s track shoes, and I don't have to worry about what's soaking into his socks.

How Do You Stop On Cloud 5 Odor Before It Starts?

Preventing odor requires a "dry-first" strategy: always wear moisture-wicking socks, never wear the same pair two days in a row, and use a talc-free powder to absorb sweat as it happens.

If you're prone to sweaty feet (no judgment here, it happens to the best of us), you have to be proactive. That medical term for smelly feet is bromodosis, and it's mostly about moisture management. Start with your socks. Cotton is the enemy—it just holds water against your skin. Switch to a wool blend or synthetic wick.

Another trick is to use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior pods after a rainy run. If mud gets stuck in those holes, it traps moisture inside the sole. Keep those pods clear so the shoe can breathe. If you're dealing with other types of shoes, like your summer favorites, you might want to read up on why boat shoes smell too.

Is the natural route perfect? Mostly, but it does require consistency. Here's the honest breakdown:

At the end of the day, your On Cloud 5s are an investment in your comfort. Taking sixty seconds to spray them down and prop them up by a fan isn't just about the smell—it's about making sure those $140 shoes last as long as they're supposed to. No one wants to retire a perfectly good pair of runners just because they can't be in the same room as them.

Ready to save your favorite pair of shoes?

Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray | Lemon & Eucalyptus

★★★★ 4.6 (9,544 reviews)

Join 1 Million+ Other People Who Chose Lumi to Conquer Their Shoe Odor.

• DESTROYS ODOR AT THE SOURCE, DOESN'T JUST MASK IT
• ALL-NATURAL & PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS
• PROUDLY FAMILY-OWNED & MADE IN UTAH
• THE "FRESH CONFIDENCE" GUARANTEE

$14.95 Get the Extra Strength Spray →

Family-Owned & Operated Made in the USA Trusted by Thousands