If the On Cloudmonster Hyper was $140 instead of $220, I’d still tell you to buy something else. Yes, this is a comfortable shoe you can roll through a lot of miles in—that’s true for many shoes—but the best running shoes offer more in versatility and how enjoyable they feel underfoot. Most are much cheaper, too.

Even when set against other On running shoes I’m not convinced the Cloudmonster Hyper is your best bet for daily training, The On Cloudeclipse is similarly well cushioned and delivers a smoother, rockered ride. It’s good to see On’s Peba-based Helion HF foam brought to a training shoe, but the overall design of the Cloudmonster Hyper didn’t work well for me.

On Cloudmonster Hyper: Price And Availability

The Cloudmonster Hyper launched in March 2024 and costs $219.99 in the US and £210 in the UK. That’s a high price for a daily trainer like this and more than you pay for the best super-trainers, such as the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and Asics Superblast, or other On options like the Cloudeclipse or Cloudmonster 2.

In the US the Cloudmonster Hyper is initially available from On Running and Marathon Sports.

In the UK the Cloudmonster Hyper is initially available from On Running and Sports Shoes.

How I Tested This Running Shoe

I ran 32 miles in the Cloudmonster Hyper, using it for arange of runs during the high-mileage weeks of marathon training that the shoe seems perfect for. I’ve tested most of On’s other shoes, and a range of super-trainers from other brands.

Design And Fit

The Cloudmonster Hyper takes the design of the Cloudmonster 2 and upgrades it through the addition of Helion HF foam to the midsole. This is the Peba-based foam used in the On Cloudboom Echo 3 racing shoe, and it’s bouncier and lighter than On’s other materials.

There is a slab of the Helion HF foam under the forefoot of the Cloudmonster Hyper, with the brand’s signature CloudTec pods used at the heel and underneath the Helion HF. The CloudTec layer is firmer and adds stability, but is also heavier and less springy than the Helion HF foam.

The Cloudmonster Hyper, which weighs 9.5oz/270g in my UK size 9, isn’t a heavy shoe, but it’s not as light as many super-trainers. The Asics Superblast is 8.8oz/251g in my size and has a higher stack height: The Cloudmonster Hyper is 37.5mm at the heel and 31.5mm at the forefoot for a drop of 6mm, where the Superblast is 45mm high at the heel.

On has opted against adding a Speedboard to the midsole of the Cloudmonster Hyper, which is unexpected given that it’s designed to handle faster runs. The lack of a Speedboard makes it less stiff and more comfortable for daily training, though. The shoe has a lightweight woven mesh upper with padding around the collar and a thin tongue. The fit was good in my usual running shoe size, with enough room in the toe box to make it comfortable for long runs.

There is rubber covering the pods on the outsole at the forefoot and heel to provide grip and durability in the main impact areas, though I found it slipped a bit on wet paved surfaces at times. There’s a groove at the back that is shallower than on previous On shoes, though it still looks likely to pick up the odd stone if you’re running on gravel tracks. 

Running Performance

Price aside, I was initially excited about running in the Cloudmonster Hyper. The Cloudboom Echo 3 is a good carbon plate running shoe and its use of Peba-based Helion HF foam was a step up on other On midsole materials. Unfortunately, while the chunk of Helion HF under the Cloudmonster Hyper’s forefoot delivers bounce, it’s muted and overwhelmed by the firmer CloudTec material in the midsole. The CloudTec layer is also heavier, and I found the Cloudmonster Hyper felt heavier than it actually is while running.

As a result, I never felt comfortable running at faster paces. It doesn’t have the propulsive feel of a plated shoe like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, nor the nimble, enjoyable ride of the best non-plated daily trainers like the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 or Hoka Mach 6, which are lighter and have more responsive midsole foams.

I liked the Cloudmonster Hyper more when cruising along at an easy pace and, having used it for runs during high-mileage weeks, it does protect the legs. The stability it has by virtue of the firmer-than-average midsole is also supportive of tired legs, though it isn’t a shoe that screams “expensive super-trainer” to me. 

Instead, it feels like a typical cushioned shoe, and it’s not as rockered as the On shoes that have the brand’s CloudTecPhase midsole design, like the Cloudsurfer and Cloudeclipse, which have smoother rides as a result.

Is The On Cloudmonster Hyper Worth It?

On has put a target on the Cloudmonster Hyper’s back with the high price. Any daily trainer is going to struggle to be worth $220/£210, though if it delivered an amazing ride then you could perhaps start to justify the outlay; many have done this with the Asics Superblast, which is expensive but impressive.

Unfortunately, the Cloudmonster Hyper isn’t impressive. It will handle a lot of miles, but it’s not particularly versatile or fun to run in, and it’s easy to find shoes that offer more for less money, including the Superblast.

I consider the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 the best daily trainer because of its versatility, but if you don’t want to train in a plated shoe then the Hoka Mach 6 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 are more enjoyable options than the Cloudmonster Hyper, and significantly cheaper.

The On Cloudmonster Hyper has arrived and it looks like a shoe to get excited about, with a dual-density midsole that contains a thick wedge of On’s Peba-based Helion HF foam as well as the brand’s signature CloudTec pods.

On has billed it as the ultimate daily trainer, combining a high level of comfort and protection for your legs during high mileage weeks, while also having enough pop for faster runs thanks to the bouncy Helion HF in the midsole.

I wasn’t all that enamored of the On Cloudmonster 2, but the Cloudmonster Hyper has already impressed me more after just one run, and its versatility will make it one of the best On running shoes for those seeking cushioning and a bit of speed.

The price is very high though, with the Cloudmonster Hyper costing $219.99 in the US and £210 in the UK. That’s very expensive for a daily trainer, and a high price even for a super-trainer that uses the foam from On’s carbon plate running shoe, the On Cloudboom Echo 3.

For my first run in the On Cloudmonster Hyper I took it out for an easy hour the day after a half marathon race, so I was on tired legs. The shoe did feel comfortable and I was surprised at the pace I was running at for an easy effort level and low heart rate, and the midsole certainly has more bounce than On’s other cushioned shoes, like the Cloudeclipse and Cloudmonster 2.

I’m not sure the layer of Cloudtec pods on the bottom add much though. They’re heavier than the Helion HF foam and firmer, and the way the pods and the rubber on the bottom of them hit the ground creates a ‘slappy’ feel at times.

This firmer layer will help make the shoe more stable, which is needed with Peba-based foams, especially as the Cloudmonster Hyper doesn’t have the carbon plate of the Cloudboom Echo 3 to stabilize it. Removing this stiff plate makes it more comfortable and suitable for daily training, although you lose the propulsive boost of a plate.

I picked up the pace for short periods on my run in the shoe and you do get more bounce from the midsole when you do so, but I’m not convinced it will be a great option for faster training sessions, partly because it’s pretty heavy at 9.5oz/270g. I’ll do some fast runs in it for our full review to check on that though.

My first impressions of the shoe are that it should be a great daily trainer for high mileage runners, who also have a faster shoe in their running shoe rotation for sessions. The price is prohibitively high, however, especially when there are excellent options available for less, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 if you are happy to train in a nylon-plated shoe, or the Hoka Mach 6 and New Balance Rebel v4 if you’d rather go plateless. 

Even the Asics Superblast is cheaper, and it's lighter and that has so far set the gold standard for high-stack super-trainers without a plate. The On Cloudmonster Hyper will have to really impress over further testing to convince me it’s worth the money.

The On Cloudmonster 2 is quite different from most cushioned shoes. It has a firmer, stiffer ride than most of the best cushioned running shoes, and traditional geometry that snaps you onto the forefoot of the shoe rather than a smooth rocker.

As a result, it will suit some runners who are not widely catered to in the cushioned shoe market, but I don’t think the On Cloudmonster 2 will be the best pick for most, and I still prefer the original shoe. I found the 2 a little too heavy and hard to really enjoy on easy runs, and prefer the rockered ride of shoes like the On Cloudeclipse or Brooks Ghost Max, or the springier, more versatile ride of the Puma Magnify Nitro 2 or Saucony Triumph 21.

On Cloudmonster 2: Price And Availability

The On Cloudmonster 2 launched on February 15, 2024 and costs $180 in the US and £170 in the UK. That’s a $10/£20 price rise on the original Cloudmonster, and although cushioned shoes are getting more expensive in general, the Cloudmonster 2 still sits at the top end of the price range.

How I Tested This Shoe

I have run 30 miles in the On Cloudmonster 2, mostly using it for easy and recovery runs during my marathon training. I have also tested the original On Cloudmonster, and a range of the best On running shoes, including the On Cloudsurfer and On Cloudeclipse cushioned shoes.

Design And Fit

The On Cloudmonster 2 sticks to a similar set-up to the original shoe, but increases the cushioning in the midsole. This cushioning is still a combination of the brand’s Helion foam on top of On’s signature CloudTec pods, and has a nylon Speedboard running through it to add some stiffness to the ride and make the transition through your foot-strike more efficient.

With a stack height of 35mm at the heel and 29mm at the forefoot the Cloudmonster 2 stands 6mm taller than the original, though it’s still not as high as many cushioned shoes. It still has a drop of 6mm, but the extra cushioning on the shoe has increased its weight. The Cloudmonster 2 weighs 10.7oz/302g in my UK size 9, while the original was 10oz/284g in the same size. 

The Cloudmonster 2 has a breathable mesh with a little padding around the collar of the shoe. Although it has less padding than other max-cushioned shoes, I found the upper very comfortable and the Cloudmonster 2 fit well in my normal running shoe size.

On has removed the deep cut-out on the bottom of the shoe that on the original Cloudmonster had a habit of catching stones, but the 2 still has the podded design on the bottom rather than a full-contact outsole. There is rubber covering the heel and forefoot pods and the shoe gripped well for me in wet conditions.

Running Performance

The original Cloudmonster was a shoe that grew on me. While it wasn’t especially soft, it did make up for that by being light and versatile for a cushioned shoe, and it was still comfortable for long runs. 

The Cloudmonster 2 trades in that versatility for the extra cushioning underfoot, but it is still not a particularly soft or bouncy shoe, and it’s heavier. I found that it was a bit too heavy for me even on relaxed recovery runs, and without a rocker or a particularly springy foam, it wasn’t as easy or enjoyable to tick along in the Cloudmonster 2 as in other shoes.

It is naturally quite stable, though, and the ride isn’t uncomfortable. The Cloudmonster 2 does a good job of protecting the legs at easy paces and some will find the natural, firm ride a welcome difference to softer or highly rockered cushioned shoes.

I think you could get all the same things from the original Cloudmonster, though, and it felt a bit more fluid and easy to run in at a variety of paces. I also prefer On’s other cushioned shoes—the Cloudsurfer is softer and smoother, and the Cloudeclipse more rockered and versatile.

Is The On Cloudmonster 2 Worth It?

Given the price rise and the changes to the shoe that have made it heavier, I don’t think the On Cloudmonster 2 is one of the best cushioned running shoes available. It’s a good-looking shoe you can wear when not running, and some will like its firmer ride, but there are better alternatives available.

Those include the original Cloudmonster, which shares a similar design but is lighter and more fun to run in, and On’s other cushioned options, the Cloudsurfer and Cloudeclipse. I also prefer several other cushioned shoes for both comfort and versatility, including the Puma Magnify Nitro 2, Brooks Ghost Max and Saucony’s Triumph 21 and Ride 17.

The advantages of having a waterproof running shoe to hand during the winter months cannot be overstated, especially when it’s a good-looking and versatile shoe like the On Cloudvista that you can use for a variety of runs, or just when you’re out on the town and want warm, dry feet.

Thanks to the REI sale, you can now pick up the Cloudvista for $135.93, a rare discount on an On running shoe, which I noticed were hard to find anywhere in the most recent Black Friday sales.

I found the On Cloudvista to be a capable road-to-trail shoe during my testing, with the outsole being comfortable on road runs but then having the bite needed to grip on light trails. It’s not the best pick for highly technical trail runs, or very muddy ones, but if you plan on tackling a mix of roads and light trails during your running it’s a comfortable cushioned shoe that will serve you well on both.

As ever with On, you also get the bonus of the Cloudvista being a good-looking shoe you can wear when not running, and the waterproof version is particularly handy to have available for general use during the colder, wetter months.

The On Cloudvista Waterproof is a good alternative to the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex, though if you prefer the look of the Nike shoe you can get it for just $111.97 in the Nike sale.

On’s Cloudeclipse is the first truly max-cushioned shoe from the Swiss brand, with an even higher midsole stack than the On Cloudmonster. It’s not designed to be a soft and squishy shoe though. The Cloudeclipse has a fairly firm ride and a rocker that makes it a versatile daily training option that rivals the best running shoes in its category.

The Cloudeclipse is a shoe I enjoyed wearing for a variety of runs. While it’s firmer than people may expect, this helps it stand out among the best cushioned shoes as a more versatile option. 

On Cloudeclipse: Price And Availability

The On Cloudeclipse launched in November 2023 and costs $180 in the US and £170 in the UK. It’s expensive, even in the world of max-cushioned shoes, and pricier than the brand’s Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer. I got my review sample from SportsShoes.

How I Tested This Shoe

I’ve run just over 40 miles in the Cloudeclipse, using it for a range of training runs, including a 13.5-mile long run and a short interval session, as well as easy runs. I have also tested the Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster, and a variety of the best cushioned shoes available from other brands.

Design And Fit

The Cloudsurfer introduced On’s CloudTec Phase cushioning, which is characterized by a series of holes in the midsole foam that are designed to collapse into each other when your foot hits the ground, creating a smooth ride.

There is twice as much cushioning in the Cloudeclipse as in the Cloudsurfer, but while the Cloudsurfer was a soft shoe, the Cloudeclipse is actually quite firm. That’s partly down to the plastic Speedboard, which sits underneath the midsole foam to add stability and speed transitions onto your forefoot. The Cloudsurfer didn’t have a Speedboard, which is a signature feature of On shoes in general, but I also think the Helion SF foam used may just be firmer in the Cloudeclipse to ensure it isn’t too unstable, despite that high stack.

The shoe has an engineered-mesh upper made from 100% recycled polyester and has added structure through strips at the back of the toe box. There is also a stiff heel counter to add stability. The shoe fitted well in my usual running shoe size.

A groove runs down the center of the outsole on either side of the Speedboard, again to encourage a smooth transition onto your toes, and there is rubber covering the forefoot and heel. This gripped well on wet paved surfaces, and the ground contact on the Cloudeclipse felt more stable with its outsole design than with the pods on shoes like the Cloudmonster.

The Cloudeclipse has a 6mm drop from heel to toe and weighs 10oz/283g in my UK size 9, which is lighter than most max-cushioned shoes. On doesn’t give the exact stack height of the shoe, though it looks to be around 40mm at the heel.

Running Performance

I loved the On Cloudsurfer for its softness, and the smooth ride delivered by the CloudTec Phase midsole, and initially expected more of the same from the Cloudeclipse. Once you take a few steps in the shoe, however, it’s clear that it’s a different beast, with a firmer ride and even more noticeable rocker.

Despite being bigger and heavier than the Cloudsurfer, it’s more versatile, and I enjoyed doing an interval session running a couple of 5min 40sec miles and some relaxed 200m reps in the Cloudeclipse. Mostly it’s best for easy and steady daily training runs, though, with the rocker moving you through your footstrike smoothly. I noticed that when I was running in it, it felt lighter than it actually is.

Although it’s not a soft shoe like the Cloudsurfer, or a max-cushioned alternative like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, I didn’t find the Cloudeclipse harsh during long runs. It feels even stiffer and firmer in the cold, though, something I noticed on a sub-zero run in Scotland. If you like really squishy shoes, this is not the best cushioned option for you.

I liked the firmer feel, though, and it increases the versatility of the shoe. While it’s not an all-out speedster, the Cloudeclipse will handle most daily training runs well.

Is The On Cloudeclipse Worth It?

The Cloudeclipse is a blend of the rocker of the Cloudsurfer and the firm feel of the Cloudmonster, and it works. I think it would work well as a good daily trainer for those who want a highly rockered, max-cushioned shoe, and it’s more versatile than most shoes in its category.

It’s an expensive shoe, though the price is not too out of place within the max-cushioned category. The Cloudsurfer is a softer option that I prefer for easy runs, but the stiffness in the Cloudeclipse gives it an edge for longer and speedier runs.

There are more versatile max-cushioned shoes if you’re prepared to spend big, and the Asics Superblast is the best of them. If you want a softer ride from a cushioned shoe then I’d look at the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 and New Balance 1080v13.

The Brooks Ghost Max also has a similar feel underfoot and is cheaper than the On Cloudclipse. It’s not as good-looking as the Cloudeclipse, but the Ghost Max performs as well on the run for me, and I’d say it’s a better-value option.

The best On running shoes are not always easy to find in sales. On is one of the smaller running brands and retailers don’t always stock its shoes, and On itself doesn’t tend to go big on sales.

However, come November, there are On Black Friday deals to be found, if you know where to look. Or you can leave the looking to us, because we’ll be collating all the best deals on On running shoes and gear here for Black Friday 2023.

While Black Friday itself isn’t until 24th November, the deals have started already, and Wiggle has knocked 30% off the On Cloudboom Echo 3, one of the best carbon plate running shoes.  In On's own Black Friday sale the Swiss company has a two-for-one offer on clothing, with the cheapest item free when you purchase two bits of gear.

We’ll highlight all the best deals below, as well as linking to On and third-party retailers offering sales on On shoes.

On Running Black Friday Quick Links

Here’s a round-up of the best offers available from On and other retailers.

US Quick Links

• On: Up to 30% off last season’s shoes and gear
• REI: Up to 70% off On Cloud shoes and clothes
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: Deals on On sports gear and shoes
• Amazon: Deals on On products updated daily

UK Quick Links

• On: Up to 30% off last season’s shoes and clothes
• SportsShoes: Check the Black Friday sale for deals on On Cloud shoes
• Pro:Direct Sport: Up to 50% off On running shoes
• Amazon: Check for deals on On shoes, updated daily
• Wiggle: 20% off the On Cloudsurfer

On Black Friday Clothing Deals

The Best On Black Friday Deals In The UK

FAQs

On’s range of running shoes is smaller than that of many rival brands. However, it can be confusing to pick between them, which is because nearly every one of its shoes has the word “cloud” in its name (and On only started numbering the different generations of the shoes this year).

In case you are confused, there is an On running shoe to suit just about every purpose, and 2023 has featured the launch of some excellent On shoes. Among them is the Cloudboom Echo 3 carbon plate running shoe and the Cloudsurfer daily trainer, which is one of the best running shoes. Below, you’ll find the top options available if you’re looking to add an On shoe to your running-shoe rotation.

How I Test On Running Shoes

I run around 50-70 miles a week and aim to log at least 30 miles in a shoe before I review it for Coach. I test shoes with runs suited to their purpose, so I’ve competed in races wearing the Cloudboom Echo 3 and completed easy runs in the Cloudmonster, for example. I have tested most of the road running shoes in On’s range.

Best On Running Shoes

The Cloudsurfer is a major departure from On’s standard approach to cushioned shoes, offering a much softer ride with a smooth transition from heel to toe thanks to the CloudTec Phase midsole design. This still has On’s signature pods in it, but the holes are smaller and shaped to collapse into each other, like dominos, to create the smooth ride.

I loved using the Cloudsurfer for easy and steady daily training runs, and it’s a light shoe too, so you can pick up the pace in it even though it doesn’t have the Speedboard that’s in the midsole of most On shoes. The Cloudsurfer may not be as durable as the Cloudmonster because of its softer foam and minimal outsole, and it also squeaks at times, but it has the most enjoyable ride of any On shoe.

Read more in my On Cloudsurfer review

The Cloudmonster is not as soft and squishy as most cushioned shoes, or even the Cloudsurfer, but it’s comfortable and protects the legs well over long runs. The Speedboard in the midsole and the rocker design help you to tick over at easy paces, while making the Cloudmonster versatile for a cushioned shoe—even if it’s not well suited to all-out speedwork.

This isn’t designed to be a stability shoe, yet I found the Cloudmonster to be naturally stable. It’s a good-looking shoe for wearing outside your runs as well, which is a benefit of most On shoes. I prefer the feel of the Cloudsurfer for most runs, but if you like a firmer midsole then the Cloudmonster is the better pick of the pair, and is particularly good for easy long runs.

Read more in my On Cloudmonster review

Until 2023 On didn’t have a carbon racing shoe fit to rival the best on the market. Previous versions of the Cloudboom were firm and lacked the propulsive benefits of shoes like the Nike Vaporfly. Fortunately, On came up trumps with the third generation of the shoe, which now has a Pebax foam midsole and a higher stack, along with a pronounced rocker and a full-length carbon plate.

The Cloudboom Echo 3 is undeniably fast and offers comfort for long road races while being lightweight and nippy enough for 5Ks too. The main cons are its high price and lack of durability—the outsole rubber on the heel of the shoe is flaking off my Echo 3 after around 50 miles, a problem that seems common with the shoe.

Read more in my On Cloudboom Echo 3 review

The Cloudeclipse takes features from both the Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster and then ramps up the stack height to create an excellent max-cushioned shoe. It has the Speedboard and firmer feel of the Cloudmonster, but the rocker of the Cloudsurfer, plus that higher stack, which means it’s comfortable and also versatile enough to use for a variety of daily training.

It’s more expensive than the Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster, but if you’re marathon training in particular I’ve found the Cloudeclipse to be the best of the trio. Its firmer feel makes it better for long training runs than the Cloudsurfer in my opinion and it protects the legs well in high mileage weeks, and it also has a better outsole than On’s other cushioned shoes, which should make it more durable.

Read more in my On Cloudeclipse review

The Cloudvista is built to handle both road and light trail-running, with an outsole that has shallow, flat lugs that won’t grip well in deep mud but are comfortable and provide traction on dry, hard trails. I found it a comfortable shoe that’s great for cruising through easy runs where you want to take in a couple of parks or other trails, along with long sections on the road. Once again, it’s a bit of a looker, though it probably won’t stay that way long if you’re using it off-road regularly.

Over the past couple of years, On has taken several swings at making a super-shoe, and each has fallen short of the performance of the best carbon plate running shoes. The On Cloudboom Echo, released in 2021, was an improvement, but still lacked the bounce you get from shoes like the Nike Vaporfly.

With the On Cloudboom Echo 3, the Swiss brand finally has a carbon super-shoe that can go compete with the best. However, in a market that is now saturated with excellent racing options, the Cloudboom Echo 3’s high price makes it hard to recommend—especially since I think there are more impressive shoes available for less.

On Cloudboom Echo 3 Review: Price And Availability

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 officially launched on 29th June 2023 and costs $290 in the US and £260 in the UK. That’s expensive even for a carbon plate racing shoe, and the Cloudboom Echo 3’s US price is higher than that of any other carbon shoe I’ve tested. For a brand with something to prove in this area, I think that price is a mistake.

Design And Fit

The numbering of On’s shoe lines can be confusing. The Cloudboom Echo 3 is the successor to the Cloudboom Echo, which succeeded the Cloudboom—there is no Cloudboom Echo 2.

The Cloudboom Echo was a good racing shoe, just a lot firmer than most carbon shoes, and it lacked the bounce you get from Peba-based midsole foams. On seems to have taken that on board because the Echo 3 uses a new Peba-based midsole foam called Helion HF (Hyper Foam) that’s softer and springier than the materials it’s used in the past.

It still says Cloudtec on the side of the shoe, but the distinctive pods that On is known for have been toned down with the Echo 3. This shoe just has a few holes on the side that show the carbon plate that runs the length of the shoe. There are also no pods on the bottom of the shoe to catch gravel, again something that has previously been associated with On.

The Cloudboom Echo 3 doesn’t hit the 40mm maximum stack height set by World Athletics regulations, though at 37mm it stands taller at the heel than On’s previous racing shoes. The Echo 3 has a 9mm drop, with a stack height of 28mm at the forefoot, and a pronounced rocker shape to speed the transition onto your toes.

At 7.9oz/223g in a US 9.5, the Echo 3 is about middle of the pack for weight among carbon shoes, and it certainly feels light on the foot. The microfiber upper is lightweight and breathable, yet still holds the foot securely during fast runs. The laces are thin and I feared that yanking them tight would result in discomfort on the top of my foot, but this didn’t happen. It’s a well-designed and comfortable upper, and the shoe fitted well in my normal size.

As with many racing shoes, the Cloudboom Echo 3 has a lot of exposed foam on the bottom of the shoe, with rubber covering the forefoot as well as a few small sections at the heel. I had no problems with grip using the shoe, though there is wear around the rubber at the heel after 30 miles. I know another reviewer who ripped off the rubber at the heel after just a couple of runs, so durability is a concern.

How I Tested This Shoe

I’ve run 30 miles (50km) in the On Cloudboom Echo 3, doing a variety of fast runs, including a 5K race. I’ve also done a half marathon in training, which included a four-mile stint at around my marathon pace, and a tempo 10K. I’ve also tested almost all the best carbon plate running shoes available.

Running Performance

It’s apparent from the first steps you take in the Cloudboom Echo 3 that this is an improvement from what On has previously produced. The midsole is livelier and more propulsive, and it’s also a more comfortable and lighter shoe than the Cloudboom Echo. 

I did a half marathon in the shoe out of the box, and it felt fantastic when I was running hard. The rocker flings you forward and the plate and foam combine to deliver pop off your toes. It’s still firmer than some other super-shoes with squishier foams, like Nike’s ZoomX material, but the Cloudboom Echo 3 isn’t harsh underfoot.

My next run was a tempo 10K in 36 minutes, done unpleasantly early in the morning, and the Cloudboom Echo 3 felt excellent again. Even when feeling tired it’s easy to turn your legs over in the shoe and keep rolling at fast paces. 

I noticed on those runs that the plate is less apparent at easier paces. It sits quite deep in the midsole foam, especially under the forefoot, and when I wasn’t pushing hard on runs I almost felt like I was just skipping off the top of the midsole and not engaging the plate. I think you have to be running hard to get the best from the midsole set-up, and lighter runners may not get as much back from the shoe as heavier or faster ones—who put more pressure on the foam.

For a race test I used the shoe at the RunThrough Lee Valley Velo Park 5K, which is on a cycle track in London’s Olympic Park. I didn’t realize how undulating the one-mile lapped course was, and the race essentially amounted to a series of short hill reps followed by fast downhill recoveries, but the Echo 3 felt nimble and light uphill then propulsive on the downs. 

I ran 16min 28sec for the 5K and don’t think I’d have gone any quicker in any carbon shoe over that distance. However, I think the Cloudboom Echo 3 falls slightly short of the bounce you get from my favorite carbon shoes, like the Nike Vaporfly 3, and that would tell over longer events like half marathons and marathons.

Is The On Cloudboom Echo 3 Worth It?

The Cloudboom Echo 3 is a good carbon plate running shoe and one I’d be happy wearing for any race. I get more back from the ZoomX foam in Nike’s super-shoes, and there are other carbon racers I also prefer, but that’s personal taste. You’re not losing much, if anything, on performance if you opt for the Cloudboom Echo 3.

Two concerns undermine the shoe for me. The main one is the price, which is simply too high when you’re a brand arriving late in the game, which On certainly is. Not only are the best new shoes available from others cheaper than the Cloudboom Echo 3, including the Nike Vaporfly 3, there are also excellent older shoes regularly available for less than $200/£200 in sales, including the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, Nike Vaporfly 2 and Asics Metaspeed Sky+.

Related to this concern is my fear that the Cloudboom Echo 3 will not be durable, since it’s showing more outsole wear than most carbon shoes I’ve tested after 30 miles. The Echo 3 is a great shoe, but with most serious runners already having a carbon racer they love, convincing them to switch to On will be hard when the Echo 3 is more expensive than the rest, and potentially less durable. 

The new On Cloudsurfer is the seventh edition of this shoe and evidently signifies a departure in On’s approach, delivering a more comfortable and enjoyable ride than its predecessors.

It’s an instant favorite of mine for easy and long runs in particular, though it’s also light enough to pick up the pace at times. In fact it’s one of the best running shoes available. My only concern is that the soft midsole and lack of outsole rubber may mean the Cloudsurfer isn’t that durable, but time will have to tell on that front.

On Cloudsurfer Review: Price And Availability

The new Cloudsurfer launched in early March 2023 and costs $159.99 in the US and £150 in the UK, which is a $10/£10 increase on the price of the previous generation.

How I Tested This Running Shoe

I’ve run five times in the Cloudsurfer, most of them fairly short easy runs, with one long run of just over 10 miles and a progression run finishing at a steady pace around my marathon effort level. I have tested previous versions of the Cloudsurfer and many other On shoes.

Design And Fit

The Cloudsurfer shares a name with its predecessors, but has a new midsole design called CloudTec Phase. It’s made from On’s soft Helion foam and has holes in it, as with other On shoes, but they are smaller and now shaped to create a domino effect where each compresses in turn upon landing. Aided by the rocker shape of the shoe, this creates a smooth transition onto your toes with each stride.

On has also removed the Speedboard from the midsole. This has been a feature in most On shoes in recent years and a big contributor to the firmer, stiffer feeling common with the brand’s shoes. Despite having a fairly high stack of cushioning—On doesn’t give the exact stats but it looked to be over 30mm at the heel—the Cloudsurfer is a light shoe at 8.7oz/246g in my UK size 9. It has a 10mm drop from heel to toe.

The mesh upper is comfortable and there’s plenty of padding on the tongue and around the heel collar, with a small external heel counter to add support at the back of the shoe. The shoe felt tight around the toes when I first used it, but that has eased. I would stick with your normal running shoe size with the Cloudsurfer. 

There is not a lot of rubber on the outsole of the shoe, with just the key impact areas at the heel and forefoot covered. This saves weight but may reduce durability, and while the grip has been mostly fine for me the shoe slipped a little when running on greasy surfaces.

Running Performance

I had a similar feeling about On’s running shoes until recently, which were all same-y to me. They were firm and not that bouncy, and they had similar cushioning and the Speedboard in the midsole. They also all had the word “cloud” in the name, which didn’t help.

Things started to change with the On Cloudmonster, which had a softer, less stiff ride than other On shoes, but the new Cloudsurfer is a radical departure from what we’ve seen before. I’m all for it.

Sure, it still has “cloud” in the name and confusion reigns because On doesn’t even number the generations of its shoes for some reason, but the 2023 Cloudsurfer has a different feel from past iterations. It should probably have a new name to go with the new ride.

That ride is effortlessly smooth and comfortable for easy runs. It’s distinct too—I don’t recall a shoe feeling quite like the Cloudsurfer, with such a pronounced forward rocker combined with such a soft foam. It’s a shoe that makes me excited about easy runs, with the comfort amplified by the padded upper. The feel of the cushioning also didn’t change over the course of 10 miles, appeasing concerns I had that it could compress and firm up.

Since it is quite a light shoe, I found that I could pick up the pace in it easily enough, but then the ride does firm up a touch and lose some of its magic. It felt fine when I upped the pace, but lacked a bit of propulsion off the toes. You can do different types of runs in the Cloudsurfer, but it’s undoubtedly at its best for easy and long runs.

Is The On Cloudsurfer Worth It?

The new On Cloudsurfer is one of the best cushioned shoes I’ve tested lately, and one of the best running shoes overall. It has landed a place in my rotation for easy runs because of its smooth and enjoyable ride, and I also like that it’s such a good-looking shoe to wear outside of running, too.

My only concern is with the shoe’s durability. After 50km it is holding up, but the soft midsole and its unique design may mean the Cloudsurfer has a shorter lifespan than other shoes, especially as the outsole doesn’t have that much rubber on it. The mostly exposed foam outsole no doubt helps create the great ride feel, so it may be a necessary trade-off.

It’s not a cheap shoe and there are certainly better-value options available, such as the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 or Nike Pegasus 39. Both are comfortable and versatile cushioned shoes with more substantial outsoles, and will probably last longer than the Cloudsurfer, but the ride of both during easy runs isn’t as smooth and enjoyable as with the On shoe. 

The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 in particular is another favorite of mine and probably the smarter, more practical pick because of its outsole, which grips fabulously on light trails as well as the road, but the Cloudsurfer keeps me coming back with that silky-smooth ride.

On burst on to the running shoe scene with an innovative new midsole design in 2012 and established itself in a fiercely competitive marketplace – no mean feat. However, the Swiss brand has dropped off the standard of the best running shoes in my opinion, thanks to the lack of bounce in its CloudTec cushioning.

The On Cloudmonster, a comfortable and versatile max-cushioned shoe that came out last year, was an improvement on that front, but it’s the new On Cloudsurfer that might really change my opinion of the On Running brand.

That’s down to the new CloudTec Phase midsole design. There are still holes in the midsole, which is made from On’s soft Helion foam, but they are smaller and now shaped to create a domino effect where each compresses in turn upon landing. 

In combination with the rocker geometry, this creates a smooth and comfortable ride where your foot is rolled from heel to toe. I’ve run only twice in the new Cloudsurfer so far, but I’ve enjoyed those runs immensely. It’s much softer than other On shoes without being spongy, so it responds well to faster paces, especially since it’s quite light at 246g/8.7oz in my UK 9.

It’s early days and I will do plenty more running in this Cloudsurfer for the full On Cloudsurfer review, but early impressions are that this should be a very good daily trainer, and the most enjoyable On shoe I’ve run in. It’s certainly a big upgrade on the previous Cloudsurfer, which was a firm shoe without much bounce in the midsole.

The new On Cloudsurfer is the seventh generation of the shoe and will be available from 23rd March. It will cost £150 in the UK, which is a £10 rise on the price of the Cloudsurfer 6. It has a 10mm drop, which is 1mm less than the drop of the previous Cloudsurfer.

To choose between the best running shoes, most runners consider a common set of features such as comfort, performance, durability and price. Increasingly, sustainability has become a concern as well, with many manufacturers using limited amounts of recycled materials. And the new On Cyclon scheme is a giant leap forward on this front thanks to the brand’s adoption of a circular model.

The On Cloudneo is the first shoe launched as part of the Cyclon scheme. It is a completely recyclable shoe, with all the materials able to be reused to make another Cloudneo once you’re finished with it. It sounds promising to us and to Dr Mark Sumner, a lecturer at the University of Leeds School of Design, who specialises in sustainability and gave his first take on the On Cyclon scheme last year.

The scheme goes live later this summer and costs $29.99/£25 a month. You receive a pair of the Cloudneo shoes and run in them until they are worn out, then send them back to On and get a new set in return.

On suggests the Cloudneo will last around 600km of running so most people will want to trade in their shoes for a fresh pair every six months, which averages out at around 25km a week. If you run more than that, it does seem that you can trade the shoes in after three to four months.

The Cloudneo is designed to be a high-performance running shoe and we applaud the ambition – I’ve found that other environmentally friendly shoes like the Allbirds Tree Flyer fall short of the performance of traditional shoes, making it harder for keen runners to switch to a more eco-friendly option.

The Cloudneo is made from two materials. The upper is made from PA11, a bio-based polyamide derived from castor beans, and the bottom half of the shoe is made from Pebax. The use of Pebax is exciting for runners because it’s the same material that’s used in some of the best midsole foams on the market, like Nike’s ZoomX and Saucony’s PWRRUN PB. 

While the Cloudneo did not hit On’s original targets of weighing less than 200g, it’s still a fairly light shoe at 9.5oz/269g in my UK 9. It has a stack height of 33m at the heel and a 9mm drop, and a rocker profile with a Pebax speedboard running through the midsole to create a more propulsive ride.

Both the concept and the look of the Cloudneo are great, and I was excited to get running in the shoe. I went out for an easy hour, running around 8.5 miles (13.7km), and discovered that the shoe has a firm ride that’s not really reminiscent of other Pebax midsoles I’ve tried.

Until around the six-mile (9km) mark, I found it a smooth and enjoyable shoe. The firmer ride is pretty typical of On shoes, and if you have enjoyed the likes of the On Cloud or Cloudflow in the past, then the Cloudneo should suit you well. However, by the end of the run it was starting to wear on my legs.

I would find it hard to use the Cloudneo regularly because most of my training runs are at least 13-14km long and the ride is a tad too harsh for my taste. It might soften up further with more use, though, and if you like a firmer ride and your regular base training runs are more like 5-10km it could be an option. The all-white look is pretty sharp for casual use too, though might not hold up so well in the winter.

We’ll have our full review of the Cloudneo up on Coach in due course.

Price: £150 | Drop: 8mm | Stack: Not given | Weight: 284g (UK 9)

The idea of a cloud monster might be terrifying enough to stop a few people taking flights – but among On’s running shoe line-up, it is one monster I greeted with cautious optimism. 

For the most part, On’s shoes are too firm for my taste and lack the rebound you get from the best running shoes from other brands – those with more impressive midsole foams. The huge stack of cushioning on the Cloudmonster promised a more comfortable ride for easy runs, and at 284g in my UK 9 it is light for such a cushioned shoe, so it could be versatile enough for speedy running too. 

The Cloudmonster delivered on the first part of that promise: it is softer than any other On shoe I’ve tried, but its lack of versatility means it’s best reserved for easy and long runs.

On Cloudmonster Review: Price And Availability

The On Cloudmonster was announced on 24th March 2022, goes on sale 31st March and costs £150. It’s a high price, but is comparable to some other max-stacked shoes, though there are cheaper options available, such as the Adidas Adistar at £120.

Design And Fit

Although it doesn’t bring new technology to On’s range of running shoes, the Cloudmonster uses more of the brand's midsole foams to create a different ride. In the midsole you have a layer of Helion foam, plus more of the distinctive CloudTec pods than you get on any other shoe.

This high stack of cushioning creates a softer ride than on other On shoes, though it’s not exactly a soft one considering the market at large. You also have On’s Speedboard plate in the midsole, plus a rocker design to encourage a smooth transition through your footstrike.

The upper is made from a thin, breathable mesh and the tongue is partially gusseted, being connected to the upper halfway up the laces. There is padding around the collar but the tongue is thin and, in general, the upper is less cushioned than you’ll find on other max-stacked shoes.

There is a large cut-out in the middle of the segmented outsole, which has a habit of catching stones and collecting mud. The outsole pods at the heel and forefoot have extra rubber on them to improve grip and durability.

I found that the shoe fit true to size. It was easy to get a good lockdown in the midfoot and I didn’t have any problems with my heel slipping.

How I Tested This Shoe

I used the On Cloudmonster for a couple of progression runs, running the final few kilometres at a steady or fast pace, but mostly I stuck to easy runs. I covered 52km in the shoe ahead of its review embargo date, with the longest run being around 14km.

Running Performance

Given the outlandish name and exaggerated design, I expected something dramatic from the ride of the Cloudmonster. However, the cushioning feels muted and it still has that recognisable On firmness – though it is softer than other On options like the Cloudstratus 2.

That firmer feel is no bad thing, because the Cloudmonster is still comfortable and protective on long, easy runs, and it’s more stable than squishy shoes like the Asics Novablast 2 and Nike Invincible. Those bouncy shoes might be more fun to run in for many people, but their instability will rule them out for others.

Although On says the shoe has a radical rocker design, I didn’t feel that when running – especially compared with something like the Adidas Adistar, a max-cushioned shoe with a pronounced rocker that creates an enjoyably smooth ride. 

The Cloudmonster has a more traditional feel to it all round. You don’t sink into the foam and then spring forwards, and although the Speedboard in the midsole does help move you through your stride efficiently, it’s not noticeable in the same way as the plate on a shoe like the Skechers MaxRoad 5.

Whether this is a positive or a negative depends on your preferences as a runner. I like shoes with a rocker, but the more natural feel of the Cloudmonster will appeal to others, especially in the max-cushioned category where there aren’t many shoes like it.

One area where I think the Cloudmonster falls short is versatility. Despite being light and having a firmer ride, I didn’t find it performed well at any pace above easy. It lacks the bounce or snap of other shoes, and I’ve found that even heavier cushioned options such as the Nike Invincible were more comfortable to use for steady or speedy running.

Is The On Cloudmonster Worth It?

The On Cloudmonster is an interesting addition to the maximally cushioned market, offering a more stable and natural ride than many alternatives. It’s also a good-looking and comfortable shoe, which is valuable in that you can wear it beyond running, which may take the edge off the £150 price for some people.

I prefer the smoother ride of shoes like the Adidas Adistar and Nike Infinity Run 2, and also enjoy the bounce you get from the Nike Invincible. There is also the Skechers MaxRoad 5 for those who want a max-stacked shoe that is lighter and faster to use across a range of types of run.

Swiss brand On released two running shoes with carbon-infused plates in 2020: the Cloudboom and the Cloudflash. The Cloudboom was built for longer events like the marathon, while the Cloudflash was a lightweight option for shorter races.

Neither shoe really hit the mark. Both offered a far firmer ride than most of the best carbon plate shoes, and lacked the bounce and efficiency gains you get from the likes of the Nike Vaporfly. For my money, the Cloudboom was only really suitable for shorter events, while the Cloudflash was so firm that even short track sessions in the shoe would leave my legs wrecked the following day.

On has taken the new Cloudboom Echo in a different direction. Its higher stack not only increases the comfort of the ride but allows more room for the carbon-infused plate in the midsole to curve. This creates more of a rocker that helps you transition through your footstrike efficiently and adds more pop to your toe-off.

It still has a firmer feel than many carbon shoes, like the New Balance RC Elite 2, or Nike’s Vaporfly and Alphafly. On my first run in the Echo I worried it was still going to have too harsh a ride.

However, I’ll chalk up that so-so first impression to breaking in the shoe, because since then I have loved using it. It’s at its best when running at faster paces, when the rocker and plate produce a smooth ride that felt almost effortless when I was in the groove.

I’ve used the Echo for more than 100km of running, doing a mix of shorter speedwork and longer sessions of up to 25km. It felt best on a progression run when I increased the pace from the halfway mark in a half marathon to finish in 1hr 15min. The Echo certainly felt like it was protecting my legs on that run so I could finish feeling strong, a far cry from longer runs in the original Cloudboom where around the 15km mark, my legs would begin to protest at the battering they were taking.

The Echo also has the speed for shorter stuff as well and the firmer ride makes it more stable than many carbon shoes, so it would work well for 5K or 10K events on twisty courses. I’d say it has the protection for a half marathon at full race pace as well, and is a marathon option for runners who find high-stack shoes unstable and disconnected from the ground.

As with all On shoes I’ve tried, the upper is excellent, offering a comfortable and secure fit in my usual size. The shoe is pretty flexible around the midfoot, bending far more easily than other carbon shoes, but the plate is less flexible in the forefoot to add that pop to your toe-off.

The Echo uses the usual On midsole materials, with a layer of its Helion foam plus the distinctive pods that feature on all the brand’s shoes. This cushioning is firmer and less bouncy than the foams used by other brands, like Nike’s ZoomX or New Balance’s FuelCell, but the Echo doesn’t feel unpleasantly harsh.

Part of that is down to simply adding more cushioning, but I think the crucial difference is the extra curve on the plate and the enhanced rocker in the shoe, which mitigate the firmer foam and make the ride smoother. It’s similar on that front to the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, another relatively firm carbon racer.

Despite having more cushioning than the original Cloudboom, my size 9 Echo came in lighter, at 227g compared with 240g. That brings the Echo into line with most carbon shoes like the Alphafly, Endorphin Pro 2 and New Balance RC Elite v2, although some like the Vaporfly and Asics Metaspeed Sky are closer to or even under 200g.

The Cloudboom Echo is a major step up from On’s previous carbon offerings, providing the increased efficiency and comfort runners have come to expect from racing shoes. However, there is a sticking point here, which is the £210 price.

While I rate the Echo highly, I’d still have several carbon shoes ahead of it, including the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2 and New Balance RC Elite 2 at the same price, plus the Asics Metaspeed Sky at £225. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 has a similarly firm, smooth ride, and it costs £190.

I have seen the Echo crop up at £195 from some retailers, but even at that price I’d be picking up one of the other shoes mentioned, particularly the Vaporfly which is so well established as a carbon racer that has worked for runners of all levels.

If you have found other racing shoes too soft and unstable, the Echo is worth considering although I’d still give the Endorphin Pro 2 the nod. On has made an excellent shoe in the Cloudboom Echo, and if you’re someone who loves splashing the cash on exciting shoes it won’t disappoint, but the competition is very strong right now among the best running shoes, and the Echo is just a little short of the standards set by other shoes at the same price.

Buy men’s from On | Buy women’s from On | £210

After a few years when the Nike Vaporfly was the only real game in town, the world is now awash with running shoes containing carbon plates. Brands seem to have split into two camps when it comes to design.

The first is the Vaporfly camp, which is a shoe with a big chunk of soft, lightweight cushioning on the bottom along with the carbon plate. This cushioning protects the legs and makes for a bouncier ride but adds bulk, though the latest foams keep the shoes light.

Then there are low-profile designs that look more like racing flats, with just a touch more cushioning. These shoes provide a more traditional racing ride – hard and fast, with plenty of ground feel, plus the added propulsion of a carbon plate.

The On Cloudboom falls squarely into the latter category, alongside the Brooks Hyperion Elite and Asics Metaracer, though the latter is slightly softer underfoot. The Cloudboom is quick and has a slick, speedy look that many will prefer to the chunkier Vaporfly-style shoes, but that does come at a cost in terms of comfort.

On two shorter runs that hit 10-12km in total distance I enjoyed using the shoe, especially during a speed session where the carbon-infused plate plus the stripped-back design of the shoe proved ideal for 1km reps. However, on a 24km run the lack of protection underfoot started to tell. After the 17km mark each forefoot was starting to ache from the impact, and my legs felt like they’d been put through the wringer the next day.

The Cloudboom has been promoted by On as a long-distance racer, fit for the full marathon. However, brand representatives did suggest to us that it was more for 10K to half marathon, which is a little niche.

I couldn’t see myself taking on a full marathon in the Cloudboom, simply for fear that my legs would be in tatters by 30km. Cushioned carbon shoes like the Vaporfly, the new Nike Alphafly and Saucony’s Endorphin Pro all protect against this, leaving you more able to put in a strong finish to your long races.

The Cloudboom also suffers in comparison with the Asics Metaracer, which is lighter at 210g (UK size 9) against the Cloudboom’s 240g. The Metaracer feels faster to me, and also more comfortable, despite having a fairly thin stack of cushioning.

Part of the problem is On’s distinctive pod style of cushioning, which has always resulted in a fairly firm ride in my experience. Pairing that with a stiff carbon plate results in a shoe that’s only really for shorter races or people who prefer that very firm and responsive ride. Even in the latter case, I think the Metaracer is the better bet between the two if you’re lining up at a marathon.

The Cloudboom’s upper is a typical lightweight mesh job, breathable and comfortable around the toes. The design makes it fairly narrow and though I was able to go true to size without problems, going up a half size would probably work as well, especially if you do have wider feet.

There’s a welcome amount of rubber on the outsole for providing reliable grip even on wet roads, but although I found the shoe was fine on light trails and towpaths, you’ll probably want to avoid them purely because of how readily it picks up pebbles in the cracks between the pods.

Like all carbon-plate shoes, the Cloudboom has a hefty price. At £170 it’s a little cheaper than the Asics Metaracer at £180 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro at £190, and much cheaper than Nike’s shoes which cost £240 for the Vaporfly and £260 for the Alphafly.

Cost aside, either the Endorphin Pro or the Metaracer would be a better pick than the Cloudboom for most runners. The Saucony is certainly a preferable marathon running shoe, while the Metaracer might have a similar feel to the Cloudboom but it’s more cushioned, more comfortable and lighter.

While the Cloudboom is a fast shoe, it’s not quicker than other, more comfortable options; neither is it as light as shoes like the Alphafly or Endorphin Pro (both around 230g in a size 9). As a result it falls short of the carbon-plate podium, especially if you’re running 42.2km when the firm ride will hit your legs hard.

It’s all about the foam in running shoes at the moment, whether it’s long-term favourites like Adidas’s Boost or record-setting innovations like Nike’s ZoomX, and everyone wants to get in on the act. And On is no exception, launching its Cloudswift shoe with a fanfare proclaiming the unrivalled benefits of the new Helion foam in the midsole. Sorry, superfoam, as On calls it.

According to On, this Helion foam delivers both “durability and rebound at a previously impossible level”, owing to a special structure. It’s also described as lightweight, although with the men’s size 7.5 Cloudswift weighing 290g it’s pretty squarely in the middle of the pack of shoes we’ve tried weight-wise – by no means a clunker to run in, but nothing out of the ordinary.

On’s stated purpose for the shoe is urban running, but after taking the Cloudswift out for a variety of runs I reckon it’ll serve well as an all-rounder option for runners who prefer a firmer ride.

I’ve found On shoes to be too firm for my taste in the past, only really enjoying the feel on faster tempo runs or even in races. The Helion promises a softer ride when you pull it on, but that first impression is mostly down to the sensational upper, more on which later. When you actually head out the door for a run, the ride delivered by the signature pods on the sole is still quite hard.

See related

• The Best Running Shoes
• On Cloudsurfer Running Shoe Review
• On Cloud Waterproof Running Shoe Review

The Helion does break in a little over time, but that firmness remains, and on my easiest efforts I’d rather be wearing something more cushioned like the Adidas UltraBoost 19 or Nike Epic React, both of which are almost as responsive as the Cloudswift but feel a little plusher at slow paces.

However, the Cloudswift does impress more when you step up the pace for steady or tempo runs. The heel-to-toe transition is smooth and while I didn’t really feel the promised massive energy return from the Helion foam, I did enjoy the fast, responsive ride of the shoe. I also took the Cloudswift to the track for a series of 1km reps and I was pretty impressed with how good it felt at higher paces, even if it’s not an all-out speedster or even as solid at race paces as my current favourite all-rounders, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo and Brooks Launch 6.

None of the other shoes I’ve mentioned can match the upper of the Cloudswift, however, which is probably my favourite ever. It’s outrageously comfortable without feeling over-padded or hot. The mesh sits snugly against your foot and the plastic midfoot cage is very flexible, holding your foot in place without being intrusive at all.

The upper shouldn’t be the reason you buy a running shoe, but the Cloudswift’s is backed up by a solid platform as well. The Helion cushioning still lacks a little softness, enough to prevent the shoe being a truly great all-round option, but it is a little more soft than On’s other shoes without losing much in the way of speed and responsiveness when you up the pace. If you prefer a firmer feel to your running shoes this is a solid all-rounder that also boasts street-smart looks as a bonus.

While the weight of a running shoe is undoubtedly important, we’d caution against dismissing a shoe that looks heavy on paper without actually experiencing what it feels like. Some shoes can clock in as real heavyweights but feel far lighter on the foot, while others give the appearance of being speedsters and end up being clunkers.

The On Cloudsurfer is very much a shoe that falls into the first category, tipping the scales at 330g (men’s size 7.5 UK) but feeling positively sprightly when you’re running. The heft is unusual for the Swiss company, which prides itself on how lightweight the distinctive pod cushioning on its shoes is. In the past, however, I’ve found these pods a trifle too firm for my taste, with even On’s everyday training shoes like the Cloud lacking in softness. As a result I’ve tended to only use them for short or speedy runs when the responsive feel is appreciated.

The Cloudsurfer is a different beast. It’s the most comfortable On shoe I’ve tried by a wide margin, largely thanks to the extra cushioning that has been added to the sole, especially at the heel. It’s still not as soft as something like the Brooks Glycerin 16 or the Adidas UltraBoost 19, but heel strikers in particular will benefit from the extra EVA foam On has added to the shoe.

That cushioning comes at a cost in terms of weight, but you really don’t feel this when running in the Cloudsurfer. It’s soft on landing but the fast transition from heel-to-toe moves you to the firmer forefoot quickly, so you can pick up the pace when you want to.

The mesh upper on the shoe does everything you really want from an upper, in that you don’t really notice it’s there even as it holds the foot in place. I’m also going to say that the jungle/lime colourway, which, like the weight, looks disagreeable horrendous on paper, is really rather nice and understated in practice.

I took the Cloudsurfer out for several easy and steady runs of various lengths and speeds and it impressed throughout, so I thought I’d up the ante with a track session running 400m repeats at around 5K pace. And sure, the Cloudsurfer wasn’t the perfect shoe for this, but it still made a good impression by not being a clunking monster, which by rights it should be at its weight. When running faster in it I found I lost the soft feel of the landing, with the ride feeling a bit flat – not terrible, but not particularly responsive either.

So maybe it’s not one for the track or 5K blasts, but the Cloudsurfer is more versatile than its weight suggests, and it could be a strong option for half marathons or longer races. It’s at its best, however, during steady and easy training runs.

I’ve always been a bit wary of waterproof running shoes, with two main questions about them. The first is: won’t they get hot and make my feet sweat so much they will end up soaking anyway? And the second is: what are they like when water gets inside the shoe during a run and can’t get out?

A bit of a nightmare, is the unfortunate answer to that second question as I found out on my maiden voyage in the On Cloud Waterproof. More on that later, but first some good news – my first fear went unrealised even when I ran on relatively warm and dry days. And the Cloud itself is an impressive lightweight running shoe that’s great for faster training sessions.

As for that first run, I’d actually waited for a rainy day to test out the Cloud and the weather gods obliged, and then some, with a minor monsoon. For the first few kilometres my feet were dry and warm despite the stormy conditions, and I had nothing but praise for the shoes. And then I hit a some puddles, including a couple deep enough to splash water above the ankle and down inside the shoe.

From then on the run was a waterlogged misery, with the shoes feeling heavy and my feet squelching through every step. All non-waterproof running shoes suffer from squelching in the rain, of course, but they can drain a bit, whereas the Cloud Waterproof held the water.

The solution is to avoid deep puddles, which sounds ridiculous but is actually pretty easy if you’re running on city streets. And it’s also worth noting that the weatherproof benefits of the shoe extend beyond rainy days, because it is noticeably warmer than other running shoes when training in cold conditions.

Given that it is waterproof, I was surprised to find that the Cloud still weighs in at just 250g (UK men’s 7.5), and offers a firm and snappy ride. I used it for a 13km progression run, a 5K race and several easy runs, and it definitely felt better on the foot when running at speed. It has a fast heel-to-toe transition and while it’s not bouncy, the Cloud does have a firm and feisty toe-off that helps push you through at speed.

During an easy run, however, I found the Cloud a little too firm for my taste, and when not running at tempo pace the ride was a little flat. Over time the ride did ease a little, but it was never as soft as I’d like. If you’ve not enjoyed running in springy shoes like those using Adidas Boost or Saucony’s Everun midsoles, the more responsive, harder feel of the Cloud might be more to your tastes. Personally, I love a bouncy shoe, especially when taking it easy, so the Cloud is a shoe I’d probably reserve for speed sessions.

See related

• The Best Running Shoes
• The Best Waterproof Gear For Rainy Day Running
• Winter Running: Gear And Tips For Runners Who Don’t Get On With The Treadmill

One key consideration is that the regular On Cloud running shoe is 20g lighter and £10 cheaper than the waterproof version. The latter is undoubtedly a great winter shoe due to its weatherproofing, but if you are picking up the Cloud specifically because of its lightweight, speedy frame, adding an extra 20g may not make sense.

Both versions of the shoe give you the option of using a speed-lacing system where you tie off an elastic lace at the right tightness, then just pull the shoe on. I found I could never get this tight enough and ended up swapping the speed laces for the standard option.

The On Cloud Waterproof is a lovely shoe for runs in inclement weather and made a noticeable difference to how much I enjoyed running in the rain (when not waterlogged). I was also impressed by the firm and fast ride of the shoe, though if that’s the main appeal for you then you’re probably best off going for the standard Cloud first of all, then perhaps adding the waterproof version to your arsenal as a treat to keep you running through the winter.

Buy men’s from On Running | Buy women’s from On Running | £125