Details
Brand
On
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Incredible comfort thanks to its energy-returning CloudTec outsole• 15 separate rubber pods on the outsole provide excellent traction• Highly breathable upper will keep foot cool and dry throughout a run• EVA foam midsole is light and comfortable without being too plush• Wide-set upper and the toe box is excellent for those with wide feet
Upper
The well-constructed upper of the On Cloudcruiser is made from a 3D air mesh that’s breathable while also offering excellent coverage. This mesh keeps the foot chamber well-ventilated, and as a result, keeps the foot cool and dry throughout a run. The non-slip lining of the upper holds the foot securely and prevents slippage from occurring, while its heel strap helps to provide a smooth, comfortable exit end entry into the shoe. Its tongue is made of a memory foam-like material that helps lessen pressure after lace-up, which provides a snug fit and will be appreciated by those who tend to tie their shoes too tightly. A reflective TPU cap increases visibility for the safety of low-light runners.
Midsole
The midsole features a light, flexible plastic grid that balances and stabilizes the ride and works in conjunction with the CloudTec outsole. The CloudTec outsole also works with the EVA foam midsole, which provides great cushioning and energy return. Its full-length speedboard plate also helps with energy return and provides torsional rigidity. Also built into the midsole is an Integrated Transition Bridge and Flight Control Pad, which helps enhance the runner’s overall performance.
Outsole
The main dynamic feature of the On Cloudcruiser is its outsole. Utilizing the CloudTec outsole, which offers reliable cushioning and great energy return, its construction is made for high-wear areas to stand up to many merciless miles of running without deteriorating in integrity. Its outsole features a honeycomb pattern that delivers tenacious grip on trails and roads and great traction for energetic forward movement. Although its unusual, eye-catching outsole may look a little funny to runners not used to a shoe with this sort of outsole, the difference will be felt on impact, when the rubber pods compress upon landing and then spring back to provide a powerful lift-off after absorbing impact shock. These pods also enhance overall stability.
Breathability
Thanks to the multi-layered mesh fabric that comprises much of the upper, the On Cloudcruiser is a highly breathable trainer while also providing a great amount of comfort and freedom. Even though the outsole may be bulky, the lightweight upper remains open and well-ventilated, providing a nice balance and giving the shoe a lighter feel than one would initially suspect with this shoe.
Comfort
One of the central selling points of the Cloudcruiser is its comfort, and surprisingly its main cushioning doesn’t come from its midsole but its outsole. Thanks to the CloudTec construction of its outsole, which is made up of 15 separate rubber pods that provide both cushioning and traction while also giving the Cloudcruiser its overall stability, runners will feel the difference this shift in a location of a comfort source has on their performance. Its midsole is made of EVA foam while its upper is a flexible, breathable mesh that includes a memory foam-like tongue for additional comfort, but it’s the CloudTec outsole and its many springy pods that truly gives the Cloudcruiser its comfortability.
Style
Not everything can be the total package. Sometimes you have to trade in one element for another in order to attain what you truly need, both in a shoe and in life. Such is the case with the On Cloudcruiser. While not an ugly shoe, it’s a bit unusual looking. Chalk this up to its wide upper, but especially its CloudTec outsole, which sticks out like a sore thumb and will certainly turn a few heads during a run, and not necessarily because it’s so aesthetically appealing. So yes, you may not win any fashion awards with the On Cloudcruiser, but your feet and legs will thank you for the superior impact absorption and comfort you’ll experience running in a pair.
Durability
Thanks to the sandwich mesh upper that’s comprised of many layers of synthetic open mesh, the upper of the Cloudcruiser is remarkably durable. Its CloudTec outsole, with its 15 rubber pods, is also long-lasting, as the pods are made of sturdy, durable rubber that keeps its traction and its reflexiveness even after many miles are put on the Cloudcruiser. Even its EVA foam midsole carries with it the reliable durability for which this material is known.
Protection
The Cloudcruiser will protect the runner’s foot from the shock of impact on asphalt, pavement, track surfaces, and even trails, and this level of protection is something few trainers on the market can offer as completely as this line. However, these shoes are also meant for moderate running on traditional surfaces and, at most, light trails. Its open mesh upper will not provide much protection against the elements or cold weather, and overall will only protect as much as the average running sneaker can against harsher surfaces and conditions. But its superior overall impact absorption is key to the Cloudtrainer’s appeal.
Responsiveness
With a smartly designed midsole and running board that works in conjunction with its dynamic CloudTec outsole, runners will feel the top-notch responsiveness the On Cloudcruiser offers. Feeling one with both the trainer and the ground, runners looking for a comfortable, responsive shoe will find it in the CloudTec outsole and its 15 rubber pods that grip the ground and provide amazing energy return with each step.
Support
Part of the appeal of the Cloudcruiser is the excellent cushioning and impact absorption it provides, which some may lead to think this also a support shoe. Unfortunately, it only offers neutral arch support, so those with fallen arches or that require more support may need to find insoles that address their specific problem. But for those that only require neutral support, they will find it in the Cloudcruiser.
Terrain
The asphalt roads and paved sidewalks of your town are excellent terrains for the On Cloudcruiser, as are traditional track surfaces and even light, dry trails. But considering this is a trainer made for moderate pacing and regular running surfaces, it’s not advised to go off-roading or on more extreme terrains with the Cloudcruiser. But your regular daily route and all points in-between will be just fine for this shoe.
Price
A potential detriment to the On Cloudcruiser for some runners is its price tag. To be straightforward, it’s a relatively expensive shoe. However, if one bargain hunts on the internet, they will most likely find prices that brings the price down a third or even full half, which would then make it a moderately priced shoe.
Drop
The drop of the On Cloudcruiser is a little lower than a standard drop coming in at 7mm. Its drop shouldn’t present any problems for runners used to the average drop of 10mm.
Stability
While not particularly a stability shoe, thanks to its wide upper and outsole, expansive toe chamber, and of course the CloudTec outsole that offers a lot in the way of stability, the On Cloudcruiser could be considered a “light” stability shoe. However, it is not to be considered an actual stability shoe, as it does not address any problems an overpronating runner may have.
Flexibility
While the upper of the Cloudcruiser is nicely flexible, which is made of a woven mesh that’s sandwiched for a multilayer effect, unfortunately this shoe is not known for its flexiblity. Its midsole construction is somewhat stiff, as is its outsole. While this may be something some runners prefer, others may find it a little stiffer than they’re used to.
Traction
With its CloudTec outsole and its 15 rubber pods, runners will be pleased to find that each pod has imprinted onto it a honeycomb design that aids in traction, and that these ridges provide excellent pick-up and a responsive ride once the runner gets going. Add to this the fantastic energy return with every step the CloudTec provides and runners will be pleased at not just this shoe’s cushioning but the get-up-and-go traction it provides.
Bottom Line
Soft without compromising strength, comfortable without being too plush, and providing a great amount of traction while also absorbing every impact, the On Cloudcruiser is made for runners who require a little more out of their outsole to take on the brunt of the road. While it’s not the coolest looking trainer on the market, what you sacrifice in style is more than made up for in performance. Its highlight is the CloudTec outsole, comprised of 15 separate pods that both absorb each impact while also providing a great amount of energy return for an extra spring in each step. It may not be a fashion plate but in pure performance and comfort alone the On Cloudcruiser is a winner in comfort.
