Details
Brand
On
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• CloudTec midsole material gives the shoe added cushioning. It also helps absorb shock and promotes a toe-off motion for runners.• Four way stretch fabric makes for a comfortable, customizable fit.• Innovative, unique upper material actually stretches and conforms to the fit of the shoe, supporting the foot’s natural movement and splay.• EVA midsole foam for a firm yet cushioned ride.
Upper
The upper of this shoe makes it one of the most unique, comfortable shoes many runners have had the pleasure of running in. The material used in this upper is made using a patented material called 3D air mesh. It brings breathability to the next level, and runners know that a dry foot is a happy foot. The breathability also reduces the risk of hot spots and the development of odor and bacteria. The 3D air mesh upper provides a maximum amount of breathability. As if all these features weren’t enough, On also put intelligent construction into the tongue of this shoe. It stays securely in place due to the perforated design and will help, rather than hinder, your performance.
Midsole
The most technical part of this shoe is the midsole. The Cloudster mixes new patented technologies with tried and true details to form the idea midsole. To begin, this shoe is made with top quality EVA midsole foam. This midsole foam gives the shoe added cushioning that is ideal for the runner who likes firm cushioning. EVA foam is also highly durable and is known to keep its form for longer than other midsole foams. Add to this two patented On technologies: The CloudTec midsole and the Speedboard. Both of which relieve impact with each foot strike and promote an improved gait.
Outsole
In general, the outsole of running shoes is made from two variants of rubbers: Carbon rubber, which is more durable and blown rubber, which gives the shoe more cushioning.;The Cloudster’s outsole is made with a durable carbon rubber. The advantage of carbon rubber is that it is extremely durable and holds up in appearance and performance even after extensive wear. By flipping the shoe over, athletes can see that there is something special happening under neath this shoe. The underfoot is constructed in a honeycomb pattern. The purpose of this is to give the runner maximum grip. Runners love that this shoe can be used to run on slick surfaces. Running in the rain never sounded so good!
Breathability
The upper of this shoe gives the runner a nice, breathable run. Air can easily flow into and out of the shoe, reducing the risk of odor and wetness which eventually causes irritation and blisters. Since this is a good shoe for your longer runs, it is important that you can trust that this shoe will keep your foot cool and dry during those l ong miles. Blisters can certainly be a run-ender for most, and that is why the Cloudster was thoughtful in its construction and created a shoe that will work hard to keep you cool and dry.
Comfort
Comfort is a top priority of On, and it really shows in the Cloudster. The Cloudster offers added comfort to its runner in a variety of ways. To begin, the upper is not only breathable but constructed with a stretchy material that actually conforms to the shape of the foot. It doesn’t get cozier than that. In addition, the midsole provides a firm, yet cushioned ride and the springy-ness of the design protects the runner from high impact (which can lead to a lot of injuries down the road) and keeps the foot feeling energized the entire run.
Style
I am in the camp of runners who appreciate, and even seeks out a unique looking running shoe. The crazier the colors or the more interesting the design, the better for me. THis is obviously an issue of personal taste and the aesthetic that appeals to some runners won’t appeal to others. If you are with me in your love for the stranger looking running shoes, then the Cloudster is right up your alley. The colors aren’t necessarily anything crazy, but the overall look of the shoe is really unique. If has a sort of moon shoe look to it, and this appeal to the part of me that like a shoe that is a little wacky.
Durability
The On Cloudster is a highly durable shoe. With an outsole made of carbon rubber, an EVA midsole, and flexible, foot-forming upper materials, this shoe will last you for many miles of workouts.
Protection
In terms of protection, I think there are two main areas that stand out in this shoe. The first is the protection offered against blisters, hot spots, and irritation in the upper. The upper is thoughtfully designed to give keep the foot cool, dry, and free from unwanted friction. Another element of protection is the shock absorption provided by the midsole of this shoe. If you are running in the wrong shoe, over time, that is going to take a toll on your joints. This shoe is a great example of what happens when a brand invests in protective midsole foam to absorb the shock of each foot strike.
Responsiveness
The On Cloudster is a surprising, springy and responsive ride. The shoe response quickly and efficiently to changes in pace and terrain. This shoe doesn’t just provide the runner with springy responsiveness, the added firm cushioning absorbs shock with each foot fall and does an amazing job of returning energy to the runner. Over and over, runners used words like “energizing” and “refreshing” to describe their experience running in the Cloudster.
Support
Runners certainly feel supported in this shoe. The midsole and outsole are to be thanked for that feeling of protection and support while running in the Cloudster. Both the midsole and the outsole provide elements of added cushioning, arch support, and protection. The carbon rubber and the thicker outsole provide the runner with a stable platform for each foot fall.
Terrain
What you are looking at when you see the On Cloudster is a tried and true road running shoe. While I would attempt to traverse mountainsides in this shoe, the honeycomb grip of the outsole also makes this a suitable shoe to take on groomed trails, and since it offers a great level of responsiveness and support, runners should feel free to take it on slicker terrains or even on the track for some drills.
Price
Let’s take a minute to appreciate the amazing price of this shoe. You will have a hard time finding a quality running shoe in today’s market for less than one hundred and twenty dollars. But the Cloudster? You can find it for around fifty. For the quality, the level of durability, and great reviews that this shoe receives, it would be foolish to not at least try it out. At this price, you have almost nothing to lose. If affordability and quality are two of your top priorities, this is a good buy for you.
Drop
Although the heel drop on this model is seven millimeters, it feels more like a stability shoe than a natural running shoe. This can be attributed to the springy-ness and cushion of the midsole. The shoe is close to the ground, and this enables a high level of responsiveness, but it is cushioned and supportive enough for the runner to feel protected and comfortable mile after mile.
Stability
This is a very stable shoe, and runners appreciate the support and comfort it offers. The midsole offers a firm cushioning that runners who need additional arch support found ideal. The outsole is made from solid carbon rubber, and runners appreciated the feedback on each foot fall. While this shoe is suggested for the neutral runner, many runners who generally look for a more stable shoe found a perfect fit in the On Cloudster.
Flexibility
What this shoe lacks in flexibility, it makes up for in support and stability. The outsole of this shoe is constructed using carbon rubber which is a denser, more durable runner than other outsole materials like blown rubber. This is great news for durability and protection, but not such great news for flexibility. In addition to that, the midsole foam is firmer and more supportive, again reducing the ability of the shoe to move in a free, flexible manner. The shoe promotes a natural stride and has amazing cushioning in the heel, but it is not the lightweight, flexible racer that some folks are looking to add to their running shoe repertoire.
Traction
It isn’t easy to find a road running shoe that takes grip and traction as seriously as the Cloudster. The underfoot of the shoe is made with a honeycomb pattern that is unique to a road running shoe. This pattern does more than look cool, it actually creates an extremely grippy outsole. Runners reported that running on slick or uneven surfaces was not an issue in this shoe. While it was created as a road shoe, the grip makes it possible to also tackle groomed trails as well.
Bottom Line
On is a unique, fun Swiss brand that cares strongly about the comfort and function of their running shoes. The shining star of the Cloudster is its springy midsole that not only absorbs shock, reducing the risk of injury, it also promotes powerful energy return to keep your runs energized and your feet and legs from feeling fatigue. The shoe can take a beating and look good and maintain its structural integrity. And the price! You cannot pass up a shoe this good at a price this good. I know you might be scared, because you might not have heard of the On brand before, but trust me, take a risk. You won’t regret it.
