Details
Brand
On
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Micro Engineered Grip Rubber for superior traction and durability• CloudTec midsole material provides great responsiveness• Sockliner keeps the foot dry and odor free• Duel layer upper: the inner layer hugs the foot snuggly for a supportive fit while the outside layer is maximally breathable• Protective toe cap• Water-repellent upper keeps the foot dry
Upper
There are many innovative design elements to love about the upper of this shoe. For starters, the upper is made using two layers which is unique for an upper design. The purpose is to provide the runner with a durable upper that will protect it from the debris and elements of the trail. The inside layer is used as a support to give the shoe a very snug feel. The outer layer is where you’ll find the breathable mesh material. This keeps the foot cool and dry even on longer runs. Another way the upper provides protection to the runner is through the use of reflective materials along the side of the shoe. It also includes a protective toe shield to keep the foot free from wear and tears regardless of how many rocks or roots you may run into on your trail run. The upper is also water resistant which is a key element on an outdoor adventure shoe like the On Cloudventure. Finally, the sockliner adds cushioning while working to eliminate odor. It is made of a dry wicking material and is such a comfortable design that runner reported that they didn’t’ even need to wear socks.
Midsole
In order to create a cushioned and supportive ride for runners, the midsole material used in this shoe is On’s patented CloudTec. This midsole features 11 pods for maximum cushioning and responsiveness. On realizing that the trail can be a harsh place and they designed the midsole of this shoe specifically to add cushioning and absorb the shock from each footfall. This design element gives a very light, springy feeling to the shoe. This high level of responsiveness and shock absorption helped keep runners from fatiguing prematurely. They reported that they could run for longer periods of time without feeling so tired.
Outsole
The folks over at On designed this outsole to be able to handle most any terrain a runner can think of. The outsole is designed using Micro-Engineered Grip Rubber. This rubber material is highly durable and designed the protect the rest of the shoe from the harsh elements of the trail. The underfoot is a unique design in that instead of lugs, it actually has more a node design that works to provide superior grip. Whether it is the road or the trail or something more extreme, the outsole of this shoe is designed to handle it.
Breathability
The dual layers of the upper on this shoe help provide maximum breathability to the runner. In many of the On brand competitors, the upper has proven to be either be durable or breathable, snug or lightweight. In this case, On solved that problem of either or by including two layers on the upper. One of these layers, the bottom layer, is designed to be extra breathable and allow maximum airflow to the runner. This eliminates blisters, hot spots, and overall irritation to the runner. One of the reasons runners love these shoes for long distance endurance racing is because of this breathable upper.
Comfort
Runners loved the comfort afforded by these shoes. The upper is a dual layer to give the runner a snug fit that is also breathable. A breathable shoe means no blisters and fewer chances at irritation. The midsole the shoe is made using Cloud tech technology that cradles the foot and promotes a natural gait. This shoe also features a padded sock liner for extra comfort and support.
Style
The On brand has a unique aesthetic. It is a mix between a rugged adventure shoe and a fashionable casual sneaker. This particular model isn’t offered in a large variety of colors, but some runner appreciated the simplicity of the decision making process. Since these shoes are designed to go long out in the wilderness, looking good isn’t their primary concern and neither is it the primary concern of the athletes who wear them.
Durability
Over and over runners raved about the durability of these shoes. Runners use this shoe for Iron Man and other extreme races and competitions in addition to their everyday trail and road running shoe. The outsole is made of The Micro-Engineered Grip Rubber which is designed to protect the rest of the shoe. On included bigger details like the outsole, the midsole constructed from durable CloudTec to ensure these shoes last a long time. On also includes smaller details like the toe guard to help achieve that same result.
Protection
The On Cloudventure has multiple protective elements. For starters, the upper of the shoe features reflective propers. This keeps runners safe and protected even on their evening runs. Another detail is the outsole and midsole of the shoe work together to promote a more natural gait. Over time this will lead to fewer injuries. Another way that this shoe protects the runners is by providing superior traction. The trail can be a treacherous place, but even if the runner is going up steep inclines, running down steep hills, or running in slick conditions, the thoughtful design of this shoe uses a superior gripping material to keep the runner safe.
Responsiveness
One of the major pros of this shoe is its high level of responsiveness. Runners loved that even though the outsole and midsole are cushioned and comfortable, it still is a very responsive shoe. Runners reported feeling connected to the ground underfoot and were easily able to change direction and speed.
Support
The On Cloudventure markets itself as a neutral running shoe, but with all the technological advances found in the shoe for improving arch support, and more stability, this shoe can also be used for its superior support.
Terrain
No matter what terrain you can think of, the On Cloudventure can handle. Runners love this shoe for long distance endurance races like the Iron Man Competition, Spartan Races, Mud runs, and ultra marathons. The powerful traction of the underfoot combined with the long-lasting durability makes these a perfect choice for the outdoor enthusiast. Another great element about these shoes is that they can transition easily from the road to the trail.
Price
On is a brand that is designed by Swiss athletes. It uses the best and newest cutting-edge technologies. The On Cloudventure is extremely durable and holds up against long miles in perilous condition. Runners love the value of the shoe, but this shoe is certainly at the higher end of most budgets. The runner should expect to pay much more for this shoe than the average running shoe. There are many wonderful and affordable options for running shoe, but this is not one of them.
Drop
The On Cloudventure features a relatively low heel drop at 6 millimeters. This drop is very close to being considered a minimalist or natural running shoe. This is a good option for those looking to transition into a barefoot running experience. It is suggested that those who are used to running in a traditional drop shoe of 12 or 13 should not jump immediately down to a zero drop shoe. It is a good idea to move there slowly, and this is a well-balanced shoe to transition. This should come to no surprise to runners who have trained in these shoes because they promote such a natural movement. There are stability features in this shoe, but more than anything ON wants to promote natural movement and not hinder the runner’s natural gait.
Stability
This is a stability shoe. The base of the shoe is very stable, but it doesn’t sacrifice stability for flexibility. The outsole of the shoe promotes a natural footfall. It also offers pronation to support and extra arch supports to the runners who need it most. Since this is a shoe that runners love as a long distance endurance racing shoe, runners love the added stability features found in the midsole.
Flexibility
Both the outsole and upper of this shoe are flexible. It is important for the On Cloudventure to be flexible as it needs to quickly and effectively respond to the needs of the runner. Without the flexible outsole, this shoe would not be as efficient at promoting a natural gait cycle.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe has a unique design that is specifically made to provide the runner with added grip and traction on the roads or trail. The material used in the outsole, the Micro Engineered Grip Rubber is extra sticky. Runners reported that they felt secure and protected regardless of the terrain and regardless of the weather conditions. The outsole of the shoe is covered in a triangular grip pattern to increase the already amazing traction of the shoe.
Bottom Line
These shoes are for the adventurer who is looking for a supportive, comfortable running companion that can stand up to the elements and without breaking down easily. Runners reported that this shoe is a favorite for all things adventure facing from Spartan Races to Iron Man competitions, to ultra marathons. The shoe features some cutting-edge technology that is used to support the runner and give them the most comfortable fit possible. The design is unique, especially in the outsole. It uses a pod-like design as opposed to the more standard lug. The results are a durable ride that provides the runner with superior traction and comfort to long miles.
