On Cloudboom

Your rating
Price band
Special versions

Pro athlete users

Matthias KrahDougie MussonKatie SchideGermain Grangier

Buy On Cloudboom at today's best price (men's/women's)

UK

On Cloudboom: Review

“A high-performance racing shoe for competitive road runners.”

Overview


The On Cloudboom is a high-performance running shoe designed for competitive racing. This lightweight shoe is engineered to provide maximum speed and efficiency for road runners.

Key Features:

  • Helion HF Hyper foam midsole: Offers high energy return and cushioning.
  • Speedboard technology: A carbon-fiber plate that aids propulsion.
  • Lightweight mesh upper: Ensures breathability and a snug fit.

The On Cloudboom is an ideal choice for competitive runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Its advanced midsole and carbon-fiber plate offer excellent energy return, making it suitable for races from 10k to marathons.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 10% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the On Cloudboom


The On Cloudboom is a solid choice for competitive runners looking for a lightweight and responsive shoe. The Helion HF Hyper foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and energy return, making it suitable for long-distance races. The Speedboard technology, featuring a carbon-fiber plate, aids in propulsion, although some runners may find it less rigid than expected. The mesh upper is breathable and offers a snug fit, but the lacing system has received mixed reviews. Some runners found the laces too long and difficult to secure properly. Overall, the Cloudboom performs well in real-world scenarios, offering a smooth and stable ride. Its combination of lightweight design and advanced technology makes it a strong contender in the racing shoe market.

Comparable Shoes


The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is another strong competitor to the On Cloudboom. Both shoes are designed for racing and feature a carbon-fiber plate for propulsion. The Endorphin Pro 4 is known for its lightweight design and responsive cushioning, similar to the Cloudboom. However, the Cloudboom's Helion HF Hyper foam midsole offers a softer ride compared to the Endorphin Pro 4. Runners who prefer a more cushioned and bouncy feel might find the Cloudboom more appealing, while those who like a firmer ride might opt for the Endorphin Pro 4.

The Nike Vaporfly 3 is often compared to the On Cloudboom due to its popularity in the racing shoe market. Both shoes feature advanced midsole technology and a carbon-fiber plate for propulsion. The Vaporfly 3 is known for its exceptional energy return and lightweight design, similar to the Cloudboom. However, the Cloudboom offers a more stable ride, making it a better choice for runners who need extra stability. Runners who prioritize maximum energy return might prefer the Vaporfly 3, while those who value stability and a cushioned ride might lean towards the Cloudboom.

The New Balance SC Elite v4 is a good comparison to the On Cloudboom, as both shoes offer a lightweight design and advanced midsole technology. The SC Elite v4 is known for its firm cushioning, while the Cloudboom provides a softer and more responsive ride. Both shoes feature a carbon-fiber plate for propulsion, but the Cloudboom's Helion HF Hyper foam offers a different level of energy return. Runners who prefer a firmer feel might lean towards the SC Elite v4, while those who appreciate a cushioned ride will find the Cloudboom more suitable.

Special versions of On Cloudboom




The On Cloudboom Echo is a previous iteration of the Cloudboom series, known for its firm and rigid ride. While the Echo offers a more traditional racing shoe feel, the Cloudboom provides a softer and more responsive experience. The Echo is better suited for runners who prefer a firmer platform, while the Cloudboom caters to those who appreciate a cushioned and bouncy ride. Both models feature the Speedboard technology, but the Cloudboom's Helion HF Hyper foam midsole offers a different level of comfort and energy return.

9 On Cloudboom Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Lightweight design for competitive racing.
Helion HF Hyper foam midsole offers excellent cushioning and energy return.
Speedboard technology aids in propulsion.
Breathable mesh upper ensures comfort during long runs.
Stable ride even on busy sidewalks and during quick directional changes.

4 Cons

Lacing system can be difficult to secure properly.
Narrow toe box may not be suitable for runners with wide feet.
Some runners may find the cushioning too soft.
Higher price point compared to some other racing shoes.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the On Cloudboom is made from a lightweight mesh material, ensuring excellent breathability. This one-piece design wraps snugly around the foot, providing a performance-oriented fit. However, the lacing system has been a point of contention among reviewers, with some finding the laces too long and difficult to secure properly. Despite this, the upper's overall construction is praised for its lightweight and minimalistic design, making it ideal for racing.

Midsole

The midsole of the On Cloudboom features Helion HF Hyper foam, a PEBAX-based material known for its high energy return and cushioning. This foam is designed to provide a bouncy and responsive ride, making it suitable for long-distance races. The midsole also includes On's Speedboard technology, a carbon-fiber plate that aids in propulsion. This combination of materials ensures that the shoe offers both comfort and performance, making it a strong choice for competitive runners.

Outsole

The outsole of the On Cloudboom is designed to provide excellent grip and durability. Made from high-quality rubber, it ensures traction even on wet surfaces, optimizing the runner's performance. The outsole's design complements the shoe's overall lightweight construction, making it suitable for road running.

Size/fit

The On Cloudboom tends to run narrow, which is typical for racing shoes. This snug fit helps reduce energy loss by minimizing foot movement within the shoe. Reviewers have noted that the shoe fits true to size in length, but the narrow toe box may not be suitable for runners with wider feet. Overall, the fit is designed to enhance performance by providing a secure and stable feel.

Comfort

Comfort is a key feature of the On Cloudboom, thanks to its Helion HF Hyper foam midsole. This material offers excellent cushioning, making the shoe comfortable for long-distance races. However, the lacing system has been criticized for causing discomfort due to its length and difficulty in securing. Despite this, the shoe's overall design aims to provide a comfortable and responsive ride.

Cushioning

The On Cloudboom offers a well-cushioned ride, thanks to its Helion HF Hyper foam midsole. This material provides excellent shock absorption and energy return, making it suitable for long-distance races. The cushioning is designed to be both soft and responsive, offering a balanced feel that caters to a variety of running styles.

Breathability

The On Cloudboom excels in breathability, thanks to its lightweight mesh upper. This material allows for excellent airflow, keeping the foot cool and dry during runs. The breathable design is particularly beneficial for long-distance races, where maintaining a comfortable foot temperature is crucial.

Stability

Stability is a notable feature of the On Cloudboom, with reviewers praising its ability to provide a stable ride even on busy sidewalks and during quick directional changes. The combination of the Helion HF Hyper foam midsole and Speedboard technology ensures that the shoe remains stable, making it a reliable choice for competitive runners.

Durability

The On Cloudboom is designed to be durable, with high-quality materials used in both the upper and outsole. The rubber outsole provides excellent grip and is built to withstand the wear and tear of road running. The lightweight mesh upper, while breathable, is also designed to be robust, ensuring the shoe's longevity.

Grip

The On Cloudboom offers excellent grip, thanks to its high-quality rubber outsole. This ensures traction even on wet surfaces, making it a reliable choice for road running. The grip is designed to complement the shoe's overall performance, providing stability and confidence during races.

Flex

The On Cloudboom offers a balanced level of flexibility, thanks to its combination of Helion HF Hyper foam and Speedboard technology. This design allows for a responsive and smooth ride, making it suitable for a variety of running styles. The flexibility of the shoe ensures that it can adapt to different running conditions, providing a comfortable and efficient experience.

Who should buy the On Cloudboom?


The On Cloudboom is ideal for competitive runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Its lightweight design and advanced midsole technology make it suitable for races from 10k to marathons. Runners who appreciate a well-cushioned and breathable shoe will find value in the Cloudboom. The shoe's stability and grip make it a reliable choice for those who run on road surfaces. If you prefer a snug fit and a performance-oriented design, the Cloudboom is a strong contender.

Who should not buy the On Cloudboom?


The On Cloudboom may not be the best choice for runners with wider feet due to its narrow toe box. Those who prefer a more rigid and firm ride might find the cushioning too soft. If you are looking for a shoe with a more traditional lacing system, the Cloudboom's laces might be a drawback. Runners who need extra arch support might want to consider other options. For those who prioritize a budget-friendly option, the Cloudboom's price point may be a concern.

On Cloudboom: What's it good for?


The On Cloudboom is well-suited for racing and long-distance running. Its lightweight design and advanced cushioning make it ideal for marathons and half marathons. The shoe's excellent grip and stability make it a reliable choice for road running. With its breathable upper and responsive midsole, the Cloudboom is perfect for runners looking to achieve their personal bests in competitive races.

5 On Cloudboom FAQs


What type of runner is the On Cloudboom best suited for?

The On Cloudboom is best suited for competitive runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Its lightweight design and advanced midsole technology make it ideal for races from 10k to marathons.

How does the On Cloudboom's cushioning compare to other racing shoes?

The On Cloudboom features Helion HF Hyper foam, which provides excellent cushioning and energy return. This makes it softer and more responsive compared to some other racing shoes, which may have a firmer feel.

Is the On Cloudboom suitable for runners with wide feet?

The On Cloudboom tends to run narrow, which may not be suitable for runners with wide feet. It is designed to provide a snug fit for optimal performance.

What is the heel-to-toe drop of the On Cloudboom?

The On Cloudboom has a heel-to-toe drop of 9 mm, which provides a balanced feel for long-distance running.

How does the On Cloudboom's lacing system perform?

The lacing system of the On Cloudboom has received mixed reviews. Some runners found the laces too long and difficult to secure properly, while others did not experience any issues.

On Cloudboom alternatives



On Cloudboom
Now viewing

On Cloudboom
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Jul 2020
Jun 2024Jun 2023Jan 2024Jul 2024Jan 2024
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score












productAthletes
Pro athlete users

+2
Katie SchideGermain Grangier
Weight
Weight
M: 224 g
W: 184 g
M: 241 g
W: 207 g
213 g
M: 218 g
W: 184 g
249 g
M: 230 g
W: 204 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
11 mm
36 mm
28 mm
32 mm
37 mm
36 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
9 mm
8 mm
9 mm
8 mm
8 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
20 mm
44 mm
37 mm
40 mm
45 mm
40 mm
Usages
Usages
Racing
RacingSpeed trainingRacingRacingRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
On
ASICSOnSauconyASICSNew Balance
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Lightweight
LightweightMaximalistLightweightMaximalistComfortableLightweightMaximalistComfortableMaximalistComfortableLightweightMaximalist
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
New Balance FuelCell
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

On Cloudboom: what the experts say (3 reviews)

On Cloudboom: 14 Expert video reviews

On Cloudboom: 1 Manufacturer video

On Cloudboom characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesRacing (+183)
BrandOn (+45)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1097)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+409)
FitNarrow toe box (+222)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)Carbon fiber plate (+101)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
Events10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)
ColorwaysGrey / Black / White, Multi, Red, Savannah / White
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Jul 2020
Measurements
Weight
M: 224 g
W: 184 g
Heel to toe drop
9 mm
Heel
20 mm
Forefoot
11 mm

4 pro athletes who've used On Cloudboom

Related guides

AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
new!
Sync your parkrun results to your Strava activities
Profile picture
Tom Green
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
📊 Stats by geerly 👟 🕒 Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%