On Cloudboom Echo 3

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On Cloudboom Echo 3: Review

“A firm and responsive race-day shoe for competitive runners.”

Overview


The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is a performance-oriented running shoe that caters to the needs of competitive runners seeking speed and efficiency. This model stands out with its innovative design and high-end materials, aiming to deliver a race-day advantage.

Key Features:

  • Carbon Speedboard: A full-length carbon plate designed to enhance propulsion and energy return.
  • Helion HF midsole foam: On's latest foam technology, offering a balance between softness and responsiveness.
  • Microfiber upper: A breathable and secure material that conforms to the foot for a snug fit.

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize speed and a firm ride for distances up to a half marathon. Its carbon fiber plate and Helion HF midsole foam offer a responsive and efficient experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a performance edge on race day. However, its firmness may not be ideal for all runners, especially those seeking a softer, more cushioned ride for longer distances.

With an average review score of 72%, it's in the lowest rated 10% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 10% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the On Cloudboom Echo 3


The On Cloudboom Echo 3 has been met with mixed reactions. While it boasts a comfortable and breathable upper, along with a carbon fiber plate for enhanced propulsion, its firm ride and high price point have raised eyebrows. Runners who enjoy a firmer, more responsive shoe for short to mid-distance races may find the Cloudboom Echo 3 to their liking. However, those seeking a softer, more cushioned experience for longer distances might be better served by other options in the market. The shoe's durability, particularly in the outsole, has also been a concern, suggesting that it may be best reserved for race days rather than daily training. Despite these considerations, the Cloudboom Echo 3 remains a solid choice for On enthusiasts and runners who prefer a snappy, race-ready shoe.

Comparable Shoes


Compared to the On Cloudboom Echo 3, The Hoka Rocket X 2 offers a softer ride and a lower drop, making it a more approachable option for a wider range of runners. It's also more budget-friendly and has a more durable outsole, which may appeal to runners looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both racing and training.

The Nike Alphafly Next% 2 is a strong competitor to the On Cloudboom Echo 3, offering a more cushioned experience with its ZoomX foam. Runners seeking a softer, more forgiving ride for marathon distances may prefer the Alphafly Next% 2 over the firmer Cloudboom Echo 3.

The Saucony Endorphin Elite is another shoe that runners might compare with the On Cloudboom Echo 3. It features a firmer midsole similar to the Cloudboom Echo 3 but with a more dramatic bevel in the forefoot, which some runners may find aids in quicker turnover and a more dynamic ride.

6 On Cloudboom Echo 3 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 offers a comfortable and breathable upper, providing a secure fit for high-speed racing.
Equipped with a carbon fiber plate, the shoe enhances propulsion and energy return, catering to competitive runners.
The Helion HF midsole foam strikes a balance between firmness and responsiveness, suitable for runners who prefer a direct road feel.

3 Cons

The firm ride of the On Cloudboom Echo 3 may not be comfortable for all runners, especially over longer distances.
Durability issues with the outsole suggest that the shoe is best used sparingly for races rather than daily training.
The high price point of the On Cloudboom Echo 3 may not align with the value expectations of some runners.

In Depth


Upper

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 features a microfiber upper that provides a secure and comfortable fit. This material is praised for its breathability, ensuring that runners' feet remain cool and dry during intense efforts. The upper's design also contributes to the shoe's overall stability, offering a locked-in feel that is essential for high-speed racing.

Midsole

The midsole of the On Cloudboom Echo 3 is where the magic happens. It incorporates On's Helion HF foam, which is designed to offer a balance between softness and responsiveness. This foam, combined with the carbon fiber plate, creates a ride that is firm and efficient, particularly at higher speeds. However, some runners may find the midsole too firm for their liking, especially over longer distances.

Outsole

The outsole of the On Cloudboom Echo 3 provides excellent traction, allowing runners to confidently tackle corners and turns. However, concerns have been raised about its long-term durability, with some reviewers noting that the rubber may wear down quickly if used extensively outside of racing conditions.

Size/fit

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is reported to fit true to size, offering a snug and secure feel. However, the shoe's narrow profile may not be suitable for runners with wider feet. It's recommended that those with wider feet consider trying the shoe on before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit.

Comfort

While the On Cloudboom Echo 3 is designed for speed, it does not compromise on comfort. The upper's construction and the shoe's overall design provide a comfortable fit that can support runners throughout their races. However, the firmness of the midsole may impact comfort levels for some, particularly over longer distances.

Cushioning

Cushioning in the On Cloudboom Echo 3 is focused on providing a responsive ride rather than plush softness. The Helion HF foam and carbon fiber plate contribute to a firmer feel underfoot, which may be preferred by runners looking for a more direct connection with the road during races.

Breathability

The On Cloudboom Echo 3's microfiber upper excels in breathability, ensuring that runners' feet stay cool and ventilated even during the most intense efforts. This feature is particularly appreciated in warmer conditions or during longer races where heat buildup can be an issue.

Stability

Stability is a key aspect of the On Cloudboom Echo 3, with the shoe's design providing a secure and stable platform for runners. The combination of the snug upper and the firm midsole allows for confident strides, although the narrow sole may affect stability for some runners.

Durability

Durability concerns for the On Cloudboom Echo 3 primarily revolve around the outsole, which may show signs of wear after extensive use. While the shoe is built with high-quality materials, its best use is for race days to preserve its longevity.

Grip

The grip on the On Cloudboom Echo 3's outsole is noteworthy, offering reliable traction on road surfaces. This allows runners to maintain their pace and form, especially during turns and on varied terrain.

Who should buy the On Cloudboom Echo 3?


The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is best suited for runners who are fans of the On brand and are looking for a firm, responsive shoe for race day. It's ideal for those with a preference for a snug fit and a narrow foot profile, as well as runners who value a shoe that provides a direct feel of the road during fast-paced efforts.

Who should not buy the On Cloudboom Echo 3?


Runners who prefer a softer, more cushioned ride for long distances may want to steer clear of the On Cloudboom Echo 3. Additionally, those with wider feet or runners on a budget might find better value in other models that offer similar performance features at a lower price point.

On Cloudboom Echo 3: What's it good for?


The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is particularly good for short to mid-distance races where a firm and responsive ride is desired. It's also well-suited for runners with a fore/midfoot strike and those who have a high arch, providing the necessary support and propulsion for competitive racing.

4 On Cloudboom Echo 3 FAQs


Is the On Cloudboom Echo 3 suitable for marathon distances?

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is designed for speed and efficiency, making it suitable for shorter races. However, due to its firm ride, some runners may find it less ideal for the full marathon distance, where a softer, more cushioned shoe might be preferred.

How does the On Cloudboom Echo 3 fit for runners with wide feet?

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 has a narrow profile and may not be the best fit for runners with wide feet. It's recommended to try the shoe on before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit, or consider other models with a wider toe box.

What is the main difference between the On Cloudboom Echo 3 and its predecessors?

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 features a new Helion HF midsole foam and a redesigned upper, offering a firmer and more responsive ride compared to its predecessors. It is specifically tailored for race day performance.

How durable is the On Cloudboom Echo 3?

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 has raised some durability concerns, particularly with the outsole. It is best reserved for race days to maximize its lifespan and maintain its performance features.

On Cloudboom Echo 3 alternatives



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Weight
Weight
213 g
210 g
M: 218 g
W: 184 g
249 g
M: 230 g
W: 204 g
M: 241 g
W: 207 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
28 mm
31 mm
32 mm
37 mm
36 mm
36 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
9 mm
8 mm
8 mm
8 mm
4 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
37 mm
39 mm
40 mm
45 mm
40 mm
44 mm
Usages
Usages
Racing
RacingRacingRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
On
ASICSSauconyASICSNew BalanceASICS
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
LightweightMaximalist
LightweightComfortableLightweightMaximalistComfortableMaximalistComfortableLightweightMaximalistLightweightMaximalist
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Techs
Techs
New Balance FuelCell
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

On Cloudboom Echo 3: what the experts say (3 reviews)

On Cloudboom Echo 3: 16 Expert video reviews

On Cloudboom Echo 3 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
3
Released
Jun 2023
Measurements
Weight
213 g
Heel to toe drop
9 mm
Heel
37 mm
Forefoot
28 mm

Evolution of the On Cloudboom Echo product family

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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.
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