Search
shop

Review: On Running Cloud

Chris Hovenden has been putting the versatile Cloud shoe from On Running to a long-term test. Check out how it performed in his review.
Last updated -

On (www.on-running.com) trainers have received a lot of hype and fanfare. Chris Hovenden decided to see what all the fuss is about, testing out the new Cloud model.

Product On Cloud trainers
Price £115
Size tested 44
Weight 235g per shoe
Colour Red and Ox
Other colour options See website for options
Sizes available See website – Men | Women
Website www.on-running.com
Grade A – Very good.

 

Testing the Cloud out on the road (and gym, and trail, and country…)

The Swiss company On appears to have come from nowhere to take the running and triathlon worlds by storm.

When your stable of athletes includes Javier Gomez, Tim Don, Will Clarke, and Rachel Joyce, you must be doing something right!

On’s collection of running shoes includes more race focussed kicks than the On Cloud, but with the Cloud designated as fitting the ‘active life’ category, they appear to fit On’s mantra of never not on.

One of the main appeals of the On Cloud is that, in addition to wearing them when training, they can be worn as casual trainers without giving up all sense of fashion for function…

On Running Cloud

The On USP of running on ‘clouds’ is prominent in the latest Cloud trainers – the Cloud are equipped with the Swiss company’s new CloudTec® sole which is said to have re-shaped ‘cloud’ elements, an increased number of grip pads, and an updated channel which runs through the middle of the sole.

The shoes are noticeably light, tipping the scales at 235g for one size 44 shoe, and with a heel to toe drop of 6mm the On Cloud feel versatile. Comfortable in social scenarios, suitable for gym work-outs, and ‘racey’ enough for when wanting to push your park-run PB.

The versatility of the shoes is definitely a plus, but I had concerns over the long term durability of the sole (and its level of responsiveness), and the shoe generally.

On Running Cloud

Having carried out weights sessions in the gym as well as running on the treadmill, cross-country, trails, and on the road – the sole performs impressively. Firm without being uncomfortable; and, despite frequent use over the last two to three months there was no significant depreciation in the quality of the sole and only minor wear to the decals on the mesh upper.

The only real negative is that inevitably the sole gets clogged up with mud when running along trails.

Classic triathlon focussed run shoes often come with heel loops and longer tongues to help you get your feet in as quickly as possible. Although the On Cloud have neither of these features, I didn’t find this a negative and found that the standard elastic laces (the shoes come with elastic places installed and classic laces as an alternative), made slipping into them at speed straight forward.

I have concerns regarding the longevity of the provided elastic laces (namely, how long they will continue to provide the required tight fit), but these can easily be replaced/updated.

On claims that its updates to the sock-liner, using dual density material, have improved the Cloud’s comfort. Well, it wouldn’t be a full triathlon focussed test without putting the On Cloud through their paces ‘sans’ socks.

On Running Cloud

I ran without socks for between 10K and 15k on three occasions – the reasoning being that beyond Olympic distance the majority of racers opt for socks.

For someone who often suffers with blisters, the On Cloud were reassuringly comfortable. This is in no doubt in part due to the lack of internal stitching – my concerns about the stitching on the upper running down from the tongue to the big-toe were unfounded.

Like many running shoes, or trainers more generally, the ‘last’ used by On is designed for those with narrower feet. If your feet are particularly wide the On Cloud may not be the best option for you.

Having said that, the lack of a lip on the sole meant that despite having wide feet, after a brief bedding in period, I got on well with the On Cloud.

Lastly, living up to the saying that ‘every cloud has a silver lining’, the On Cloud have reflective decals for improved visibility when running at night.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose pair of shoes, which you can also race in, the On Cloud are definitely worth a look. However, for those with wide feet, it is recommended you try before you buy.

Written by
Chris Hovenden
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...