Shoe Review: On Cloudrunner

A side view of the women's On Cloudrunner.

The On Cloudrunner is the latest in a lineup of new On running shoes designed with more cushion and more comfort than ever before. On uses their signature Cloudtec cushioning system with lightweight Zero-Gravity foam to create a supportive, responsive ride.

Featuring a wide, stable base, a soft, padded upper and shock-absorbing cushioning, the On Cloudrunner is the perfect companion for your daily runs.

Fleet Feet reviewers tested the On Cloudrunner on easy runs, recovery days and long runs to see how it fits and performs. Here’s what you can expect from the On Cloudrunner.

Tech Specs

On Cloudrunner

Weight

8.8 oz (W), 10.6 oz (M)

Drop

9 mm

Category

Stability

Surface

Road, track

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On Cloudrunner Offers Support and Responsiveness

The back heel of the On Cloudrunner.

On uses their Zero-gravity foam to cushion the On Cloudrunner, leading to a lightweight, smooth ride. Zero-gravity foam is the lightest foam On’s toolkit, and you may have experienced it before in the On Cloud. Some reviewers noticed that the midsole felt much firmer than in other On running shoes that use their signature Helion foam.

“The first thing I noticed on my run was how firm the shoe felt. It’s not soft and squishy like some other running shoes, but the shoe has a decent level of responsiveness and moved well with my stride,” Caroline says.

But other reviewers disagreed, and thought the On Cloudrunner was plenty soft.

“I have to say, this is probably one of the more cloud-like running experiences I’ve ever had. The shoe feels soft and springy with each stride,” Nate says.

On’s signature Cloudtec cushioning system remains true to form in the On Cloudrunner, featuring individual pods that absorb shock both vertically and horizontally as you land. And thanks to a Speedboard, a plate of thermoplastic polymer, in the midsole, you’ll enjoy a massive dose of energy return as you toe off.

The Speedboard in the On Cloudrunner is wider than usual to provide more stability. Plus, a wide base with cradle-shaped construction offers support for every stride.

“The On Cloudrunner is definitely more stable than other On iterations I’ve worn. Plus, this is the first pair of Ons that have felt truly secure in the heel for me,” Andrew says.

What’s a midsole? Learn more about the parts that make up a running shoe here.

On Cloudrunner Uses Soft, Padded Materials to Lock Down Fit

A pair of the women's On Cloudrunner.

The On Cloudrunner features plush, premium materials that wrap around your foot to create a comfortable, secure fit. An engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, and a plush tongue and heel collar hold you in.

“The shoe fits comfortably around my foot, with a nice padded tongue and cushioned heel collar. I feel both supported and comfortable in the shoe, and the laces are the perfect length,” Caroline says.

Reviewers noticed that the shoe’s upper is the plushest and softest they’ve seen from an On running shoe.

“This is a really nice, breathable mesh upper. The thick padded tongue and heel collar make for a very comfortable fit, and the smooth taped seams didn’t rub or bother my feet at all,” Nate says.

All in all, the On Cloudrunner is a step in a new direction from the typically thin, firm and ultra-lightweight On running shoes.

On Cloudrunner vs On Cloudflyer

Tech Specs

On Cloudrunner

On Cloudflyer

Weight

8.8 oz (W), 10.6 oz (M)

7.4 oz (W), 9.8 oz (M)

Drop

9 mm

9 mm

Category

Stability

Stability

Use

Daily training

Daily training

Surface

Road, track

Road, track

The On Cloudrunner can be seen as a little sister of the more cushioned On Cloudflyer. While both provide inherent stability and support, the Cloudrunner has slightly less cushion and uses Zero-gravity foam while the Cloudflyer uses Helion foam.

Although the Cloudrunner is less cushioned, it’s priced at $140, making it more affordable than the $160 Cloudflyer.

Reviewers noticed that, even though the Cloudflyer is slightly lighter, the Cloudrunner felt more responsive overall.

“The Cloudrunner is soft and stable enough for longer runs, but light and responsive enough to get some tempo work in,” Nate says.

The Cloudrunner also offers a softer and more plush upper, with more padding in the tongue and around the heel collar.

A pair of the women's On Cloudrunner.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need stability to combat the effects of overpronation, or you just like having extra support on your runs, the On Cloudrunner is a great companion for all your daily miles.

Thanks to its wide, stable base, ample cushioning underfoot and soft, premium materials, the On Cloudrunner was a big hit amongst our reviewers.

“This is one of my favorite all around shoes in the On lineup,” Nate says. “If you’re looking for one shoe that can do it all, the Cloudrunner is a great one to consider.”

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