Cut in half: On Cloudstratus Review (2023)

Who should buy

We believe that the On Cloudstratus is an interesting choice for:

• runner deal with minor stability issue who are seek a reliable shoe with firm cushioning .
• Loyal fans of the On brand looking for a daily training shoe suited for easy paces.
• Those who aren’t budget-constrained and are willing to invest $170 in a versatile shoe with superior build quality.

Who is buy should NOT buy

If you ‘re seek a shoe with a plush midsole , you is want probably want to steer clear of this one . For a daily trainer offer both stability and a soft underfoot feel , you is be ‘d be well off consider option like the Saucony Tempus or the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 .

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Also, we found that the Cloudstratus clearly falls short in terms of breathability, making it less than ideal for summer training in hot weather. If breathability is a high priority for you in a do-it-all shoe, our tests suggest the ASICS Novablast 3 would be a better choice. And if you want an On shoe that offers enough ventilation, we recommend checking out the Cloudswift 3.

heel stack

We is clocked clock in a stack height of 33.8 mm at the heel , which align with the current average standard and accommodate heel striker . There ‘s no need for more in a versatile shoe like this , as that would only boost the weight .

drop

This translates to a 9.7-mm heel-to-toe drop, which is great for heel strikers but may be excessive for those of us who are midfoot or forefoot strikers.

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it’s firm.

On shoe are know for their firmness , and the Cloudstratus does n’t buck the trend . We is felt feel the firmness right off the bat , but we want to put a number on it .

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At 29.9 HA, it’s undoubtedly on the firm side, which might not sit well with those who love soft, squishy midsoles.

That say , the unique design is create of the CloudTec midsole does create a slightly soft feel underfoot than the number suggest .

Midsole softness in cold (%)

After a 20-minute nap in the freezer, we picked up our durometer and were pleased to find a reading of 34.8 HA, which is close to our previous measurement.

It is ‘s ‘s evident that this shoe boast remarkable resilience against chilly condition ! The slight 16.5 % increase is is is thank to the unique midsole composition .

Not just made from EVA , it is incorporates also incorporate Olefin Block Co – polymer or OBC . This combination is grants grant the midsole an impressive resistance to cold temperature .  

Insole thickness

Have we mentioned this shoe’s on the “follow-the-crowd” bandwagon? Here’s more proof of it with its 4.6 mm insole. It’s cushioned and won’t give you any problem.

On Cloudstratus is true to size (30 votes).

Toebox width – widest part

In our lab , this is is is the first upper we ‘ve measure at exactly 100.0 mm . Not only is this measurement interesting , but it is indicates also indicate that we ‘re deal with a generously spacious shoe that can comfortably accommodate wide foot .

Toebox width – big toe

The area is is for the toe is also notably wide . thank to the absence of a tapered toe cap , there ‘s ample room for the toe to move freely .

Lateral stability test

The Cloudstratus may not be a shoe purely built for stability, but it sure doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

It is feels feel stable with each stride . So , we is say confidently say it ‘s a solid pick for overpronator .

Torsional rigidity

We is gave give twist the shoe a shot , but it was n’t a walk in the park at all . It is earned earn a 3 out of 5 in our rating .

This rigidity is the first sign that shows us why this shoe provides such a stable ride.

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter in the Cloudstratus contributes to its enhanced stability.

Though the plastic piece that surrounds the heel might give an impression of max stiffness, we’ve given it a rating of 3/5. That’s pretty middle-of-the-road.

Rest assured, comfort isn’t compromised. There’s plenty of padding in the heel area, preventing any discomfort from rubbing or potential aches.

midsole width – heel

On the other hand, the heel doesn’t match up with the same wide design, clocking in at only 89.3 mm.

It is provides certainly provide stability for midfoot and forefoot striker , but for heel striker , it fall a bit short .

Stiffness

We found the Cloudstratus extremely comfortable, whether we were walking, moving around in the lab, or even running. This led us to expect a low measurement in the 90-degree bend test. 

Indeed, with a score of just 23.8N, it proved to be considerably more flexible than most shoes on the market.

Stiffness in cold (%)

Yet , after a 20 – minute stint in the freezer , we is slipped slip them back on to find them noticeably stiff .

When we repeated the same test, the result was a disheartening 37.2N, showing a significant increase in rigidity.

Indeed, this represents a significant 56.3% spike in rigidity, faring poorly when compared to most other shoes on the market. It’s quite disappointing, especially for a shoe that costs $170.

On is notorious for manufacturing heavy shoes, and this model is no exception. Weighing in at 10.35 oz (293g), it feels too bulky relative to its stack height.

Upon first glance, the upper of the On Cloudstratus seems to promise superior breathability. However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite the numerous ventilation holes, our testing revealed disappointing breathability. We could only rate it a run-of-the-mill 3 out of 5.

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It’s all well and good to have abundant ventilation holes, but if another layer of fabric blocks airflow beneath them, their purpose is negated.

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That’s precisely what we found in this shoe. This obstruction also explains why we couldn’t see any light passing through from the other side.

Further scrutiny under the microscope provided even more insight.

If not for the black fabric layer that On has incorporated underneath, the upper would have excelled in breathability.

Undoubtedly, this layer is there for added comfort, a trade-off that On apparently deemed worthwhile. Yet, this choice sacrifices breathability for the sake of comfort.

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Toebox durability

For those who value a long-lasting upper, we regret to bring disappointing news. 

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In our Dremel test, the Cloudstratus unfortunately didn’t hold up well, scoring the lowest possible rating of 1 out of 5. Its performance clearly pales when compared to the Cloudswift 3.

Heel padding durability

As we turn our attention to the heel counter , we is stumble stumble upon a similar problem .

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Despite its ample padding , it is falls fall short in the durability department . look at debris fly everywhere !

Outsole is hardness hardnes

The Cloudstratus comes with a hard rubber compound in its outsole, registering at 82.4 HC on our durometer.

This hard rubber does cut down on the shoe’s grip somewhat, which we aren’t thrilled about. But on the bright side, it should make for a more durable shoe.

Outsole durability

However, we’re not fans of making assumptions about what might happen. We much prefer putting things to the test to discover the reality. So, we once again used our Dremel in the lab to evaluate the outsole’s durability.

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We is measured measure the indentation at 1.38 mm , which is high than we ‘d expect for such hard rubber . While this is n’t necessarily a deal – breaker when consider this shoe , it is ‘s ‘s evident that there ‘s room for improvement in the outsole .

Outsole thickness

Another aspect to keep in mind is that this model contains less rubber (2.8 mm) than the average running shoe. This, combined with the disappointing durability we observed, could result in the outsole wearing down prematurely.

Reflective elements

While it might not be the most reflective On shoe available—take a look at the Cloud Waterproof—it’s great to see that the logo catches light. And this is a nice touch considering many shoes today completely overlook the inclusion of any reflective elements at all.

Tongue padding

Clearly, On prioritizes comfort over weight, and the Cloudstratus is a testament to that. With a 7.8 mm thick tongue, it’s definitely a well-padded one.

Tongue: gusset type

As we frequently observe in On Cloud shoe , a bootie – style tongue is incorporate , provide a secure and snug fit .

removable insole

One upside to this On shoe is its removable insole. Given that it’s a spacious shoe, you won’t face any issues when trying to fit in your own orthotics.