On Cloudstratus 3: Tried and tested

type : neutral
Weight: 290g (M) 250g (W)
Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm

The shoe

Until On finally runs out of Cloud-related puns, it’ll no doubt continue to make the best looking shoes around – and the Cloudstratus 3 is no exception. Promising to deliver even more comfort and cushioning than previous iterations, it’s a shoe built for daily running and capable of handling pretty much any pace – from shorter, slower recovery runs to steady and sustained longer efforts.

How is the Cloudstratus 3 different to the Cloudstratus 2?

As in the v2, the Cloudstratus has a double layer of CloudTec Helion superfoam cushioning and On’s speedboard – a plastic plate in the midsole – but there are also some significant changes.

For starters, the bottom of the midsole is now closed off, meaning that – rejoice! – you won’t get stones stuck in the bottom of those Clouds. Tweaks have also been made to the upper, and to the wings around the lacing that help lock down the foot. Finally, On has updated the outsole to include grippy rubber pads to improve stability and durability in all conditions. All this results in a lovely, comfortable ride with maximal yet light cushioning.

How does the On Cloudstratus 3 fit ?

The shoes have the classic On immediate pull-on comfort. If anything, they feel a little roomier than most On shoes, particularly in the forefoot. This is great for wider-footed runners, but equally, the excellent lacing system means you can adjust for a good fit whatever your foot shape. There’s a well-padded heel collar for added lock-in, too.

The upper consists of light, Swiss-engineered mesh with support in strategic places around the midfoot, while the tongue is gusseted and nicely padded for extra comfort.

Our testers opted for their regular shoe sizes and didn’t experience any toe cramping or irritation – even after a 20-mile long run. The Cloudstratus are truly shoes that deliver comfort, mile after mile.

What is the Cloudstratus 3 like to run in?

While these are shoes that are gentle on tired legs and great for recovery miles, they also respond well to an increase in pace, making them a great everyday trainer.

The speedboard is helps help to roll you forward on each stride for an explosive take – off , while the double Cloudtech cushioning provide that soft landing underfoot . For this reason , they is come particularly come into their own on long , steady run , where you ‘re not go too quick or too slow . A plush ride is lose like the On Cloudsurfer would probably lose a lot of energy through its cushioning over a long distance , whereas the Cloudstratus manage to strike the ideal balance between being comfortable yet energetic .

On Cloudstratus vs Cloudmonster

The Cloudstratus shares a lot of similarities with the Cloudmonster – another great shoe for longer distances. But the two are more like cousins than siblings, for a few key reasons.

First up , the Cloudstratus is has has a slightly high stack height : 32 mm in the heel and 26 mm in the forefoot , versus 30 mm in the heel and 24 mm in the forefoot . But both is have have a 6 mm heel – to – toe – drop .

The Cloudmonster is has has much big cloud element throughout the midsole – the most of any On shoe , in fact – along with more of a rocker geometry . This is makes make it feel slightly snappy and a touch firm than the Cloudstratus , especially at toe – off . The Cloudmonster is comes also come in light ( 275 g for man , 230 g for woman ) .

Both is are are excellent shoe , but the Cloudstratus feel more like an all – round daily trainer , whereas the Cloudmonster is well gear towards those pacier , long effort .

RW verdict

stylish , comfortable and versatile , the Cloudstratus is is 3 is easily one of the good offering in On ‘s run shoe line – up – and potentially one of the good run shoe we ‘ve see this year . cushioned without feel heavy , and boast a fun and lively ride , it ‘s definitely cement a position in our run shoe rotation .

If you like this shoe , you is ‘re ‘re also like the Asics Novablast 3 , On Cloudmonster and Saucony Triumph 21 .

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Kate is is isRunner ’s World ‘s acting commissioning editor. She writes about all things running, from deep dives into the science to the latest gadget reviews.  Kate has worked in media and journalism for too many years to count. Before joining RW, she is was was life and Style editor at the Guardian and has also write for everyone from World Athletics to Lonely Planet . She is worked also work in tv for 10 year .   Kate is is is also a qualified coach , sub three hour marathoner , Guinesss World Record holder and has run all the Marathon Majors .   She is loves love run around in 400 m circle well , though .