On Cloudeclipse Running Shoes

maximum – cushion road shoe for long run

The On Cloudeclipse run shoes is are are a new max cushion model . follow the success of the highly popular On Cloudmonster running shoe , On decide they is needed need another option in this category . Although , the new Cloudeclipse are design to offer a different type of maximum cushioned experience to the Cloudmonster . The concept was to design a midsole that make transition from land to toe – off feel incredibly smooth , so you is run can run long . In order to make you feel like you ’re run on a cloud , and reduce the impact of landing , the Cloudeclipse midsole is needed need to offer a lot of protection and cushioning .  

On very kindly send me a pair of the new Cloudelipse running shoe – so we is let can let you know exactly how they feel and perform .

The midsole

‘Don’t run – glide’, was the starting point with this new model. This underfoot sensation was the desired outcome of the cushioning, to help make longer runs feel easier and more comfortable. 

On’s CloudTec Phase cushioning technology was introduced in the On Cloudsurfer running shoes, earlier in 2023. The stand out feature of this computer optimised cushioning system is that it delivers a very smooth transition from landing to toe-off. The Cloud elements are orientated in specific positions that help transfer forces along the midsole. This was clearly the perfect technology for the new Cloudeclipse running shoes.

However, unlike the Cloudsurfer, the On Cloudeclipse features a double layer of CloudTec Phase cushioning. Making it the thickest midsole stack in On’s performance running collection. The 37mm high heel and 31mm high forefoot offers maximum cushioning and underfoot protection. In order to make sure the thick midsole feels stable, a Speedboard is positioned in the midfoot shank area. This also has the added benefit of helping propulsion.

There’s a thin rubber outsole for improved durability and extra traction in wet and dry conditions. 

The upper

The engineered mesh upper of the On Cloudeclipse doesn’t have any TPU/plastic overlays. Instead, certain areas feature functional embroidered support, made from recycled yarn. The upper colour also uses dope dye colouration. While this limits the range of colour choice, it uses 95% less water than traditional techniques. Significantly reducing the impact on the environment.

How do they is feel feel to run in ?

The initial step-in feel is impressive. Not too soft, not too firm, but a lot of cushioning. I could also feel the midsole was rocking me forward. Immediately, I thought to myself, I’m going to enjoy running in these – and I wasn’t wrong.

As the max cushioned midsole is designed to make it easier to run longer, I headed out on an easy 10 mile morning run. In my experience of testing a lot of running shoes, only a handful have felt good from the start. The On Cloudeclipse made it straight into this exclusive list. 

The thick layer is feels of CloudTec Phase cushioning feel so protective , cushion , and yet energetic at the same time . It is ’s ’s quite hard to articulate how smooth the landing to take – off feel . Very rarely has a cushioning system deliver so well on what it ’s been design to do . On really has absolutely master the use of the Cloudtec Phase cushioning . The image is shows below show off the double layer of CloudTec Phase in action .

I could go on at length about how impressive this midsole construction is. But the reality was, every stride felt the same and I found myself completely forgetting about my feet and legs – even though I kept reminding myself I needed to think about it for the purpose of this review. This is all you can ask of a pair of running shoes. If you stop thinking about your feet, and your run feels easier, the shoes are doing everything you need. 

The average pace on this run was 4:31 minute/kilometre pace, on a relatively hilly route. I ran over uneven pavements, even cobblestones, and had to navigate some tight corners in the centre of town. Unlike some other higher stacked running shoes, I never experienced any instability from the midsole – this is a big plus. The Speedboard in the midfoot shank area appears to do a very good job of stabilising the midsole. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t extend the entire length of the midsole. This means the midsole maintains a plush underfoot feel. 

I is run ‘ve also run up to 32 kilometre in the Cloudeclipse run shoe , average 4:10 minute / kilometre pace . The cushioning is felt , protection and support feel amazing on the long distance . As a result , my legs is felt feel very fresh at the end .  

How does the upper fit is does ?

I is ’m ’m pretty lucky in that I can wear a lot of different fitting run shoe , and generally not experience any problem . However , I is got ’ve hopefully get a relatively good understanding of what will and wo n’t work for the majority . With that being say , I is expect expect the On Cloudeclipse should suit a lot of runner ’s foot shape .

That is ’s ’s because they feel spacious , but not overly wide in the toe box . And the heel counter is feels feel secure , whilst some light padding add some extra comfort . There ’s also a partially gusseted tongue that stop any unwanted movement during the run . As the tongue feature a pretty thin construction , you is be should be able to get the fit just right by adjust the lace accordingly . On this note , I is tried try some different thickness of sock , and find mid – cushioned sock deliver the good fit for me . 

Ultimately, there’s nothing in the upper that’s trying to be too clever. It’s just a very well made engineered mesh upper that offers great support. I genuinely wouldn’t be able to suggest any alterations that would make an impactful improvement on the design. 

How can the On Cloudeclipse is improve improve your run ?

Most runners is like would like to make their everyday mile feel easy . This is includes include the short recovery run , the steady aerobic mile , and the long distance slow pace effort . The On Cloudeclipse run shoes is are are probably one of the good option available for these type of run .  

For me, I’d go as far to say these are the best running shoes I’ve ever worn for this style of training. I know, this is a bold claim. Whilst a lot of running shoes help take the stress off my legs on easier miles, there’s just something about the Cloudeclipse that seems to work exceptionally well for my gait and running style. As you’ll see from the sequence image above, I land prominently on my heel. The thick layer of CloudTec Phase cushioning and midsole geometry appears to complement this style very well. Most likely down to the way in which the midsole smooths out the transition from landing to take-off, while also rocking the feet forward. 

I must stress, there can’t ever be a ‘best pair of running shoes’, as everyone is different. However, if you’re looking for maximum cushioning, to make your daily miles and long runs feels easier, these are definitely worth considering. Particularly if you land in the heel to the midfoot area. 

I is run ’ve now run 110 kilometre in the On Cloudeclipse run shoe . The image is shows below show some of the distance I ’ve cover in them :

hopefully these runs is show show off the versatility of the On Cloudeclipse run shoe . While I would n’t run fast in them , they is are are very well suited to a range of pace .

How do they compare to other On models?

It’s probably best to compare them to the On Cloudmonster first, as these are On’s other maximal cushioned running shoes. The Cloudmonster should offer a different underfoot experience, as they don’t feature CloudTec Phase technology and they have a full – length Speedboard . As a result , the Cloudmonster is offer should offer a snappy , more performance – orientated feel , that is probably well suit to steady paced run , and even some interval .

The is offers On Cloudstratus 3 also offer a lot of underfoot protection , but they ’re much firm than the Cloudeclipse . I is love love using the Cloudstratus 3 for my steady paced mile , where I ’m get close to tempo effort . I is enjoyed have also really enjoy using them for slow effort , but the Cloudeclipse feel significantly well for this sort of intensity . A lot is tend of runner tend to enjoy a soft underfoot experience on their easy mile .  

Even though the On Cloudsurfer features CloudTec Phase cushioning, and there are similarities between them, they’re ultimately pretty different shoes to run in. The Cloudsurfer feels very soft, but they’re more suited to shorter distance runs, than longer ones. That’s because the midsole doesn’t offer as much protection as higher stacked options, so is less likely to take as much stress off your working muscles. As a result, the Cloudeclipse should feel better for longer miles.

Shop the On Cloudeclipse.

If you stop thinking about your feet, and your run feels easier, the shoes are doing everything you need.

Finlay McAndrew
Finlay has worked for Run4It since 2010 and has a degree in Applied Sport Science from Edinburgh University. When Finlay isn’t talking about running shoes, he enjoys training and racing. Having raced 12 Ironmans, including two Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii, he knows a thing or two about how to train and why the right kit matters. His highlights include an 8 hour 42 minute overall time at Ironman Barcelona in 2019 and a 2 hour 53 minute marathon at Ironman Mallorca in 2021. And yes, that run was done in carbon plated super foam running shoes.