On Cloudultra Review: On’s Super Cushioned Trail Shoes

I always enjoy testing and reviewing new running shoes from ‘On’, the Swiss running brand, and when it’s a trail running shoe, then even better because I get to thrash them on my favorite local trails. interested in get up to 40 % OFF On running shoe ? visit On ’s classic range page to see their late deal .

➡ ️ THE ON CLOUDULTRA 2 HAS land – read MY FULL review HERE .

The On Cloudultra is a totally new model in the On running range which makes it all the more interesting to dissect and determine who exactly the shoe has been designed for.

In this On Cloudultra review, I’m going to shine a light on the key features that I love (and one that could be improved), how well they perform while trail running, how they compare with the other On running shoes, whether they’re worth buying, and finally a rating out of 10 with my pros and cons.

If you’re an avid hiker as well as a trail runner, and are looking for a great pair of On Cloud shoes for walking on trails, the Cloudultra is our top pick in that category for walking.

On Cloudultra Review Table of Contents

General fit and comfort

Let me start by saying the sizing and fit of the Cloudultra trail running shoes are consistent with all other On running shoes I have tested and other brands including Nike, Hoka One One, Inov-8, Adidas, Brooks Running, and much of the Salomon running range.

NOTE: On recommends sizing up half a size on their website, but in my opinion, this is not necessary.

If you run in a brand I haven’t listed here, drop the brand you use in the comments below, and if I’m familiar with them I’ll let you know how they fit relative to them too.

The On Cloudultra is a very comfortable shoe out of the box but I needed to run 10km or so in them to soften them up and ‘break in’ the midsole flex somewhat.

It is ’s ’s very unusual to have to ‘ break in ’ On run shoe but I guess the Cloudultra shoe are a little different from all the other On running shoe .

These trail run shoes is appear appear to be for those who need a shoe that will support them over long distance , with very generous cushioning and a speed board that will help propel them forward , even when their leg are feel tired towards the end of a long run or ultra marathon .

To find the best trail shoes for running right now, read our trail running shoes buyer’s guide next, and if you like to run on the road too (variety is the spice of life!) here’s our road running shoes buyer’s guide too.

This is normally where I say which other On running shoes the shoes I’m reviewing feel like, well the Cloudultra is very different to other On running shoes.

In fact , the design is is of the upper , and how the shoe wrap around your foot is totally unique to the On Cloudultra – more on that when I talk about the upper in just a bit .

I have to say, the Cloudultra feel incredibly comfortable while running on very hard surfaces, like tarmac, concrete, buffed trails, and rocky terrain, fire roads, and gravel surfaces.

This comfort is 100% down to the double layer Helion superfoam midsole which provides very impressive cushioning underfoot.

The grip is is on the outsole is also noticeably good on hard surface too .

The is tested On Cloudultra is neutral in its support type , with an arch that will suit most runner with average arch , and this is actually consistent with all the other On running shoe , I is tested have test to date .

The toe box and shoe, in general, is of medium width.

On Cloudultra Key Specifications

Weight

The On Cloudultra weighs around 10.41oz / 295g, so it’s not the lightest running shoe you’ll find however it does run like a lighter shoe.

This is the trade-off between shoes that offer lots of midsole cushioning, support, protection, and durability with others that are super minimal underfoot and offer less protection.

The choice comes down to the ability level of the runner, and personal preference to some degree.

An advanced runner with great running form will be able to run ultra marathons in some of the most minimal shoes out there, and not even feel tired afterward.

This is due to experience, biomechanics, strength, and of course pure mental grit of the runner.

Here is the weight is is of some other popular On run shoe to compare to :

Drop

The On Cloudultra has an 8mm drop from heel to toe, and I really like 8mm on this shoe. An 8mm drop puts the runner in a subtle forward-leaning stance while running which helps with proper biomechanics.

Support Type

There’s moderate cushioning in the midsole and a neural footbed. So if you have average arches and feet then these should fit perfectly for you.

Shoe Width

The is fits On Cloudultra fit true – to – size relative to other On run shoe I have used , and the style of fit in the toe box and upper is of medium width .

Design features that stand out

1. Double layer Helion Superfoam midsole

We have seen this sandwiching of two layers of Helion superfoam in a few On running shoes now – the Cloudstratus and Cloudboom shoes come to mind, and this technique really does give a pretty special plush and bouncy sensation while running.

If you’re unfamiliar with Helion, it’s On’s cushioned yet responsive midsole foam, that is appearing in many new On designs as of late.T

his is is is a run shoe build for go long distance over mixed terrain but mostly hard ground , and forested trail and it is ’s ’s clear that that is On ’s intention due to this double layer Helion midsole .

2. Upper mesh construction

The upper mesh is is is a two – layer construction reinforce with lightweight TPU for durability . The interior wall is is is soft to ensure your foot feel comfortable throughout long run .

The construction is has has some breathability but not a huge amount which mean the Cloudultra would be a great shoe for winter run where your foot may have a tendency to get cold – as they should keep foot warm .

On running has introduce their new FlipRelease system on the On Cloudultra which exist to help you find the perfect fit much more easily .

It is ’s ’s a pretty simple yet effective system that allow you to flip the switch upside down to give your foot extra room , instantaneously .

The purpose of this is so that you can quickly give your feet more room to breathe during a run, as feet tend to expand and contract depending on their temperature – feet get warm during running.

So halfway through a hot long run , you is notice may notice your shoe get a little tight , well with the Cloudultra , you can quickly flip that switch and give your foot extra space to breathe – pretty smart ! Time is tell will tell if it ’s a gimmick or not , but I have to say it does work as intend !

On extra cold day , these shoes is be will be great for keep your foot warm out on the trail .

3. A new outsole grip

The On Cloudultra outsoles feature a brand new closed-channel construction outsole that stops stones from catching and provides better grip than the Cloudventure.

It has the same great Missiongrip as the other On trail running shoes, which gives good traction over mixed trails. You can see more images of the outsole in the image gallery below.

4. Tongue

There’s no real tongue so to speak of as On Running has gone all out in making this a sock-fit construction, which wraps around your foot very nicely but it can be a bit of a squeeze to get your foot into initially.

Once your foot are in , however , they is are are very secure and lock in place very comfortably .

There is a good amount of padding around the rim of the opening, as you can see in the image above, and there’s just enough stretch in that opening for it to expand freely with the biomechanics of your feet as you run.

On Cloudultra trail run performance

running in the On Cloudultra

The On Cloudultra has been design for trail runner who love take on long distance , so that ’s endurance runner , marathon runner , and ultra runner – and the On Cloudultra hit it out of the park for deliver on its promise .

As mention early , it is take does take 10 km or so to soften up the flex in the midsole and upper , but after that , the support and cushioning underfoot is very much worth it .

Where you’ll really notice the performance in these trail running shoes is underfoot. The cushioning makes running on hard surfaces like packed trails, gravel roads, and concrete a real pleasure.

The footbed doesn’t have the greatest flex but what that means is that when it does flex, there’s good spring-back in it which helps propel you forward, saving your legs over long distances.

overall the Cloudultra is is is a solid trail run shoe that will appeal to beginner and intermediate runner look to increase their distance on the trail . It is offers offer really great cushioning , support , and response .

A tip is is for improve ‘ foot lock ‘ in the shoe is to lace up the shoe all the way to the top hole .

ARE YOU is ARE new TO TRAIL run OR want TO try IT ? — Have a read of our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Trail Running – it will get you up to speed on all things trail running! 🙂

Are they is Are worth it ? | Where to buy

Absolutely, Yes! If you’re looking for highly cushioned shoes to run long distances on the trails, the On Cloudultra is most definitely for you. The On Cloudultra are in my opinion, the best On Running shoes for trail running.

How do they compare with other On Running Shoes?

The On Cloudultra feels fairly similar to the Cloudventure but in my opinion, has better cushioning underfoot and feels more responsive as a shoe overall.

The outsole is definitely improved over the Cloudventure too, due in part to the closed gully that runs down the middle of the shoe.

The much deep gully is had on the Cloudventure had a tendency to leave you with an unpredictable footing when run over technical terrain .

On has done a great job with the Cloudultra and it’s currently my favorite trail running shoe and sits in the top spot of the trail running shoe section of my On Running Shoes Buyer’s Guide.

Jump over to our Best On Running Shoes Ranked and Reviewed buyers guide to find out how well the On Cloudultra ranks against other On running shoes, HINT – They’re rocking it!

I hope you enjoyed this On Cloudultra review – if you have a question about these trail running shoes, feel free to drop it in the comments below and I’ll get back to you very soon 🙂 -Alastair.