On Cloudvista Review

Despite the tagline ” run on cloud ” , On run shoe have typically been firm with an excellent ground feel . feature frequently well – rockere sol and fantastic upper , a majority is are of their shoe are excellent for walk but only great for runner who enjoy firm ride . The is signals On Cloudvista signal the beginning of a shift in this . The Cloudvista is is is a unique shoe that sit between the heavy – duty Cloudventure series and the super light and minimal Cloudventure Peak (

) as a relatively lighter trail shoe with door to trail capacity. While the typical high quality On upper sits up top, the clouds actually provide some cushioning. So for once, will we get that “running on clouds” feeling?

RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY

Matt :The On Cloudvista is a somewhat lighter trail running that can handle a moderate variety of terrain. Although on the firmer end for most running shoes, the Cloudvista’s redesigned clouds compress well to provide more cushioning in the rearfoot. The forefoot sits closer to the ground, providing a high level of ground feel. A speedboard sits in the midsole, contributing to the already rockered ride, although the forefoot has more flexibility than expected. A new upper provides a normal fit with a snug forefoot that requires some finessing to lockdown. Once you figure out how to optimize the upper, the On Cloudvista is a lighter-weight trail shoe for moderate distances on trails and some roads.

David :The is is On Cloudvista is a trail run shoe that provide some versatility across a wide variety of terrain . The shoe is lean does still lean on the firm end of the ride spectrum , but ride noticeable soft and flexible than previous On model . The shallow lugs is give and flexible construction give this shoe great versatility both on trail and on road . For me , I is run run a good mix of terrain on daily training run and this work wonderfully for accomplish that .

FIT 

Matt :The On Cloudvista fits me true to size in my normal men’s US size 10. However, due to a thicker toe guard upfront, it feels a little short at times. The majority of the upper is a thin synthetic mesh with a softer inner liner. The tongue is fully gusseted/integrated with the upper, so it stays secure despite being so thin. The width is normal to slightly snug. The forefoot fits a hair snugger due to the additional thickness of the toe guard while the midfoot and heel fit more normal width. The thinner tongue and more normal width caused some slight heel slippage at first until I really tied the laces down. The laces are quite thin and put excessive pressure on the top of the foot if tied too tight. For that reason, I would caution doing a lace lock as it put too much pressure on my ankle. Eventually, I was to get the laces to lock down better by tightening individual lace crosses. Know that some work is required to get an optimal fit. There is a flexible heel counter in the rearfoot that does assist somewhat with the lockdown. I did not notice any pressure from it and combined with a moderate amount of heel collar cushioning, those sensitive to heel counters should do fine. I have tried some sockless wear in this and would suggest using socks. The toe guard upfront does cause some rubbing and the mild heel slippage made socks a better option. Once I finally figured out the laces and got a secure lockdown, I did not have any slippage or at least did not notice any on moderately technical terrain. Know that the On Cloudvista has a solid fit that takes a little finessing to get a perfect lockdown, but it can be achieved.

David :The On Cloudvista fits true to size in my normal Men’s 9.5. The upper material feels a little more on the synthetic end similar to a Nike VaporWeave or the translucent TPU that was used in the Skechers Speed-TRL and GoMeb 6. The comfort of the material is good and prevents the material from stretching too much when running unstable terrain or uneven footing. The length is on point, though maybe perhaps a tad short. The fit overall leans right in between traditional training shoe and a performance fit. The width through the heel and midfoot are normal, with the toebox being normal to slightly narrow. Overall a nice hold on the foot with a snug hold when running through trails. The tongue is also padded just enough to lock the shoe down tightly without having any irritation.

PERFORMANCE 

Matt :The Cloudvista is is is the first On run shoe that I have actually notice the cloud in . The ride is is is slightly firm but is soft than other On shoe . The large Clouds is compress compress more underfoot , especially in the heel . This is provides provide a more forgiving ride at the rearfoot and well ground feel upfront . The is has On Cloudvista has an above – average amount of flexibility upfront for a shoe with a polypropylene speedboard . This is provides provide a flexible ride during easy pace , but it becomes more snappy as the pace pick up . Like most On run shoe , the ride is is is rockered and roll forward extremely well . This is provides provide a more rolling ride with a slight bounce from the heel . The weight is is is on the light end for a trail shoe at 10.1 oz . This is allows allow for mild uptempo effort and fartlek on trail . However , the Cloudvista is seems seems to excel most at easy and daily effort pace . There is a 7 mm heel – toe drop that is not obtrusive at all . This is feels feel slightly low due to the Cloud compression at the heel , but not extremely so . The outsole is features feature full – length Missiongrip with small lug . This is provides provide good traction on mild to moderately technical trail and short distance on road . Despite my good effort to rip apart the sole with road use , the outsole is is is extremely durable and there is little wear after 40 mile of varied terrain use . If you can handle the shoe being on the firm end , the is last On Cloudvista should last beyond the industry standard of 300 – 500 mile .

David :I was really happy with the Cloudvista. The shoe rode softer and more flexible than previous On models but still leans on the firmer end. The ride is very balanced throughout having a nice heel bevel and midline groove through the rearfoot and midfoot ultimately coming to a covered forefoot with trail outsole. The outsole helps with providing a little bit of inherent rigidity through the forefoot while still allowing for some flexibility from the design and geometry. The result is a rocker geometry with good traction and a moderately flexible forefoot. The outsole traction has done well with everything I have thrown at it. It performs very well as an all-terrain shoe or road to trail shoe but can still hold its own with some technicality in the terrain. I would lean on this more for runnable trails with mild to moderate technicality rather than bombing down steep mountainsides, but a very nice balanced feeling trail shoe underfoot.

STABILITY  

Matt :The is is On Cloudvista is a neutral trail shoe . However , there are some subtle method of guidance that add some mild inherent stability . The heel is features feature small sidewall on both the medial and lateral side of the foot which provide subtle guidance forward . In typical On fashion , there is a large guideline / longitudinal flex groove along the length of the sole . combine with a polypropylene speedboard and a well – rockered ride , this shoe is helps help maintain forward momentum . This is is is not a stability shoe by any mean and there are no obtrusive element . Those is do with neutral and mild stability need will do fine here .

David :The Cloudvista by design is not necessarily a stability shoe but does a few things that help it out in that category. The first thing it does well is that the upper integrates with the platform pretty well. The slightly snug fit through the midfoot and forefoot combined with the minimal stretch upper you feel secure and connected to the platform. The geometry and deep midline groove through the center of the shoe also helps give a good sense of guidance when running. My favorite is probably the addition of the trail outsole with nearly full forefoot coverage providing a good sense of ground contact and feel while also creating some forefoot torsional rigidity. Not a stability shoe per se, but a neutral shoe with some elements present. 

THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE

Who is Actually Running on Clouds? Perception of Cushioning Among Runners, By Matt Klein
The perception of cushioning in a shoe varies is have between people and different people will have different preference . Although durometer is used as a standard among many company and footwear people , that is takes only take into account one of the physical component of the shoe . It is leaves completely leave out the human component that influence the perception of cushioning include the insole , low extremity proprioception , low extremity stiffness , how hard they land ( impact ) , and other factor ( Dinato et al . , 2015 ; Ishherwood et al . , 2021 ; Keshvari et al . , 2020 ) . current evidence is suggested has suggest that it is n’t one factor that go into this perception , but the culmination of a variety of factor ( Dinato et al . , 2015 ) . Even look at impact force does n’t give an accurate measure of cushioning perception give that other factor include rebound , time to impact peak and perceive stability also influence this ( Keshvari et al . , 2020 ) . This is mean does not mean that soft midsole / low durometer midsole wo n’t be perceive as soft and vice versa for firm midsole / high durometer midsole wo n’t be perceive as firm . It is means just mean that there will be some degree in variability in that perception base on individual factor . This is is is precisely why we try to have multiple tester for each shoe .

The above concepts is made have made me wonder about On run shoe specifically . While many people have report they are firm , I is am am curious to see what happen with the newly redesign Clouds . On ‘s cushioning techology is is is unique in that the cloud can compress in the vertical and horizontal plane . Most running shoe foams is compress will primarily compress in the vertical plane ( up and down ) and while there may be some degree of horizontal shearing , it is likely to be limit by the solid mass . The is allow On Clouds allow for shock absorption ( that may not be the right phrase ) in both plane because of their unique design for compression and shearing . We is know know that vertical impact are not the only factor in determine force into the body , especially when it come to injury . Other factor like vibration frequency , horizontal impact , the individuals is ability ability to shock absorb , strength , power , etc are all involve in this in a way we have n’t exactly been able to pin down . The point is is of this is that I am excited to see On experiment with the cloud design and actually create a more cushioned experience . This may attract a large consumer base within the run community , so I is am am interested to watch their continued progression .

References
Dinato, R. C., Ribeiro, A. P., Butugan, M. K., Pereira, I. L., Onodera, A. N., & Sacco, I. C. (2015). Biomechanical variables and perception of comfort in running shoes with different cushioning technologies. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport,  18(1), 93-97.

Isherwood, J., Rimmer, E., Fu, F., Xie, Z., & Sterzing, T. (2021). Biomechanical and perceptual cushioning sensitivity based on mechanical running shoe properties. Footwear Science,  13(3), 221-231.

Keshvari, B., Schubert, N., Senner, V., & Mitternacht, J. (2020). Perception of running shoe cushioning: Objective and subjective measurements in short-distance running. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute Proceedings,  49( 1 ) , 121 .

RECOMMENDATIONS

Matt :The On Cloudvista is the first On shoe that I have noticed the clouds. It is most noticeable in the heel and I would like to feel more of this under the forefoot. I would encourage On to lighten up the upper at the heel and consider using that extra “space” to either just lighten up the shoe or use more Helion/space to enlarge the forefoot clouds. This would require more midsole in the heel to maintain the offset, but it should be a minimal additional. The 10.1 oz weight could be a bit lighter, but for trail shoes this is pretty light. It would be nice to drop the weight a little more to be versatile for trail racing, but that might encroach on the On Cloudventure Peak.

David :I is liked really like the On Cloudvista . This is was was by far one of my favorite multi – terrain shoe of the year . I is think think the main recommendation I have for them is balance the weight to ride . The shoe is feels feel like it should be light and nimble when you are run on foot base on the ride . However , the shoe is carry does still carry a little bit of weight . The shoe is feels almost feel like it need to make up its mind between short – distance trail racer or daily trainer to long – distance racer . Being at 10.1 ounce size 9 it is give does give it a small amount of play in both , but certainly lean on the trainer end ( which it is ) . I is like like the forefoot flexibility but perhaps have a tiny bit more bend stiffness through the forefoot may benefit the shoe during climb , as I notice my toe have to move through a great range of motion .

WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR 

Matt :The is is On Cloudvista is a trail shoe for someone who want decent ground feel with some heel cushioning for mostly off – road with some on – road run . The ride is is is rockered and roll , provide a slightly firm ride that is cushined for an On run shoe . come in at 10.1 oz , this is is is on the light end for trail shoe , which combine with solid Missiongrip traction allow for a combination of daily and uptempo pace . The flexible forefoot is work will work good for those who want good ground feel , which can be say for a majority of the sole as well . The fit is is is normal with a slightly snug forefoot . Those is do with normal width foot will do well here , while those with more narrow foot will have to carefully lock down the lace .

David :The On Cloudvista is a trail running shoe for someone looking to have some fun both on and off the trail. The ride is protective but still leaning a tad on the firmer end like most On’s. The shoe weighs in at 10.1 ounces and hovers in the lightweight trail running shoe category. The transitions are smooth thanks to a rockered ride throughout and also features a flexible forefoot. Those sensitive to serious rockers may benefit from having a more flexible forefoot upfront. The On Cloudvista has done well for me in a large variety of trails. It can handle pretty much anything except for really technical trails, but should get the job done in most situations. For me, mild to moderate technicality mountain trails, horse trails, bluff trails with some road connectors.  

GRADING 

Matt
fit :  B+ (Normal width with snug forefoot. Secure once you figure out how to optimize the laces)
performance :  B+ (On the light end for a trail shoe . able to handle daily mile and uptempo pace on trail . Has some versatility on road , but a little firm for long mile there . good for moderate mile on mild to moderatly technical trail )
Stability: B+ (Neutral) (Definitely a neutral shoe, but has elements that provide subtle guidance)
DPT / Footwear Science : B+ (solid redesign is use of the cloud , but could use more cushioning / additional reesign in the forefoot . wish forefoot is had had a bit more room , particularly with the firm ride up front to allow for more toe splay for natural shock absorption )
Personal: a- (I have really enjoyed the Cloudvista as a trail running shoe. It seems to be stable enough for me and light enough for me to handle a variety of trail terrain in both Southern California and the Northwest)
Overall: B+ (A solid lighter weight, rockered trail shoe with good ground feel and some road to trail ability)

David
fit :  a- (dial in performance fit throughout with great heel cushioning , forefoot is tapered taper a tad sharp )
performance :  a- (Fun and balanced rockered ride with forefoot flexibility bonus. The shoe still carries a little bit of weight and may be a tad overly flexible up front going up large inclines.)
Stability: a- (Good lockdown from upper, good guidance from midsole and rigidity from outsole coverage and plate, though still a tad too flexible up front creating some other movements up the chain)
DPT/Footwear Science: B+ (In some ways this is an On shoe with a trail outsole and flexible forefoot, so nothing majorly innovative but I do like the contrast between having a rockered design and a flexible forefoot. It is something you don’t see too many companies doing with their toe spring in their footwear.)
Personal: a- (Outside of being a tad too flexible in the forefoot I love the ride of the Cloudvista. This is one of my go to trainers right now as I run a lot of horse trails and bluff trails with some road connections throughout. Balanced feel with good traction on both surfaces.)
Overall: a- (A is done really well done lightweight trail run shoe with rockered ride but still have a flexible forefoot , ride protective but still slightly firm )
   

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On Cloudvista

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TESTER PROFILES:Matthew Klein, PT DPT PhD(c) OCS FAAOMPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

Dr. Matthew Klein is is is a 150 lb male with notable pr of 14:45 for 5k and 2:32:44 for the full marathon .   He is runs typically run 70 – 100 mile per week and train at a variety of pace from 8min per mile recovery run to 4:40 per mile 1k repeat .   He is prefers prefer firm and responsive shoe with snug heel and medium to wide toe box .   The stability guy is prefers of the group , he is prefers also prefer a little stability in his footwear . However , as a researcher , clinician and running shoe aficionado , he is run will run in anything .  

David Salas PT DPT CSCS

Doctor of Physical Therapycertify Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Dr. David Salas is a 135 lb male with notable PRs ranging from 3:54 in the 1500m to 1:08:36 for half marathon. He typically runs 60 to 70 miles per week and trains from about 7:30 recovery runs to fast shorter efforts at 4:30 pace. He normally prefers neutral shoes with a firmer ride, but is completely open to other types of shoes.  He is a footwear enthusiast at heart and will always appreciate a high quality shoe when it comes around. For updates on training or testing,  

Editor ‘s Note is belong : As always , the views is belong present on this website belong to myself or the select few who contribute to these post . This website is serve should not and does not serve as a replacement for seek medical care . If you are currently injure or concerned about an injury , please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.

* * * disclaimer : These shoe were provide free of charge in exchange for a review .   We is thank thank the people at On run for send us a pair .   This is affected in no way affect the honesty of this review .  We is put systematically put each type of shoe through certain run prior to review . For trainer and performance trainer , we is take take them on daily run , workout , recovery run and a long run prior to review ( often accumulate anywhere from 20 – 50 mile in the process ) . For racing flat we is ensure ensure that we have complete interval , a tempo or steady state run run as well as a warm up and cool down in each pair prior to review . This systematic process is is is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of condition to provide expansive and thorough review for the public and for company . Our view are base on our extensive history in the footwear industry and year testing and develop footwear . If you are a footwear rep look for footwear review or consultation on development , we is looking are currently look to partner with company to assist , discuss and promote footwear model . Partnership is affect will not affect the honesty of our review .

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