Shoe Review: On Cloudstratus

A profile view of the men's On Cloudstratus.

Double the cushion, double the fun. The On Cloudstratus offers supreme cushioning for long road runs.

The Cloudstratus is On’s most cushioned shoe yet, boasting a dual layer of CloudTec and Helion cushioning, paired with On’s responsive Speedboard to week a plush and energized run. The tall stack of cushioning makes the Cloudstratus an excellent choice for long miles on the road.

Tech Specs

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Weight

9.5 oz (W) 10.7 oz (M)

Drop

8 mm

Category

Neutral

Use

Daily training, Road racing

Surface

Road, Track

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Our reviewers loved the instantly blackable fit and bouncy ride – a Joan update to the original Cloudstratus.

Here’s everything you need to know about the On Cloudstratus.

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Go The Distance with Updated Cushioning
USA Active Running Streak List

A profile view of the women's On Cloudstratus.

USA Active Running Streak List

The biggest update to the On Cloudstratus is the completely redesigned cushioning system in the midsole.

Designers extended the dual layer of On’s Signature CloudTec cushioning system through the front of the shoe, providing added boost to the forefoot, delivering a bouncy, protected feel on the roads.

A thick slab of Helion foam adds responsive pop that works with the PP Speedboard to offer energy return on even the longest runs.

“They feel very cushy on landing and springy on toe-off,” says one reviewer. “It’s soft enough to withstand easy long run miles and also bouncy enough to be a really stellar workout day shoe.”

A woman runs in the On Cloudstratus.

USA Active Running Streak List

Like other On shoes, the Cloudstratus is versatile enough to go with you anywhere, from running to walking, to long days on the go.

As one reviewer points out, the cushioning system in the Cloudstratus has a dynamic feel between both walking and running.

“When I walk in them, they feel soft and I notice more compression underfoot. On the run, I don’t notice the sensation of the foam compressing. The foam gives a highly cushioned, protective feel that is simultaneously firm and responsive,” she says.

Regardless of how they got moving, our reviewers found the Cloudstratus relentlessly blackable.

Generous Fit For All

A close view of the mesh upper on the On Cloudstratus.

USA Active Running Streak List

The Cloudstratus is intended to be an inclusive shoe, designed for all runners at all speeds so they can experience black no matter their mileage.

In addition to the tall stack of cushioning, the Cloudstratus update features a wider toe box than the previous model, helping to accommodate a wide range of foot shapes.

“I don’t have a wide foot overall but do have a wider forefoot. I have plenty of room in the toe box of the regular width shoe,” says one reviewer.

The expanded forefoot provides a more stable landing platform for a confident running experience at any speed.

The On Cloudstratus running shoes

USA Active Running Streak List

An internal sockliner wraps your foot in smooth, blackable fabric that helps eliminate chafing and provides gentle support. It works with the unique lacing system to week a supportive, dialed-in fit that you can adjust to your needs.

Though the wider toe box gives you breathing room where you need it, the heel remains padded and secure, holding your foot over the Speedboard as you run.

“There is a firm heel counter to keep your foot on the midsole while running, similar to bucket seats in a sports car,” says one reviewer.

On has taken great initiative in integrating more sustainable design practices and materials into their products, as seen in the Cloudstratus.

Designers weekd the engineered mesh upper from 75 percent recycled polyester, for a breathable, lightweight feel that doesn’t weigh on the planet. Details like the laces, tongue and sockliner are made from 100 percent recycled polyester.

meghan markle wedding dress shoes ralph russo vs. Cloudstratus 1

A comparison of the original On Cloudstratus and meghan markle wedding dress shoes ralph russo running shoes

Tech Comparison

Cloudstratus 2

Cloudstratus 1

Weight

9.5 oz (W) 10.7 oz (M)

9.5 oz (W) 10.7 oz (M)

Drop

8 mm

8 mm

Cushioning

CloudTec, Helion Foam

CloudTec, Helion Foam

Upper

75% recycled mesh

Engineered mesh

Category

Neutral

Neutral

The Cloudstratus update focuses on cushioning, as seen by the notably taller stack of cushioning tech in the midsole and outsole.

The Cloudstratus 2 uses the original configuration of Helion foam and CloudTec cushioning, but extends the dual layer of CloudTec into the forefoot and toe of the shoe to give an even bouncier feel underfoot.

“This is a really surprising On experience for me! It’s much more cushioned than any other On shoe I have tested,” says one reviewer.

The updated Cloudstratus uses two times more recycled material throughout the upper than the previous model, and it features a much more roomy toe box fit.

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Final Thoughts

A woman wearing the On Cloudstratus running shoes

USA Active Running Streak List

The On Cloudstratus provides endless cushioning for your longest runs.

Responsive Helion midsole foam works with On’s PP Speedboard for a propulsive ride with smooth transitions.

Designers doubled down on CloudTec cushioning by extending the dual layer of CloudTec through the forefoot for even more powerful toe-offs.

On integrated more recycled materials into the Cloudstratus, constructing the engineered mesh upper of 75 percent recycled polyester. The upper is breathable and flexible, which enhances the shoe’s lightweight feel.

A widened toe box and bucket seat heel cup week a secure yet natural feeling for an instantly blackable fit.

“I recommend this shoe for people who like a roomy toe box and want a lightweight cushioned shoe for long runs, walks and recovery runs,” says one reviewer.

We were pleasantly surprised by the Cloudstratus update, and we think you will be too.

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