ON Cloudstratus Shoe Review
New Cloudstratus Makes Huge Strides Forward
Likes
- Soft, springy underfoot feel
- Secure fit with spacious toe box
- Smooth, efficient ride
Dislikes
- Rocks get stuck in the outsole
- Feels less stable
- Could be more responsive
What's New
The original Cloudstratus was intended to be a highly cushioned daily training shoe that delivered quality protection and preserved runners' legs over longer distances. Unfortunately, version 1 was a bit firm and did not provide the level of softness expected from a cushioned trainer. Now on its second iteration of the Cloudstratus, ON has listened to feedback and drastically improved the cushioning underfoot, thus making the Cloudstratus much better suited for daily long runs and recovery runs. The dual-layer Cloudtec midsole is surprisingly absorptive and will have no problem keeping the wearer's legs fresh deep into their runs. On has also updated the engineered mesh upper design, which is now more spacious and comfortable than before.
The Bottom Line
After the original Cloudstratus didn't meet the shoe's intended level of use, ON has made some excellent upgrades to deliver a quality long-distance daily trainer. While previously firm feeling, the midsole has been updated with a dual-layer Cloudtec foam construction that is significantly softer and will have little difficulty absorbing the harsh impact of the road. That said, if you are a runner who favors a plush underfoot experience similar to a HOKA Clifton, then the Cloudstratus still may be too firm for you. ON has also enhanced the new upper for better on-foot comfort. The engineered mesh design has better breathability and offers a more spacious fit in the toe-box without compromising the shoe's comfortably secure lockdown. Fans of the original Cloudstratus should be aware that the softer midsole has also slightly decreased the shoe's stability, so those who need extra support may want to add an insole. Overall, this update feels dialed in, and the Cloudstratus is now well-primed for longer daily training runs.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.6 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Kaitlin: "This shoe provides a lot of cushion upon impact, along with a bouncy and energetic ride. I can't call it a soft shoe, but there is a springy underfoot feel that's very refreshing."
Liz: "While the Cloudstratus doesn't have the softness of shoes like the HOKA Clifton or New Balance 1080, this second iteration is much softer than the first. It gives the shoe a comfortable level of softness that cushions your run without feeling dead or mushy underfoot."
Ride/Energy Return i
Kaitlin: "The Cloudstratus is snappy and lightweight. The underfoot feel is energetic from landing to toe-off. I did notice a little bit more of a benefit when I picked up the pace, but it still felt plenty responsive at moderate paces."
Liz: "The Cloudstratus isn't particularly bouncy, but the combination of the Speedboard and more dramatic rocker provides a smooth and efficient ride that feels best at slightly faster paces. This shoe feels like it provides neutral energy return during slow or recovery runs, but when you pick the pace, it has a surprisingly fast feel despite its highly cushioned design."
Underfoot Protection i
Kaitlin: "I would give this shoe a gold star for protection because it's soft when you land and loaded with energy when you push off, but it still feels somewhat stable. There isn't that squishy sensation to the cushioning that tends to create excessive foot movement."
Liz: "The first version of the Cloudstratus felt firm but was protective and stable overall. As for this second iteration, it is both softer and more protective. The softer ride no longer creates the slight jarring that I experienced with the original, and my legs felt fresh deep into long runs. The Cloudstratus was also easy enough on the legs for comfortable recovery runs, though this updated version has lost some stability due to the added softness. Moderate to severe overpronators may want to add an insole for extra support."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Kaitlin: "This shoe felt like it was molded to my foot, offering smooth, effortless transitions while I was running. The speed board and the soft midsole don't have a lot of bend, but they created an efficient rolling effect."
Liz: "The dual layer of Cloudtec pods and the embedded speed board limit this shoe's flexibility. The added stiffness helps to provide snappiness, especially at faster paces. Meanwhile, the dramatic upsweep of the forefoot cushioning (rocker) gives the shoe a smooth and efficient ride with each step."
Upper Feel i
Kaitlin: "This updated Cloudstratus is wider than the original without feeling sloppy. I felt like I had plenty of space in the shoe while still feeling secure through the heel collar and midfoot."
Liz: "ON has some of the most comfortable and well-fitting uppers in the running game. I loved the upper of the previous edition, and the new one is somehow even better. It provides a secure lockdown through the midfoot and heel while offering a roomy toebox that works even with my wide feet. The star lacing pattern helps to secure the forefoot without any pressure points or hot spots. This shoe has a luxurious fit that disappears from my mind the minute I slip it on."
Men's ON Cloudstratus
Women's ON Cloudstratus
Individual Thoughts
I love the new updates to the Cloudstratus. The previous version had a great fit and a luxurious feel, but it felt firm underfoot. This updated model now provides runners with cushioned landings and responsive energy returns. The speed board was highly propulsive and encouraged me to push the pace during my testing runs. This shoe was very comfortable and impressively efficient, making it ideal for high-mileage runs. It fits true to size but offers a generous wider fit. Though higher volume, the Cloudstratus still had a secure lockdown through the heel collar. I did have to stop occasionally to remove annoying rocks stuck in the outsole, but other than that, I do not have any complaints.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I wanted to love the first version of this shoe, but despite the stylish design and comfortable fit, the original Cloudstratus was too firm and too heavy. For version 2, ON listened to feedback and turned the Cloudstratus into everything it was originally designed to be. The midsole foam in version two is softer and more protective than the original, and the Cloudstratus is now a shoe that I look forward to taking out for long or recovery runs. Furthermore, the more dramatic rocker gives the new Cloudstratus some extra pop at faster paces. This update is over an ounce lighter than version 1 and no longer feels heavy on foot, but it is still by no means a lightweight running shoe. Even while running at slower paces, I thought the shoe provided just enough responsiveness to keep it from feeling dead.
This Cloudstratus maintains the same dialed-in fit as the first version but no longer has the same streamlined style of the past. That said, the more breathable new upper mesh performed very well. The one change that may disappoint runners is that the updated Cloudstratus is not a stable as the original. I am an overpronator, so I may need to add an insole for my long runs, as the softer cushioning and lack of stability effects my arches.