On Cloudultra

The RUNNEA staff contacts me: "Raul, we have a "gift" for you, a new product test: the On CloudUltra". The first thing I answer is: "The On... what? Forgive me On Running, because, on this occasion, they have caught me a bit offside, and they didn't sound familiar at all. It's true that, if you think about it, they did, because it's a brand that is associated with the figure of a tennis legend like Roger Federer.

These Cloudultra of the Swiss brand have pleasantly surprised me. Below I detail all the sections that I liked the most, and what, from my point of view, could be improved in future versions of this ultrarunning model.

On CloudUltra trail runner profile

When we talk about the Cloudultra model from the On Running brand, we are talking about an all-terrain trail running shoe for long distances. With a price of 189'95 euros, its weight of 295 grams, in the case of the men's model that I have been able to test, makes them a very light shoe. The weight of the women' s model is 245 grams.

It is designed for compact and low-fat terrain, its rocker shape favors the dynamism and transition in the race, giving us a feeling of running on asphalt but in the mountains, so it is an ideal choice for light and fast runners with a good running technique. If you are not this type of runner, it can be a good option for middle distance or series with slopes.

What are the strong points of these On Cloudultra that do not go unnoticed?

The Mission grip outsole, typical of the brand, offers beastly traction on compact terrain. In the rear, it has more thickness in the sole but not in the lugs, as they practically disappear to provide durability, if we heel when running. However, for greasy terrain we have a big problem, and that is that the lugs are too small and do not offer the same security in running as in compact terrain.

On Cloudultra men's trail running shoes cheapest prices

On Cloudultra women's trail running shoes cheapest prices

The CloudTec system in the sole, the holes that can be seen on the model, is the first system that offers cushioning only during the landing phase, when we really need it. On impact against the ground, the Cloud elements are held firm from a solid base for powerful, natural propulsion, for greater comfort and better feel.

By linking the Cloud elements together, a highly adaptive outsole is created that reduces muscle fatigue and lowers heart rate.

The rather stiff Helion midsole cushions properly while running at fast paces and allows us to move with great agility. We also see the Speedboard, a plastic plate found in the midsole to provide energy return, foot strike transition and stability.

The upper fits comfortably thanks to its double layer, the first one as if it were a sock, looking for abrasion resistance and durability. When you put them on for the first time, it is a little hard but then they are very comfortable, I have been able to enjoy running with them for many kilometers without any problems and it gives the feeling of running in socks.

All the main characteristics of the On Cloudultra

If we also add the Flip Release system, a system with which we achieve a double fastening, we have that ideal fastening point that we need for long runs in which, over time, some runners' feet swell and the fastening is not the same as at the beginning.

The toe cap is somewhat reinforced to protect against possible blows.

Pros of the On Cloudultra

• Outsole: Beastly traction in dry and compact terrain.
• Comfort.
• Stability.
• Durability.
• Ideal combination of cushioning and reactivity, ideal for running at light and/or fast paces.

Opportunities for improvement

• Laces too long for my taste
• Last: For narrow feet, in my case they fit like a glove, but if you don't have narrow feet maybe they are not the best fit.
• In greasy terrain, with a lot of mud, they lose a lot of efficiency.

Which trail running shoes can these On Cloudultra be compared with?

Salomon Ultra Glide

Altra Running Mont Blanc

Dynafit Ultra 100

Merrell Agility Peak 4

Hoka Speedgoat 5

ASICS Gel Trabuco 10

Final Conclusions about the On Cloudultra

These are great shoes for fast paces over long distances that allow you to run with dynamism, as they offer brutal reactivity, while cushioning impacts. Tremendous traction on compact terrain makes it an ideal shoe for ultra-distance races like the Mont Blanc UltraMarathon.

RUNNEA tester's rating

• Lightweight: 8.
• Responsiveness: 8.
• Cushioning: 9
• Stability: 9.
• Flexibility: 8.
• Grip: 7