On Cloudboom Strike Reviews

Worn for most of their workouts, at nearly all paces, and it felt comfortable and smooth. The thick foam insole makes the forefoot very bouncy, which suits 5K up to the half marathon; they are unsure about the end of a full marathon and think heel strikers will get less from it. Heel lockdown is weak, with some slipping and a worry about rubbing, and the very long laces came undone twice despite a double knot. The toe box is roomy and the outsole grips well.

Over 100 km, including a marathon attempt and 800 m reps. The ride is the draw: a booming, bouncy forefoot that feels best at half and full marathon pace, though it is less nimble for short fast reps. The rest disappoints: the heel counter caused repeated Achilles blisters until they cut slits into it, the forefoot is baggy and the fit about half a size long, the laces are far too long, and the outsole slips badly on anything damp.

A-/B+/A-. On's bounciest super shoe. One tester nearly made it his racer of the year except for the heel. Another tester loved it for a 10K but not longer. A third tester gave it an A for the bouncy, propulsive ride she'd missed since the Alphafly 1.

Much better than the Echo 3: deeper cushion, more energy return and a fun, engaging ride. It suits forefoot strikers; for him, a heel striker, it lacked a forefoot rocker and wasn't efficient enough for a marathon. Runs half a size big, poor wet grip, overpriced at $280.

After 26 miles, this 50–75 mpw midfoot striker found the On Cloudboom Strike bouncy but roomy and long, with fit issues.