On Cloudster, Cloudrunner & Cloudsurfer: The Heat is on

The shoes of the Swiss-based company On can be seen more and more often at triathlon events. Although they are actually quite discreet in design, they still stand out due to their idiosyncratic sole construction. True, the so-called "CloudTec®"system is the same for the various models, but the design differs. We therefore asked three models to test to find out what it is all about.

Cloudster, Cloudrunner, Cloudsurfer

As noted, the model names all refer to the cushioning system invented by the Swiss. However, they differ in their structure and purpose. This is not least based on the arrangement of the "Clouds" clear. "Cloudster", "cloud runner" and "cloud surfer" cater to different types of runners.

//structure and features

The "Cloudster" is something like On's entry-level shoe. Our test model comes in the simple black and white color combination. It is suitable for daily running sessions, but thanks to its pleasantly soft cushioning sole it is also suitable for regeneration after a competition.

The shoe has a clean finish. Breathable, two-layer mesh is installed on the instep and on the sides, which, together with the soft mesh tongue, ensures a good wearing comfort. The mesh inserts ensure a good foot climate - with and without socks. The sole of "Cloudster" is divided into a front and a rear half. While behind four "Clouds" guarantee a gentle push of the heel, support nine in front "Clouds" a hard departure.

However, we miss a loop on the heel that makes it easier to put on the "Cloudster", should one want to use it for that, would make it easier in competition. However, this is only a small shortcoming that is also made up for by the striking processing of the company logo.

The "cloud runner" proves to be the ideal training shoe in our test. Even long distances are effortlessly covered. This is due to the special formation of the "Clouds", who join those at "Cludster" differ in their strength as well as in their hardness. In addition, there are three on the inside in the area of the forefoot, but four each in the middle and on the outside "Clouds".

The heel area is reinforced and has a specially cut heel cap. This should give the heel more stability in the shoe. The loops on the upper heel area also make it easier to put on. The reinforcements on the instep should also provide more stability.

There are reflective applications on the side, which ensure that you are seen well in the dark. Especially in autumn, this is helpful for training sessions in the early morning hours or in the evening.

While it is at "Cloudster" for an entry-level shoe and at "cloud runner" is a loyal training companion "cloud surfer" clearly a shoe that can also be used for competitions. In the heel area are four "Clouds" processed, nine on the forefoot. The damping hardness of both areas differs noticeably from each other. While the heel provides a medium-hard but comfortable impact, the forefoot provides a hard, forward-oriented exit. Compared to the other two models, high speeds can be achieved with the "cloud surfer" run noticeably faster. The shoe is clearly suitable for competitions.

Other features also make it clear that this model is a competition shoe. For example, there are loops on the heel that make it easier to get in. The eyelets of the shoelaces are made of aluminum and ensure that the shoes can be laced up relatively quickly. The upper part of the microfiber 3D air mesh "Cloudsurfers" supports breathability, especially since the fabric is kept relatively thin here.

Practice

The three models that we tested couldn't be more different in terms of running comfort. Especially that one "Cloudster" feels a bit hard to get used to on the first steps. It cushions very softly and is therefore particularly suitable for boarding. However, we also used it after competitions and found that the muscles were able to recover much faster thanks to the gentle cushioning behavior.

The "cloud runner" was, in contrast, already quite a bit harder and actually conveyed the most pleasant feeling when you put it on for the first time. An everyday shoe with ambitions for long training sessions, that's the best way to describe the shoe.

If you like it fast and are looking for a loyal companion for the competition, this is probably the one for you "cloud surfer" to recommend. The cushioning behavior of the shoe is "straightforward" and supports the rolling of the foot, especially at high running speeds.

The shoes differ only to a limited extent in terms of fit, but this is due to the cut that is oriented towards the intended use. Our test models all came in size 43 and fit perfectly. They were neither too big nor too small. They didn't pinch even under stress. The processing of the shoes is high quality. Even after a few weeks of use, on different terrain, the shoes still leave a good impression. The running feeling in the three models is definitely different. Both the "Cloudster", "cloud runner" and the "cloud surfer" ensure a stable footing in the shoe.

Conclusion

It might be a bit presumptuous to speak of a revolution in terms of running comfort. Regardless of their intended use, the three models simply won us over. On manages to bring fresh color into play with its idiosyncratic sole construction. Although it takes a moment to get used to using the shoes, once you have passed this point, you hardly want to take them off. This is how running should be!