On Cloudstratus review

The On Cloudstratus is an interesting choice for:

• Runners dealing with minor stability issues who are seeking a reliable shoe with firm cushioning.
• Loyal fans of the On brand looking for a daily training shoe suited for easy paces.
• Those who aren't budget-constrained and are willing to invest $170 in a versatile shoe with superior build quality.

If you're seeking a shoe with a plush midsole, you probably want to steer clear of this one. For a daily trainer offering both stability and a softer underfoot feel, you'd be better off considering options like the Saucony Tempus or the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20.

Also, the Cloudstratus clearly falls short when it comes to breathability, making it less than ideal for summer training in hot weather. If breathability is a high priority for you in a do-it-all shoe, the ASICS Novablast 3 would be a better choice. And if you want a On shoe that offers enough ventilation, check the Cloudswift 3.

Upon first glance, the upper of the On Cloudstratus seems to promise superior breathability. However, this perception couldn't be further from the truth. Despite the numerous ventilation holes, our testing revealed disappointing breathability. We could only rate it a run-of-the-mill 3 out of 5.

It's all well and good to have abundant ventilation holes, but if another layer of fabric blocks airflow beneath them, their purpose is negated.

That's precisely what we found in this shoe. This obstruction also explains why we couldn't see any light passing through from the other side.

Further scrutiny under the microscope provided even more insight.

If not for the black fabric layer that On has incorporated underneath, the upper would have excelled in breathability.

Undoubtedly, this layer is there for added comfort, a trade-off that On apparently deemed worthwhile. Yet, this choice sacrifices breathability for the sake of comfort.

For those who value a long-lasting upper, we regret to bring disappointing news. 

In our Dremel test, the Cloudstratus unfortunately didn't hold up well, scoring the lowest possible rating of 1 out of 5. Its performance clearly pales when compared to the Cloudswift 3.

As we turn our attention to the heel counter, we stumble upon a similar problem.

Despite its ample padding, it falls short in the durability department. Look at debris flying everywhere!

The Cloudstratus comes with a hard rubber compound in its outsole, registering at 82.4 HC on our durometer.

This hard rubber does cut down on the shoe's grip somewhat, which we aren't thrilled about. But on the bright side, it should make for a more durable shoe.

However, we're not fans of making assumptions about what might happen. We much prefer putting things to the test to discover the reality. So, we once again used our Dremel in the lab to evaluate the outsole's durability.

We measured the indentation at 1.38 mm, which is higher than we'd expected for such hard rubber. While this isn't necessarily a deal-breaker when considering this shoe, it's evident that there's room for improvement in the outsole.

Another aspect to keep in mind is that this model contains less rubber (2.8 mm) than the average running shoe. This, combined with the disappointing durability we observed, could result in the outsole wearing down prematurely.

On is notorious for manufacturing heavy shoes, and this model is no exception. Weighing in at 10.35 oz (293g), it feels too bulky relative to its stack height.

We clocked in a stack height of 33.8 mm at the heel, which aligns with the current average standards and accommodates heel strikers. There's no need for more in a versatile shoe like this, as that would only boost the weight.

The same pattern continues to the forefoot (24.1 mm). It's as if On designed the Cloudstratus to be as average as possible!

This translates to a 9.7-mm heel-to-toe drop, which is great for heel strikers but may be excessive for those of us who are midfoot or forefoot strikers.

Have we mentioned this shoe's on the "follow-the-crowd" bandwagon? Here's more proof of it with its 4.6 mm insole. It's cushioned and won't give you any problem.

On shoes are known for their firmness, and the Cloudstratus doesn't buck the trend. We felt the firmness right off the bat, but we wanted to put a number on it.

At 29.9 HA, it's undoubtedly on the firm side, which might not sit well with those who love soft, squishy midsoles.

That said, the unique design of the CloudTec midsole does create a slightly softer feel underfoot than the numbers suggest.

After a 20-minute nap in the freezer, we picked up our durometer and were pleased to find a reading of 34.8 HA, which is close to our previous measurement.

It's evident that this shoe boasts remarkable resilience against chilly conditions! The slight 16.5% increase is thanks to the unique midsole composition.

Not just made from EVA, it also incorporates Olefin Block Co-polymers or OBC. This combination grants the midsole an impressive resistance to cold temperatures. 

The Cloudstratus may not be a shoe purely built for stability, but it sure doesn't disappoint in this regard.

It feels stable with each stride. So, we confidently say it's a solid pick for overpronators.

We gave twisting the shoe a shot, but it wasn't a walk in the park at all. It earned a 3 out of 5 in our rating.

This rigidity is the first sign that shows us why this shoe provides such a stable ride.

The heel counter in the Cloudstratus contributes to its enhanced stability.

Though the plastic piece that surrounds the heel might give an impression of max stiffness, we've given it a rating of 3/5. That's pretty middle-of-the-road.

Rest assured, comfort isn't compromised. There's plenty of padding in the heel area, preventing any discomfort from rubbing or potential aches.

Although this model is not marketed by On as a stability-oriented shoe, we've previously mentioned that it indeed stands out as a remarkably stable choice.

One of the main contributing factors is the incredibly wide forefoot, which we've measured at a substantial 117.9 mm.

On the other hand, the heel doesn't match up with the same wide design, clocking in at only 89.3 mm.

It certainly provides stability for midfoot and forefoot strikers, but for heel strikers, it falls a bit short.

We found the Cloudstratus extremely comfortable, whether we were walking, moving around in the lab, or even running. This led us to expect a low measurement in the 90-degree bend test. 

Indeed, with a score of just 23.8N, it proved to be considerably more flexible than most shoes on the market.

Yet, after a 20-minute stint in the freezer, we slipped them back on to find them noticeably stiffer.

When we repeated the same test, the result was a disheartening 37.2N, showing a significant increase in rigidity.

Indeed, this represents a significant 56.3% spike in rigidity, faring poorly when compared to most other shoes on the market. It's quite disappointing, especially for a shoe that costs $170.

At 267.3 mm for a US size 9, the shoe runs a little bit shorter than expected.

Only runners with exceptionally wide feet might consider sizing up, but for the vast majority the shoe fits 100% true to size.

In our lab, this is the first upper we've measured at exactly 100.0 mm. Not only is this measurement interesting, but it also indicates that we're dealing with a generously spacious shoe that can comfortably accommodate wide feet.

The area for the toes is also notably wide. Thanks to the absence of a tapered toe cap, there's ample room for the toes to move freely.

As we frequently observe in On Cloud shoes, a bootie-style tongue is incorporated, providing a secure and snug fit.

Clearly, On prioritizes comfort over weight, and the Cloudstratus is a testament to that. With a 7.8 mm thick tongue, it's definitely a well-padded one.

One upside to this On shoe is its removable insole. Given that it's a spacious shoe, you won't face any issues when trying to fit in your own orthotics.

While it might not be the most reflective On shoe available—take a look at the Cloud Waterproof—it's great to see that the logo catches light. And this is a nice touch considering many shoes today completely overlook the inclusion of any reflective elements at all.