On Cloudspike XC review

The On Cloudspike XC is an interesting option for:

• Runners who value On’s build quality and want the same premium feel in a cross-country spike.
• Athletes looking for a versatile spike that works for both track sessions and XC races thanks to removable pins.
• Runners who tend to destroy uppers and need a durable spike that holds up over repeated seasons.

We do not recommend the Cloudspike XC for heel strikers. In our lab tests, we found a negative-drop geometry that feels brutal on heel landings. In our view, the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly XC is a more forgiving option.

We also think it’s not the best match if you are on a tight budget. The Nike Rival Waffle 6 comes at a much lower price and is a smarter choice for casual runners or those who only race cross country once or twice a year.

With just 16.6 mm of heel stack, the heel sits very close to the ground. This is the first clear sign that this spike is not designed to suit heel strikers, but rather the opposite.

World Athletics sets a 20.0 mm stack height limit for cross-country spike shoes, while non-spike models follow the 40 mm road limit. As a result, we found that On pushed the rules in the forefoot, measuring 19.3 mm, to deliver as much cushioning as possible within the regulations.

This shoe is not suited for heel strikers at all. With a negative drop of -2.7 mm, it clearly favours midfoot and forefoot striking, and heel-first landings would feel very uncomfortable.

Any brand aiming to build a strong competition shoe needs a superfoam in the midsole, and the On Cloudspike XC delivers on that promise.

We found a single layer of Helion HF, a Pebax foam known for its lively feel in models like the Cloudboom Strike. Here comes with a measured softness of 21.6 HA, which suits cross-country racing where going too soft would quickly become a problem.

We already knew that this XC super spike uses a nylon-fibreglass Speedboard plate, as On publicly states it. However, to understand its real shape, we had to cut the shoe in half... and carve out the top foam layer to fully expose the plate.

That is when we discovered that, instead of a classic full plate, On added cutouts in both the heel and forefoot, a design choice aimed at increasing flexibility in the Cloudspike XC.

The fit closely matches what you would expect from a track spike, which makes sense since this model is a direct adaptation of one.

We started our batch of measurements and got 88.8 mm at its widest point, delivering a snug and confident wrap around the foot.

The second measurement dropped to just 66.7 mm, making it clear that the fit is very aggressive and built to hold the foot tight, with no room for toe splay. This is a performance-first shoe, and the fit clearly reflects that focus.

We always take a third measurement to assess toebox height and fully understand the fit.

We registered it at 24.5 mm, confirming that the upper stays very close to the foot at all times and delivers a snug, secure feel.

The stiffness of the Cloudspike XC is easy to notice on the run, and our 30-degree bend test confirmed it with a 16.1N result.

The On Cloudspike XC also checks the box for a true race-ready weight. At just 5.4 oz or 153g, it feels impressively light and largely disappears underfoot, especially at faster paces.

One area where On clearly stands out against many competitors is build quality and material choice, and the Cloudspike XC fully benefits from that approach.

When we ran our smoke test through the toebox, airflow was excellent, leaving no doubt about giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 for breathability.

The upper is extremely thin and highly ventilated, which means sock choice becomes critical for winter races in very cold conditions.

We also liked how the upper is constructed.

Instead of large ventilation holes that could let mud enter the toebox, On uses countless microscopic openings that maintain strong airflow without that drawback, while also allowing for excellent water drainage.

In terms of comfort, you'll only find that in the heel area. Everywhere else, the design clearly prioritises ventilation and weight savings.

By avoiding carbon fibre in the plate, On gains a touch more flexibility, and the Cloudspike XC earned a 4 out of 5 in our test.

The heel counter offers some structure and scored 2 out of 5, which prevents it from feeling overly pliable like many other spikes and adds a bit of support for those unstable or muddy XC courses.

The On Cloudspike XC shares dimensions closer to a track spike, with a very compact forefoot measuring just 97.9 mm at its widest point.

For context, this is roughly the same width that many maximalist daily trainers reach in the heel.

The heel is slightly wider than what we usually see in spikes at 68.6 mm, but it remains quite narrow and, in our view, reinforces the idea that the Cloudspike XC demands a midfoot or forefoot striking technique.

The one-piece upper of the Cloudspike XC deserves real praise. It is one of the rare uppers we have tested that combines outstanding breathability, ultra-light weight, and strong durability at the same time. And it backed that up with a perfect 5 out of 5 score in our Dremel challenge.

The heel padding did not reach the same standout result, but a 3 out of 5 still ensures solid durability for a competition-focused shoe.

On added two rubber heel pads to protect this area, each measuring 2.7 mm in thickness.

The Cloudspike XC uses an ultra-thin insole measuring just 2.5 mm, which is almost half the thickness of the insoles On typically includes in its road shoes, such as the Cloudmonster 2.

The eyelet chain on the Cloudspike XC is simple, but includes green cord-like overlays that run across the upper and integrate directly with the first two eyelets. They form a web-style structure that wraps the foot and provide a small stability boost.

We tested the tongue and found it to be paper-thin and extremely light, with no foam at all and just 0.6 mm of thickness, a clear choice to keep weight as low as possible with zero focus on comfort, which fits the short nature of cross-country races.

The Cloudspike XC does not feel as expensive as other On shoes to us, especially considering the premium pricing On usually carries and the excellent durability that makes it a strong option for multiple cross-country seasons.

The heel tab keeps things simple, featuring no extra elements beyond the On logo and the brand’s standard Swiss Engineering print.