On Cloudvista review

Who should buy the On Cloudvista

Take the Cloudvista if you're looking for a:

• trail running shoe that's light and bouncy for tempo efforts
• grippy shoe that's perfect for mild trail conditions and even some slight mud
• versatile running shoe that can double for hiking

Who should NOT buy it

If you want a shoe that can take on highly technical trails, experts highly recommend the Inov-8 Terraultra G 270. And if it's a softer ride you're after, get the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra or the Hoka Torrent 2 instead. 

For our wide-footed folks out there, you can never go wrong with Altra's trail running shoes. 

Who said trail shoes couldn't be fun? 

Snappy, bouncy, and fast is how trail runners describe the On Cloudvista. Those who have pushed the pace all agree that the shoe makes them "roll nicely through each stride;" Overall, the Cloudvista's responsive ride makes fast runs more effortless. 

More on comfort

In contrast to the On Cloudventure, many find the On Cloudvista as its softer version. This is thanks to the shoe's cushy insole, there were "no harsh or flat-feeling landings."

Midsole aside, the upper also delivers a comfy sensation. It's well-padded around the ankle collar; multiple runners claim that there's no rubbing or irritation caused by the upper. 

Weights can be deceiving

By weight, the Cloudvista is not the lightest running shoe. However, reviewers' experience says otherwise. According to them, it's "pretty feathery" for a trail offering, it practically disappears on foot. 

The Cloudvista will hold your foot in place

The heel hold of this shoe is awesome. The heel cup is reinforced; unwanted movements are eliminated. And when it comes to its overall fit, everything about the Cloudvista "fit together very precisely." For reference, it holds like the Salomon Pulsar—"it wraps the foot as opposed to squeezing it." 

But what's great about it is it's not the type of snug that chokes the foot. Like Scott running shoes, it is a sweet spot between security and comfort. 

Opens up to wide feet? Nah. 

Of course, the price to pay for the shoe's rather locked-in fit is space. In the toe box, there's not much room for toe splay for medium-width runners, let alone broad-footed runners. 

It's very tight up front; they've complained that their toes were cramped to the point where their big toe was aching from the constant slamming and rubbing against the front. 

The tongue is a winner

It's gusseted, meaning it's attached to the sides, taking the shoe's lockdown a notch. Plus, it's sufficiently padded, providing protection from lace bites and pressure. 

A shoe that breathes

The shoe's translucent mesh is very thin and breezy; testers swear by it for a lot of fast and fun summer trail runs. Even better, it's made with 70% recycled materials to help minimize waste. 

Traction: Goes beyond expectations

On mild mud, soft terrain and dirt, mild trails, rainy wet weather, and fire roads, the On Cloudvista's outsole "dug nicely" into everything. It has solid and tacky traction; critics even say it's even grippy on 45-degree wet rocks.

Irritates the foot on hard ground

Just below the ball of the foot, several have complained about a "marble-sized protrusion" that bothers them, especially when pounding on hard surfaces. It's not painful, they say. But it sure is annoying. 

Quite the looker like other On running shoes

"It looks damn good." It has an unassuming look with its sleek and clean design, and it's "not overbuilt." There are "no extraneous overlays or fabrics;" it simply looks stunning.