On’s Latest Distance Running Shoes, Reviewed

There is a lot to like about these shoes. For those familiar with the brand, this is an improvement on its successor, the Cloudeclipse, another shoe designed with long (and easy) distance in mind. These shoes offer a significant amount of cushioning through their proprietary CloudTec Phase (that’s what gives the shoe the spaces that resemble falling dominoes). The technology combined with colorways like “horizon” and “honeydew” make these shoes stand out on the road. 

The Helion superfoam is sturdy in a way many other shoes on the market veer towards pillowy, providing a structured and stable ride. This feeling of security continues with details like padding around the heel and the gusseted tongue, limiting hot spots and the worry that the tongue will start slipping to one side as you run. 

With a firmer foam, I was skeptical of how these were going to feel underfoot, but the second I started my Strava, I understood why people like these shoes. It was one of the first times a trainer felt like it was engineered to help me from stride to toe-off. My only complaint was that rather than eyelets, On uses fabric loops for the laces in many of their shoes, which takes some getting used to to properly dial in the tightness.

These are considered a super shoe, which historically have been for elite runners who will do whatever it takes to save fractions of sections and improve on their personal record. This is not the brand’s first race shoe, as they offer the Cloudbook Strike for “PB-ing a marathon.” The “booms” take it down a notch, as they are officially described as a shoe to “finish the marathon.” 

These are intended for the everyday runner versus those trying to get on the podium, which is why the shoe prioritizes comfort features when compared to other race day shoes. The main difference when comparing these to other speed shoes is they are nylon plated instead of carbon plated. This more flexible material and wider base make it better for the landing and gait of the average runner who is not planning to break three hours in the marathon. 

The Cloudbooms still include raceday shoe features such as super light and breathable uppers, sawtooth laces, responsive foam, and bright colors like “lime raspberry.” When running in these, I noticed a comfortable ride but missed the fun “pop” off the forefoot when I picked up the speed I am used to in other speed shoes. There is still a forward rocking sensation but not as dramatic as in something like a Nike Alphafly. These should not replace a daily trainer but are a great option for fans of the brand looking for a shoe engineered for speed for raceday.