Features

The main talking point of any On Running shoe is of course the cloud technology on offer. Being a trail running shoe designed for ultra distances, the On Cloud Ultra features two layers of ‘Cloud Pods’ (that’s On’s midsole cushioning). These pods have been designed to provide high levels of cushioning thanks to an innovative spring design and the use of On’s new Helion foam – which On claims is softer and more temperature resistant than normal foam.

While the Cloud Pods provide cushioning, On has utilised what they call a ‘Speedboard’ rockplate to provide stability, propulsion and responsiveness overall. It also brings a good level of protection from sharp rocks and roots too. 

This combination of Cloud Pods and Springboard rockplate results in a moderate drop of 8mm. There’s also a substantial amount of rock overall, resulting in an impressive level of propulsion from each stride.

The sole features shallow 2mm lugs made from their Missiongrip rubber. 2mm is pretty low and we found this meant the outsole didn’t quite cut the mustard on the typically slippy hills around the UK. However, we did find that it could cope with well worn trails without too much of a gradient. If you plan to run up and down mountains in these, we’d say you’ll only really want to venture out when the trails are likely to be dry and hard packed.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“These are supremely well-made, with a lot of clever design-thinking clearly involved. And I’ve loved running in them. They’re comfortable, they feel fast and the amount of shock absorption they bring to the table is impressive. I wouldn’t say they feel spongy and very cushioned, but they do still feel like they’re made to handle lots of impact.

“I do most of my trail running in the UK where you’re likely to encounter mud even during hot dry spells and for that reason I like my trail shoes to have relatively aggressive outsoles. At 2mm, the lug depth, for me, is too shallow for UK mountain running. Still, I could see these being fine for something like the UTMB which is mostly along hard-packed and defined trails.”

“I’m a UK size 10 and nearly every size 10 tends to fit me comfortably. That includes these – I’ve found the fit to be very comfortable.”