Tried and Tested – On’s all-new Cloudstratus

Vikki

Who doesn’t like getting new running shoes to test out? I have been very excited about the new generation Cloudstratus for a while now and so far they have been my recent go-to shoe for clocking up the miles.

The shoe has doubled up on the CloudTec® midsole and have dual layers of On’s famous ‘Clouds’ that straight away gives you extra stability, maximum cushioning and most importantly extra bounce!  I suffer from quite bad Planter Fasciitis and sometimes find running rather painful but the extra support of Clouds and the wider-fit seems to relieve the pain significantly. The shoe is a game-changer for long distances (marathon and half-marathon shoe) and is designed for heavier runners who want to soften the impact while running long distances.  They are a little on the heavier side but this is expected for a running shoe with double the cushioning.

If you are serious about your running and have a spare £150 to spend these are a great investment – although these will not cure my running injury, being able to run regularly and comfortably is good enough for me.

Georgie

Having run in Asics Kayanos for over a decade, I approached the opportunity to try the On Cloudstratus with both excitement and trepidation. Maximum cushioning and a smooth ride were promised, but could they match up to the stability offered by my favoured shoe? The short answer is: Yes.

Lacing up for a 10k run, the first thing I noticed was the clever star-lacing system, which enabled me to get just the right level of tightness to feel secure, without feeling restrictive. On setting off I immediately felt the cushioning, but surprisingly, they felt responsive and allowed my feet to move naturally. The balance of stability and cushioning for me was a winner (thanks to two layers of Helion™-enriched CloudTec®), making my legs feel energised throughout my run and my stride even. I suffer from an old hip injury and was worried about that being an issue in a new shoe, but I needn’t have – the Cloudstratus was very well received by my hip, creating an even stride and good alignment. So much so, that was the quickest run I’ve done in years, without trying any harder. I would say they are probably well suited for wider feet, but mine are narrow and I haven’t had any problems from that first run and since then. If you’re looking for a well cushioned running shoe with some impressive tech behind it that you can see and feel, I recommend giving the Cloudstratus a try.

Layla

I needed some motivation to stop hitting my snooze button and get out for an early run, so when the new Cloudstratus arrived it was like motivation in a box. I was very excited to try this shoe, as with all the updates from the first edition, I knew it would feel special. I never have any issues running in On’s fresh from the box, and there was no exception with this shoe. They are extremely comfortable (thanks to two layers of CloudTec®, Helion superfoam and a Speedboard all in the lower unit) and the lacing system makes your feet feel really secure. You can immediately feel the rolling sensation propelling you forward when you walk in the shoe, that naturally makes you want to start running! 

I’m not an early morning runner, but with the general excitement of new shoes and the comfort and cushioning of the new Cloudstratus, I bounded out of the house. As I’ve previously written, I’m very much a feelings person when it comes to running, so I don’t wear a watch that often. I try and use the time to clear my head and to listen to how my body is doing. This run felt good, my feet were happy and my body and mind followed. Thanks for the early morning running motivation On.

Becky

Having spent the past few months recovering from a minor hip injury my new Cloudstratus were very much welcomed to encourage me back to my weekly fitness regime.

To ease myself gently back to running I started wearing them for regular dog walks – they were comfortable from the word go and my feet felt very supported, especially around the heel and ankle. Whilst the sole looks thicker than a previous pair of On running shoes they still feel light and the double CloudTec® Helion sole gave me an extra spring in my step. I’ve now completed several gentle runs and they’ve performed very well, each time providing enough support and cushioning (as I’m still feeling a bit wobbly and nervous).

I opted for the red/white colourway and have been wearing them for both fitness and fashion.  I’ve also received some nice comments from the cool kids on the block so my new Cloudstratus are staying firming on my feet for now!