When On-Running burst onto the running scene in 2010, it excited road runners and geek-minded footwear designers with its futuristic CloudTec cushioning technology. Today, the Swiss brand is becoming a serious force in trail running—that dusty, rocky cousin of road running where mud is more the rule than the exception. Two fresh models—the Cloudultra Pro and Cloudultra.
With the new Ultra collection, which includes two fresh models – the Cloudultra Pro and the Cloudultra 3 – On is taking its signature technology from the pavement straight to the off-road. And not turning a deaf ear to the criticism of its fans (yes, we all remember those “clouds” who loved collecting pebbles), they’ve finally made some concrete improvements. Bravo, On!
Racing DNA, two different approaches
If Cloudultra Pro If he could talk, he'd probably scream, "Give me a mountain that's not on Strava yet!" Designed for elite ultrarunners and serious mountain enthusiasts, this is the most aggressive trail shoe On has ever made. It takes all the lessons from road racing and reimagines them for the more demanding, wilder environment.
The core of the shoe is based on the Helion HF hyperfoam, which rests on a 39mm thick heel with a classic 6mm drop. But the biggest special feature is the so-called Speedboard plate, which is not made of carbon fiber (as you would expect), but a softer, more flexible layer that still offers concrete cushioning. Which means: yes, you get responsiveness without feeling like you're running on a shovel.
The sole has also been upgraded – through over 200 stud variations, Ono's engineers (probably in a James Bond-esque lab) came up with the perfect formula: Missiongrip with 3.5mm studs. The result? Grip that's no joke.
And despite its 39mm of cushioning, the shoe is surprisingly light—9.7 ounces (275g). So light, you'd mistake it for a road runner if it didn't have the mud scars to prove it. Long-term durability? Well, time will tell. But knowing On, the next version will probably already be in the testing phase on some Swiss peak.
More weight, less speed – but more comfort?
If the Pro is your high-octane ultra companion, the Cloudultra 3 is its more sedate but still highly trained sibling. It's aimed at anyone who'd rather rack up miles than medals—and look damn good doing it.
This model also uses Helion HF foam, but in a single-layer version, which means a lower height – 32 mm in the heel. The drop remains the same, 6 mm. And although it is slightly heavier than the Pro model (10.4 ounces / 295 g), it is still one of the lighter trail shoes on the market.
Both models feature a technical Leno mesh upper that breathes like a yogi in a sauna and dries faster than your motivation after mile 30. However – the fabric isn’t abrasion-resistant. So if you’re running in rough terrain, you might want to opt for a more groomed trail (or just accept some battle scars).
The biggest achievement is undoubtedly the new version of the famous cloud pads, which are now more sophisticated and – thank goodness – no longer collect every leaf and pebble. Trail runners around the world can now breathe a sigh of relief.
Technical data (for those who love numbers)
Cloudultra Pro
Weight: 275 g (men)
Stack: 39 mm (heel)
Drop: 6 mm
Cushioning: Helion HF double-layer foam
Sole: Missiongrip
Upper: Leno technical mesh
Price: 260 USD / €270.00
Cloudultra 3
Weight: 295 g (men)
Stack: 32 mm (heel)
Drop: 6 mm
Cushioning: single-layer Helion HF foam
Sole: Redesigned Missiongrip (3.5 mm studs)
Upper: Leno technical mesh
Price: 190 USD / comparable euros
Where, when and why?
Cloudultra Pro is already available on the official On website and at selected retailers, while it will Cloudultra 3 available from July 3rdIn addition to the new sneakers, On also offers a full line of trail running apparel in its Ultra collection: technical Ultra-T shirts, Ultra Vest Pro running vests, and more. The Swiss are clearly serious.
Finally: which one is right for you?
If your goal is to win your next ultra trail race, or at least look like you can, the Cloudultra Pro is your new best friend. But if you're more of a podcast-listening, view-watching runner than a pace-setter, the Cloudultra 3 is a great choice.
In any case – He proved that a successful trail novel can be written from a road story. Now: who will be the first to test whether “Missiongrip” is really a name or just a very confident PR stunt?
The trail is difficult. Footwear is no longer an excuse.
