At $230, this can be a premium coach. I wasn’t certain if the On Cloudboom Max was value it, however I’ve been stunned. Out of the field, it seems to be extra like a beefed-up every day coach than a standard racing flat. The primary run I did within the shoe felt nice. I used to be coming off nearly a month of being sick and feeling like rubbish, so it was a welcome change. Was I lastly higher, or is the On Cloudboom Max a miracle employee? The world won’t ever know, however I’ve actually favored this shoe.
Once I first noticed the Cloudboom Max, I actually wasn’t certain what to make of it. Is it a racing shoe? A coach? One thing in between? It seems to be like a every day coach, however the specs say efficiency.
Earlier than attempting the On Cloudboom Max, I had some questions:
Is the On Cloudboom Max good for marathon coaching at 8–9 minute tempo?
Sure, the On Cloudboom Max is a wonderful selection for marathon coaching at 8–9 minute tempo. Lots of plated footwear really feel greatest at sooner paces, however the Cloudboom Max is exclusive in that it performs effectively at regular, reasonable efforts, making it excellent for lengthy runs, marathon-pace exercises, and coaching blocks geared toward non-elite runners.
How does the On Cloudboom Max evaluate to different plated trainers in 2025?
The On Cloudboom Max is within the center floor between light-weight racing footwear just like the Nike Vaporfly 4 and bulkier every day trainers just like the Saucony Endorphin Pace. In comparison with different plated trainers, it feels extra steady and sturdy, with a full rubber outsole that extends its lifespan to round 300 miles. It’s not the lightest or most aggressive, but it surely’s some of the versatile choices available on the market.
Can the On Cloudboom Max deal with every day coaching and race day?
Sure, the Cloudboom Max can deal with each every day coaching and race day…particularly if that tempo is between 8-9 minutes. It’s constructed with sufficient cushion and outsole sturdiness for on a regular basis mileage whereas nonetheless providing the responsiveness of a plated shoe. Many runners will discover they’ll use it for lengthy runs, tempo exercises, and even marathons with no need a separate racing flat.
Does the On Cloudboom Max match huge toes?
The On Cloudboom Max suits wider than many different On fashions, which regularly run slender. The toe field has a rounded form and gives extra room, making it extra forgiving for runners with barely wider toes. Nonetheless, these with very huge toes should favor to measurement up a half measurement for consolation.
What makes the On Cloudboom Max completely different from the On Cloudboom Echo?
The On Cloudboom Max is constructed for stability and flexibility, whereas the Cloudboom Echo is extra of a pure racing shoe. The Echo is lighter and extra aggressive, designed for sooner efforts, but it surely doesn’t have the sturdiness or consolation for every day coaching. The Cloudboom Max is healthier fitted to marathon coaching blocks and lengthy runs, making it extra sensible for almost all of runners.
Is the On Cloudboom Max a very good choice for first-time marathoners?
Sure, the Cloudboom Max generally is a good choice for first-time marathoners. It gives the responsiveness of a plated shoe with out feeling overly stiff or tough to regulate. The steadiness, cushioning, and sturdiness make it much less intimidating than elite-level racing footwear, whereas nonetheless supplying you with the efficiency edge on race day.
Now, let’s get into an trustworthy On Cloudboom Max evaluate.
Fast Info: On Cloudboom Max
Weight: 10.0 oz
Stack Top: 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
Plate: Glass fiber and nylon Speedboard
Value: $230 USD
Makes use of: Lengthy runs, lengthy exercises, marathons
On Cloudboom Max Match
The match of the Cloudboom Max is among the greatest I’ve tried from On. For those who’ve worn On trainers earlier than, you realize a few of them match slender. The higher is made with a dense engineered mesh that leans extra towards assist than air flow. For those who reside in a sizzling local weather, you would possibly discover the heat, however the construction provides confidence when choosing up the tempo. I’ve used them in hotter climate within the Mojave Desert, and your toes can get sizzling. Hopefully, in future variations, they make the higher a bit extra breathable.
The gusseted tongue is skinny and race-inspired, and the sawtooth laces really do their job…they keep tied. The toe field is reasonably huge with a rounded form. I put on between a girls’s measurement 10–11 huge, and the scale 11 suits comfortably. On footwear usually run slender, however this one feels extra forgiving, even for barely wider toes.
For those who like further room, you would possibly measurement up a half, but it surely suits fairly true to measurement.
On Cloudboom Max Journey
That is the place the Cloudboom Max will get fascinating. The midsole is product of two layers of Helion HF foam: a PEBA prime layer that feels full of life and springy, and a TPEE backside layer that provides stability and construction. Between them is On’s glass-fiber nylon Speedboard plate, which provides the shoe a propulsive really feel with out being overly stiff like some carbon-plated racers.
The rocker design is noticeable however not aggressive. It helps you roll by means of your stride whether or not you’re working straightforward miles or choosing up the tempo. At 40 mm within the heel, it meets racing rules, however due to the recessed footbed and raised sidewalls, it feels decrease and extra steady than the numbers counsel.
The place does the On Cloudboom Max match into my rotation? Actually, I believed this was going to be a “tremendous shoe” I’d save for PR makes an attempt, however after a couple of runs, I’ve discovered it’s higher fitted to tempo exercises, uptempo lengthy runs, and marathon coaching. It actually shines at 8–9 minute tempo, and I’ve felt exceptionally good in that tempo vary. It’s not the shoe I’d seize for ripping an all-out interval session, but it surely’s excellent for lengthy, clean efforts. Regardless of being 10 oz, it doesn’t really feel clunky or heavy (which was an enormous concern to me).
Outsole
On used full rubber outsole protection, which provides a little bit weight however ought to prolong the shoe’s life effectively past many plated fashions. There’s additionally a central decoupling groove to clean transitions, and the deep rubber pods grip effectively on moist roads.
Thus far, I’d guess this shoe will get round 300 miles, which is greater than most different carbon-plated footwear. I’ve worn it on wet roads and clean trails, and it dealt with each with out situation. I wouldn’t take it path working, but it surely’s versatile sufficient for gentle off-road sections.
On Cloudboom Max Conclusion
The On Cloudboom Max is precisely what On says it’s: a flexible, plated shoe designed for almost all of marathon runners.
Sure, it’s $230 and barely heavier than some racing footwear, however if you’d like one shoe that may cowl nearly each kind of highway run, it’s definitely worth the funding. This has been some of the enjoyable trainers I’ve tried in 2025.
Who Ought to Purchase the On Cloudboom Max
You’re coaching for a primary marathon and need a plated shoe that doesn’t really feel intimidating
You want having one shoe for the whole lot: every day mileage, tempo runs, and race day
You don’t love the stiffness of carbon plates however nonetheless need a responsive experience
Who Ought to Not Purchase the On Cloudboom Max
You’re an elite marathoner
You need a tremendous gentle, all-out racing shoe
You’re in search of a budget-friendly coach
