On Cloudboom Strike 2 (250 USD, 250 EUR, 230 GBP, 300 CHF)
Professionals:
Very secure using for a race shoe – Courtney
Agency and controllable- Courtney
Ethereal and light-weight Higher -Courtney
Outsole gives good grip on moist surfaces – Courtney
Cons:
Squeaking sound from heel sliding towards uncovered midsole foam -Courtney
Not a prime velocity shoe for me, higher at marathon tempo efforts -Courtney
Ft felt sore after long term in them -Courtney
Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 7.05 oz / 200g US M9 ladies’s 6.3 oz / 178g US W8
Pattern Weights:
males’s 6.88 oz / 195g US 8.5 pattern (v1: 7.18oz / 203g US8.5)
ladies’s 184g / 6.5 oz US9
Stack Top: 40mm heel 35mm forefoot, 5mm drop
Platform Width: 76mm heel / 52mm midfoot / 112mm forefoot (US W9)
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Courtney:The Cloudboom Strike 2 in its neon inexperienced and deep purple colorway is a stunning coloration mixture that I’ve grown keen on. I now fairly like the intense inexperienced that vibrates off the asphalt, and truthfully, you may by no means go improper with a vivid coloured race shoe.
At first attempt on, the CBS2 felt roomy which felt nice within the toe field, midfoot lockdown required cinch down the laces fairly a bit. The toe space of the higher buckles up due to this. I’ve a slim to regular width foot with regular quantity.
The flippantly padded tongue and smaller non stretch laces triggered some lace chunk on the highest of the foot. It wasn’t horrible on my 10 and 12 mile runs, but it surely may not be nice for a marathon distance and even as I proceed to construct later this summer season. Maybe the reply is thicker socks and a looser lockdown.
I observed on the run that the additional room triggered my foot to slip back and forth leading to squeaking as I ran and simply an general lower than locked down feeling.
I’ve by no means met an On higher that doesn’t agree with me, however from appearances this appeared like a distinct form of development that had me questioning if it will additionally impress.
The non stretch higher is supported by zig zagging underlays that wrap the edges of the foot making a cage of assist for the foot. It’s a porous weave that could be very breathable.
The heel collar wraps down over the rear of the shoe making a delicate bumper for the achilles. The padding felt applicable contemplating the shoe’s function. I do want I had the chance to attempt the Lightspray model of this shoe to really feel the distinction each in match and journey.
Midsole & Platform
Courtney: One of many largest updates to the Cloudboom Strike are the modifications to the midsole geometry and a 15% lighter model of Helion HF. Helion HF is probably going a PEBA based mostly foam however On doesn’t particularly say so.
On has additionally launched Cloudtec Sphere, which is just three segments of froth which can be damaged by two vertical forefoot channels and a central channel you may see within the outsole view.
These enable some flex of the platform, making a extra pure journey. The central channel is one thing we’ve seen from On earlier than, however hollowed out “clouds” from earlier fashions are actually changed with extra foam and CloudTec Sphere.
The detachable insole is about 10mm thick on the middle of the forefoot. including to the general stack of the shoe. It is usually Helion HF.foam The insole additionally options facet partitions that add to the general secure really feel of the Cloudboom Strike 2.
Starting on the midfoot all the way down to the toes, the insole has a nylon cloth protecting whereas the heel stays uncovered foam. This lack of cloth beneath the heel is what I imagine triggered some slipping and a squeaky sound each time I landed.
A inflexible scooped carbon SpeedBoard runs narrowly down the middle of the shoe. It has a slight indentation within the center elevating barely on the medial facet, which helps gradual my tendency to overpronate. The texture underfoot is agency but responsive, and it’s undoubtedly one of the vital secure race sneakers accessible now.
Outsole
Courtney: The thick full protection rubber outsole makes this shoe sturdy and immune to slipping on moist surfaces.
It’s clearly a highway shoe given its restricted tread and its tendency to select up gravel in its central channel, and it feels finest on pavement. The complete protection additionally contributes to the secure journey.
Experience
Courtney: I’ve had no hesitation reaching for the Cloudboom Strike 2 for a lot of of my runs previously two weeks. In reality, I’ve logged 50 miles on them attributable to their versatility. They run decently at gradual paces (although there are some that do that higher) they usually can decide it up once you want them to.
They’re supportive sufficient to deal with longer extra relaxed runs, but responsive sufficient to shift into my marathon tempo (6:50/mi) when it’s time to decide issues up on the finish of the run. They is probably not my quickest race shoe, however I actually benefit from the versatility, supportive journey and can use them for high quality lengthy runs all through the summer season.
Conclusion and Suggestions
Courtney: I feel on the “On cut price value” of $250 these sneakers will probably be a prime decide for runners for late summer season and fall races. They shoulldl work nicely for runners with wider ft as a result of accommodating and extra padded than common race shoe higher. The supportive options of the shoe make them possibility for entry degree carbon plate runners or for these with stability wants.
Courtney’s Total Rating: 8.93/10
Experience (50%): 9 deductions for a much less aggressive roll ahead, not in a position to get prime velocity from them and for the slippery insole.
Match (30%): 8.5
Worth (15%): 9.5
Type (5%): 9
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3 Comparisons
Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 (RTR Overview)
Courtney: The Brooks Hyperion Elite 6 was launched in June 2026 and is a light-weight and versatile shoe. I wore them to my native June 5K and was in a position to rip paces, they usually additionally sit as a contender for my fall marathon shoe. I discover the Brooks can also be a very nice shoe to run recoveries, heat up with its simple roll off the entrance whereas the Cloudboom Strike requires a little bit extra work in these slower miles. That is seemingly attributable to that larger 7mm drop within the Brooks, vs 5mm within the On.
The HE6 guides your foot into the right toe off place gathering energy from the medial forefoot.
The Brooks has a comfortable race-like match which may bothersome over longer distances (it is a lot tighter than CBS2’s), however I discover it helps me join with the midsole for probably the most energy. The Brooks is available in a little bit dearer at $275 and in my womens dimension US9 is 6.3 oz / 179g so a tiny bit lighter than the On.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3: (RTR Overview)
Courtney: The EE3 is a delicate and highly effective shoe. It’s a tremendous enjoyable and quick, albeit with a much less predictable or controllable journey. The EE3 is a little bit heavier however once more has a pleasant 8mm drop (+3mm in comparison with the On) for a simple roll to the entrance and pop off the toe. The Saucony is dearer coming in at $290. I feel in the event you’re in search of one thing thrilling and completely different attempt the EE3 (maybe on the sacrifice of stability), however the CBS2 is healthier for these in search of a gentle and protected race shoe.
Asics Metaspeed Edge:(RTR Overview)
Courtney: The Metaspeed Edge has a softer but responsive midsole foam with a extra aggressive roll to the entrance that fits faster paces for me. The Edge can also be the lighter of the 2 sneakers. The CBS2 however is a extra secure using shoe providing a extra comfy higher with extra padding all through. Sturdiness can also be the place CBS2 shines, as there was important put on on the outsole of my Metaspeeds (each Sky and Edge). The lacing system can also be superior within the CBS2.
The On Cloudboom Strike 2 will probably be accessible July 30, 2026
Tester Profiles
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a university lacrosse participant turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA along with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and eight. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, successful second place in a time of 1:26. She determined to take working a bit extra critically, becoming a member of Depraved Operating Membership and making an attempt some coaching plans. She ran her first marathon in 2024 in 3:04:27. As well as, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She appears to be like ahead to getting some extra energy and velocity beneath her belt this subsequent season, earlier than taking a crack on the marathon once more. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mom to her women.
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