On Cloudultra Pro Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski and Renee Krusemark

On Cloudultra Professional ($260)

Professionals:

Stack, weight ratio: Renee, Mike P

Dynamic but comfy trip: Renee, Mike P

Secure and controllable for its stack peak: Renee

Secure below the heel in comparison with different tremendous sneakers Mike P

Pace Board shouldn’t be felt in any respect below the ball of the foot Mike P, Renee

Huge, foot-shaped higher – nice for ultras Mike P

Cons:

Excessive stack received’t work for everybody on extremely technical trails: Renee. Mike P

Considerably skimpy lugs, outsole Mike P

Potential excessive outdoors ankle collar could “chew” some Mike P

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s  9.4 oz / 267g US9 girls’s   8.04oz / 229gUS8

  Pattern Weights: 

     males’s  9.8 oz / 278g US 10

     girls’s 8.04oz / 229g (left) 8.22oz / 233g (proper) US8

Stack Peak:  38.5 mm heel /  32.5 mm forefoot 

Platform Width:  81mm heel / 68mm midfoot  / 110mm forefoot 

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Renee: I reviewed the Cloudultra 1 and a pair of, the Cloudvista 1 and a pair of, and the hybrid Cloudsurfer Path. What On does with this shoe is completely completely different than their earlier path sneakers. I’m a mediocre runner and blissful for mid packer finishes at technical or massive races (if I race). You might be common and like this shoe. 

I’m conflicted concerning the higher. I’m between half sizes in most manufacturers and fashions. Whereas the primary variations of the Cloudultra and Cloudvista had been good in a measurement 8, I discovered the second variations of each sneakers a bit lengthy. 

The sizing for the Cloudultra Professional is nearer to the second model of these sneakers. For an extremely shoe, the size is appreciated so I like to recommend true to measurement. 

The toe bumper is agency and truly protecting. Throughout a 20 miler, I felt the bumper hitting my massive toe so I believed I would profit from a half measurement down. The higher has a great quantity of quantity should you want it. I tied the laces tremendous tight when working on thick gravel and needed to re-tie after a couple of miles. I’ve low quantity toes. The foot opening is barely massive for my slim heels however comfy. Utilizing the highest eyelet helps. The heel has inside padding and a few stiffness, an ideal asset for lengthy runs.

I wore no-show socks throughout a 7 mile restoration run within the grime/warmth and had no irritation on my heel though the laces (not utilizing a runners knot) sit simply above the tongue. The breathability is sweet. 

The shoe is gentle for its stack particularly as a path shoe. My left and proper sneakers weren’t the identical weight (8.04oz / 229g (left) 8.22oz / 233g (proper)), frequent however to not this diploma. I had a greater heel maintain on my proper foot than the left so there could have been a manufacturing distinction, (occurs in early evaluation sneakers). 

Mike P:  A number of hype round this shoe, however given the truth that for me, On hasn’t but hit the mark with a very performant path shoe – I used to be unsure what to anticipate right here. Pulling the Professional straight out of the field, I knew this mannequin can be completely different.  Visually gorgeous, gentle weight in hand, and premium in really feel, the Cloudultra definitely delivers within the first impressions division. 

Sizing can also be difficult with me within the On’s that I’ve tried. Cloudvista 1 was very small in a US 9.5 (my regular), whereas CV 2 in a ten, appears overly massive. I’ve additionally examined the Cloudventure Peak and Cloudsurfer Path in US 9.5s which had been okay, however had been a contact small.  I made a decision to go together with a US 10 to be on the protected facet, contemplating the truth that that is an extremely oriented shoe.

To start with – match could be very roomy, with a broad and vast toe field.  They’ve definitely given consideration to the truth that you might have this shoe in your toes for very lengthy distances and durations. A particularly light-weight and open-mesh higher does nonetheless wrap the foot securely. Strategic padded areas on the tongue permit you to cinch down the place crucial and get a strong lockdown. 

The multi-color, ribbed-style race laces are a pleasant contact – they give the impression of being cool and don’t slip. Additionally they appear to seize a bit by means of the eyelets, permitting you to zonally pressure. The ankle collar does strike me as a bit excessive, which was regarding once I first tried them on.  I can really feel the lateral (outdoors) collar space, driving a bit on my decrease ankle bone. However that is offset by the truth that the edging is kind of comfortable and the inside padding can also be comfortable and plush.  It’s not a skimpy, stripped down heel padding setup as seen in lots of tremendous sneakers.

I ran a 108K race in them, kind of straight out of the field (one fast 4M take a look at run earlier than that), and I had no points with the higher in any respect. The collar precipitated my no issues over 12+ hours, and I had no different factors of irritation or sizzling spots in anyway. 

Midsole & Platform

Renee: The highest layer of midsole is comfortable and features like most tremendous foams: comfy when wanted and responsive when wanted. The plastic plate prevents any bottoming out or drastic stability points from the comfortable midsole. Plus, the firmer midsole layer hitting the bottom permits for a strong touchdown. 

Whereas the shoe is excessive stack, it typically feels much less due to the twin midsole. Utilizing a plastic plate quite than carbon provides some responsiveness with out a wild and uncontrollable spring. The stack is listed as 38.5mm within the heel, which is what I measured. Due to the rocker, the shoe appears to be like larger stacked below the midfoot. 

The twin density foams and plastic plate work surprisingly nicely for me as a mid pack runner, however excessive stack continues to be excessive stack. On very uneven landings, largely thick clumpy gravel, I wasn’t shedding stability nevertheless it was annoying. 

I don’t have ankle issues, but when a course was fully rocky terrain when my foot is touchdown at an angle for a lot of the miles, I’d elect for a distinct shoe. I see that because the shoe’s solely main limitation nevertheless it’s not the supposed goal. I don’t low cost the Professional for shorter distances, like a 50k or much less, though its clear goal with the stack is consolation for ultras. Like most different tremendous essential foams (largely street sneakers) I discover the midsole begins to kind to the foot, thus feeling extra comfy to the pure foot flex after a couple of miles (one thing I observed at round 35 miles). 

Mike P: The midsole is a twin layer of On’s Helion HF foam.  The highest layer, overlaying your complete size of the foot is softer, with a firmer layer near the bottom above the outsole.  As you’ll be able to see, there are nonetheless On’s signature cloud pods all through, however of their tech sheet they point out a really particular design of those pods – with them being wider on the within and narrower on the edges of the shoe.

I assume the concept is to present extra cushion in the direction of the center of the foot/shoe, after which stabilize extra in the direction of the perimeters.  Exhausting to say a lot about how efficient that is, however I’ll say that it does really feel fairly steady given the excessive stack underfoot right here.  As compared, the Cloudsurfer Path V1  I examined feels far more unstable and squirrely underfoot in something past reasonable terrain and degree floor.

Sandwiched throughout the midsole is On’ Pace Board – it appears to be like ‘X’ formed, with massive forks up entrance and on the rear. It goes unnoticed underfoot, which for me is a reduction. Earlier Pace Boards have tended to jab me below the ball of the foot, or simply be agency and noticeable.  This one I can’t really feel in any respect, which is nice. 

Outsole

Renee: The lugs are a 3mm depth chevron-shape and are nicely spaced. Like some other 3mm lugged-shoe, the shoe doesn’t have incredible traction on thick gravel/particles. The smaller lugs don’t have an effect on the trip of the shoe, so there’s an asset there. I didn’t run on paved street with these sneakers, however on the quick stretches between trails and grime, they felt superb there too. The prong/formed midsole publicity helps with midfoot flex, an absolute necessity for a shoe this excessive stacked. 

Mike P:  This can be one space the place On determined to stint a bit and avoid wasting weight. They do point out utilizing “Finite Component Evaluation” within the Mission Grip outsole design, so there’s that. Unsure precisely what meaning, however you’ll be able to discover a radially-oriented structure of the chevrons – they appear to level outwards from the middle of the foot.  I do know Scott has accomplished related designs with their traction patterns earlier than.

I measured the lugs at 3.5mm, which is okay for a runnably-oriented tremendous shoe, nevertheless it does strike me as being a bit shallow given the massive outsole cutout below the middle and likewise the widely spaced-out lug setup right here. There’s simply not quite a lot of lugs all through, in order that could possibly be a difficulty should you’re involved about traction.  It jogs my memory considerably of the TNF Vectiv Professional 2. 

The outsole carried out nicely sufficient in my 108K race, which was largely dry, with plenty of creek crossings, some snow, a couple of comfortable/muddy sections, and an extended stretch of pavement. It’s not a comfortable floor shoe by any means, however efficiency is suitable and in step with different tremendous sneakers of this kind.

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions

Renee: The quick recap: Sure, it’s good. Purchase it should you want an extremely shoe and have the cash. The lengthy recap: With the comfortable midsole straight underfoot together with a plastic – not carbon – plate, the Cloudultra Professional is comfy at sluggish speeds on rolling terrain and single monitor switchbacks. Most plated  street sneakers are a lot lighter in weight and naturally with much less traction however apart from weight, the Professional works simply in addition to a street shoe on flat crushed rock.

For technical terrain, the excessive stack labored higher than I believed (260ft vert per mile with small however fixed switchbacks and ascents/descents). On that sort of terrain, I’m not benefiting from a plate as I’m working too sluggish to keep away from falling. 

I observed my legs had been much less fatigued after climbing and it was simpler/faster to run as soon as I reached runnable areas. I switched sneakers to Salomon’s SLAB Genesis (completely completely different shoe) simply to check how the Professional felt to a popular technical shoe. In fact the Genesis is extra enjoyable and extra nimble (thus sooner for a median runner like me) for something technical however my legs are extra contemporary when working with the Professional. 

Throughout a 20 minute tempo, I used to be working 9-10 min/mile tempo on the up/down then shortly shifting to 6-6:30 min/mile paces on the runnable sections (all quick for me on path). And the shoe is comfy for my 12-15+ min/mile paces once I’m actually strolling up steep ascents. 

The shoe has nice flex from the forefoot, surprisingly so for the stack, once more because of the position of the extra versatile than carbon plastic plate below a softer prime midsole layer. 

Renee’s Rating: 9.5/10 (9.5/10 Journey, 9.5/10 Match, 9/10 Worth, 9.5/10 Fashion 9.5/10 Traction/Grip, 10/10 Safety)

😊😊😊😊😊

Mike P: On delivers a candy trip right here with the Cloudultra Professional – it’s noticeably much less aggressive than another velocity oriented, plated, path supershoes. Suppose – Adidas Pace Extremely or the brand new Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Path.  There’s no tremendous aggressive rocker up entrance as within the Adidas, and no excessive vitality carbon plate just like the Puma.

As a substitute you get a extra reasonable and gradual flex up entrance – which feels extra pure, and I consider will really feel higher for many “common” runners seeking to step as much as a path tremendous shoe. It simply feels smoother on the run, as you’re not aggressively dropping right into a steep toe-off, or having to stability on much less floor contact space below the entrance of the shoe.

One other space I really feel will likely be nicely suited to a higher majority of runners is the rear platform underfoot.  There’s extra help below the heel and on the bottom, giving higher stability than different path tremendous sneakers which even have a excessive heel rocker.  Once more, this additionally feels higher fitted to “common” runners.  It’s going to really feel extra acquainted and similar to coaching sneakers that you simply use extra typically.

However in fact, the dual-density Helion HF / Pace Board combo does present the “tremendous shoe items”.  You get that feeling of deep, comfortable & dynamic cushion, plus the ingredient of propulsion from the plate (or Pace Board on this case).  That’s the de facto setup for supershoes, however On’s bundle right here simply feels a bit extra subdued and accessible. 

I took them out for a really rugged Idaho 108K – crushing double-wide trails, steep climbs and descents, runnable sections, slightly little bit of all the pieces. The Cloudultra Professionals felt so good in my quick take a look at runs two days prior, that I made a decision to simply give them a shot.  The one reservations had been concerning the excessive ankle collar and maybe them feeling a bit too excessive, and due to this fact unstable for a number of the roughest terrain I must cope with.

They dealt with all the pieces – and had been primed for extra!  The ankle collar was a non-issue – I discussed the comfortable inside padding, and I feel that neutralized the high-ness of the collar edge itself. The excessive stack and comfortable foam was additionally not a trouble for me – I in fact had to concentrate in very rocky sections, however that is the case with all tremendous sneakers of this kind.

I like that they offer a strong rear platform right here – it felt nice on downhills and even throughout flats and all kinds of rolling sections. Most tremendous sneakers actually drive you to be up in your toes, however this one, permits a wider vary of supported footstrikes.  It’s probably essentially the most distinguishing attribute of the Cloudultra Professional in comparison with different tremendous sneakers.

So far as consolation, my toes after the race had been in surprisingly nice form and actually not sore in any respect.  Usually I might be coping with at the least some affect soreness or different sizzling spots after the sort of race, however nothing right here. 

I feel it is a shoe worthy of its title – the Cloudultra.  Absolutely it’s extremely prepared, and given how good my toes felt put up race, the cloud half appears acceptable right here too.  I might have reservations taking it out on really technical terrain, or very muddy or comfortable floor, however they may simply deal with all the pieces else. Add one other mannequin to the listing of legit path tremendous sneakers.

Mike P’s Rating:  9.7 / 10

Journey: 10 – Tremendous shoe really feel underfoot, a bit extra refined and steady

Match: 10 – Welcomed spacious match, particularly up entrance. Safe higher. 

Worth: 9 – Worth in step with different path supershoes

Fashion: 10 – Absolute residence run right here – though mine are trashed post-race

Traction: 9 – 3.5mm lugs, not quite a lot of them, simply acceptable sufficient for goal utilization

Rock Safety: 10 – I ran over plenty of rocks, and didn’t really feel them

Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊

7 Comparisons

Puma Deviate NITRO Path (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: Each sneakers are nicely executed “tremendous” sneakers for path, however with completely different benefits. The Puma is firmer underfoot, barely nearer to the bottom, and extra explosive due to the carbon plate. For shorter distances, the Puma. The excessive stack Cloudultra Professional is extra fitted to longer distances when consolation is required. Sizing is comparable. The toe field of the Puma is longer so these between half sizes would possibly put on a half measurement shorter within the Puma. The Puma is lighter in my girls’s measurement 8 at 222g in comparison with 231g (common) of the Cloudultra Professional. 

Mike P (9.5): I don’t have equal sizes right here, so arduous for me to check in that regard.  My Puma in 9.5 I’m certain would nonetheless be extra cosy than the Cloudultra Professional if I had it in a 9.5. It’s extra of a comfortable, race match, whereas the On is certainly wider and a bit extra relaxed when it comes to squeeze.  It’s extra appropriate for longer distances. The Puma is nearer to the bottom, the froth feels bouncier to me, and actually rebounds with the embedded carbon plate. Looks like there’s extra motion underfoot with that one. I’ve picked the Puma for shorter, sooner racing (grime half marathon) and the On for longer distances (108K to this point).

Saucony Endorphin Edge (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: I’m conserving the reminiscence of this shoe alive and hope Saucony has a comply with up plated path shoe in some unspecified time in the future. The Edge is a lighter shoe with simply as a lot safety underfoot. The Carbitex plate gave some safety whereas being responsive and helpful throughout a various terrain: besides moist rock. The Edge had a unfastened higher, and mixed with the plate and outsole it was not a shoe for rocky path. The Cloudultra Professional will get the midsole and plate proper. The plastic plate isn’t wild on technical terrain, however the shoe feels a lot larger in stack as in comparison with the Edge, which might be extra controllable with a couple of higher changes and completely different rubber compound. Sizing is comparable. 

Mike P (9.5): This shoe was very quick, however a bit tougher to regulate. It’s nearer to the Puma than the On, for certain. Regardless of the extraordinarily excessive vitality foam and reactive plate within the Saucony, I do assume I might handle it higher in technical terrain because it’s nearer to the bottom – particularly after the midsole packed out after some miles. It’s nonetheless a comparatively unstable shoe although. Too dangerous Saucony didn’t refine this right into a extra well-rounded tremendous shoe. The Cloudultra Professional is far more appropriate as a racing tremendous shoe for almost all of runners.

 

Brooks Catamount 4 (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: The Catamount 4 doesn’t have the tremendous “race” really feel as in comparison with the Cloudultra Professional. The Cat 4 is firmer underfoot and has the potential to be safer on uneven or technical terrain for that reason. The Cloudultra Professional has a extra dynamic trip whereas nonetheless being extra comfy at sluggish paces. For the value, the Cat 4 is an efficient purchase for coaching/race possibility, though it’s a barely heavier weight. Sizing is comparable. 

Mike P (10.0): My Catamount 4 in equal sizing is only a contact heavier than the On – however I measure about 6mm much less in stack underfoot. The On does really feel taller and bouncier.  The Brooks feels quick, however in a extra grounded sort of approach. I’ve seen new variations of a Brooks tremendous shoe within the race circuit – I ponder in the event that they went up in stack, and went softer with that one? For now the Brooks Cat 4 is firmer, wider, and feels extra steady for me. I adore it for coaching, and it might positively function a possible racer should you like the texture and trip. Each uppers are vast, comfy, and likewise give nice foothold. 

Hoka Tecton X 3  (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (10.0): Tecton X 3 feels sneakily environment friendly, sort of in the identical approach because the Cloudultra Professional. You are feeling the plate impulse, nevertheless it’s not overbearing.  I’d say you do really feel it a bit extra within the On.  The On feels narrower and a bit extra unstable – I feel you get higher technical vary with the Tecton X 3. Each sneakers have related spacious suits in my equal US 10 sizing. The On may very well be a contact extra spacious, however that will fluctuate primarily based in your foot form.  Underfoot, the extent of cushion feels related, however possibly a bit wider, at the least in really feel with the Hoka, and narrower/faster with the On.

Adidas Terrex Agravic Pace Extremely  (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (10.0): That is in all probability the closest comp, a excessive stack tremendous shoe, largely designed for runnable terrain. I discover sizing equal, however with the On being usually spacious whereas the Adidas is roomy, or tight in several areas relying in your foot form. Many discover that it runs lengthy, or vast, or slim on the midfoot, or some mixture. The Adidas feels faster on the run, however the On has extra stability below the rear of the shoe. I feel the Cloudultra Professional will likely be extra usable for many runners whereas the ASU is a really particular shoe largely for sooner, extra environment friendly runners. 

ASICS Meta Fuji Path (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (10.0): The Asics is alongside the strains of the Adidas Pace Extremely, however taken additional to the intense. Extra stack, much more forefoot oriented, softer, and even much less desk below the heel. This one is a tough shoe to run in and a tough shoe to advocate to anybody. Go along with the Cloudultra Professional.

Nike Ultrafly (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (9.5): Considerably related in stack peak, the Ultrafly 1 is heavier, with a particularly stiff carbon fiber plate. I additionally discovered the Ultrafly toebox to be overly vast and nonetheless low quantity excessive. The On is spacious, however extra naturally footshaped, and I can get a safer match. The Nike has that carbon fiber propulsion just like the On, maybe a bit extra energetic. However the On’s Helion HF foam feels extra energetic and likewise has a lighter really feel on groundstrike. Let’s see what Nike does with V2, however for now, On has the higher tremendous shoe available on the market.

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE

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Tester Profiles

Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of working and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually arduous. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska, that means mud, gravel, grime, hills, and the occasional subject. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.

Mike Postaski presently focuses on lengthy mountainous ultras – anyplace from 50K as much as his favourite – 100M. 5’10”, 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker – he sometimes averages 70 mpw (totally on trails), ramping as much as 100+ mpw throughout race buildups. A current 2:39 street marathoner, his straightforward working tempo ranges from 7:30 – 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has received the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M path ultras, successful the Scout 50M in 2024. He additionally set a CR of 123.74M on the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and accomplished the Boise Trails Problem on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the earlier document by 7 hours. Mike’s shoe preferences lean in the direction of firmer, dense cushioning, and sneakers with narrower profiles. He prefers additional forefoot house, particularly for lengthy ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe bins.

Samples had been supplied at no cost for evaluation functions. No compensation was supplied by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.