ON RunningCloudswift

As usual with On Running, we discover a shoe with character and assertive technical choices. The On Running Cloudswift is intended for urban running, so mostly on very hard surfaces: pavements and asphalt. When we ran with them, we imagined being in the streets of Seoul or Tokyo, shoes that we would have greatly appreciated during these faraway runs.

On Running has indeed focused on the cushioning so you don’t suffer too much on hard surfaces. Beware though, even if the sole tis very thick, the “Cloud” effect, dear to On Running, is obviously present (it’s the trademark), the cushioning isn’t soft. We discover a shoe that has direct downforce, and filters but that’s all. With the Cloudswift, there’s no “trampoline” or “air cushion” effect. The foot placement is even, without lateral rolling despite its height and 7mm drop. Filtration is regular the full length of the sole. You can run in all ways, forefoot, midfoot or heel strike. It has quite a good weight/energy ratio: 280g in size 42.5.

It’s not officially listed as a racing shoe but “enjoyable” over short distances. In this configuration, it is very pleasant because of its genuine qualities.

The On Running Cloudswift has other notable features, including foot support. Several brands have tried to add flexible side parts across the instep area: the laces attached to the top of these parts improve tension distribution. On Running has subtly added a sock-style upper to it. Between the sock upper and the precision of the lacing, the foot no longer moves. We even ran with the On Running Cloudswift the laces undone: the foot barely moves.

The support is one of this shoe’s characteristics: at the forefoot, underneath and at the heel where a semi-rigid arch comes to “pinch” the heel.

You have to stop for a moment whilst putting the On Running Cloudswift shoe on. Don’t pull on the back: just slide your foot in, it slides on its own inside the shoe, aided by the flared shape of the heel, tongue and inner material.

Please note, for the first few miles, when the shoe is still new, you can feel the top of the tongue against the bottom of the tibia. A feeling that soon disappears: the material softens.

The look and design are faithful to On Running: original and classy. Nothing is left to chance. The manufacturing quality is indisputable and the attention to detail is always superb! A beautiful shoe that is comfortable in the action or out in an urban setting.

We tested it on the trails, an environment where it isn’t obviously suited to: the stones get stuck in the sole.

The On Running Cloudswift is a fun shoe designed for running short distances, on the road and hard surfaces, in urban environments (or elsewhere). It provides precise foot envelopment and cushioning not as much as the sole’s thickness would suggest. A pleasant shoe that is very well finished and runs smoothly.

"The On Running Cloudswift is a fun shoe designed for running short distances, on the road and hard surfaces, in urban environments (or elsewhere). It provides precise foot envelopment and cushioning not as much as the sole’s thickness would suggest. A pleasant shoe that is very well finished and runs smoothly."

Rating

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Foothold
  9
• Cushioning
  8
• Foot strike
  8
• Stride
  8
• Comfort
  8