Mountain shoes
Product 2021
Woman, Man
After integrating Xavier Thévenard as headliner of their trail running team (also with Marion Delespierre Mauppin second at the last Diagonale des Fous), the Swiss brand On Running is kicking off with a model aimed at ultra-distances: the On Running Cloudultra.
This new model is not really a break from their previous models even if we notice that the traditional sole with the central groove, which had the unfortunate propensity of collecting pebbles, gives way to a more “classic” sole. However, we always have a “Cloud” effect, cushioning and foot strike specific to On Running. We also feel the lugs underfoot a lot less than before, which wasn’t necessarily a problem but at the very least a unique sensation.
Since we are talking about the sole, we would need to see its lifespan of the first black layer which provides the grip. On the other On Running models, the sole had a (very) limited lifespan. At a price of almost 190 euros a pair, the On Running Cloudultra, we hope they will be durable. The cushioning gives deceptive first impressions, especially for runners who try the On Running Cloudultra in a store (without being able to run a bit): the cushioning seems firm during the first try and then becomes much softer. Likewise, the tongue’s ridge may feel a little stiff for the first few miles (when flexing a lot), and then it softens up.
For everything else, we find the On Running’s superb quality manufacturing, no visible seams, a real attention to detail (Swiss flag on the right shoe), noble materials, meticulous assemblies, and design.
Let’s focus on what On Running calls “Flip release”. We have all noticed and grumbled about the fact that most shoes don’t provide lace adjustment at the forefoot. The lace doesn’t slide right up to this area, so you lose foothold and precision. What’s the answer On Running? Since most of the adjustment is inefficient, On Running has added a nifty plastic piece connected to the lace at the metatarsals. You can release or tighten the lace in this area. Just flip it left to right, or right to left (don’t try to twist it like a bottle cap) for the lace to shorten or lengthen. It’s not a gimmick, it’s efficient and gives a very interesting fit. Too bad, On Running didn’t go to the end of the process, we would’ve seen it color coded (like, for example, a red point to recall the Swiss flag) to know immediately what configuration it’s in: with fatigue, at night, you can have doubts. The micro “filp to lock” and “flip to release” indications are present on the plastic part but the writing is so tiny it’s illegible.
Running you have a pleasant stride because the shoe’s dynamic, with an interesting spring on hard ground (you could easily use it for road running) and filters out bumpy stony surfaces. However, don’t expect heavy cushioning for the bigger build runners. Filtration is present on the rear of the foot and much less assertive at the front. The 8-mm drop is classic for this model type intended for long distances. But overall, the runner is quite high above the ground (thick sole). We liked its safe foot strike and lack of lateral roll. With its ability to filter stony ground, you can attack on the descent.
The downside is the grip, which is than certain competing models, especially on the rear and when the shoe slides sideways. The holes in the sole can accommodate mud but you really must run in very wet terrain.
The weight is standard compared to other models, for example Asics Trabuco Max.
The front of the foot is well protected. The heel is well supported, and the overall envelopment is good. The On Running Cloudultra requires a little care to put on. If the very thin lace (trademark On Running) is aesthetic, on a shoe intended for ultra-running, wouldn’t a wider lace be better for pressure distribution? That’s the question, we don’t have the answer to this day, as we haven’t been able to test the shoe for very long runs.
The On Running Cloudultra marks the ambitions of the Swiss brand in ultra-distances. It is similar to very competitive models thanks to a snug fit, a well-balanced dynamism and a clever lace adjustment system. It lacks a convincing grip on technical terrain.
8 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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