Why the On Cloudventure is a Solid Trail Running Shoe

The On Cloudventure trail running shoes

Our review of the innovative Swiss model


On, a Swiss company built by former pro athlete Oliver Bernhard along with David Alleman and Casper Copetti, is designing innovative running shoes by taking a holistic approach to the whole body and how it moves.

Their revolutionary shoes utilize a patented cushioning system (CloudTec) that’s made with individual pods designed to flex on impact and deliver a soft landing with a firm toe-off. And it works.

Here’s our take on the Cloudventure\, On's lightweight performance trail-running shoe:


A woman wearing the On Cloudventure trail running shoe

DEETS:

Weight: 8.5 oz. for women’s US size 7; 10.1 oz. for men’s US size 8.5

Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm

MSRP: $150

FIT:

A two-layer upper combined with a comfortable sock liner feels soft and secure the moment you slip in your foot in. The mid-foot wraps securely while the toes still feel free to splay on impact. Overall, the fit is performance streamlined meets plush comfort—a satisfying balance.

A woman wearing the On Cloudventure trail running shoe

RIDE:

Individual CloudTec cushioning pods provide a bouncy landing and a firm-feeling energy return with toe off. While the shoe looks relatively low-pro from the side, the CloudTec actually has a surprising amount of cushioning and protection.

GRIP AND TRAIL-SPECIFIC FUNCTIONALITY:

The unique outsole construction creates multilateral traction whether you’re running uphill, downhill or along a wet, rocky ridge. When combined with the shoe’s breathable water repellent upper, you’ve got the perfect rainy day off-road model.

The toe box is reinforced with a fused rubber cap and engineered mesh to add lightweight protection from on-trail debris while still maintaining both flexibility and breathability. A solid (yet flexible) rock plate takes protection a step further.

CONCLUSION:

Just because the On Cloudventure is designed for optimal performance in the Swiss Alps, it doesn’t mean you have to be a mountain runner to wear it (though it does perform exceptionally well on rugged terrain). The shoe shines just as bright on a variety of trails. We even found it comfortable for the occasional swath of road that's sometimes required en route to our favorite trailhead. All in all, the Cloudventure runs like a race shoe, but with the comfort, protection and cushioning of a solid all-around trail trainer.

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