ON CLOUDBOOM STRIKE REVIEW

ON CLOUDBOOM STRIKE TRAINERS

PLEASE NOTE: I paid for the ON Cloudboom Strike trainers myself and was not gifted these trainers or paid by ON to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.

The ON Cloudboom Strike is a high performance racing trainer designed for speed, boasting innovative features and unique construction that set it apart from other ON shoes on the market.

THE HEEL

The heel counter of the ON Cloudboom Strike is notably unstructured and unpadded, which keeps weight down but may compromise stability for heel strikers.

There’s no embedded reinforcement, resulting in a flexible heel that prioritises agility over traditional support.

INSIDE

Inside the heel collar, ON has added two pads made from “cat tongue” unidirectional fabric for added lockdown.

However, the Achilles and heel area lacks cushioning, which initially I found a little uncomfortable but the friction was minimal, especially during longer runs.

THE UPPERS

The upper is crafted from a single piece of semi transparent technical mesh, offering superb breathability and a secure fit without being restrictive.

Midfoot reinforcement subtly adds structure, and the ultra thin tongue and minimal overlays keep the shoe feeling race ready and light.

THE OUTSOLE

The outsole features four large rubber segments focused on high wear areas to balance durability with low weight.

The flat rubber lacks aggressive tread, resulting in average grip on dry pavement and less traction in wet conditions.

A central channel runs from heel to toe to help align the foot strike.

THE MIDSOLE

The midsole is distinctive among ON models for its drop-in Helion HF foam insert, which doubles as both insole and top midsole layer.

This setup increases energy return and softness under the forefoot, outshining ON’s previous marathon offerings.

Unlike most race shoes, the carbon plate is visible when the drop-in insert is removed, providing flexibility and a unique ride.

This configuration suits forefoot strikers best, delivering more bounce and responsive feel at speed, yet transitions may feel slower for heel strikers due to the low drop and absence of an aggressive rocker.

HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?

My UK size 9 weighs approximately 204g, placing it at the lighter end of race day shoes but marginally heavier than some competitors.

DO THEY HAVE A CARBON PLATE?

Yes, the ON Cloudboom Strike features a full length carbon plate sandwiched between the bottom and drop-in top layer of Helion HF foam, delivering stiffness and propulsion ideal for racing distances up to a half marathon.

MATCHING SOCKS

I paired the shoes with the ON Core Run Mid Sock in Black colour, which I think works really well together.

COST

The retail cost of the ON Cloudboom Strike is £260.

WHERE TO BUY

You can buy men's and women's versions of the shoe on the ON website using the links below.

CONCLUSION

The ON Cloudboom Strike is a thrilling, high-cushion racing trainer that stands out in ON’s lineup because of its innovative midsole and responsive ride.

Its low weight, breathable upper, and energetic forefoot make it best suited to forefoot strikers with strong running technique.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THEM?

While grip and heel comfort could be improved, the carbon plate and unique foam construction deliver undeniable speed for interval work, 5Ks, and half marathons.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions you would like to ask about the ON Cloudboom Strike, please get in touch.

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