Every runner knows the inevitable moment when their beloved shoes undergo an update. The anticipation can be nerve-wracking, especially after clocking miles in a favored model. First impressions often play a pivotal role in determining whether the new kicks become staples of your workout wardrobe or merely reside at the back of the closet.
Xavier Jimenez, a seasoned 30-year-old runner with flat arches and midfoot strikes, recently put the On Cloudrunner 2 to the test. Known for its high level of support within the On collection, Jimenez set out to understand whether the shoe lived up to its name. This model boasts On’s CloudTec structural cushioning system and Helion superfoam, providing both cushioned comfort and responsive rebound, ideal for new runners aiming to improve their distance and pace.
Jimenez tested the Cloudrunner 2 during an 8-mile run on asphalt, where he shared valuable insights. He remarked, "When I unboxed the On Cloudrunner 2, my initial thought was it is aesthetically pleasing, which made me excited to put it on and start running. Once I got started, I loved the softness yet responsiveness of the shoe." He had no complaints about comfort, stating, "There were no hot spots or cramped toes.”
This runner found the cushioning particularly noteworthy, stating, "I found the Cloudrunner 2 to have exceptional cushioning. My foot felt well-protected during impact, but I could still feel good energy return.' Despite this praise, Jimenez noted these shoes weren’t as responsive as he preferred when kicking up the pace. "I would only dedicate these to easy or recovery runs, because they didn’t feel responsive when I picked up the pace,” he added.
Stability provided through this model was satisfactory, as Jimenez mentioned. He pointed out, "My foot felt secure and fit well at my easy pace. I did notice heel slip when I took strides. Relacing the shoes solved the issue." The traction impressed him as well, especially during his run on gravel, saying, "The Cloudrunner 2 handled the loose terrain well." Despite lacking extensive wet surface testing, Jimenez felt confident running on dry asphalt.
Transitioning to racing, shoes mean something exceptionally different — they become the trusted companion on race day. With this sentiment, Erin Bailey, 33, also put another On shoe, the Cloudboom Strike, to the test during her preparation for a 5K. This road shoe is engineered for race-day performance with features like Helion HF hyperfoam for energy return and Spoon-Shaped Speedboard technology to absorb and transfer energy during strides.
Bailey began her review of the Cloudboom Strike with enthusiasm. She exclaimed, "My first thought was, Wow, these are sleek! I loved the bright white look, and I was struck by how light the shoes were." A fitting endorsement came from her experience with sizing and comfort. She described, "They fit very true to size. The shoes have a wider toe box, which I really appreciated—no pinching!" The upper provides great breathability, which she enjoyed during her runs.
When discussing cushioning, Bailey expressed satisfaction, stating, "I loved this had all the cushioning I needed, all still feeling light enough to pick up speed." She was optimistic about using the Cloudboom Strike for long-distance races, indicating, "I think it’ll be a comfortable and fast ride." Stability also earned praise, highlighting how secure and supportive the shoes felt: “I laced up and felt locked in and stable.” An initial tight tie around her ankles caused some irritation, but she quickly found comfort by adjusting the lacing during subsequent runs.
Bailey’s assessment of the Cloudboom Strike’s traction had some mixed notes. "I took the shoes on slippery surfaces, and they were moderately grippy. I wasn’t slipping but felt they were loose on downhill surfaces, especially when wet." Yet, she praised their performance and grip on flat surfaces, stating, "The traction felt great even when covered with slick leaves."
Final impressions from each runner reveal more than just comfort and performance. Both the On Cloudrunner 2 and Cloudboom Strike shine as innovations within their respective categories. Each shoe combines aesthetics, technology, and design to cater to runners’ diverse needs. Jimenez concludes, "Despite preferring more responsiveness, I really enjoyed wearing the Cloudrunner 2 during my easy run." Meanwhile, Bailey appreciates her racing shoes, declaring, "It has a strong, trustworthy structure, but it’s still very comfortable and flexible, allowing me to run my fastest."
This latest take on running shoe design invites the next generation of runners. Will the Cloudrunner 2 or the Cloudboom Strike be the choice for your next mileage venture or racing event? Only your feet can tell.
