On
Cloudboom Strike
Product Judgment
Strong
8.6
Category: Race
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Overpriced
Common retail price: ~$280
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Flagship On super shoe for road racing and marathons. Represents a major leap in energy return and cushioning over previous On models. Widely recognized for its lively ride and race-focused design.
Delivers a soft, bouncy, and highly propulsive ride at fast paces. Narrow platform and minimal heel structure create a focused, aggressive feel but limit stability. Upper is airy and comfortable, though some lockdown issues persist. Ride is most rewarding for efficient, forefoot or midfoot strikers.
Best suited for experienced racers seeking maximum energy return and cushioning for marathons and shorter road races. Not recommended for heel strikers or those needing stability. Excels in hot conditions and fast efforts, but durability and stability trade-offs mean it should be reserved for race day and key workouts.
Performance Scores
Comfort
7Roomier fit and soft foam improve comfort, but narrow platform and minimal heel padding limit all-day comfort.
Energy Return
10Pebax-based Helion HF foam and carbon plate deliver elite-level bounce and propulsion.
Stability
5Narrow midfoot and minimal heel structure provide limited stability, especially for heel strikers.
Durability
5Thin outsole rubber and lightweight build limit long-term durability, typical for racing shoes.
Fun to Ride
9Lively, bouncy ride and fast feel make it highly engaging at race pace.
Run Fitness
Daily
3Soft, unstable platform and race-tuned geometry make it unsuitable for daily training.
Long
8Max cushioning and energy return support marathon distances for efficient runners.
Tempo
9Responsive foam and rigid plate excel at sustained uptempo efforts.
Race
10Designed for racing, offering elite propulsion and cushioning for 5k to marathon.
Recovery
4Minimal stability and firm structure limit comfort for slow, easy runs.
Pros & Cons
- Elite energy return
- Max cushioning for racing
- Highly breathable upper
- Lightweight for stack height
- Limited stability
- Durability typical for racers
- Lace security issues
Pebax-based Helion HF foam and carbon plate deliver outstanding energy return and bounce.
High stack cushioning protects legs over marathon distances without excess weight.
Ultra-thin mesh upper provides excellent breathability for hot race conditions.
Competitive weight for a max-cushioned super shoe enhances race-day performance.
Narrow midfoot and minimal heel structure result in limited stability, especially for heel strikers.
Thin outsole rubber and lightweight build restrict durability to race-day use.
Some users report laces coming untied during races, affecting lockdown.
Specifications
Best for paces
2:30-4:45 min/km
Drop
4 mm
Stack height
39.5 mm heel / 35.5 mm forefoot
Weight
210 g
Drop
4 mm
Stack height
39.5 mm heel / 35.5 mm forefoot
Weight
210 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
medium
Terrain
Road
Technologies
Helion HF Pebax foam, Full-length carbon Speedboard, CloudTec elements
Plate
Carbon
Best for paces
2:30-4:45 min/km
Comparable Models
On Cloudboom Max is heavier and more training-friendly, while Cloudboom Strike is lighter and race-focused.
View details
Nike Vaporfly 4 is lighter and sharper, while Cloudboom Strike feels more cushioned and less minimal.
View details
Nike Alphafly 3 has a more structured marathon-racing platform, while Cloudboom Strike is lighter-feeling and more direct.
View details
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is firmer and more controlled, while Cloudboom Strike feels softer and less structured.
View details
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is lighter and more minimal, while Cloudboom Strike is more cushioned.
View details
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is smoother and more stable, while Cloudboom Strike feels softer and more direct.
View details
Hoka Rocket X 3 is firmer and more stable, while Cloudboom Strike feels softer and less structured.
View details
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is softer and more forgiving, while Cloudboom Strike is more direct.
View details
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is firmer and more direct, while Cloudboom Strike is more cushioned.
View details