Since bursting on the scene in 2010, On has gone from road running innovator with its innovative midsole to now a serious force in the trail running space. The Swiss brand’s latest Ultra Collection features two new kicks: the Cloudultra Pro and Cloudultra 3, transposing its CloudTec technology from the pavement to the unpredictable demands of mountain terrain. The most immediately noticeable change is the redesign of those signature cloud pods that used to collect every pebble and twig on the trail. They’ve now been dramatically refined, addressing one of the biggest, if not only, complaints from longtime fans.
Racing DNA, Two Different Approaches
Built for elite runners, the Cloudultra Pro is easily On’s most aggressive trail shoe yet, taking everything they’ve learned from their road racers and engineered it for tougher environments. Carrying over the Helion HF hyper foam from past models, the midsole sits at 39mm in the heel with On’s signature 6mm drop. However, the difference between these and the other trail runners on the market is the inclusion of On’s Speedboard plate that trades the industry standard carbon fiber with something a bit softer with max cushioning.
The Pro also sees a new outsole design. Starting with over 200 different lug configurations, the brand’s engineers used finite element analysis software to narrow down the list of options that would get field-tested. Eventually, they landed on the brand-new Missiongrip, featuring 3.5mm lugs with insane grip.
At around 9.7oz per shoe, the Pro manages to undercut most other trail runners while maintaining a substantial 39mm stack height. However, if you’re looking for a new distance runner, we wouldn’t blame you for being skeptical about the long-term effects of such cloud-like comfort and lift. Only time will tell how the Pro stands up. And knowing On, they will surely be looking for ways to improve these shoes with each new iteration.
More Weight but Less Life
The Cloudultra 3, dropping July 3rd, takes a different approach entirely. Where the Pro targets the sharp end of the ultrarunning field, the 3 is designed more for sheer mileage over medals. It’s still built around Helion HF foam, but uses a single-layer construction that brings the stack down to a more moderate 32mm while still keeping that 6mm drop.
Weighing a bit more than the Pro at 10.4oz, the Cloudultra 3 is still one of the lightest trail runners on the market, and without compromising materials. The 3 and Pro both feature the same Leno weave upper tech, which is both breathable and has quick-drying properties — although some might question its trail-ready durability since it doesn’t claim to be abrasion-resistant.
However, the real innovation might be in those refined cloud pods. On’s original CloudTec system was brilliant for road running but notorious for collecting trail debris. The new Missiongrip outsole appears to have addressed this issue while maintaining the brand’s signature cushioning characteristics that compress as you run.
Spec Sheet
Model: Cloudultra Pro
Weight: 9.7oz (men’s)
Stack: 39mm heel
Drop: 6mm
Midsole: Dual-layer Helion HF
Outsole: Missiongrip
Upper: Leno weave technical mesh
Price: $260
Model: Cloudultra 3
Weight: 10.4oz (men’s
Stack: 32mm heel
Drop: 6mm
Midsole: Single-layer Helion HF
Outsole: Redesigned Missiongrip
Lug Height: 3.5mm
Upper: Leno weave technical mesh
Price: $190
Pricing & Availability
The Cloudultra Pro is available now for $260 through On’s website and select retailers, while the Cloudultra 3 launches July 3 at $190. Aside from the new shoes, On’s Ultra Collection also includes a full range of trail-specific apparel, from the Ultra-T technical shirt to the Ultra Vest Pro, all of which will be rolling out in the next month or two.
Recap
On Cloudultra Pro & Cloudultra 3
On debuts two new Cloudultra trail runners that prioritize cushioning over carbon fiber plating. The Pro model is just 9.7oz and built for distance, while the 3 is better equipped for casual trail runners.
