On Cloudboom Echo 3 Shoe Review

Individual Thoughts

KalebOverall Score: 9/10

I was both surprised and really impressed with the On Cloudboom Echo 3, and overall, I think it is a great race-day shoe for the right runner. In other words, with its firm midsole and stiff Carbon Speedboard, I would not recommend the Cloudboom for less experienced runners and racers. I tested the shoe over a variety of distances and paces, and it was not until I did a couple of longer speed workouts with segments at sub-6:30 pace that I started to really see the Cloudboom shine. When you are up on your toes and charging, the Cloudboom Echo has a speedy and highly efficient ride. Furthermore, I felt like whatever I put into the Cloudboom Echo, I got back.

I did a mix of longer and shorter efforts throughout the testing period, and the Cloudboom's sweet spot for me and my fitness level was the 10K mark; though I did not go all out, I posted some great times while wearing this shoe. For the marathon distance, I still want a shoe that is a little more forgiving to get me to the finish line. If you are a runner with more race experience, then I do not doubt that the Cloudboom Echo 3 is a highly-capable marathon racing option.

Additionally, I found that the Cloudboom Echo 3 fit very well and was highly secure, offering me the fit and feel needed for fast efforts. The super grippy outsole further contributes to the speedy nature of the shoe, providing excellent traction that grips and rips as you claw through toe-off. Moving forward, the On Cloudboom Echo 3 will have a special place in my shoe rotation and will be a go-to when I am chasing down my 10K PR or want to test new paces during longer speed workouts.

JonOverall Score: 7.5/10

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 has all the makings of a fantastic race-day option for a lot of runners. With its sleek and lightweight design, a Helion HF Pebax foam midsole, and a Carbon Speedboard, there is a lot to love about this shoe.

Unfortunately, for me, those elements did not come together cohesively to deliver the explosive ride I was hoping for, but the paces I ran throughout the testing period may have played a big role in how I felt about the shoe. I'll probably save it for faster efforts only moving forward. Regardless, I have run in many super shoes at the same training paces and have experienced a more explosive, more enjoyable ride. Also, the upper issues I experienced on my right foot did not help things. I would be remiss if I did not mention the $290 price point, which makes the Cloudboom Echo one of the more expensive racing shoes on the market, and given the choice, there are other racing shoes I would prefer at that price point.

All that said, I did enjoy and appreciate the level of protection offered by the midsole. My longest effort was a 12-mile progression run, and my legs and feet felt fresh through to the end of the run. I did not have any lingering soreness the next day, so despite some of the issues I had with this shoe, I am confident it has the goods to perform well at any race distance, from the 5K to the marathon.

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Kaleb: "I had no issues with the Cloudboom Echo 3's microfiber upper. It fits true to size and did not irritate regardless of the pace or distance of the run. Keep in mind that this is a racing shoe, and the upper is crafted to minimize weight while keeping you secure, as opposed to providing plush comfort. Given the intention, the Cloudboom Echo's upper hit the mark. It felt light on foot, and I always felt securely locked in and ready to push the pace."

Jon: "The upper offered a streamlined, race-ready fit that was comfortably snug from the heel to the toe box, with sufficient volume to allow breathing room for my toes. The microfiber upper was well structured and breathable, which made for a comfortable ride. Unfortunately, I experienced some irritation on the medial side of my right foot from the stitching located where the heel collar meets the upper. I had to wear thick socks and did not lace up the shoes as tight as I would have liked to."

Midsole

Kaleb: "The Cloudboom Echo 3's Helion HF midsole was impressive throughout testing. It offers plenty of protection to cover the marathon distance, and it has the speed to push you to a PR performance.

It is not the most forgiving underfoot, as the foam is firm and the Carbon Speedboard is stiff, so I wouldn't pull this out for easy-paced, daily efforts. But if you want to go fast over distance, then the Cloudboom Echo will get you moving. At faster paces, the midsole felt very efficient, and the Speedboard offered a nice snap at toe-off. Furthermore, the firm platform is very stable, allowing you to maintain pace and keep charging forward.

Again, if you like a softer underfoot feel with a smoother transition, then other super shoes can accommodate your needs, but if you want a fast and efficient ride that can protect you over distance, then the Cloudboom Echo 3 is a great option."

Jon: "Firm and stiff are the first two words that come to mind when describing the Cloudboom Echo's midsole. I did like the protection offered by the Helion HF foam and appreciated its responsiveness. It just felt a little firmer than I prefer in a racing shoe. The biggest issue I had with the midsole was how stiff the Carbon Speedboard felt underfoot. Rather than rolling through my strides, it felt like I was slapping the ground with my foot, and I was not feeling the benefits of the plate. Granted, the fastest pace I tried to hit was half-marathon pace (6:45 min/mile), so it very well may have felt better and more explosive at faster paces."

Outsole

Kaleb: "The outsole traction was excellent throughout the testing period, and there was never any hesitation when the Cloudboom Echo was on foot. Additionally, I was really impressed with how grippy the outsole felt while ascending hills, and I always felt like I could continue to drive forward with strength and speed while taking on hills."

Jon: "The outsole has strategically placed rubber in high-impact areas, and it delivered really solid traction throughout the testing period. I was able to take on corners and turns confidently and always felt stable. The rubber is very thin, so I wonder about its long-term durability, but the same can be said about most racing shoes."

Comparable Models

Saucony Endorphin Elite vs. On Cloudboom Echo 3

Jon: "This is not the best comparison, but the Saucony Endorphin Elite also has a firmer midsole than many other super shoes. The Endorphin's PWRRUN HG has the perfect underfoot feel, as I like my marathon shoes to be slightly firm and dense. Both shoes are dense, but it is easy to tell when you put them next to each other that the Endorphin Elite's midsole has a lot more volume. The dramatic bevel in the forefoot of the Endorphin Elite works really well for me and my stride pattern, getting me up on my toes lightning fast. In contrast, I did not feel like I had a quick turnover in the Cloudboom Echo 3 due to its stiffness and less dramatic bevel. The Endorphin Elite is also slightly less expensive than the Cloudboom Echo 3, so it is an easy choice for me."

New Balance SuperComp Elite v3 vs. On Cloudboom Echo 3

Kaleb: "I think these are two very different options representing two different approaches to marathon racing shoes. The SuperComp Elite is softer underfoot and is incredibly smooth through the gait cycle. The Cloudboom Echo, on the other hand, is much firmer underfoot with a nice snap at toe-off when going at the right pace.

As a runner who is getting used to longer-distance races, at the moment, I would opt for the SuperComp Elite for half-marathon and marathon races, as I would need the softer, more forgiving midsole to help me get to the finish line. That said, for any shorter racing distance, the Cloudboom Echo 3 is my choice, as I felt like I could really drive off the firmer footbed and push myself to faster paces."