On Cloudstratus 3 Review
Published: September 7, 2023
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 37 mm (Heel), 31 mm (Forefoot) | 6 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Individual Thoughts
KalebOverall Score: 8/10
The On Cloudstratus 3 really surprised me, as I did not know exactly what to expect given my experience in the previous version. The second iteration was a good shoe that I really enjoyed for casual use and for going from the office straight into a short evening run. Still, the midsole was a bit firm, and the internal Speedboard was a bit harsh underfoot. It is a whole different story with the Cloudstratus 3.
The Helion superfoam midsole with dual-layer CloudTec Elements was soft underfoot with an energetic responsiveness that made running really fun. I would not say that the Cloudstratus 3 is a plush shoe, but the midsole is well-balanced and offers the protection I need to do anything from short jaunts to long runs on the weekends. Furthermore, though the midsole provides a nice energy return, the Cloudstratus is more of an efficient roller, in my opinion, and the sweet spot for me was when I was operating at a 7:30/7:45 mile pace. I worry about the midsole's durability and resilience over time, as the midsole seemed to lose a little luster as the miles added up, but I am excited to see how the Cloudstratus 3 performs past the 100- or 200-mile mark.
The upper also provided a lot of comfort thanks to the padded heel collar, gusseted tongue, and breathable mesh design. The fit was excellent, and I did not experience any points of irritation throughout the testing period. The only issue I had was with the volume of the forefoot. It is spacious, and though I did not have any issues besides some forefoot coupling when the laces were synched, runners with narrower feet may not find their ideal fit with the Cloudstratus 3.
I cannot finish an On shoe review without mentioning the impeccable style, and like most On shoes, the Cloudstratus 3 is a stud that will undoubtedly get you comments when you are out on the roads or walking around town. Combine this signature style with the new and improved midsole performance, and you have a killer one-two punch. The Cloudstratus 3 has earned a spot in my shoe rotation moving forward. If you are looking for a stylish, comfortable, and versatile trainer, I recommend giving the Cloudstratus 3 a try.
LizOverall Score: 8/10
The Cloudstratus 2 was one of my go-to daily trainers, but it was quickly replaced by the Cloudstratus 3 in my shoe rotation! I enjoy shoes that offer underfoot protection without feeling too soft or sluggish underfoot, and for me, the Cloudstratus finds a perfect balance. The Helion foam midsole is noticeably softer than the previous version, and the few extra millimeters of foam underfoot add protection without making the shoe feel too bulky or high off the ground. Although the Cloudstratus 3 is noticeably softer than the previous model, it maintains a stable and smooth ride that might be a bit too "no-nonsense" for those who have come to enjoy the super soft and bouncy foams that other brands are coming out with.
For me, the Cloudstratus 3 feels very different at different paces. At slower 9 to 10 min/mile paces, it feels protective and smooth, but even with the rocker, it does not seem to do much to roll me forward through my stride. In contrast, when I pick up the pace (closer to 7:30 min/mile) and get onto my toes, the smaller pods under the forefoot work with the midsole Speedboard to provide a snappy and springy ride. The shoe does not really have an in-between pace for me, but I still find it very enjoyable when I hit those specific paces where the shoe shines.
The fit of the Cloudstratus 3 is spot on. The engineered mesh upper with seamless internal bootie offers a foot-hugging fit. The lacing system tightens evenly across the foot, eliminating pressure points or hot spots, and the padded tongue and heel collar provide a plush feel without being too bulky. On top of that, the shoe sports the signature On style that is sure to garner compliments.
My only complaint about the shoe lies with the durability of the CloudTec pods. While I enjoy the feel of the midsole, I found that the pod design seemed to break down more quickly than more traditional midsole designs, and I feel that runners should choose the Cloudstratus 3 with the expectation of getting maybe 350 miles of life before the midsole integrity changes.
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: "The On Cloudstratus 3's engineered mesh upper, per usual, was very stylish, and I love the Metal/Wisteria colorway. The upper is also very plush with a padded heel collar and tongue design that delivers comfort immediately upon first step-in. Also, with a gusseted tongue, the Cloudstratus provided a sock-like feel through the midfoot.
Unfortunately, the forefoot is very voluminous, and though the length was true to size, I did not get the exact forefoot feel I typically enjoy from a daily trainer. Also, every time I laced up, the upper would pucker in the forefoot; a minor nuisance, but worth mentioning nonetheless. That said, I have a fairly standard, medium-sized foot, and I believe runners with slightly wider feet will love the Cloudstratus' spacious toe box."
Liz: "On always does an amazing job with their upper designs, and the Cloudstratus 3 is no exception. The engineered mesh upper is very similar to the previous model. It has a seamless internal bootie design that uses the structure of the outer mesh to optimize breathability without sacrificing a secure fit.
A more structured mesh material is placed under the arch of the Cloudstratus 3, which adds a touch of stability and works with the lacing system to offer a customized feeling fit. My only complaint is that while the flat laces work with the fabric eyelets to offer that foot-hugging fit, they failed to stay tied and required a double knot."
Midsole
Kaleb: "I ran the in the Cloudstratus 2, and admittedly, it was not my favorite. The underfoot feel was a little harsh, and I found myself enjoying casually wearing the shoe more than running in it. The Cloudstratus 3 is an entirely different story.
The dual-layer CloudTec midsole with Helion foam created a well-balanced underfoot feel that was both protective and responsive. The ride was also very smooth on the run without feeling mushy or sluggish, and the Cloudstratus was well-paired with a variety of daily training runs at varying distances and paces. My only knock is that the shoe feels a little heavy while on foot and does not have the light and fast feel I enjoy for faster efforts.
Regardless, I am impressed, as I did not expect to enjoy the Cloudstratus 3 given my experience in version 2, but I am buying what the Cloudstratus 3 is selling. I would not hesitate to recommend this shoe to anyone looking for their next daily trainer."
Liz: "The extra few millimeters of foam definitely give the Cloudstratus 3 a softer underfoot feel, especially compared to the previous version. I have not tried the Cloudsurfer, but compared to the Cloudstratus 1, Cloudstratus 2, and Cloudmonster, I can confidently say that the Cloudstratus 3 is the softest On running shoe I have worn.
It offers a cushioned and protective underfoot feel I would not hesitate to use for long runs. I wouldn't describe the underfoot feel as overly plush; instead, the midsole is comfortable and does a good job of dampening the impact of footstrikes while running. The Cloudstratus 3 is not very responsive at slower paces and feels like a comfortable, easy-pace shoe rather than a super-efficient option. There is a bit of snappiness when picking up the pace and when I'm up on my toes. This is thanks to the combination of the midsole's rockered geometry, the embedded Speedboard, and smaller Cloudtec pods under the forefoot."
Outsole
Kaleb: "The Cloudstratus 3's CloudTec rubber outsole performed well throughout testing, providing reliable traction on road surfaces. I did not get a chance to test the grip in wet conditions, but given my experience in other On shoes with CloudTec rubber, I do not expect that wet conditions will hold the Cloudstratus 3 back.
More importantly, the Cloudstratus no longer features a large midsole or outsole cutout, and version 3 will not be harboring any rocky hitchhikers as you collect daily mileage, which is a big upgrade from version 2, even though it contributes to the shoe's slight weight increase. I am curious to see how the rubber outsole holds up through 100 miles in terms of durability, but after 25 miles of testing, I have not noticed any unusual signs of wear."
Liz: "The outsole is composed of a thin layer of rubber strategically covering the most abrasion-prone midsole pods. While the coverage is minimal, I have no worries about its durability, as I have seen a good amount of life from the previous version of the shoe. The biggest change that I was excited to see was the removal of the deep channel going through the center of the midsole. I would catch larger rocks and bark in the previous version and am glad to see the channel filled in this time around."
Comparable Models
On Cloudstratus 2 vs. On Cloudstratus 3
Kaleb: "The On Cloudstratus 3 blows version 2 out of the water, in my opinion. The midsole has improved dramatically, and I can now confidently run longer distances in the Cloudstratus without worrying about a harsh Speedboard. The Cloudstratus 3 is more protective, responsive, and smoother through the gait cycle. It maintains its stylish aesthetic with elevated on-the-run performance. I do not think you can ask for more in an update."
Liz: "The Cloudstratus continues to get softer with each evolving model. While I really enjoyed the Cloudstratus 2, compared to other highly cushioned running shoes, it was not the soft, cushioned option that the brand advertised. With the Cloudstratus 3, the shoe is finally moving into that category. It still does not have the sinking-in softness that some might be looking for, but it finally has a truly soft underfoot feel thanks to the extra foam."
ASICS Nimbus 25 vs. On Cloudstratus 3
Kaleb: "The ASICS Nimbus 25 is a much better shoe for your longest efforts, thanks to its soft, super protective midsole. In juxtaposition, I thought the Cloudstratus 3 provided more versatility, and I enjoyed the inherently stable platform. The Cloudstratus 3 is also a much more aesthetically pleasing shoe, though I prefer the fit of the Nimubs."
Liz: "The ASICS Nimbus 25 is softer and bouncier than the Cloudstratus 3. If you are a runner who prefers pillowy softness, then go with the Nimbus, but if you prefer a slightly firmer, more dampening cushioning and a more streamlined on-foot feel, the Cloudstratus 3 is a good choice."
HOKA Clifton 9 vs. On Cloudstratus 3
Liz: "The Clifton 9 continues to be the most popular soft and light daily trainer. The Cloudstratus 3 is not as plush underfoot, but is a good option for runners who find the Clifton too pillowy (I am one of those people), yet want a protective and light daily trainer."
On Men's Cloudstratus
Featuring On's Helion foam and two layers of Cloudtec elements, the Cloudstratus is a highly cushioned everyday running shoe with a fun and smooth ride.
On Women's Cloudstratus
Featuring On's Helion foam and two layers of Cloudtec elements, the Cloudstratus is a highly cushioned everyday running shoe with a fun and smooth ride.
