On Cloudspark

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On Cloudspark: Review

β€œA women-first design running shoe with premium materials and stability.”

Overview


The On Cloudspark is a running shoe designed to cater to the unique biomechanics of women runners, though it is also suitable for men. This shoe is known for its premium materials and stability, making it a solid choice for daily running.

Key Features:

  • Women-first design: Crafted with a focus on women's biomechanics for enhanced comfort and performance.
  • CloudTec technology: Features multiple pods in the midsole to lighten the shoe and enhance foam compression.
  • Speedboard technology: Incorporates a nylon-blend plate for improved flexibility and stability.

The On Cloudspark is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize stability and premium materials for daily running. Its women-first design offers enhanced comfort, making it suitable for those with mild stability needs.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 40% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the On Cloudspark


The On Cloudspark is a well-crafted running shoe that excels in stability and premium material quality. Reviewers appreciated its roomy upper and excellent lockdown, making it a good choice for those with a wide forefoot. However, the shoe's firm midsole may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a softer feel underfoot. The durability of the shoe, particularly in the heel padding, was a concern for some reviewers. Despite these drawbacks, the Cloudspark's women-first design and thoughtful features like the removable insole and reflective elements make it a versatile option for daily running. Overall, the On Cloudspark is a solid choice for runners seeking stability and premium materials, but its firm midsole and durability issues may be a drawback for some.

Comparable Shoes


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The ASICS GT 2000 12 is a good alternative for those seeking a daily trainer that balances comfort and support better than the On Cloudspark. While the Cloudspark excels in stability and premium materials, the GT 2000 12 offers a softer midsole and better durability, making it a more comfortable option for some runners.

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The Hoka Arahi 7 is another excellent choice for runners who prefer a softer midsole. Compared to the On Cloudspark, the Arahi 7 provides better cushioning and breathability, making it a more comfortable option for daily running. However, the Cloudspark offers superior stability and premium materials.

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The On Cloudsurfer 7 might be a better option for men looking for a daily trainer within the On lineup. While the Cloudspark focuses on women-specific biomechanics, the Cloudsurfer 7 offers a more balanced design suitable for both genders. It provides a softer midsole and better overall comfort.

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The On Cloudmonster Hyper is a premium option for those willing to spend a bit more. Compared to the Cloudspark, the Cloudmonster Hyper offers better cushioning and a more responsive ride. However, the Cloudspark excels in stability and is a more budget-friendly choice.

8 On Cloudspark Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Highly stable
Wide forefoot design
Premium materials
Lightweight
Excellent lockdown

3 Cons

Questionable durability
Firm midsole
Limited breathability

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the On Cloudspark is designed with premium materials, offering a roomy fit that accommodates a wide forefoot. The shoe features cleverly-designed ventilation strips that enhance breathability, particularly through the medial sides. However, the toebox ventilation could be improved. The upper's dual-layer construction provides decent durability, though it may not meet the expectations for a premium shoe. Reflective elements are also included, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions.

Midsole

The midsole of the On Cloudspark incorporates CloudTec technology, featuring multiple pods to lighten the shoe and enhance foam compression. The primary foam is quite firm, which may not appeal to everyone, but it does provide excellent stability. The shoe also includes a secondary, even firmer foam, making it suitable for those who prefer a very solid feel underfoot. The Speedboard technology (a nylon-blend plate) adds flexibility and stability.

Outsole

The outsole of the On Cloudspark combines rubberized foam with hard rubber, featuring a prominent central groove that shows the Speedboard plate. This design enhances flexibility but may sacrifice some grip due to the harder rubber formulation. The outsole's durability is decent but not exceptional, with a thickness of 4 mm to compensate for the slightly lower durability.

Size/fit

The On Cloudspark offers a wide forefoot design, making it suitable for those with a broader foot. The shoe's fit is generally accommodating, with a standard width at the big toe area. The gusseted tongue provides a secure fit, and the removable insole allows for custom orthotic inserts. However, the shoe's narrower midsole width may not be ideal for those seeking a wider fit.

Comfort

Comfort is a mixed bag with the On Cloudspark. The shoe features a thicker tongue for improved instep comfort and a flexible heel counter. However, the firm midsole may not provide the plush feel some runners prefer. The removable insole adds a layer of customization, allowing runners to use their own orthotic inserts if needed.

Cushioning

The On Cloudspark offers substantial cushioning, particularly in the heel, with a stack height of 34 mm. The forefoot stack height is 26 mm, providing a balanced feel for daily running. The shoe's 8 mm drop is slightly higher than On's typical design, catering to heel strikers. However, the firm midsole may not provide the soft cushioning some runners prefer.

Breathability

The On Cloudspark features ventilation strips that enhance breathability, particularly through the medial sides. However, the toebox ventilation could be improved. The upper's dual-layer construction maintains overall structure while providing decent ventilation. Despite these efforts, the shoe's breathability is rated as average.

Stability

Stability is a strong point for the On Cloudspark. The firm midsole and substantial reinforcement from the heel to the forefoot contribute to stable landings. The shoe's torsional rigidity also enhances stability, though it may reduce comfort at slower paces. The narrower midsole width is typical for neutral running shoes but may not provide the wide base some stability shoes offer.

Durability

Durability is a concern for the On Cloudspark, particularly in the heel padding, which scored low in tests. The toebox durability is decent, thanks to the dual-layer upper, but not exceptional for a premium shoe. The outsole's hardness and thickness provide some compensation for durability, but overall, the shoe may not meet the high expectations for longevity.

Grip

The grip of the On Cloudspark is somewhat compromised by the harder rubber formulation of the outsole. While the central groove and rubberized foam enhance flexibility, they may not provide the best traction on all surfaces. The shoe's grip is adequate for daily running but may not excel in more demanding conditions.

Flex

Flexibility is balanced in the On Cloudspark, with the Speedboard technology adding a degree of flexibility to the midsole. However, the shoe's overall stiffness, particularly in colder conditions, may not appeal to those seeking a highly flexible shoe. The torsional rigidity enhances stability but reduces comfort at slower paces.

Who should buy the On Cloudspark?


The On Cloudspark is ideal for runners with a wide forefoot who seek a stable and premium-quality shoe for daily running. It is particularly suitable for women with mild stability needs who prefer a firm midsole. Heel strikers will appreciate the substantial cushioning and top-quality materials. The shoe's women-first design makes it a great choice for those looking for a running shoe that caters to their specific biomechanics.

Who should not buy the On Cloudspark?


Runners who prefer a softer midsole may not find the On Cloudspark to their liking. Those concerned about durability, particularly in the heel padding, might want to consider other options. Men looking for a daily trainer within the On lineup may find better choices like the Cloudsurfer 7 or the Cloudmonster Hyper. Additionally, runners who prioritize breathability might be disappointed with the toebox ventilation.

On Cloudspark: What's it good for?


The On Cloudspark is well-suited for daily running and everyday training. Its stability and premium materials make it a reliable choice for road running. The shoe's substantial cushioning and firm midsole are ideal for heel strikers. Overall, the Cloudspark is a versatile option for runners seeking a stable and high-quality shoe for their daily runs.

5 On Cloudspark FAQs


Is the On Cloudspark suitable for daily running?

Yes, the On Cloudspark is designed for daily running. Its stability and premium materials make it a reliable choice for everyday training.

Does the On Cloudspark have good breathability?

The On Cloudspark offers decent breathability, particularly through the medial sides. However, the toebox ventilation could be improved.

Is the On Cloudspark durable?

The durability of the On Cloudspark is a mixed bag. While the toebox offers decent durability, the heel padding scored low in tests, raising concerns about its longevity.

Can I use custom orthotic inserts with the On Cloudspark?

Yes, the On Cloudspark features a removable insole, allowing you to use custom orthotic inserts if needed.

Is the On Cloudspark suitable for heel strikers?

Yes, the On Cloudspark is suitable for heel strikers. It offers substantial cushioning in the heel, making it a good choice for those with a heel strike running style.

On Cloudspark alternatives

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Similarity
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released
Released
Jun 2024
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
M: 281 g
W: 235 g
M: 269 g
W: 218 g
M: 261 g
W: 241 g
M: 283 g
W: 261 g
M: 266 g
W: 241 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
26 mm
27 mm
25 mm
22 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
8 mm
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
34 mm
35 mm
37 mm
35 mm
32 mm
Brand
Brand
On
New BalanceASICSNikeNikeNike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableMaximalistComfortableLightweightMaximalistComfortableComfortableMaximalistComfortable
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh FoamASICS GelOrthoLite
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
Sustainable
0

On Cloudspark characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2048)
TerrainRoad (+1361)
UsagesDaily running (+1131)
BrandOn (+45)
Support TypeNeutral (+1602)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1577)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1113)Heel strike (+1096)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1524)
FitMedium toe box (+853)
FeaturesOrthotic friendly (+453)Removable insole (+436)
MaterialsMesh (+941)Reflective (+181)
Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable (+175)
ColorwaysBlack / Blueberry, Flame / Black, Ice / Grove
Specificationsvs Average
Measurements
Weight
M: 281 g
W: 235 g
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
34 mm
Forefoot
26 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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