Maximum cushioning, maximum performance. Double CloudTec®, double your run. The performance shoe for maximum cushioning on road runs – from 5k to a marathon. The CloudStratus 2 includes a re-engineered midsole, with 75% recycled upper and a redefined inner construction. It’s comfort and just the right amount of support.
SUPPORT: Minimal Stability
HEEL TO TOE OFFSET: 8 mm
WEIGHT: 9.3oz women’s / 10.7oz men’s
USE: Road Running
SURFACE: Road, Track, Concrete
Preview by Scoob:
Man that’s a good looking shoe. I have wanted to try this newer model really badly, so once I could I took it for a spin real quick. I noticed the additional layer of cushion compared to other On Cloud models, as well as the dynamic lacing and curvature which helped the give it a high performance vibe and supple motion control.
Where the shoe might be lacking in that trendy ~’super plush’~ cushion, it certainly makes up for it with the pristine upper, speedboards and a meta-rocker, and obviously the “look good, feel good” attitude.
If the Shoe Fits:
This shoe is super dynamic. The ‘star-lacing system’ feels different than the traditional lacing pattern and really helps the shoe feel secure and supportive. The upper is pretty sleek and breathable and gives off a high-quality material feel. The upper is made rom 75% recycled material which is pretty neat in my opinion. I definitely noticed the wider toe box in this new generation, which kept my wide square foot happy. The tongue matched the upper in being low volume and sitting really well. Walking and bouncing around the shoe was still really secure and had great energy return.
The heel counter made my heel feel secure and contributed to the support as well. The rocker that these shoes have is intense, to the point where I wouldn’t recommend it for many people who aren’t planning on solely running and walking in them. That being said the heel-to-toe movement was clean and quick. I didn’t really notice the weight of this shoe being an issue.
Performance Review:
This shoe can perform. I noticed the speedboard technology springing me heel to toe. The CloudTec has some intense energy return, making running fast feel pretty sweet and easy in these. The dynamic lacing and wider fore-foot gave the shoe a great lock in feel. I felt like I could really pick up the pace in these. Comparing it to the Cloud X and Cloudflow, there isn’t any comparison… this shoe dominates those with the extra layer of CloudTec cushion. It is just a next level shoe, design for higher mileage and more extensive running/training.
On definitely surprised me at the potential this shoe can have in my rotation, also it just looks so nice. One of the big questions will be whether this shoe is more neutral or stability. I think it definitely leans towards more neutral. Anyone who has somewhat sever overpronation and needs a super stable shoe won’t like this or find this shoe adequately stable. I run in a few shoes that are marketed as ‘Stability’, Endorphin Shift and Nike Infinity Run. These are similar to the CloudStratus in how they offer a little bit of stability with maybe a firmer heel counter and then a rocker for smooth and efficient heel-to-toe. But, anyone who normally runs in neutral will find the shoe to be very comfortable and not that different. If you are doing high mileage like myself this little bit of stability can be appreciated and compliment your shoe rotation.
Previous Model: On CloudStratus
Comparable to: Saucony Endorphin Shift, Nike Infinity Run, Hoka Bondi, Brooks Glycerin GTS,
Specs:
- The Cloudstratus features two layers of Helion™-enriched CloudTec® for increased vertical and horizontal cushioning.
- Connected forefoot Cloud elements are perfectly aligned with the Speedboard®
- resulting in big energy return
- durability
- road protection.
- 75% of the polyester used in the durable and dynamic upper is recycled.
- Wider-fitting forefoot and improved heel hold
- topped off with a star-lacing system
Conclusion:
The Cloudstratus is highly inclusive and ideal for all types of runners. Rubber grip in the outsole provides top of the line traction. This shoe has great support and cushioning to be an ideal shoe for many runners. Prior to this, I wasn’t a giant fan of the On running shoes but this shoe is a homerun in my opinion. I would be interested in their other top of the line shoes like the Cloud Boom etc. If you are looking for a stylish shoe, than can also perform and has a different feel than the soft ‘pillowy’ foam that falls along the lines of the current trend, give this shoe a try.
