I have been testing a pair of the latest road running shoes from On Running. The Cloudswift are described as a “lightweight road shoe featuring Helion™ superfoam for high performance in urban environments.”
Features include:
- Strong yet stretchable mechanical sideband for gentle midfoot support.
- Engineered-mesh sock to allow your feet to breathe.
- Hidden place to stash laces.
- Soft landings and high traction thanks to “impact protection” and “durable rubber reinforcement”.
- Helion™ superfoam for cushioning with “zero compromise”.
- Male and female fit.
- Different colour ranges in male and female collections.
- Price: £135.
- See On Running.
On test: ON Cloudswift running shoe
I confess that ON Running shoes have grown on me. The first pair I tried I didn’t like that much. The next three pairs I liked. This latest pair, the Cloudswift, I love.
The “clouds” of air in the soles are not new. These air clouds are what make ON shoes different from other running brands. It’s the Helion™ superfoam that’s new and promises to “deliver durability and rebound at a previously impossible level”. Really, that’s quite a bit boast, don’t you think? To an “impossible level”. I prefer a bit more modesty from brands but anyway, I’ll tell you how the shoes felt when testing them.
As soon as I put on the Cloudswift they felt very comfortable. The mesh sock is a genius part of the design and helps the foot to feel hugged and secure but not overly so. I have a narrow foot and I appreciate the extra snugness. It feels like I am wearing a slipper, it’s that comfy.
I confess I didn’t realise the sideband doubles as a place to stash long laces however I can see that might be useful. The laces can be stuffed under the sideband.
The shoes also look lovely. I know that shouldn’t be a decider for buying them but I think it helps.
I have walked in the shoes a great deal and also run the streets in them. They feel light and comfortable. The cushioning is excellent and I feel like I have a soft landing but quite a firm push off.
I have no idea if the Helion superfoam delivers rebound at a “previously impossible level” but they do feel good to run in. Durability will only be tested over the coming months but so far they seem to be doing well with my many miles of walking and street running.
Apart from the over-egged promotion of the “superfoam”, I can’t find anything to complain about in terms of cushioning and underfoot feel. The Cloudswift are a great shoe to run in.
I do have a couple of quibbles, however. Because my ankle is narrow I find the Cloudswift a bit roomy at the heel. I have to tie the laces quite tight to keep the heel in place when I run. In fact, there is a bit too much stretch in the upper rear area for the best back end support for my foot. It’s not too bad but it’s not great either.
Also, the soles of these innovative shoes pick up stones. There is a channel that runs along the middle of the sole and I am forever having to remove stones, mostly ones that collect in the shoes from my driveway. The soles are better than previous ON shoes that I have tried but it is annoying to have any stones collecting in the soles.
Overall, the ON Cloudswift is a comfortable, cushioned and responsive running shoe that has become my favourite for street running and also for walking pretty much anywhere.
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