Bottom Line
The On Cloudultra 3 is a comfortable, breathable, supportive trail running shoe that excels on mixed terrain. On says it is designed for ultra racing on technical terrain. However, compared to other shoes we tested, it didn’t have the best traction. For that reason, we wouldn’t recommend them for truly technical 4th-class routes or steep trails. Simply put, if you’re looking for a good all-around off-road running shoe that’s versatile and good-looking, the On Cloudultra 3 is an excellent choice.
During testing, we had to take a flight from Southern California to Colorado for a quick trip, where we could only bring one pair of shoes. Of the eight trail running shoes currently in the testing rotation, we opted for the On Cloudultra 3 because it performs well on gravel, packed dirt, and pavement, and looks good at the airport.
We appreciate On’s highly supportive, cushy, and responsive CloudTec cushioning system, which includes dual-density foam for responsiveness and some stability technology. For overpronators, the Cloudultras will provide extra support and are probably the best stability shoes on this list.
Like all shoes, the Cloudultra 3s have their limitations. For one, at about 10.4 ounces per shoe, they’re on the heavier side. And at $190, they’re one of the most expensive pairs of shoes on our list. We also don’t think they’re the best we’ve tested for technical trails or racing. There are better options on our list for both of those categories.
That said, the On Cloudultra 3s are solid all-around shoes, and we do recommend them to anyone looking for an everyday trainer who runs on a variety of surfaces, from pavement to dirt, and is putting in some serious miles and training.
Quick Specs
On Cloudultra 3
Most Versatile Trail Running Shoe
CleverHiker Rating:
4.1/5.0
Price:
$190
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 4.8 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop:
6 mm
Cushioning:
Moderate
Best For:
Mixed
Pros
Solid for everyday trainingGood traction & outsoleExcellent on mixed terrainTrail-to-town style & colorwaysBreathable Good stability for overpronaters
Cons
Fit can be tricky (midfoot runs narrow)Not ideal for technical terrain
Comfort
On is gaining popularity for its emphasis on comfort, and the On Cloudultra 3 is definitely one of the more comfortable trail running shoes we tested. The overall fit of the shoe worked for us, for the most part. The heel felt secure and locked in. The toe box is on the wider side of the trail running shoes we tested, which we enjoyed. The midsection of the shoe was a bit narrow for us, but the main team member testing it has wider, flatter feet. So, if your feet are narrower, especially in the midsection, they should remain comfortable.
We thought On’s dual-density Helion HF hyper foam was mostly comfortable. While On packs 32 millimeters of that midsole foam under the heel for a 6-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, we found the ride more stable than soft or cushy. And the upper section has above-average comfort with some breathable mesh.
We should note that the On Cloudultra 3 is likely the best stability shoe on our list of men’s trail running shoes. On employs its CloudTec cushioning system and Nylon Speedboard, both of which the company designs for stability. Similar to a carbon plate, the Nylon Speedboard is a nylon plate in the shoe, but built for greater stability and responsiveness.
The On Cloudultra 3 is a highly versatile shoe, able to handle multiple terrains and surfaces. – Photo credit: Nathan Allen (CleverHiker.com)
Traction
On Cloudultra 3’s traction is above average, but not great. It’s just tough to compete in off-road traction with 3-millimeter lugs. Lugs with 4-millimeter depth just generally do better. That said, of all the shoes we tested with 3-millimeter lugs, the Cloudultras were definitely the best.
On features its Missiongrip outsole, which the company says it designed for mixed terrain. We’d have to agree. The Cloudultra was the most versatile shoe on our list, excelling on gravel and packed dirt, and easily handling pavement and all but the steepest and most technical terrain. There are certainly better shoes on our list of the best trail running shoes. If you’re running mostly technical and steep terrain, there are better options. But if you’re running a mix of road, gravel roads, less technical trails, and packed dirt, the On Cloudultra 3s are a solid option.
The On Cloudultra 3 has pretty good traction. It can handle most trail terrain and surfaces. – Photo credit: Nathan Allen (CleverHiker.com)
Weight
At 10.4 ounces per shoe, the On Cloudultra 3s are definitely on the heavier side of the trail running shoes we tested. If lighter-weight shoes are a priority for you, there are plenty of other options. That said, it also wasn’t the heaviest. And for a true stability trail running shoe, like the Cloudultra 3, it’s not excessively heavy.
On’s construction of the shoe makes it feel lighter, thanks to the midsole foam and nylon plate, both of which provide extra responsiveness and boost efficiency. But we certainly don’t blame you if you prefer a lighter pair of trail running shoes.
While we don’t want the Cloudultra 3s any heavier, we would like a few more lugs. – Photo credit: Nathan Allen (CleverHiker.com)
Durability
We are still racking up miles on the On Cloudultra 3s, but as we approach 100 miles, there have been no durability issues or concerns. The Megagrip outsole seems solid and shows little wear despite running on pavement more than in other shoes we tested. And the durable upper portion features reinforcements in key areas to amp the durability and protection.
As stated above, On built these shoes for ultra-running and ultra-training. So we’ll believe the company did its part to create shoes that last many miles until proven otherwise.
So far, we like the Cloudultra 3’s durability, but we’ve stuck to mostly gravel and packed dirt. – Photo credit: Nathan Allen (CleverHiker.com)
Breathability
The breathability of the On Cloudultra 3 is overall right in the middle of the trail running shoes we tested. Most of the upper does feature a mesh material that you can see through in places. But the shoes were also built for durability and protection with reinforced areas. Generally, when emphasizing durability, breathability can be sacrificed. And while the Cloudultras definitely aren’t a sweatbox, they also weren’t the most breathable.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness and efficiency are standout features in the Cloudultra 3. That responsiveness comes from On’s CloudTec cushioning technology. CloudTec cushioning is what makes most On shoes stand out both visually and performance-wise. It’s the proprietary, pod-like, airy cushioning between the outsole and midsole that boosts responsiveness while maintaining a soft footstrike.
On combines that with its proprietary dual-density Helion HF midsole foam, which also emphasizes responsiveness, to create an efficient ride. Most folks think responsiveness is important for running your fastest. And it is. But it’s also important in preventing foot and lower-leg fatigue over long distances. And that’s where the On Cloudultra 3’s responsiveness shines.
The On Cloudultra 3s are good all-around trail running shoes made for ultra distances. – Photo credit: Nathan Allen (CleverHiker.com)
Should You Buy the On Cloudultra 3?
If you’re an ultrarunner who spends time on varied terrain, crushing pavement, dirt, gravel roads, and mostly non-technical trails, we suggest dropping in on these. Or if you run a lot of different surfaces and varied terrain, in general, it’s also a solid option.
But if you’re running mostly technical, steep, and at times, slick trails, there are better options out there.
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
Want to see how the On Cloudultra 3 compares to our other top picks? Pop over to our lists of the best hiking shoes for men and best trail running shoes for men. And if these caught your eye, consider these other winners:
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 Review: There are a lot of similarities between the Vectivs and Cloudultras. Both have 32-millimeter heel stack heights with 6-millimeter heel-to-toe drops. But the Vectivs are a bit more comfortable, and with 4-millimeter lugs, will give you a bit more traction and security on technical trails.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review: These are also similar to the Cloudultras, with a similar weight, a wide toe box that allows toes to splay, and 3-millimeter lug depth. But they have a bit more cushioning for a softer ride and a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop that might be more comfortable for more runners.
Hoka Torrent 4 Review: Again, similar to the Cloudultras, but at a much more affordable price ($130), and better overall trail performance, in our opinion. Durability could definitely be an issue with the Torrents, but everything else is solid.
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