On Running Cloudstratus 3 running shoes

The On Running Cloudstratus 3 is a comfortable, versatile running shoe for everyday running. It’s changed a lot from the previous version, as we reviewed, but thankfully the character hasn’t changed. The changes have made the shoe slightly heavier by 9 grams, but it’s worth the weight gain as the changes have benefited the shoe. The cushioning is good, just soft enough not to be at the expense of dynamism. It has a good energy dissipation, but because of its weight it cannot be called fast. The benefits of good energy dissipation are more likely to be reaped on longer runs with the Cloudstratus 3. Despite not being cheap, it is one of the most popular on running running shoes, perhaps because of its versatility.

The upper of the On Running Cloudstratus 3 running shoe has changed a lot from the previous version. The upper is made from a mesh material that looks airy on the outside, but there is also an inner fabric part to the shoe that makes it not as breathable. The heel section has been lowered and the plastic reinforcement around the heel has also been made smaller. The cushioning of the heel is good, moderately stiff, and holds the foot in place very well. The tongue is well cushioned, more cushioned and comfortable than the previous version. The toes have enough room, not tight, even for runners with wider feet.

The midsole material of the On Running Cloudstratus 3 running shoe is a dual-density Helion foam that is both soft and dynamic. Stiff enough to give the shoe good stability. Like all On Running running shoes, the Cloudstratus 3 has a CloudTec design, which means cross-directional holes. The Cloudstratus 3 also has a double CloudTec design, meaning there are two levels of holes on top of each other. This makes running in the shoe even more comfortable and dynamic. Results of an independent study with Progressive Sports Technologies at Loughborough University showed that double CloudTec® reduces the development of muscle soreness and that muscle soreness only develops later, after longer distances. This allows the shoe to be used specifically for longer distances. It’s not a common phenomenon, but the Cloudstratus 3 midsole thickness has been reduced by 4 mm at the heel and 2 mm at the toes, which also shows a 2 mm reduction in drop compared to the previous version. The midsole of the Cloudstratus 3 is 32 mm thick at the back and 26 mm thick at the front. As in the previous version, the Cloudstratus 3 midsole features a nylon plate called Speedboard, which adds dynamism, stiffness and accelerates rollover by helping the midsole retain its cradle-like curved rocker shape.

The outsole of the On Running Cloudstratus 3 running shoe does not completely cover the midsole, articulated so it does not stiffen the sole of the shoe, which is an advantageous feature. The rubber compound of this outsole is made of a softer material, so it has good traction, which is further enhanced by the outsole pattern. Unfortunately, because the outsole is made of a softer rubber compound, it wears a little faster. Importantly, and a very nice change from the previous version, there is no longer the deep groove in the middle of the sole that had the Speedboard on it, so no pebbles get stuck in.

Overall, the On Running Cloudstratus 3 running shoe has changed a lot from the previous version, making it better but retaining its previous character. It remains a comfortable, soft but dynamic everyday running shoe that is specifically designed to support longer runs. It can be a bit hot in summer or at the gym because the breathability is not as good and the outsole wears a bit faster than average, but the many good features of the shoe compensate for this.