On CloudSwift 3 Review: Quite Rounded
By David Salas and Bach Pham
The Cloudswift 3 is a road running shoe specifically marketed at urban running. The shoe comes with a firmer ride with moderate cushioning throughout. The shoe also brings an element of aesthetics that can double as a runner/lifestyle combo.
On Cloudswift 3Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.2 oz, 290 g (men's size 9), oz, g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 33.1mm / 28.1 mm
Drop: 5mm
Classification: Daily Training, Lifestyle, Crossover
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
David: The
On Cloudswift is a road running shoe that dabbles in a little bit of
everything. This includes non-running wear as well. The shoe is a firmer
riding model that is well rounded and feels grounded with both running
and walking. I see this as a potential run commute option if someone
doesn't have space for other shoes though can definitely operate as a
daily trainer.
Bach: The On Cloudswift is a shoe that
kind of represents On's alternative to adidas' Ultraboost. It's
advertised as a "city runner" that's nimble and made for cruising
through streets. It has a caged upper that screams urban and a very
rounded heel design that keeps you moving swiftly. Maintaining a more
classic On design langauge, it is a model that will please long time On
fans while providing new runners a highly stylized option for everyday
use.
SIMILAR SHOES: Adidas Ultraboost Light
FIT
David: The
On Cloudswift 3 fits true to size in my Men's 9.5. The shoe runs with
normal width throughout in the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. The volume
is a little lower so the shoe feels a little more snug in general. The
shoe uses a knit upper with a wrap reinforcement integrated through the
lacing system. The material is very comfortable and feels sock like. The
material does have a decent amount of stretch to it, though not so much
that you feel insecure. There is a flexible heel counter that does a
good job of holding the structure in the heel cup area without really
feeling like it is even there. The upper has been pretty cozy for a
running shoe. The sleek design and balanced colorways also give this
shoe some bonus points for lifestyle wear.
Bach: The
Cloudswift 3 also fit true to size for me. The upper fits surprisingly
glove-like throughout, without being uncomfortable. The knit upper is
fairly soft and the cage does add a lot of structure to help tighten up
the midfoot from being sloppy like some knit uppers can feel due to
their nature. The shoe has a surprisingly flexible heel counter - a
rarity in the On lineup - that never caused me any issues and held my
foot in well. The front of the ankle around the heel is fairly stiff and
the one noticeable thing about the upper on foot. I didn't have an
issue, but just noticed it's presence.
The shoe should do fine
for those with narrow to standard feet. This model is one of the few
that does not come in wide for On Running unfortunately.
Less
about the upper and more about the general fit, the heel is highly
beveled. It is very noticeable how it holds the heel up in slight
extension. It doesn't bother me while running, but while walking I do
notice it enough that it's not my absolute favorite walking shoe choice,
but I do think some people will like that a lot, especially since it
makes for a fast transition which is nice for errands.
PERFORMANCE
David: I
liked the Cloudswift of the past and was looking forward to testing
this model. It did not disappoint. I still love the Cloudswift. This is a
shoe I have done multiple double daily tasks in. These doubles have
included running 10 miles in the morning and then wearing the same shoe
for work, or in instance wine tasting. The shoe is a firmer riding shoe
with moderate cushioning throughout. The heel is very beveled and you
transition very quickly through the heel and midfoot. The forefoot has a
little more rigidity in this model than some of the other On models I
have run. The shoe has a rocker profile throughout, though the heel is
most noticeable. The shoe has a small amount of bounce to it and does
feel half way decent at uptempo paces as well. The Swift for me feels
best at rhythmic efforts though.
The overall security of the upper was
surprisingly good given the stretchy knit upper. The Cloudswift has a
decently wide base throughout that is coupled with the classic deep
midline groove from them. The shoe just rolls nicely forward with each
step. In future models however, I would like to see the forefoot made a
tad more flexible. With how fast the transition is into the forefoot it
would feel nice to have a more natural toe off. It currently a little
too rolling with an awkward speed bump. This is not a deal breaker as I
have really enjoyed my miles in this shoe.
Bach: The
Cloudswift ride is quintessential On. It has a firmer sole that rolls
really nicely forward. On always delivers a smooth transitioning ride,
and the Swift is not exception. It does so with a highly beveled
heel that reminds me of past editions of the Maxroad. It facilitates a
very quick transition to a more minimally rockered forefoot. The shoe is
fairly stiff through thanks to On's Speedboard (this is their new
generation Speedboard though, which is noticeably bit less stiff and
malleable than past versions), with limited flexibility throughout the
shoe. The ride feels like a rocking chair, rolling from heel-to-toe.
Once you get going the Cloudswift 3 really knocks out miles.
Going
back to the sole, this is a firmer ride and definitely not the softness
of a Cloudmonster or Cloudsurfer. It's not a bad thing, just different
and will come down to preference. I will say it's not a harsh firmness.
You feel plenty cushioned in the shoe, just without a sinking sensation
that softer shoes provide. The Cloudswift felt best for easy day paces.
It can pick up the pace a wee little bit, but I would not take this on a
workout, especially it running a touch heavier at over 10 oz - though,
thanks to the rocker design, it feels lighter on the run than the
numbers suggest.
The outsole covers the typical high use spots.
The grip is decent. I felt fairly confident on wet road, although I
would not take this out on a rainy run as the upper soaks a good bit. It
runs on dirt and grass okay, but nothing standout.
The
Cloudswift doubles fairly well as a rockered walking shoe. The heel for
me is just a bit too beveled (a rare thing for us to say at Doctors of
Running) for my personal preferences and like I mentioned earlier, as it
keeps the heel extended up a touch. If the shoe had a little bit more
flexibility in the heel, I think this would be a knockout for me.
STABILITY
David: This
is not a formal stability shoe, though there are a few things that help
make the Cloudswift 3 feels pretty stable throughout. The shoe has an
overall firmer feel throughout and does not have too much foam
deformation upon loading. The shoe uses sole flaring really well through
the forefoot and the heel. The underfoot base is decently wide without
feeling like you are on a boat. The midline groove subjectively makes
you feel like you are centered. The upper could probably be a tad less
stretchy and refined, though it honestly didn't give me too much issue
(especially running on the roads). It has enough things here done well
that I would put it into that stable neutral category we talk about at DOR pretty frequently.
Bach:
The Cloudswift 3 is not purposefully a stability shoe, but it does feel
very stable as David says. The firmer sole and Speedboard provide more
than enough rigidity to keep you grounded, and a moderately wider base
helps keep you soundly on the platform. There is a lot of guidance
through the highly beveled heel and rocker design that shoves you
forward, along with a massive guidance line underneath that is classic
to On. The Speedboard also helps further that forward propelling feel.
On shoes in general have been inherently stable in the past. The
Cloudswift 3 is no exception.
Thoughts as a DPT: Crossing Over
By David Salas, PT, DPT, CSCS
When I look at the On Cloudswift 3 I mainly think of this as a crossover shoe that leans towards running. This is a shoe that I can run in, take to the grocery market, and stand at work in. The shoe may be a little too rounded through the heel for formal weight lifting. I have been able to do light weight lifting just fine in it, though I am not sure I want any significant amount coming down on that platform. This section today is going to focus on what I like to see in my "crossover" shoes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
David: I
really enjoyed my time in the Cloudswift 3. My main recommendation is
to make the forefoot a little more flexible. The stiffer platform lends
itself to the rolling sensation, though it slightly off as it
transitions through the forefoot and toe off. The fast moving heel and
midfoot would actually feel nice with a contrasting flexible forefoot.
It would be a quick, though natural feeling transition.
Bach: Even
though I enjoy a firmer ride, I think the Cloudswift will find a lot of
popularity with On's new, softer sole design seen in the Cloudmonster
and Cloudsurfer. The slightly softer midsole would help make this a
highly comfortable shoe that bridges running and walking well. The new
midsole also I believe is a touch lighter, which would also be a welcome
change.
Keeping most other components in place - especially the
highly rockered design along with width of the base and caged knit
upper - I think that would be a compelling change that brings in a lot
of new fans.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
David: The
On Cloudswift 3 is for someone that likes running shoes on the firmer
end with some appeal to usage outside of running. The shoe does have a
rocker profile in the heel, but is much more gradual through the
forefoot. This could serve as a solid run commute shoe, or a simple do
everything shoe (run, walk, store, light lifting).
Bach: The
Cloudswift 3 is shoe for anyone loves a firmer, rockered ride that
feels very fluid. This is particularly for a runner who loves urban
aesthetics and wants a shoe that blends running and walking well. This
is particularly a shoe for those who have been a longtime fan of On
Running footwear and prefer the firmer rolling ride compared to some of
the softer ones that On has been delivering with their newest models.
Gently in the lifestyle category as well, I received a lot of
compliments on the shoe while running errands! If you're wardrobe leans
athletic casual, the Cloudswift will slide into your rotation very
easily. I found it harder to wear out with more traditional clothing.
The
Cloudswift is a daily cruiser that will pair well with a lower profile
trainer like a Cloudflow or super shoe like the new Cloudboom Echo 3
which can cover workouts. If you are looking to really tackle a lot of
training miles, I would maybe lean into the Cloudmonster first if that
is your priority as far as performance goes, unless you do prefer a
firmer sole.
Lastly, the Cloudswift 3 comes in at $159.95. While
high, it does compete well with the Ultraboost Light which starts at
$190 new. I think for anyone who is looking for a shoe that is versatile
for both running and life use, this is a good bet in the On lineup, but
those more running oriented should also weigh in the Cloudmonster if
looking for a higher stacked shoe out of the brand.
GRADING
David
Fit: A- (Good fit and dimensions, though volume might be a tad too low for some)
Performance: B+ (Heel and midfoot transition quickly and smoothly, though forefoot could have some improvement)
Stability: B+ (Slightly wide platform, good usage of sole flaring, firmer platform, though stretchy upper)
DPT/Footwear Science: B+/A- (The design is dope)
Personal: A- (Something I continue to wear for both running and work hours)
Overall: B+/A- (A well balanced shoe for both running and non running usage)
Bach
Fit: A- (For a knit, a solid fit throughout that should suit narrow to standard feet fine)
Performance: B/B+ (A
solid, fluid ride with a firmer sole for those that have that
preference. If versatility outside of running is in your wheelhouse,
this is a B+)
Stability: A- (All of the classic stable neutral elements provide a confident ride on foot)
DPT/Footwear Science: B (With a lifestyle focus, the shoe performs well all things considered, but falls behind some of On's latest offerings)
Personal: B+ (I
do enjoy the ride quite a bit once you get going. I also enjoy a firmer
riding shoe. I think there is some room for improvement here to make it
a true A shoe for me though)
Overall: B+ (Those looking for a shoe that blends lifestyle with running will enjoy the Cloudswift 3)
SHOP | SUPPORT DOROn Cloudswift 3Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
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