On Cloudace 2.0 Review: Maximum Modern Stability
By Chief Editor / Founder Matthew Klein and Social Media Wizard Bach Pham
Stability in footwear has evolved a great deal over the last several years. While using a medial post (ie firmer section of the midsole, usually dual density foam) was the standard for a long time, many companies have begun to experiment with other methods. Geometry, plates, guidance lines, sidewalls and more have become far more prevalent. This has provided a larger number of options for runners seeking stability shoes. This is an important evolution given that different people will need different stability designs depending on comfort, tolerance and their own unique mechanics. The On Cloudace 2.0 is the evolution of On's attempt to make the ultimate stability shoe featuring as many of these mechanisms as possible without sacrificing cushioning or speed. While it manages to create a unique ride that is smooth, albeit a bit heavy, whether it is the ultimate stability shoe will depend on whether it matches the mechanics of the runner using them.
Specifications for the On Cloudace V2 (per On Running)
Price: $199.95
Weight: 12.3 oz / 350g (men's size 8.5) 10.1 oz / 287 g (women's size 7)
Stack Height: Not Provided
Drop: 7 mm
Classification: Moderate Stability Training Shoe
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Matt: The On Cloudace 2.0 is a unique, smooth and heavy duty stability shoe. Featuring a wider pebax speedboard, two layers of Helion midsole, a cushioned but firmer ride, a thick rearfoot internal and external heel counter and a solid fit, everything about this shoe is premium. The Cloudace 2.0 runs a little heavier, but provides a guided ride that keeps you rolling forward thanks to all of the above and a well-rockered sole. For the days you need a rockered, guided and stable ride in a heavy duty shoe that still has good ground feel, the On Cloudace 2.0 may be the shoe for you.
FIT
Matt: The On Cloudace 2.0 fits true to size in my normal men's US size 10.The fit is slightly wider throughout the length of the shoe, while still having a very secure fit. The heel in particularly fits wider, but is very secure thanks to a stiff internal and external heel counter. I did not have to lace lock the shoe at all due to the security. However, those with sensitive heels/Achilles insertions should be extremely cautious or avoid this shoe given that the heel counter is extremely stiff, runs the entire height of the heel and can dig into the top of the heel bone.
I am particularly sensitive to this right now as I had a flare up of my haglund deformity before trying this shoe (due to a lack fo sleep working and doing a full time PhD program). For those that do not have sensitives back there, the heel aspect of the upper is extremely secure. Those wanting a large and thick heel counter will enjoy this shoe. The midfoot fits slightly wide, but the laces are interact very well to create a custom fit. The tongue is gusseted, has a perfect amount of cushion and sits nicely against the foot. The midfoot also features an integrated wrap that goes on both the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. The top laces connect to these and when tightened do a great job of securing the midfoot down.The toebox has plenty of room with a well integrated and flexible toe guard. This is not a shoe I would use sockless as there are a ton of stitching on the inner side of the upper. The insoles of ON running shoes continue to impress me given the wonderful quality and step in comfort. The upper is fairly thick, but still breaths very well thanks to adequate ventilation. Overall the On Cloudace 2.0 has a thick but secure upper that fits on the wider side and still breathes well.
Bach: The On Cloudace fits true to size and does a good job of locking down throughout the foot. The heel features a robust heel counter system to end all heel counters, with a rigid internal and plastic external heel counter. You are undoubtedly locked into the shoe once you put it on. The heel is both thick and tall, which may be a hindrance for anyone sensitive to heel counters. The heel collar is moderately padded and comfortable. The fit in general is slightly above average, but not wide. Despite a very elaborate upper in general, the shoe breathes well and I never had any hotspots. I will discuss this further in performance, but the rearfoot is quite weighted as a whole and the feeling is noticeable.
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The On Cloudace 2.0 is a hefty shoe (12.3 oz men's size 8.5) but is well-rockered for a smooth ride. In typical On Running fashion, the ride is on the firmer side. The double layers on Helion foam provide a softer ride than other On shoes, but it is still on the firmer and more stable side. Version 2 of the Cloudace features a more significant rocker than previous. The heel is more beveled and the split midsole/cloud design lets the posterior lateral cloud act like a crash pad. The toe spring is significant and feels more apparent thanks to the stiffer Pebax Speedboard that is most noticeable in the forefoot. This offsets some of the heavier weight and provides a smooth ride regardless of where you land. The Speedboard provides more stability that propulsion. While the ride is on the firmer/responsive side, the weight holds the shoe back from picking up the pace (shoes like the On Cloudboom, Cloudboom Echo and others are better options for speed). There is still plenty of protection between the foot and the ground thanks to how much the clouds compress, but that compression actually lends to some decent ground feel. This is more noticeable in the forefoot as the clouds are larger and compress more in the heel. The transition is unique due to the rocker, pods and firmer ride. The heel and forefoot transitions are quick thanks to the stiffness, so the on ground feel and turnover is quite good. The weight becomes more apparent during the swing phase of running gait. So those with a shorter stride and higher cadence may enjoy these more as there may be less air time. As someone with a longer stride, these can be a little heavy. However their function really is not speed work. The On Cloudace 2.0 shines most during easy runs and recovery runs. For those used to heavier shoes, these may work well for longer runs. However they tend to work best when your legs are already beat up and just want a smooth protective and stable ride. These should be used only on road, as the wide guidance line easily picks up rocks on trails. The durability however is excellent as I have barely made a dent in the outsole after 50 miles. Overall the ride of the Cloudace 2.0 is well-rockered, smooth, a little firmer but protective and stable enough to keep you going on easy and recovery runs.
Bach: Despite being a hefty shoe, I found the weight to be surprisingly balanced on foot while running easy to recovery runs of average distances. It was during my long run in the shoe where the weight played a role and started feeling present over the course of later miles, particularly in the rearfoot.
The On Cloudace does ride extremely well though. The ride is slightly firm, but comfortable. Even on the long run when weight starts becoming an issue, the moderate rocker and firmer cushioning allows the Cloudace to roll along nicely. It is very easy to get into a rhythm and just tick mile after mile. I run with a shortened stride and particularly loved landing midfoot and just gently glide along. The outsole is tough and grippy as well, making each step feel very confident.
The one real issue I have with the Cloudace's is not the weight, but the pronounced heel counter. As I get into the swing phase of my gait, it is hard not to feel the counter present and putting the most minor of resistance. This does not make the Cloudace a shoe I would want to do any workouts or even slightly faster paced work in. This is squarely an easy day and recovery that shines at gently eating miles.
Additionally, for anyone who also wants a shoe for walking with a preference for a slightly firmer sole, the Cloudace is a comfortable choice.
STABILITY
Matt: The On Cloudace 2.0 is categorized as a high level stability shoe, but the elements are natural enough and integrate well enough that it is more of a moderate level stability shoe. The primary stability elements come from the wide Speedboard in the midsole, the rocker design, the significant guidance line in the midsole, the thick combined internal and external heel counter and the firmer ride. There is no post that pushes into your feet and upon initial step in may not feel like a stability shoe. However, once you start moving, either walking or running, these elements start working. The heel and forefoot are particularly stable, as the heel bevel and toespring transition you through those areas fairly quickly. The Speedboard provides resistance to extreme medial and lateral motion no matter where you land. This is subtle unless you have a lot of motion, which I noticed more as I fatigued during longer efforts. The heel counter, although too stiff for me due to a haglund flare up, is extremely stable and locks the heel in very well. I would call this shoe far more of a max guidance shoe than a stability shoe (although those things should not be that much different). Walking and running engage the plate, guidance line and bevels well, but they stay more quiet during standing. The On Cloudace is not a traditional stability shoe, but the number of strong elements certainly make it very stable.
Bach: The On Cloudace 2.0 is a very nontraditional stability shoe. The construction is essentially tank-like in that it locks you down and does not waver either direction due to the super wide Speedboard and firmer Helion cushioning. The mild rocker and large guidance line underfoot helps encourage a forward motion. The general width of the shoe throughout is very generous and aids in providing a reassuring landing. The design overall emphasizes stability without posting or GuideRails, which makes it unique as a maximum stability shoe in that it can accommodate a wider audience who wants a stable underfoot without a disruptive force pushing in either direction.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE
Just because a shoe is labeled a stability shoe does not mean it will work for every person looking for stability. Different people will need different methods depending on a variety of factors, including where specifically there is too much motion, where there is weakness that cannot control the motion or other structural, musculoskeletal and even sensory system abnormalities. We are now seeing a greater variety of methods to add stability in shoes. Some more traditional methods like posting/dual density foams and heel counters continue to be present. Other newer methods like plates, geometry, sidewalls, guidance lines and more are becoming increasingly popular. It is now the job of the consumer to try a few of these methods out and see what works best for them.
The On Cloudace is unique as a moderate to high level stability shoe that does not use posting, midsole geometry or guiderails. The heel counter is significant and does move a little forward and connects with the midsole, but the stability from that is focused almost completely on the heel. The midfoot and forefoot feature the wider Speedboard (plate) and the significant guidance line in the sole. What really makes the shoe stable from the midfoot forward is how fast the rocker in the Cloudace transitions you forward. For that reason, you will toe off faster and spend less time pronated (or supinated).
We have discussed many times that pronation describes a motion (actually.. .a combination of three at the foot ankle: eversion, dorsiflexion and foot abduction). This motion is an important part of shock absorption and like many things in the body, too much or too little may be problematic. We know from some of the literature on Achilles Tendinopathy, for which pronation is a risk factor, that the amount of pronation is not the issue, but rather the amount of time you spend in a pronated position during the stance phase of running gait (Becker et al., 2017). This may have to do with pronation causing a twisting of the tendon and with longer time spent there, the more pressure placed on this structure.
This only addresses one pathology but is one that would benefit from a fast transitioning, rockered shoe like the On Cloudace. Especially for those who are sensitive to traditional stability methods like posting. The rockers also take pressure of the Achilles tendon/ankle, so this combination may be good for that specific individual (Sobhani et al., 2017). However, those who like the feeling of being guided by guiderails through the midfoot or want a post to give them pressure into the midfoot and heel may not do as well here. Some people like the proprioceptive (body awareness) feedback from having a post or guiderails in a shoe that pushes into their foot. The On Cloudace doesn't have this (outside of the thick heel counter providing some pressure at the most rear portion of the shoe), so for that group it may work not work as well.
The point we want to get across is that all these companies using a variety of methods for stability is great, but it doesn't mean that all of them are going to work for every individual. We at Doctors of Running try to provide good information to help guide runners on choosing better shoes, but it is also the responsibility of the runner to take that information, pair down their choices to a couple shoes, try some things on and see if they work. Each shoe is an experiment. Additionally, we know that having a variety of shoes can actually reduce running injury risk, so having two shoes with different stability methods may also be of benefit to challenge slightly different parts of your body. Variety and proper training are key, so go out there and test some shoes.
References
Becker, J., James, S., Wayner, R., Osternig, L., & Chou, L. S. (2017). Biomechanical factors associated with Achilles tendinopathy and medial tibial stress syndrome in runners. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(11), 2614-2621.
Malisoux, L., Ramesh, J., Mann, R., Seil, R., Urhausen, A., & Theisen, D. (2015). Can parallel use of different running shoes decrease running‐related injury risk?. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 25(1), 110-115.
Sobhani, S., Heuvel, E., Dekker, R., Postema, K., Kluitenberg, B., Bredeweg, S., Hijmans, J. (2017). Biomechanics of running with rocker shoes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 20(1): 38-44.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: There is a large number of cool technologies that went into this shoe. In typical On Running style, the materials are extremely high in quality. However, my major recommendation would be to redo the heel counter. Many runners, particularly older runners, who need stability may also have insertional Achilles tendon issues. Excessive time in pronation may be a risk factor for Achilles Tendinopathy. While the heel counter is quite stable, it is a little to stiff and large for people that have sensitive heels. The counter raises up the entire height of the rearfoot, which may dig into the heels of some people. I would encourage On Running to experiment with some additional heel counter designs. I am a particular fan of Adidas's split heel counter design, which places no pressure on the posterior aspect of the heel and instead stabilizes the medial and lateral aspect. This is the major thing that kept me from using the Cloudace 2.0 more, but that is due to being part of a unique population. I would still encourage thinking outside the box on this, especially with how many forward thinking stability elements are present in this shoe.
Bach: I agree with Matt that the heel counter would be the main area of change for me. The new Cloudflow did a nice job of tuning the heel counter with a design that is cleaner, but still rigid and well-fitting. A similar change to the Cloudace would help open the shoe up to a wider range of runners, take some weight off the rearfoot and help potentially open up the versatility of the Cloudace. With the design being more accommodating than typical stability footwear, adjustments to the heel counter may be all it takes to elevate the Cloudace. The other piece I have to discuss is the cost. At $199, this is not a versatile shoe by any means. I hope dialing down the heel counter could potentially help also dial back the cost somewhat and bring it down for stability users. It's a unique stability option that could get a lot of usage at a lower price point.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
Matt: The On Cloudace is for those looking for a durable, well-rockered moderate to high level stability shoe without a post. The ride is cushioned for an On shoe, but is still on the firmer side with a stiff but quick transitioning rocker. The heel counter is very stiff, locking the heel down well in the rearfoot but is a word of caution for those with sensitive calcanei. The upper fits slightly wider, yet has plenty of lockdown to keep the foot secure. A wide Speedboard (plate), well-rockered sole, huge guidance lines (that also catch rocks on trails, so keep these on the roads) and a few other methods provide non-intrusive but naturally guided stability that should work for those that don't want things pushing into their feet. Best for easy, recovery and long runs, the On Cloudace is a unique take on a stability shoe, but is in line with the current trend of variety in footwear.
Bach: The Cloudace is for anyone looking for a stability shoe that does not utilize traditional methods of stability along with a highly, highly supportive heel counter and a smooth, rockered ride on the mildly firm side. This particularly works well for anyone with a shorter stride as the shoe feels best quickly shuffling to balance the weight of the Cloudace. Anyone with a long stride may find the heel counter and rearfoot weight to be disruptive. Despite my issues with the heel counter situation, I really enjoyed the Cloudace's ride and found myself picking it up again and again for easy days and days when I wanted to do doubles of short to medium distances without worrying about stability underfoot.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: B (Wider fitting upper that can be customized well for normal to wider foot types. The security is great, but the heel counter is far too large and stiff)
Performance: B (Extremely heavy but well rockered and slightly firmer ride. Best for easy/recovery runs)
Stability: A- (Extremely stable shoe without traditional methods. The plate, guidance line, and rocker do a great job guiding the foot forward while in motion)
DPT/Footwear Science: B+ (Excellent design creating a very stable shoe without posting. However, the shoe is way heavier than it needs to be, which prevents this shoe from being versatile beyond easy and recovery runs)
Personal: B-/C+ (Outside the heel counter, this is a comfortable shoe. However the rigid and obtrusive heel counter prevents me from liking this shoe more. Everything else feels really good and I hope that heel counter can be redesigned so I can fully enjoy the potential of this shoe. Additionally, this shoe is still way heavier than it needs to be. )
Overall: B (A unique stability shoe for those who don't want posting, want a smooth ride with a wider fit but don't mind some extra weight)
Bach
Fit: B/B+ (Fits well throughout for standard feet. Rigid heel counter is a flavor though that some may or may not enjoy)
Performance: B (Despite weight, the shoe rolls along nicely. Heel counter causes lack of versatility in use though unless you excel with a highly rigid heel counter system)
Stability: A (For it's ability to stand out as a premium stability without using obtrusive posting or GuideRails, could mean a lot for many runners needing non-guidance based staiblity)
DPT/Footwear Science: B (Stability elements are standout here, but weight and heel design brings the grading down)
Personal: B+ (Despite the heel counter being an issue, I greatly enjoy runs in the Cloudace and think it is a very underrated option in the stability game)
Overall: B (A great stability shoe that's hindered by a difficult heel counter design, weight, and high price point)
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
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Thanks for reading!
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