My first run in a pair of On trainers was a complete miss, almost 10 years in the past (yikes)! They simply didn’t match my foot form, and truthfully, I wasn’t satisfied their quirky “backyard hose” sole design was constructed to final. The Cloudultra 3 seems like the proper instance of how far On has come. The On model isn’t simply nonetheless right here; it’s thriving, and it has constructed a repute for experimenting boldly, holding what works, and discarding what doesn’t.
The On CloudUltra 3 makes some vital enhancements over the two, which I used to be keen to check on terrain that will reveal if the updates had been worthwhile.
I first took them on considered one of my favourite native trails, which climbs almost 1,000 toes within the first mile, that includes rocky steps, unfastened switchbacks, and a sketchy downhill part. It’s at all times the path the place I carry new sneakers, as a result of it reveals all the pieces shortly.
The massive query: may the Cloudultra 3 enhance on an already well-regarded path mannequin? After testing them on lengthy runs, pace days, and technical path runs, I’d say sure, however there are just a few quirks price noting.
- Extensive toes: Runs just a little cosy within the midfoot, so not the best choice for very extensive toes.
- Technical trails: Handles them effectively, particularly with the upgraded outsole.
- Lengthy runs: Glorious, that is the place the shoe shines.
- Entrance of the Pack: Every day coach shoe that might be used for path racing.
This shoe would work effectively for somebody on the lookout for an on a regular basis path shoe that may carry them by lengthy runs. It’s not perfect for these with extensive toes or these in search of further house within the midfoot.
On CloudUltra 3 Overview
The On CloudUltra 3 nonetheless isn’t a hyper-aggressive path shoe, nevertheless it stays true to its repute as a long-haul associate. It nonetheless balances cushioning and stability with out shedding its clean, straightforward journey.
With a refreshed higher and a few updates underfoot, it retains a lot of what folks preferred within the Cloudultra 2 whereas fine-tuning just a few drawback areas. After all, like every replace, it introduces its personal quirks, most noticeably within the midfoot match.
However first, let’s speak concerning the updates.
The midsole is the place you’ll really feel the largest change. On added a dual-layer Helion HF hyper foam that feels just a little softer with out shedding the snappy responsiveness. I believe it’s a game-changer foam.
It’s thought-about an opulent cushion, nevertheless it isn’t too gentle, and it protects the foot whereas nonetheless having a excessive power return. It’s a little bit of a unicorn in the way it does all of it.
The outsole additionally acquired a welcome improve. On ditched the outdated sq. lugs in favor of the favored chevron sample, which provides the grip a noticeably safer really feel on unfastened grime and rocks.
I believe it feels extra succesful on technical trails.
The higher went by a significant makeover. Out went the sock-style mini gaiter and in got here a well-padded heel cup that feels extra supportive.
The fast-dry Leno weave higher, strengthened with TPU overlays, is hard and abrasion-resistant. It’s not like a material mesh that snags; that is undoubtedly a inflexible materials that may take a beating.
The TPU overlays present just a little little bit of splash safety across the toes and decrease sides. This shoe clearly leans hot-weather prepared.
It drains and dries shortly, however the air flow holes are large enough that fantastic sand and “moondust” can sneak in. White sock followers, take word, mud and grime will certainly make their approach by.
The trade-off with the TPU overlay is a cosy midfoot.
On my left foot, I may really feel the fabric urgent close to the arch. At first, I anxious it’d rub, however as soon as I began operating, the feeling pale and by no means brought about points.
After trying into it, it appears I’m not the one one who can really feel it. Like others, it wasn’t a hassle until you could have a wider midfoot.
- Weight: 8.28 oz Ladies’s, 10.4 oz Males’s
- Stack Top: 32mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Out there in 4 colours
- Not obtainable in extensive
- Out there on On.com for $190
Fast Take
- Nice for lengthy runs
- Upgraded chevron lugs for extra traction
- Tremendous sturdy higher
- Slim within the midfoot
- Not a excessive power pop of a pace shoe
Fashion-wise, I’ll admit I’ve gotten used to the backyard home look, and it now not bothers me. I just like the Cloudultra 3; it appears smooth, fashionable, and clear.
On CloudUltra 3 Match
Match has at all times been a little bit of a hit-or-miss with On, however the CloudUltra 33 seems like progress. In my standard dimension 8, it ran true to dimension.
The toebox is reasonably roomy, with sufficient house to let my toes splay with out ever feeling sloppy. It’s cosy sufficient to remain safe on off-camber trails.
The midfoot match, although, leans cosy. For me, it labored, however when you’ve received wider toes, it is perhaps too tight.
One of many experimental issues On tried after which in the end changed is the FlipRelease lacing system.
The up to date lacing (with a gusseted and padded tongue) holds the foot securely with out creating extreme stress, and there’s enough lace size for a correct heel lock.
I couldn’t use the lace keeper with that setup, however somebody with narrower toes may discover it useful.
On CloudUltra Really feel
With a reputation like “Cloud,” I’ll admit I used to be anticipating one thing gentle and cotton sweet–like underfoot. That’s not what the On CloudUltra 3 delivers, and truthfully, I’m okay with that.
It has loads of cushion, nevertheless it leans extra towards steady than squishy. The up to date dual-layer Helion foam feels barely springy with out being overly gentle.
With a 6mm drop, there’s additionally a clean roll from heel to toe that helps make it environment friendly on each climbs and runnable sections. Whereas it doesn’t give a high-energy “pop,” it stored my legs and toes feeling contemporary on my lengthy runs.
On my climbs, the Cloudultra 3 felt responsive sufficient to maintain me shifting, and on descents, it smoothed issues out whereas nonetheless retaining grip. 
I believe considered one of my favourite issues concerning the 3 is how properly it absorbs impression on downhills.
The truth is, at one level on a technical downhill, I received misplaced in thought and didn’t even take into consideration my sneakers or slipping. The three’s simply blended in with my toes. Which actually is the aim of a shoe, to be ok to be forgotten about.
One other considered one of my favourite updates on the Cloudultra 3 is the lugs. The chevron-style Missiongrip lugs chew higher into unfastened grime and really feel extra assured on rocks in comparison with the earlier sq. design.
They’re not the deepest lugs within the recreation, however for combined terrain and lengthy runs, I used to be pleasantly shocked by how effectively they carried out.
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The On Cloudultra 3 is a big replace that builds upon the two in all the fitting methods. It has higher traction, a extra comfy higher, and refined cushioning. I believe. It’s a superb match for decent path runs and runners who prioritize each sturdiness and breathability.
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