The On Cloudgo is probably On’s best running shoe yet, which says a lot because it comes the same year after the brand new On Cloudmonster, a super cushioned trainer. It’s become clear On has stepped up their running shoe game.
The wait is it On Cloudgo or Cloud Go? It’s on Cloudgo, all one word. Anyway, the Cloudgo is a well-cushioned shoe for training and durability.
It features On’s signature CloudTec cushioning, Speedboard, and even eco-friendly materials. Cloud is On’s technology and most of their shoes contain “cloud”. There is even an On Cloud which makes it even more confusing.
On Cloudgo Quick Facts:
Weight: 9.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 11 mm
Cost: $140
On Cloudgo Introduction:
If you’ve worn On running shoes, you are familiar with the pod cushioning also known as clouds. On uses the “CloudTec cushioning system” to offer multidirectional support to provide cushion and support no matter how you land. On claims, runners of all gaits can use the CloudTec technology with no issues.
What makes the On Cloudgo different from other On shoes? The Cloudgo uses smaller pods that create a more responsive ride. The smaller pods are also likely to get rocks and debris in them. Thank goodness, and becoming a rock collector has always been one of my most significant issues with On running shoes. The bottom of the Cloudgo’s is different than other On’s and it makes it hard to collect rocks. Hoorah, I’ve been waiting for On to make this!
Inside the midsole, you’ll find a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane Speedboard), another signature piece of On’s technology. The Cloud elements compress, and the Speedboard engages and helps move you forward.
Finally, the midsole is made with On’s prosperity midsole technology: Helion super foam. All of these combined make the On Cloudgo plush but responsive.
Durability and Traction: The smaller pods are one of my favorite shoe features because it doesn’t get much dirt and debris caught (if any). This also adds more traction to the shoe.
The durable rubber provides traction on sandy trails. Most On shoes are pretty durable and the On Cloudgo is similar. I expect it to last between 300-400 miles. The traction is good, and I’ve run on the sandy trails several times with no issues. The biggest excitement is that it’s hard to get rocks and debris stuck in the shoe. I really can’t emphasize how happy I am about that.
New shoes are always interesting to determine where they fit in your rotation. I assumed the On Cloud would be an excellent option for daily runs, and it is. I appreciate that I can pick up the pace when I want, but it has enough cushion for easier runs. I pack it in my bag when I only need one running shoe. This shoe is taking on the likes of the Brooks Ghost, Saucony Ride, or even Nike Pegasus.
On CloudGo Fit:
The On Cloudgo features an engineered polyester mesh upper with 85-90% recycled materials. I’m a huge fan of brands using recycled materials. It also fits well, so you don’t feel like you are sacrificing a good fit for being eco-friendly.
Most On running shoes run narrow, and the On Cloudgo is no exception. It’s not too narrow but will have a snugger midsole and heel.
I firmly believe that the best running shoe uppers disappear off your foot and the On Cloudgo does just that. The tongue and heel collar are plush, and there are no hot spots. The textured laces allow your foot to stay tied, and you don’t have to worry about that. In all, it’s a fairly simple but good fitting upper. There is a weird shoelace thing across that I can’t really figure out what it does. It seems pointless.
Typically I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. In On shoes, size 11 fits the best, and the On Cloudgo follows suit. It works well, although I wish there were a couple of millimeters more width.
On Cloudgo Conclusion:
I firmly believe On Cloudgo is On’s best shoe yet, which is a significant accomplishment because I said the same about On Cloudmonster a few months ago. The On Cloudgo is one of my favorite daily run shoes. I hope On adds the smaller pods to more of its shoes, so they don’t collect as many rocks.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: On Cloudgo, New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the On Cloudgo?
What is your favorite running shoe?
my fave shoe ever, the Cloud Swift!…….the most natural shoe I’ve worn, and I wear a lot of them too…….I keep waiting for their completely recyclable shoe….love that idea