The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is the brand new carbon plated shoe from On. I was excited to see what it was all about. On another note did you know the brand is just “On”? No. “On Running” Or “On Clouds” just “On”.
On has been trending in the right direction regarding running shoes. You’ll see them everywhere for casual living, but in the last two years, you see more runners using them, and they’ve sponsored an impressive amount of pro athletes. When the On Cloudmonster and CloudGo came out, I knew On was on to something special.
I wondered how the On Cloudboom Echo 3 would stack up. Is the On Cloudboom Echo 3 a good marathon shoe? Is the On Cloudboom Echo 3 a good racing shoe? Is it even just a good shoe?
On Cloudboom Echo 3 Quick Facts:
Price: $289.99
Weight: 6.6 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 9.5 mm (how many shoes have a .5 drop?)
On Cloudboom Echo 3 Intro:
The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is really On’s first super shoe. It features a carbon plate and two layers of Pebax foam. Right off the bat, I noticed this is one of the firmest shoes I’ve ever worn. If you miss the feeling of 2016 racing flats, you might enjoy the firmness of the On Cloudboom Echo 3. On claims you can run a marathon in the Cloudboom Echo, but we will see.
On Cloudboom Echo 3 Fit:
Most On running shoes fit long and lean. If you have a wider foot, you’ll notice they are incredibly narrow, but going up a half size means the shoe might be way too long. Determining your actual size in the On Cloudboom Echo 3 may take a few tries.
The upper features microfiber material and it is one of the most breathable zippers I’ve tried. The On Cloudboom Echo 3 doesn’t have a fully gusseted tongue, but the front of the tongue is stitched to the upper. I haven’t had any issues with the tongue moving around.
The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet; for the most part, the On Cloudboom Echo 3 does just that. It took me a few sizes to find my size, but once I did, I found it comfortable. I wear running shoes between a size 10-11 wide, and I’ve seen the size 10 to fit the best. It’s slightly more snug than I prefer, but I don’t have to worry about it being too long and tripping. If there was a 10 wide option, I would take it.
On Cloudboom Echo 3 Ride:
As mentioned, the On Cloudboom Echo 3 is extremely firm. It features two layers of Peebax plus a carbon plate. You feel the ground.
According to On, the new “Helion HF midsole is soft with plush cushioning.” I don’t think they hit the mark here. The Cloudmonster is plush. The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is firm and feels like you are running on the ground. Remember that firm isn’t wrong, and some runners do very well in a firm running shoe, but it’s not the bouncy and plush feeling of almost every other carbon-plated model.
A feature I’ve never seen in running shoes until now is you’ll notice silicone strips on the insole. They hold your feet in place and keep them from sliding. I think it’s a clever idea, especially on hilly courses (downhill when your feet ram into the front of the shoe, resulting in loss of toenails). But it takes some time to get used to, and you feel them.
Durability and Traction:
The outsole of the On Cloudboom Echo 3 is unique in that it’s not flat. It’s curved, and the raised areas tend to catch on the ground. Even after 50 miles, I’ve noticed significant wear. This is likely a shoe that’s not going to last more than 100 miles. For $289.99, it is expensive for a shoe you may get a couple of marathon training cycles out of.
How does it fit into my running shoe rotation? The Cloudboom Echo is a racing and fast workout shoe, and that’s all I’ve used it for. The ride is firm because it’s not a great shoe for me to run more than 15 miles. I find my feet get extremely tired and don’t feel great. Can you run a marathon in the On Cloudboom Echo 3? Yes, but if you aren’t used to how firm the shoe is, you’ll need to take time to work into it. Likely, you’ll find the bottoms of your feet sore. I like the ride for shorter and faster workouts because I miss the 2016 racing flat feeling. Don’t get my wrong, it is a fast racing shoe and it’s been a lot of run to do shorter workouts and races, but my body is not happy to do more than a half in it.
On Cloudboom Echo 3 Conclusion:
I like the Cloudboom Echo, but it’s a costly shoe for its durability and use. Most runners won’t want to run a marathon because it’s “too firm.” The $289 price tag of the Cloudboom Echo 3 does not make it any better than any other carbon-plated shoe. Generally, On running shoes and clothing are just more expensive. You pay for the name, not because the shoe is “super fast.”
Who should buy the On Cloudboom Echo 3? If you like the feeling of 2016 racing flats and feeling the ground when you run. If you are training and racing a half marathon and below pri,ce is not an issue.
Who should not buy the On Cloudboom Echo 3? If you have wider feet or prefer a soft carbon plated shoe with more cushion.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro, Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
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.
Question for you:
What is your favorite racing shoe?
Do you prefer a soft or more firm running shoe?