At $230, this is a premium trainer. I wasn’t sure if the On Cloudboom Max was worth it, but I’ve been surprised. Out of the box, it looks more like a beefed-up daily trainer than a traditional racing flat. The first run I did in the shoe felt great. I was coming off almost a month of being sick and feeling like garbage, so it was a welcome change. Was I finally better, or is the On Cloudboom Max a miracle worker? The world will never know, but I’ve really liked this shoe.
When I first saw the Cloudboom Max, I honestly wasn’t sure what to make of it. Is it a racing shoe? A trainer? Something in between? It looks like a daily trainer, but the specs say performance.
Before trying the On Cloudboom Max, I had some questions:
Is the On Cloudboom Max good for marathon training at 8–9 minute pace?
Yes, the On Cloudboom Max is an excellent choice for marathon training at 8–9 minute pace. A lot of plated shoes feel best at faster paces, but the Cloudboom Max is unique in that it performs well at steady, moderate efforts, making it ideal for long runs, marathon-pace workouts, and training blocks aimed at non-elite runners.
How does the On Cloudboom Max compare to other plated trainers in 2025?
The On Cloudboom Max is in the middle ground between lightweight racing shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 4 and bulkier daily trainers like the Saucony Endorphin Speed. Compared to other plated trainers, it feels more stable and durable, with a full rubber outsole that extends its lifespan to around 300 miles. It’s not the lightest or most aggressive, but it’s one of the most versatile options on the market.
Can the On Cloudboom Max handle daily training and race day?
Yes, the Cloudboom Max can handle both daily training and race day…especially if that pace is between 8-9 minutes. It’s built with enough cushion and outsole durability for everyday mileage while still offering the responsiveness of a plated shoe. Many runners will find they can use it for long runs, tempo workouts, and even marathons without needing a separate racing flat.
Does the On Cloudboom Max fit wide feet?
The On Cloudboom Max fits wider than many other On models, which often run narrow. The toe box has a rounded shape and offers more room, making it more forgiving for runners with slightly wider feet. However, those with very wide feet may still prefer to size up a half size for comfort.
What makes the On Cloudboom Max different from the On Cloudboom Echo?
The On Cloudboom Max is built for stability and versatility, while the Cloudboom Echo is more of a pure racing shoe. The Echo is lighter and more aggressive, designed for faster efforts, but it doesn’t have the durability or comfort for daily training. The Cloudboom Max is better suited for marathon training blocks and long runs, making it more practical for the majority of runners.
Is the On Cloudboom Max a good option for first-time marathoners?
Yes, the Cloudboom Max can be a good option for first-time marathoners. It offers the responsiveness of a plated shoe without feeling overly stiff or difficult to control. The stability, cushioning, and durability make it less intimidating than elite-level racing shoes, while still giving you the performance edge on race day.
Now, let’s get into an honest On Cloudboom Max review.
Quick Facts: On Cloudboom Max
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Weight: 10.0 oz
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Stack Height: 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
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Plate: Glass fiber and nylon Speedboard
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Price: $230 USD
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Uses: Long runs, long workouts, marathons
On Cloudboom Max Fit
The fit of the Cloudboom Max is one of the best I’ve tried from On. If you’ve worn On running shoes before, you know some of them fit narrow. The upper is made with a dense engineered mesh that leans more toward support than ventilation. If you live in a hot climate, you might notice the warmth, but the structure adds confidence when picking up the pace. I’ve used them in hotter weather in the Mojave Desert, and your feet can get hot. Hopefully, in future versions, they make the upper a bit more breathable.
The gusseted tongue is thin and race-inspired, and the sawtooth laces actually do their job…they stay tied. The toe box is moderately wide with a rounded shape. I wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide, and the size 11 fits comfortably. On shoes often run narrow, but this one feels more forgiving, even for slightly wider feet.
If you like extra room, you might size up a half, but it fits pretty true to size.
On Cloudboom Max Ride
This is where the Cloudboom Max gets interesting. The midsole is made of two layers of Helion HF foam: a PEBA top layer that feels lively and springy, and a TPEE bottom layer that adds stability and structure. Between them is On’s glass-fiber nylon Speedboard plate, which gives the shoe a propulsive feel without being overly stiff like some carbon-plated racers.
The rocker design is noticeable but not aggressive. It helps you roll through your stride whether you’re running easy miles or picking up the pace. At 40 mm in the heel, it meets racing regulations, but because of the recessed footbed and raised sidewalls, it feels lower and more stable than the numbers suggest.
Where does the On Cloudboom Max fit into my rotation? Honestly, I thought this was going to be a “super shoe” I’d save for PR attempts, but after a few runs, I’ve found it’s better suited for tempo workouts, uptempo long runs, and marathon training. It really shines at 8–9 minute pace, and I’ve felt exceptionally good in that pace range. It’s not the shoe I’d grab for ripping an all-out interval session, but it’s perfect for long, smooth efforts. Despite being 10 oz, it doesn’t feel clunky or heavy (which was a huge concern to me).
Outsole
On used full rubber outsole coverage, which adds a little weight but should extend the shoe’s life well beyond many plated models. There’s also a central decoupling groove to smooth transitions, and the deep rubber pods grip well on wet roads.
So far, I’d guess this shoe will get around 300 miles, which is more than most other carbon-plated shoes. I’ve worn it on rainy roads and smooth trails, and it handled both without issue. I wouldn’t take it trail running, but it’s versatile enough for light off-road sections.
On Cloudboom Max Conclusion
The On Cloudboom Max is exactly what On says it is: a versatile, plated shoe designed for the majority of marathon runners.
Yes, it’s $230 and slightly heavier than some racing shoes, but if you want one shoe that can cover almost every type of road run, it’s worth the investment. This has been one of the most fun running shoes I’ve tried in 2025.
Who Should Buy the On Cloudboom Max
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You’re training for a first marathon and want a plated shoe that doesn’t feel intimidating
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You like having one shoe for everything: daily mileage, tempo runs, and race day
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You don’t love the stiffness of carbon plates but still want a responsive ride
Who Should Not Buy the On Cloudboom Max
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You’re an elite marathoner
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You want a super light, all-out racing shoe
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You’re looking for a budget-friendly trainer
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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 of running shoes.
Question for you:
Have you tried the On Cloudboom Max?
What is your favorite running shoe?