On Cloudrunner 3 Review: Confidence from start to finish

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

If your feet feel good, you’ll run farther — or at least that’s the thinking behind On’s latest update to its bestselling Cloudrunner model. Designed for stable landings and smooth toe-offs, the Cloudrunner 3 delivers the same CloudTec® cushioning runners know and love, now paired with updated geometry and higher sidewalls. According to On, these changes create a more secure, confidence-inspiring ride for both beginner and experienced runners alike.

Curious how the Fleet Feet Review team put it to the test? Read on to find out.

“In this scenario, my foot is the toboggan and the Cloudrunner 3’s midsole is the railing that keeps my foot in line for safety,” he says. “That rail system is firm but never punishing. It’s more supportive than stiff. There’s enough structure underfoot to keep things predictable mile after mile. The ride is undeniably comfortable in a “nothing went wrong” kind of way; smooth transitions, no hot spots, no drama. Like a well-maintained toboggan run you’ve done a hundred times, the Cloudrunner 3 does exactly what it promises. It gets you from top to bottom (start line to finish line) safely, reliably, and without surprises.”

Like Max, my feet breathed a little sigh of relief when I put the On Cloudrunner 3 on. My first run in these was a bit unexpected — I had just completed a half-marathon race in carbon-plated supershoes and, after a quick shoe and outfit change, I doubled back on the course to catch my husband finishing his first marathon. I ended up running the last bit with him for moral support, and my feet definitely appreciated some support and stability after being in the somewhat unstable racing shoes for the past hour and a half. On utilizes high sidewalls in the Cloudrunner so your feet are sitting inside the cushioning rather than on top of it for a truly immersive and secure feel. While they are a bit firmer than what I’d typically reach for, it was nice to feel solid in my footing over some rickety boardwalks and tight turns.

“The midsole feels firm after the initial step-in, but the heel softens up nicely once you’re up and running in them,” says Tom. “The ride is smooth overall and definitely remains firm in the forefoot and midfoot, which I prefer most of the time in my running shoes unless I’m on a long run. Firmer midsoles help me feel more connected to the ground and aware of my form. Still, during a few of my runs I found myself wanting for a touch more energy return from the midsole to keep me feeling peppy towards the end of the run. The TPU heel clips [placed along the base of the heel for extra rigidity] were nice for some gentle support without feeling cumbersome.”

The Cloudrunner 3 also features a decoupled heel, visible at the back of the shoe, that allows part of the shoe to move with you without the entire platform shifting. This lets you move naturally while still benefiting from added support.

The supportive feel continues up top with the well-padded upper. A cushy tongue and heel collar hug your feet, while suede accents on the lacing system provide a touch of flair.

“I love the look and fit of the Cloudrunner 3. The all-white colorway and roomy comfort make it an instant staple for daily wear outside of just running, and the high-quality feel of the materials leads me to believe it will be durable enough to do just that,” says Tom.

I agree with Tom — part of the reason I brought this shoe with me for race weekend is so I could wear them around town the evening before and rack up the compliments. It was a success! But enough about the aesthetics, let’s get down to the details.

“First things first: If the Cloudrunner 3 is any indication that On is leveling up their initial step-in feel, they’re certainly on the right track. They’ve turned up the gears on plushness and comfort,” says Max. “The upper, specifically the heel collar and heel counter, has heavy padding for a softness I haven’t felt in a while.”

We all found the Cloudrunner 3 to fit true-to-size, although Max notes that if the upper wasn’t so padded throughout, the last [the shape around which the shoe is constructed] would have felt too wide on his narrow feet.

While the Cloudrunner 3 isn’t available in a narrow width (sorry, Max!), it is available in wide widths (D for women, 2E for men). Unsure about the width of your feet? Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height. You can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there!

The On Cloudrunner 3 maintains its position as the moderately cushioned support style in On’s running lineup. The latest version has a slightly lighter weight and a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop for a more nimble, natural feel. The On Cloudrunner 3 uses the same lightweight Helion superfoam as the previous version.

The decoupled heel is also more pronounced from version 2 to version 3, allowing you to move naturally without the entire shoe’s platform shifting with you. The latest iteration also boasts deeper CloudTec® cavities for added stability during landings and toeoffs.

We took a look at some comparable models to see how the On Cloudrunner stacks up. Here’s what we found:

We found the Cloudrunner 3 to feel most similar to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and the HOKA Arahi 8. While the Arahi 8 feels much softer than the Cloudrunner 3, both shoes utilize high sidewalls to deliver a “bucket seat” experience for your feet — you feel truly surrounded by the cushioning for maximum support.

The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses Brooks’ GuideRails™ technology, firm reinforcements on the sides of the shoe, to offer support for runners who put more pressure on the insides of their feet as they move. The feeling is similar to the Cloudrunner 3’s heel clips, which add some reinforcement along the medial and lateral sides of your heels.

All three shoes feature a wide base for stable, steady landings.

The On Cloudrunner 3 is a great option for runners and walkers who enjoy a firm ride with steady support.

“I would recommend the Cloudrunner 3 for all levels of runners who like to feel planted in their shoes and in control of their stride,” says Tom. “The supportive heel clips are a nice touch for those with more flexible feet. If you think your feet could use a little extra support without going overboard, the Cloudrunner 3 could be a great option. Overall, the stable platform of the shoe is confidence-inspiring whether you’re walking, running or working out.”