Cloudstratus vs Cloudboom Shoes

We’re going to look at two popular shoes: the Cloudstratus and the Cloudboom. Both are made by a company called On Running, but they are quite different. Let’s find out which one might be right for you!

Cloudstratus vs Cloudboom Shoes

Cloudstratus and Cloudboom shoes is their purpose:

Cloudstratus is built for comfort during everyday training runs with double-layer cushioning.

While Cloudboom is designed as a lightweight racing shoe with a carbon plate for speed and performance during competitions. Each serves a specific running need.

Feature	Cloudstratus	Cloudboom
Purpose	Daily training, long runs	Racing, speed workouts
Weight	Heavier (10.7 oz/305g)	Lighter (7.9 oz/225g)
Cushioning	Double-layer CloudTec, very soft	Less cushioning, firmer feel
Special Technology	Double cloud pods	Carbon fiber plate
Durability	400-500 miles	200-300 miles
Toe Box	Wider, more spacious	Narrower, snug fit
Best For	Comfort, longer distances	Speed, race day
Price	$170	$200
Upper Material	Engineered mesh with reinforcement	Ultra-lightweight mesh
Stability	More supportive	Less stable, focuses on speed
Flexibility	Medium flexibility	Stiffer due to carbon plate
Best Surface	Roads and light trails	Dry road surfaces

In summary: If you’re choosing between these two On Running shoes, think about what you need them for. Cloudstratus is like your comfy everyday shoe that keeps your feet happy on long runs with lots of cushioning.

Cloudboom is your special race day shoe that helps you run faster with its lightweight design and carbon plate. 

What Makes These Shoes Special?

The Cloudstratus and Cloudboom are both running shoes, but they’re made for different types of running. The Cloudstratus is built for everyday running and comfort.

The Cloudboom is made for racing and speed. Think of it like having a comfy car for daily driving and a race car for going super fast!

The Cloudstratus: Your Daily Running Friend

The Cloudstratus is like a soft pillow for your feet. It has lots of cushioning to make your runs feel smooth. Many runners choose this shoe when they want to run longer distances without hurting their feet.

The Cloudboom: Your Speed Helper

The Cloudboom is lighter and has less cushioning. It’s made to help you run faster in races. If you want to beat your best time, this might be the shoe for you!

Comfort: Which Shoe Feels Better?

Cloudstratus Comfort

The Cloudstratus has double layers of soft material under your foot. This makes it very comfy, especially on hard roads. The shoe hugs your foot nicely and many runners say it feels like wearing a soft sock.

“When I put on my Cloudstratus shoes, it feels like my feet are getting a hug,” says one runner.

Cloudboom Comfort

The Cloudboom isn’t as soft as the Cloudstratus. It’s made to be light and fast, not super cushioned. Some runners find it less comfy for long runs, but love how it feels during short, fast races.

Cushioning: Soft vs Firm

Feature	Cloudstratus	Cloudboom
Cushioning Level	High (8/10)	Medium (5/10)
Best For	Long runs, daily training	Speed workouts, races
Feel	Soft and bouncy	Firm and responsive
Impact Protection	Excellent	Good

Cloudstratus Cushioning

The Cloudstratus has what On Running calls “CloudTec” cushioning. This means there are little cloud-shaped pods under your feet that squish when you step down. There are two layers of these clouds in the Cloudstratus, which makes it extra soft.

Cloudboom Cushioning

The Cloudboom has less cushioning. It has a carbon fiber plate inside that helps you push off the ground faster. This makes it great for running quickly but not as soft for longer runs.

Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size

Getting the right fit is super important for running shoes. Let’s see how these two compare:

Cloudstratus Fit

The Cloudstratus has a wider toe box, which means there’s more room for your toes to spread out. This is good if your feet are wider or if you like having extra space. The shoe fits true to size for most people.

Cloudboom Fit

The Cloudboom fits more snugly than the Cloudstratus. It’s made to hold your foot firmly for racing. Some runners find they need to go up half a size in the Cloudboom.

Durability: How Long Will They Last?

Nobody wants shoes that wear out quickly! Here’s how long you can expect these shoes to last:

Cloudstratus Durability

The Cloudstratus is built to last longer. Many runners report getting 400-500 miles out of a pair. The outsole (bottom of the shoe) is made of tough rubber that doesn’t wear down quickly.

Cloudboom Durability

The Cloudboom isn’t made for as many miles. Since it’s a racing shoe, it’s built more for speed than durability. Most runners get about 200-300 miles from a pair. This is normal for racing shoes.

Breathing: Keeping Your Feet Cool

Having shoes that let air flow to your feet is important, especially on hot days.

Cloudstratus Breathing

The Cloudstratus has a mesh upper that lets air move in and out. Your feet can breathe well in these shoes, even on warm days. The mesh also dries fairly quickly if it gets wet.

Cloudboom Breathing

The Cloudboom has an even lighter mesh that allows excellent airflow. Since it’s made for racing, keeping your feet cool is important! The thin upper material means your feet won’t get too hot during fast runs.

Stability: Keeping You Balanced

Stability helps prevent injuries and keeps your running form good.

Cloudstratus Stability

The Cloudstratus offers good stability thanks to its wider base and supportive upper. The double layer of clouds helps keep your foot from rolling inward too much (something called overpronation).

Cloudboom Stability

The Cloudboom has less stability features. It’s designed for efficient runners who don’t need much correction. The carbon plate does add some stability, but not as much as the Cloudstratus offers.

Quality: Are They Well Made?

Cloudstratus Quality

The Cloudstratus shows excellent craftsmanship. The stitching is neat, and the materials feel premium. On Running paid attention to details like reinforced areas where shoes often wear out first.

Cloudboom Quality

The Cloudboom also shows high quality, with lightweight materials that are precisely put together. Even though it’s lighter, it doesn’t feel cheap. The carbon plate technology shows On Running’s commitment to advanced shoe design.

Style: How Do They Look?

Let’s be honest – how shoes look matters too!

Cloudstratus Style

The Cloudstratus has a chunkier look because of its double cushioning. It comes in several color options, from bright to more subtle. The distinctive cloud pods on the bottom make these shoes stand out.

Cloudboom Style

The Cloudboom has a sleeker, more race-ready appearance. It looks fast even standing still! The color choices are often bold, making these shoes noticeable at the starting line of any race.

Materials: What Are They Made Of?

Part	Cloudstratus Materials	Cloudboom Materials
Upper	Engineered mesh with reinforced areas	Ultra-lightweight mesh
Midsole	Double-layer Helion™ foam	Helion™ foam with carbon fiber plate
Outsole	Durable rubber	Lightweight rubber in key areas
Laces	Standard flat laces	Thin, lightweight racing laces

Cloudstratus Materials

The Cloudstratus uses recycled materials in parts of the upper, which is good for the environment. The Helion™ foam used in the cushioning doesn’t get too soft in heat or too hard in cold weather.

Cloudboom Materials

The Cloudboom uses extremely lightweight materials. The carbon fiber plate is thin but strong. Everything in this shoe is chosen to save weight while still providing enough structure for racing.

Weight: Light vs Lighter

How heavy a shoe is can affect how tired your legs get during a run.

Cloudstratus Weight

The Cloudstratus weighs about 10.7 ounces (305 grams) for a men’s size 9. This is a bit heavier than some running shoes, but that’s because of all the cushioning it offers.

Cloudboom Weight

The Cloudboom weighs just 7.9 ounces (225 grams) for a men’s size 9. That’s very light! This helps you run faster without carrying extra weight.

Flexibility: How They Bend

Being able to bend with your foot is important for natural running.

Cloudstratus Flexibility

The Cloudstratus has medium flexibility. It bends where your foot naturally bends, but the double cushioning makes it a bit stiffer than some shoes.

Cloudboom Flexibility

The Cloudboom is less flexible due to the carbon plate. This is actually good for racing, as the stiffness helps propel you forward. It’s designed this way on purpose to help you run faster.

Water Resistance: Staying Dry

What happens when you run through a puddle or in light rain?

Cloudstratus Water Resistance

The Cloudstratus isn’t waterproof, but the upper material sheds light rain pretty well. If you run through a puddle, your feet will get wet, but the shoes dry fairly quickly.

Cloudboom Water Resistance

The Cloudboom’s thin upper gets wet more easily in rain. However, because there’s less material, it also dries faster than the Cloudstratus. These shoes are made for speed, not for keeping your feet dry in bad weather.

Sole: What’s Underfoot

The sole design affects how your shoe performs on different surfaces.

Cloudstratus Sole

The Cloudstratus has a full rubber outsole with good grip on roads and light trails. The cloud pods compress individually, which helps the shoe adapt to uneven ground. The sole pattern works well in most conditions except for very slippery surfaces.

Cloudboom Sole

The Cloudboom has strategic rubber placement only where needed, to save weight. The grip is good on dry roads but less effective on wet surfaces or trails. The carbon plate in the sole gives the shoe a distinctive snappy feel.

User Reviews and Ratings

Here’s what real runners are saying about these shoes:

Shoe	Overall Rating	Comfort	Speed	Durability	Value
Cloudstratus	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐½	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloudboom	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐½

Cloudstratus Review Highlights

“I love my Cloudstratus shoes! I’ve used them for marathon training and they keep my feet happy even on 20-mile runs.” – Maria T.

“The cushioning is perfect for my daily runs. My knees don’t hurt anymore!” – James K.

“These shoes feel great right out of the box. No breaking in needed.” – Sarah L.

Cloudboom Review Highlights

“I beat my 5K personal best the first time I wore the Cloudboom!” – Ryan M.

“These are definitely race day shoes. Not comfy enough for training but amazing for speed.” – Tina B.

“The carbon plate makes a real difference in my race times.” – Carlos J.

Price Comparison

Shoe	Regular Price	Sale Price (Average)	Value Rating
Cloudstratus	$170	$135-150	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cloudboom	$200	$160-180	⭐⭐⭐½

The Cloudstratus costs less than the Cloudboom. This makes sense because racing shoes with carbon plates (like the Cloudboom) usually cost more.

Which One Should You Choose?

After looking at all these features, here’s some advice to help you decide:

Choose the Cloudstratus if:

• You run longer distances
• Comfort is very important to you
• You want shoes that last longer
• You’re looking for good cushioning
• You need a bit more stability

Choose the Cloudboom if:

• You want to run faster in races
• You prefer lightweight shoes
• You’re looking for a shoe with a carbon plate
• You have good running form
• You want a shoe specifically for race day

Conclusion

Both the Cloudstratus and Cloudboom are great running shoes, but they’re made for different purposes. The Cloudstratus is your comfortable everyday trainer that will keep your feet happy on long runs. The Cloudboom is your speed machine for race day when you want to run your fastest.

Think about what kind of running you do most often. If you’re just starting out or enjoy casual running, the Cloudstratus might be better for you. If you’re training for races and want to improve your times, the Cloudboom could help you reach your goals.

Remember that the best shoe is the one that feels right on YOUR feet. If possible, try both on before deciding.

Happy running, and may your feet stay comfortable no matter how far or fast you go!

Frequently Asked Questions