CloudUltra vs CloudUltra 2 Shoes

Are you looking for a great pair of running shoes? The CloudUltra and CloudUltra 2 are popular choices for runners of all levels.

We’ll compare these two shoes to help you decide which one might be better for your feet and your running style.

CloudUltra vs CloudUltra 2 Shoes

CloudUltra and CloudUltra 2 is the improved cushioning and water resistance. CloudUltra 2 offers better stability with a special midfoot piece, weighs slightly less at 10.1 ounces, and uses more eco-friendly materials.

It also has better breathability and lasts longer, typically giving runners 400-500 miles versus the original’s 300-400 miles.

Feature	CloudUltra	CloudUltra 2
Weight	10.4 oz (men’s size 9)	10.1 oz (men’s size 9)
Cushioning	Even throughout shoe	More in heel, less in forefoot
Durability	300-400 miles	400-500 miles
Water Resistance	Basic resistance to light rain	Enhanced with water-beading coating
Breathability	Decent airflow	Improved mesh design for better cooling
Stability	Good for most runners	Enhanced with special midfoot support
Fit	Roomy toe box, regular midfoot	Roomy toe box, snugger midfoot
Size Options	Regular sizes only	Regular and wide sizes
Materials	Standard synthetic fabric	30% recycled materials
Price	Around $180	Around $200

In summary: the CloudUltra 2 improves on the original with better cushioning, water resistance, and durability. While it costs about $20 more, the upgrades are worth it if you run in different weather conditions or on rough trails.

What Makes These Shoes Special?

Both the CloudUltra and CloudUltra 2 are made for people who love to run on different types of ground. They work well on roads, trails, and even rocky paths. But there are some important differences between them that might make one better for you than the other.

The CloudUltra Story

The first CloudUltra shoe came out a few years ago. People liked it because it was comfortable and strong. It had good padding to keep your feet from getting sore when you run for a long time.

The CloudUltra 2 Update

The CloudUltra 2 is the newer version. The makers listened to what runners said about the first shoe and made some changes. They wanted to make the shoe even better for running on all types of ground.

Comfort: How Do They Feel On Your Feet?

CloudUltra Comfort

The first CloudUltra has soft padding inside that makes it feel nice when you put it on. Many runners say it feels like wearing a comfy sock with good support. The shoe has something called “CloudTec” which helps your feet feel good even when you run for hours.

CloudUltra 2 Comfort

The CloudUltra 2 feels even softer than the first one. They added more padding in the heel and around the ankle. This means your feet might feel less tired after a long run. The inside of the shoe is made with a softer material that feels nice against your skin.

Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size

How CloudUltra Fits

The original CloudUltra has a roomy toe box, which means there’s space for your toes to move around. This is good if your feet tend to swell during long runs. The middle part of the shoe hugs your foot to keep it stable.

How CloudUltra 2 Fits

The CloudUltra 2 has a slightly different shape. It still has room for your toes, but the middle part of the shoe fits more snugly. This can help prevent your foot from sliding around inside the shoe when you run downhill or make quick turns.

Fit Comparison	CloudUltra	CloudUltra 2
Toe Box	Roomy	Roomy
Midfoot	Regular	Snug
Heel	Secure	Very Secure
Best For	Wider feet	Average feet

Cushioning: Protection For Your Feet

CloudUltra Cushioning

The first CloudUltra has good cushioning that works like tiny springs under your feet. When you step down, these “clouds” compress and then bounce back to give you energy for your next step. The cushioning is the same level through the whole shoe.

CloudUltra 2 Cushioning

The CloudUltra 2 has improved cushioning. The makers added more softness in the heel and a bit less in the front of the shoe. This helps protect your heel when it hits the ground first, which is how most people run. The new cushioning also lasts longer before it gets flat.

Stability: Keeping You Balanced

CloudUltra Stability

The original CloudUltra has good stability for most runners. It keeps your foot from rolling inward too much (which is called overpronation). The bottom of the shoe is wide enough to give you a solid base when running.

CloudUltra 2 Stability

The CloudUltra 2 has even better stability features. They added a special piece in the middle of the shoe that stops your foot from twisting too much. This is really helpful when you run on uneven trails or rocky paths. If you have wobbly ankles, you might like this feature.

Durability: How Long Will They Last?

CloudUltra Durability

The first CloudUltra is pretty tough. Most runners get about 300-400 miles out of them before noticing signs of wear. The rubber on the bottom is strong, but might wear down faster if you run mostly on rough trails.

CloudUltra 2 Durability

The CloudUltra 2 uses stronger materials in key areas that tend to wear out first. The rubber on the bottom is thicker in spots that touch the ground the most. Many runners report getting 400-500 miles from these shoes. The upper part of the shoe also resists rips better than the first version.

Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool

CloudUltra Breathability

The original CloudUltra has decent airflow. The top of the shoe has small holes that let air in and out. On hot days, your feet might get a bit warm, but most runners don’t find it too bad.

CloudUltra 2 Breathability

The CloudUltra 2 has a new mesh design on top that lets in more air. This helps keep your feet cooler and drier, even on hot summer runs. The material also dries faster if you run through puddles or in the rain.

Material Quality: What Are They Made Of?

CloudUltra Materials

The first CloudUltra uses good quality materials. The upper part is made of a tough synthetic fabric. The cushioning is made from a special foam that keeps its shape well. The laces are strong and don’t come untied easily.

CloudUltra 2 Materials

The CloudUltra 2 uses more eco-friendly materials. About 30% of the shoe comes from recycled materials, which is good for the planet. The new upper material stretches better to fit different foot shapes. They also added stronger thread for the stitching so the shoe stays together longer.

Weight: How Heavy Are They?

CloudUltra Weight

The original CloudUltra weighs about 10.4 ounces (295 grams) for a men’s size 9 shoe. This is a medium weight for trail running shoes. They’re not the lightest shoes, but the extra weight gives you more protection on rough trails.

CloudUltra 2 Weight

The CloudUltra 2 is slightly lighter at about 10.1 ounces (286 grams) for the same size. The designers found ways to make the shoe just as strong but a bit lighter. Three-tenths of an ounce might not sound like much, but you might notice it after running many miles.

Weight Comparison	CloudUltra	CloudUltra 2
Men’s Size 9	10.4 oz	10.1 oz
Women’s Size 8	9.0 oz	8.7 oz

Flexibility: How They Bend And Move

CloudUltra Flexibility

The first CloudUltra has good flexibility in the front part of the shoe. This helps your foot bend naturally when you push off the ground. The middle part is stiffer to give your foot support.

CloudUltra 2 Flexibility

The CloudUltra 2 has improved flexibility. The designers added special grooves in the sole that let the shoe bend in more places. This makes your running stride feel more natural. The shoe still has a stiff middle for support, but the rest of the shoe moves better with your foot.

Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry

CloudUltra Water Resistance

The original CloudUltra has some water resistance. The outer layer can handle light rain and morning dew without getting your socks wet. But in heavy rain or puddles, water will eventually soak through.

CloudUltra 2 Water Resistance

The CloudUltra 2 has much better water protection. They added a special coating that makes water bead up and roll off instead of soaking in. The shoe also has a water-resistant collar around the ankle to keep splashes out. Your feet will stay drier longer in wet conditions.

Sole Design: The Bottom Of The Shoe

CloudUltra Sole

The original CloudUltra has a unique sole with pods that look like little clouds. These give you good grip on most surfaces. The spaces between the pods can sometimes pick up small rocks when you run on gravel paths.

CloudUltra 2 Sole

The CloudUltra 2 has a redesigned sole that keeps the cloud pods but makes them more effective. The rubber is stickier for better grip on wet surfaces.

They also changed the pattern of the pods to prevent rocks from getting stuck. The new design gives better traction when running uphill or downhill.

Style: How They Look

CloudUltra Style

The first CloudUltra has a classic, simple look. It comes in a few color choices like black, blue, and gray. The design focuses more on function than fashion, but many runners like the clean, straightforward appearance.

CloudUltra 2 Style

The CloudUltra 2 has a more modern look with sleeker lines and more color options. You can find brighter colors like orange, teal, and purple. The shoe has reflective details that shine in headlights or flashlights, making you more visible when running in low light.

Size Options: Finding Your Fit

CloudUltra Sizes

The original CloudUltra comes in regular sizes from 7 to 14 for men and 5 to 11 for women. They don’t offer wide or narrow options, so if your feet are very wide or narrow, these might not fit perfectly.

CloudUltra 2 Sizes

The CloudUltra 2 has more size options. They still offer the same range of regular sizes, but now also have wide options for men and women. This means more runners can find a comfortable fit, especially those with wider feet.

Size Comparison	CloudUltra	CloudUltra 2
Men’s Sizes	7-14 (Regular)	7-14 (Regular and Wide)
Women’s Sizes	5-11 (Regular)	5-11 (Regular and Wide)

Price Comparison: What Do They Cost?

The CloudUltra usually costs about $180, while the newer CloudUltra 2 costs about $200.

The price difference of $20 gets you the updates and improvements in the newer model. Sometimes you can find the original CloudUltra on sale since it’s the older version.

User Reviews: What Do Runners Think?

CloudUltra User Reviews

Feature	Rating	Common Comments
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Very comfortable for long runs.”
Durability	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	“Started showing wear after 300 miles.”
Grip	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Good grip on most surfaces except slippery mud.”
Breathability	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	“Feet get warm on hot days.”
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“A solid trail running shoe that lasts a good while.”

CloudUltra 2 User Reviews

Feature	Rating	Common Comments
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“The most comfortable trail shoe I’ve ever worn.”
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Still looking good after 400 miles.”
Grip	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Amazing grip even on wet rocks and roots.”
Breathability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	“Much better airflow than the previous version.”
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Worth the extra money for the improvements.”

Which Shoe Is Right For You?

Choose The CloudUltra If:

• You want to save some money
• You have a wider foot
• You mostly run on regular trails and roads
• You prefer a shoe with even cushioning throughout

Choose The CloudUltra 2 If:

• You run in all weather conditions
• You tackle technical trails with rocks and roots
• You want the latest technology and improved durability
• You value extra stability for uneven terrain

Conclusion

Both the CloudUltra and CloudUltra 2 are excellent trail running shoes that will serve you well on many adventures. The original CloudUltra is still a solid choice, especially if you find it on sale.

But the CloudUltra 2 brings some meaningful improvements in comfort, durability, and wet-weather performance.

Your choice might come down to your budget, the types of trails you run most often, and how important the latest features are to you. Either way, you’ll be getting a quality shoe designed for miles of comfortable running on all kinds of terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions