On Cloudboom Max Review
By Andrea Myers and Matt Klein
On Cloudboom MaxPrice: $230 at On Running
Weight: 10.4 oz, 296 g (men's size 9), 8.8 oz, 250 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Recreational Super Trainer / Racer
Pros: comfortable toe box fit, rocker geometry and firmer midsole optimal for recovery/easy runs
Cons: weight limits use for faster paces
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The On Cloudboom Max is a super trainer for runners looking for a cushioned but firmer shoe meant for slower and longer paces. The midsole features two layers of Helion HF and a full length plate that make for a firmer and stiff ride that feels better the slower you go. The fit features a wide, anatomic toe box that will work best for those wanting more room. The geometry is best for slower running as faster speeds can feel clunky. Best as a recovery day shoe for some or a heavier but protective distance shoe for others, the On Cloudboom Max is a new introduction for the market that attempts to meet the needs of the recreational >4 hour marathoner.
SIMILAR SHOES: A firmer version of On Cloudmonster Hyper
PAST MODEL: New Model
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Cloudboom Max fits me mostly true to size in my normal US men's size 10. The fit is wider, especially in the forefoot, thanks to an anatomic shape up front. The volume is normal to slightly above average and the upper's mild stretch adds to this up front. The midfoot fits normal to slightly wide with a strategically padded and gusseted tongue. The tongue is secure but the padding only on the side leaves the top of the foot exposed to lace bite if the laces are tied down too tight. The volume in the midfoot is normal and the instep is average in height. The security was only ok in this shoe as I had some slight sliding forward due to wider fit and difficulty locking down the laces from the risk for lace bite. The sliding forward occasionally made the shoe feel slightly short but it was only mild. The heel fits normal in width thanks to a little extra padding around the heel counter. While there is a stiffer heel counter, the padding does a decent job of cushioning the rearfoot. However, those with highly sensitive heels (Hanglund deformity) may still have a little trouble with this shoe, most people should be fine. This heel only bothered me a little, but my Achilles tendon insertion is irritated at the moment. The inner liner of this upper is incredibly comfortable and it can be worn sockless. The sliding I experienced did cause some hotspots on the bottom of my foot, so I would only suggest sockless wear if you have wider feet that fit the shape of this shoe.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Andrea: The On Cloudboom Max fits true to size in my usual women's 9.5. Like the Cloudboom Echo 3, Cloudmonster Hyper, and Cloudboom Strike, the toe box has enough width and volume that I did not experience any discomfort at my 1st or 5th MTPs. I have a full thumb's width from the front of the shoe to my big toe, providing sufficient length that I did not experience any toenail irritation. The midfoot is normal to slightly wide and the rearfoot is normal width. The upper has enough structure that I did not need to crank down the laces to achieve secure lockdown. My feet felt stable and secure in the shoe and I never felt like my foot could slide off the platform, unlike other max stack height shoes with less structured uppers. The tongue is thin, but has strategically placed padding over the dorsum of the ankle, which provides enough protection from the laces. The tongue is not gusseted, but is held in place by a lace loop. The laces are serrated, which helped them stay tied during all of my test runs. There is a semi-rigid heel counter that feels stiffer when donning the shoe than it actually is. A moderate amount of internal padding helps the rearfoot fit securely and comfortably. I did not experience any heel irritation from the collar. The interior of the upper is fairly smooth, so those who prefer to run without socks would likely be fine doing so in the Cloudboom Max.
Andrea's Typical Size: Women's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Andrea well: Brooks Hyperion Max 1 and 2, Topo Cyclone 2, Nike Vaporfly 3, ASICS Novablast 4 and 5, PUMA MagMax Nitro
Shoes that have fit snug: Altra Escalante 4 (toe box width and volume), Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 and 3 (length), Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro 1-4 (length)
Shoes that have fit large: Adidas Boston 12 (length), Adidas Adios 8 (length)
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Not Flexible
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: No
Recommended for Sockless: Somewhat
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The On Cloudboom Max is a super trainer and/or super racer for certain recreational runners. The midsole is made up of two layers of Helion HF that are split by a glass-fiber infused speedboard plate. The plate extends behind the heel, which adds additional stiffness. Despite the amount of Helion HF, the ride is cushioned but firm underfoot. There is some bounce to the midsole, but it is offset by the stiffness from the plate. There is a large, great-looking posterolateral heel bevel in the rearfoot. This makes for a smooth heel transition during walking. While running, I have found that the extended plate makes the initial contact feel stiff. This transitions awkwardly into the midfoot due to a ton of lateral sole flare right where I land. Once past that, the forefoot transition is snappy and smooth. There is a large forefoot rocker up front and also.a large amount of toe spring. The toe spring prevents this shoe from being a good option for those with toe mobility deficits due to the amount of extension the toes are held in.
Overall, this creates an awkward heel/midfoot transition and smoother forefoot transition. I have found my gait has shift to landing farther forward with this shoe at normal paces for me (7:30 to 9 min pace). At faster paces shoe feels really clunky, both due to its higher weight (10.4 oz men's size 9), the size of the shoe and awkward transition. At slower paces, it does far better but I have to adjust my gait to get to >10 min per mile pace. I suspect at my faster and higher loading rate that I hit the plate too quick and it provides a really stiff sensation. This also makes the drop feel higher than its listed 8mm drop, feeling closer to 10mm for me. For slower runners who load this shoe with less or slower rates of force, this shoe may transition better. Despite my struggles with this shoe, I have 50 miles on my pair, desperately trying to make it work. Despite my abuse and the partial outsole coverage, there is no wear on the outsole. I have failed to tear off the posterolateral heel outsole, so I suspect that most people will get a high number of miles out of these. The traction is good on both dry and wet roads. I would not use these on trails despite the great durability, given the exposed midsole. Those wanting a better transitioning, versatile trail super shoe should consider the On Cloudultra Pro, which I am getting along great with.
Andrea: The On Cloudboom Max has quickly become my favorite recovery/easy run shoe of 2025. The dual layer Helion HF midsole and glass-infused Speedboard plate provide mild cushioning at initial contact and a overall firm, rockered ride. This is exactly the feel that I prefer for recovery runs and with each run the cushioning at initial contact softens up just a bit, while still maintaining an overall firm ride through mid stance and push off. The platform is very stiff, thanks to the Speedboard and high coverage rubber outsole. While the shoe has an 8mm drop, the moderate heel bevel makes lateral midfoot landings feel comfortable and the later forefoot rocker lines up nicely with my 1st MTP, providing a rolling sensation through push off. Longtime DOR readers know I was a big fan of the original New Balance SC Trainer, which was much heavier than the Cloudboom Max, but provided a similarly rolling, firmer ride. At 8.8oz for a women's size 8, the shoe feels like its stated weight, which makes it ideal for slower paces but too heavy for anything faster than easy pace for me.
I have 30 miles on my pair and the outsole shows almost no wear, even on the areas of exposed midsole in the midfoot. A few of my runs have been on wet roads and the high coverage rubber outsole provided excellent traction. I have also not had any issues with rocks getting stuck in the central channel, which is a problem I usually have with shoes with a large midsole cutout.
Additional Team Thoughts, Bach: As the team's slow boi (sorry), I really liked the ride of the On Cloudboom Max. The platform feels really unique. Directly underfoot you can feel the footbed raised through the central part of the shoe. On the move, this footbed provides a unique feedback that is weirdly satisfying. Sometimes when you run in a firm shoe - and this is a firmer cushioned shoe for sure - it can just feel kind of harsh, which is where a lot of firm shoes get a bad rap. This unique footbed though provides a nice feedback that makes the shoe feel responsive and also provides that "cushioned" sensation while still being firm. I also appreciated that it didn't bother my flat feet in anyway, and if anything is one of the nicer feelings on my flat feet I've had in a shoe in awhile.
Speed-wise, this is not at all a fast shoe. It's weighty, and it does not respond well to picking up the pace. But the slower you run, the shoe does respond interestingly to that. My daily paces currently tend to be in the 11-12 minute range, and anywhere in my normal pace to even slower has been good in the shoe. The more shuffle-type of running I get, the better the shoe is. Those who like a firmer cushioned shoe and tend to be a little more forward (the heel is not super smooth) and also just wants something that can cruise may find something here with the Cloudboom Max. The well-fitting upper gives ample room for foot-swelling, making it a good option for long distance runs at easy paces. Since it's firmer all-around and decently wide, it also leans towards the more stable side for a neutral shoe. If you are particularly seeking a half-to-marathon shoe that doesn't involve paces and just want something a bit more higher stacked underfoot than an average daily trainer, this could be on your shortlist - especially if you prefer a firmer sole.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The On Cloudboom Max is a neutral shoe with some guidance features that may work for certain runners. While it has not traditional mechanisms of stability, the plate adds a high level of rigidity, the large medial sidewalls provide some guidance in the rearfoot while the large lateral flared sole in the forefoot and heel/midfoot drives the foot medially. While the plate does add a high level of rigidity that makes the rearfoot clunky, it also adds to a solid amount of structure. There is also a massive sidewall on the medial heel that provides a centered feel a the back. The sidewall switches to the lateral side at the midfoot, which combined with the large lateral flare, immediately drives the foot medially at the midfoot. This continues at the forefoot, which also has lateral flare that drives the foot medially. There is a large guidance line/groove in the midsole that provides some mild centeredness. However, outside the heel, most of the shoe has medial bias, although the heel is so centered it is stiff. So those needing a shoe with a high level of rigidity, some mild lateral facilitation at the rearmost portion of the heel and medial facilitation at the rest of the shoe may find this shoe guided for them, although most fill find this a neutral shoe.
Andrea: The On Cloudboom Max is a neutral super trainer that borders on stable neutral. It has several features that promote forward motion or help center the foot through stance phase. The shoe has a moderate heel bevel and forefoot rocker, which greatly contribute to the shoe's rolling ride. The rearfoot and forefoot feature a moderate amount of sole flaring that is balanced medially and laterally, which also helps center the foot from initial contact to push-off. There is also a central groove that runs the entire length of the shoe, with a wider cutout in the midfoot, which exposes the Speedboard. The shoe features a wide platform, particularly in the rearfoot and forefoot. The secure fitting upper does a great job of stabilizing the foot in the shoe, which is particularly important for a shoe with a tall platform. All of these features result in a very centered ride, not one that pushes you in any particular direction.
Thoughts as a DPT: Figuring Out What Works for You
By Andrea Myers
Our mission here at DOR is to educate runners about what running shoes and running shoe science. One of the most important things a runner can do as you become more experienced is to identify the features of running shoes that work well for you (and which ones do not work well). Understanding the different parts of a shoe (forefoot rocker, heel bevel, toe spring, sole flare, etc.) can help runners better analyze the shoes they like and don't like, which is helpful when shopping for new shoes (particularly when your favorite shoe has been discontinued). I have been reviewing shoes for DOR for 4 years now (!) and I have learned a lot about myself as a runner simply because I have had the opportunity to try shoes that I never would have tried on in a store.
The On Cloudboom Max has quickly become my favorite recovery/easy run shoe, and I knew after one run in it that I would love it. What were the features that immediately stood out to me? First, I prefer firmer midsoles in all of my shoes, but particularly for easy runs because when my legs are tired, the last thing I want is to have to work harder to stabilize on a soft midsole that feels like a marshmallow. Second, as someone who has sprained both ankles numerous times playing basketball and trail running, I appreciate a shoe that has balanced or laterally biased forefoot sole flare because it helps me pronate sufficiently to load my 1st MTP joint at push off. The Cloudboom Max has nicely balanced forefoot sole flare that provides a centered ride through push-off. I never felt like I was forced to stay on the lateral aspect of my forefoot like I do in shoes with medially biased forefoot sole flare, and I felt quite stable overall on the tall platform. Cloudboom Max also features a later forefoot rocker, which tends to work for me because I have relatively short toes for my foot length. This often means that shoes with a very early forefoot rocker (like the New Balance Balos) make me feel like I am forced into push-off way too quickly because the apex of the rocker is located proximal to my 1st MTP joint. The forefoot rocker of the Cloudboom Max feels like it lines up perfectly with my 1st MTP joint, which makes the transition from mid stance to push off feel smooth and not rushed, which is particularly important at slower paces. As a midfoot striker, shoes with an 8mm drop can sometimes feel clunky in the heel without a heel bevel. The moderate heel bevel of the Cloudboom Max resulted in the rearfoot of the shoe being completely unnoticeable to me, making midfoot landings feel natural. Lastly (but actually most important), the toe box is wider and high enough volume that the fit of the shoe was extremely comfortable for me.
I encourage runners to analyze the design of your favorite shoes the way I have for the Cloudboom Max, which will give you clues as to what shoes may work well for you in the future. Your local running store is a valuable resource, as well educated running store employees can show you shoes that also have balanced forefoot sole flare, or a moderate heel bevel, or whatever other features you have identified that are most important for you.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: While I have enjoyed the upper (for the most part), I have many suggestions for the sole. Despite being labeled a super shoe, the Cloudboom Max is far too stiff and firm. I would actually reduce the stiffness of the plate to allow the sole to compress and transition better. This is especially true in the heel. I think the plate extends too far back, which creates a really rigid heel transition. Shortening the plate or not having it extend beyond the foot would improve this. I also think the flare needs to be modified. The excessive lateral heel flare also makes the heel transition clunky for me, so reducing that may smooth out the ride. Finally, for $230, I am highly disappointed in the weight. Just because this is a super shoe for recreational runners doesn't mean it needs to be heavy. Weight still makes one of the biggest impacts on running economy (to a point) and with the existence of shoes like ASICS S4+ Yogiri, the On Cloudboom Max at least needs to be in the low 9 oz weight range. Shortening the plate, thinning it out a little and reducing some of the excessive lateral sole flare may help drop some weight.
Andrea: I have really enjoyed running in the On Cloudboom Max and I expect to put many more easy miles on it in the coming months. I really enjoy the wider toe box and firm ride of the shoe. On advertises the Cloudboom Max as a super shoe designed for 4+ hour marathoners, and I agree that the design of the shoe is more conducive to slower paces. However, for a $230 racing shoe, I would expect the shoe to be lighter than 10.4oz for a men's 9 or 8.8oz for a women's 8. I was surprised to see that the Cloudmonster Hyper, which has a taller midsole stack and is dual layer EVA and PEBA foam, weighs over an ounce less than the Cloudboom Max. Part of the weight difference is the Speedboard in the Cloudboom Max, but I hope that On can figure out how to shave some weight off the Cloudboom Max to make it a more competitive racing shoe. In comparison, the ASICS S4+ Yogiri is 8.3oz for a men's 9, while having a similar stack height and a lower cost of $200.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The On Cloudboom Max is a super trainer that will work best for slower paces and those that land farther forward. The upper will work best for those with wider feet and/or who want a wider, more anatomic toe box. The ride will be best for slower paces and those wanting a firmer, rockered ride that is better the slower you go and worse the faster you attempt. I will continue to have hopes for On, but this has been one of the bigger disappointments for me. For $230, I expected a lighter, bouncier and softer ride. However, the durability and fit are fantastic. I am currently the only one on the entire team who does not like this shoe. So clearly, my biomechanics do not match with this shoe. If you like the feel of firmer On shoes and run in the >4 hour pace range, maybe you will load the shoe better than me and get more out of it. In the meantime, I will wait for the true road version of the On Cloudultra Pro.
Andrea: The On Cloudboom Max is a super trainer that works best for easy paces that could also be a nice racing option for 4+ hour marathoners. The shoe will be best for those who prefer a firmer, rockered ride and a wider toe box. My favorite recovery day shoes have been the New Balance SC Trainer v1, which the Cloudboom Max is significantly lighter than, and the Topo Atmos, which is a little softer and bouncier than the Cloudboom Max. I am glad that running shoe companies are making racing shoes for a variety of paces, and I think that many 4+ hour marathoners will appreciate the ride of the Cloudboom Max, although some may be put off by the weight of the shoe, which does have an impact on performance. At $230, it is priced on the high end of the spectrum for super trainers/4+ hour marathon racers, but that is typical of most offerings from On.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Comfortable liner with a wide toe box with decent security)
Performance: C+ (Firm ride that is borderline uncomfortable unless you land farther forward. Heavier than expected for a shoe in this category and price. Great durability and better at slower paces.)
Stability: B [Neutral] (Potential to be stable but high medial bias at midfoot/heel. Rearfoot stiff, which does stabilize but does not transition well)
Value: C (The materials are nice but this shoe is too expensive for being this heavy and firm)
Personal: C+ (I really wanted to like this shoe, but the firmer ride, clunky heel transition offset the great upper)
Overall Design: B-
Andrea
Fit: A (wide toe box and secure upper fit work well for me)
Performance: A- (my favorite recovery run shoe of 2025. I love mild softness at initial contact and the overall firmer, rockered ride. The shoe's weight does hold it back from working for me at paces faster than easy pace)
Stability: [neutral] A- (multiple centering and guidance features for a neutral shoe)
Value: B+ ($230 is steep for an recovery shoe and is also steep for a super racing shoe for recreational runners, particularly given the shoe's weight)
Personal: A (Great fit and ride. Will probably replace the Topo Atmos as my go-to recovery shoe.)
Overall Design: A-
Bonus Grades: Bach
Fit: A- (toe box is great, upper is breathable. the heel needed just a little bit of extra work on lockdown but is functional)
Performance: B+ (Narrow in its versatility, but really good as a slow cruiser at any distance)
Stability: B+ (For runners who are more forward, I think it is just enough stability. Rearfoot is a little clunky which might be offputting)
Value: C+ (It's going to be durable enough, but the price tag is steep and there are going to be options that are cheaper. I think it leans a niche audience this is going to be worth it for ultimately. There is a lot of interesting things going on with this model that warrant the price, but I don't know if a super shoe price tag with it's lack of versatility is going to hit with folks)
Personal: B+ (I have put a lot of happy miles in the shoe and for my slow running, I don't think I would regret this purchase for myself)
Overall Design: B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DOROn Cloudboom MaxPrice: $229.95 at Running Warehouse
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