On Cloudboom Volt Review (2026)

On Cloudboom Volt Review
By  Andrea Myers and Matt Klein

 

The On Cloudboom Volt is a new, lower priced racing option from On. It features a dual layer Helion HF (PEBA) midsole and a full length carbon Speedboard plate. At $200, it is the lowest price racing shoe option from On, compared to the $330 Lightspray Cloudboom Strike, $280 Cloudboom Strike, and the $230 Cloudboom Max. While all of these shoes feature Helion HF, we know that shoe companies use different versions of a foam, while giving them the same name. Will the Cloudboom Volt have the bouncy ride of one of Andrea's favorites, the Cloudboom Strike? 

On Cloudboom Volt

Price: $199.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 7.4 oz, 210g (men's size 9), 6.4 oz, 182g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 41 mm/ 37 mm (Running Warehouse men's measurement)
Drop: 4 mm per Running Warehouse's measurements (men's). On states 5mm men / 4 mm women.
Shoe Purpose: Super Racing Shoe

Pros: Wider toe box and higher volume upper, secure fit, lower price for a super racing shoe
Cons: Firm midsole, thicker upper may be too hot in summer

RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY

The On Cloudboom Volt is a new, lower-priced super racing shoe with a firm version of Helion HF and a much less resilient ride than the Cloudboom Strike or Cloudboom Echo 3. It features an aggressive forefoot rocker, moderate heel bevel, narrow platform, and neutral ride. Due to the firm, less responsive version of Helion HF in the Cloudboom Volt, the shoe feels better suited to easier paces. This could make it a training companion to the Cloudboom Strike to help eat up easy miles during marathon training, or it could be a marathon racing shoe for recreational runners. 

SIMILAR SHOES: Asics Magic Speed 5, Also feels like a Lighter Version of the Cloudboom Max
PAST MODEL: new model

FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)

Matt: The On Cloudboom Volt fits me mostly true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The fit is more rounded in the forefoot and snug in the heel and midfoot. The lightweight mesh is surprisingly sturdy throughout the length of the shoe and holds the foot well. The toe guard provides additional structure in the forefoot but lowers the volume in the toe box, making the shoe feel a tiny bit short. This has not caused any issues on runs but has been noticeable. Despite being a racing shoe, there is enough width to spread my toes. This changes in the midfoot to a far more snug fit with a wide, non-gusseted tongue. The tongue is thin with mild padding and did not shift on me due to its width. I fortunately did not have to tighten the laces to get a secure fit as they can create quite a bit of pressure on the top of the foot. The instep is on the low side so those sensitive to this may not do well. The heel fits snug and features a prominent, stiff heel counter. This was quite noticeable/bothersome to me and those with heel sensitivities or Haglund deformities will not do well with this shoe. The security is quite good due to the snug midfoot and rearfoot. Socks are an absolute must with this shoe due to the toe guard and inner liner. That said, the security is best with forward movement as the taller stack height and lack of major upper reinforcements in the posterior midfoot make side-to-side motion not a good idea. 

Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Hoka Gaviota 6, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Saucony Azura, Salomon Aero Glide 3
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 Volt fits true to size in my usual women's 9.5. I have nearly a thumb's width from the front of the shoe to the end of my big toe. Like many On running shoes, the Cloudboom Volt has a wider, squared off toe box that provides enough room for the ball of my foot while fitting securely. The midfoot and rearfoot are normal width and the structured mesh upper does an exceptional job at securing the foot in the shoe. This is the type of shoe where I barely have to lock down the laces because the upper is so secure. The thin tongue is not gusseted, but is held securely in place by a lace loop. The rearfoot features a rigid heel counter with a moderate amount of internal padding. The top of the heel collar angles inward, which is a feature that often causes blisters for me, but I did not experience any discomfort as a result. I would not recommend running sockless in this shoe due to the stiffer and scratchy mesh upper.

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: No
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
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: No
Durability Expectation: Average

PERFORMANCE

Matt: The On Cloudboom Volt is a plated, superfoam racing shoe. It features two layers of Helion HF PEBA in the midsole with a full-length, stiff carbon fiber plate. Similar to the On Cloudboom Max, the ride is far firmer than other shoes in this category and the ride is extremely stiff. The volume of the shoe makes it feel light, but the actual weight is on the heavy side for a super shoe. The combination of stiffness and slightly higher weight is most noticeable when trying to pick up the pace. Weirdly, I found easy runs and uptempo efforts to be where this shoe did best. During tempo runs and intervals I felt like I was fighting the shoe and struggled to hold normal paces for those efforts.

The heel transition felt stiff initially and it took 15 miles for it to break in. Once the midsole started to soften a tiny bit, it felt like this shoe had a medial post in the rearfoot. This then transitioned at about 25 miles to providing a slightly stiffer heel landing and a stiff midfoot/forefoot transition. The heel bevel still helps roll you through and I expected the overall rockered shape to be a bit smoother at faster paces. As mentioned above, the forefoot transition is stiff but rolled better during easy/uptempo paces. There is no flexibility in the forefoot or any part of this shoe. There is mild toe spring, so those with toe mobility problems will find plenty of stiffness but will need to see if the toe spring is low enough for them.

Durability-wise, this shoe has been excellent. I have almost 40 miles on my pair and there is no major wear or abrasion on the outsole. The upper looks brand new despite me also wearing this shoe for walking, which I did hoping the midsole might break in more. The midsole maintains its firmness and although it has softened slightly, has maintained its structure without any major creasing. Traction-wise this shoe is best only for road and track. The huge grove in the outsole easily picks up rocks and dirt, which happened when I tried to take this shoe off road. Weirdly, if not for the poor outsole traction on soft surfaces and picking up of dirt/rocks, running on softer surfaces felt better in this shoe. Until On puts a trail outsole on this shoe, it should be kept on human-made surfaces. 

Andrea: I have enjoyed all of my runs in the On Cloudboom Volt, but I would not personally use it as a racing shoe. For me, it feels like a training companion to the Cloudboom Strike, similar to the relationship between the Saucony Endorphin Pro and Speed. The Cloudboom Volt features a double layer of Helion HF, which is On's PEBA superfoam, with a full length carbon Speedboard in between the two layers. The platform is very stiff and there is a moderate heel bevel and an early forefoot rocker. While I like shoes with a less compliant midsole, the Cloudboom Volt is not as resilient as I would prefer. The midsole feels very blocky to me, particularly at faster paces. The shoe feels decently light on foot, but with so many sub 6 oz racing shoes now, the Cloudboom Volt at 6.4oz for a women's 8 (my women's 9.5s weigh 7.05oz) is too heavy to be considered a top tier racing shoe.

Midfoot landings in the Cloudboom Volt feel natural thanks to its 4mm drop and moderate heel bevel. I have tested the shoe on 4-8 mile easy runs, strides, and a threshold workout. I have no problem running easy in the shoe, thanks to its firmer platform. At threshold pace, I felt like I was fighting the shoe due to the lower resilience of the midsole. It felt like I was putting a lot of energy into the shoe, but not getting much back. Similarly, I could use the shoe for strides, but it felt like the shoe wasn't responding to the force I was putting into it. The only time I was truly happy running in the shoe was during my easy runs. The midsole felt protective and the early forefoot rocker provided a mild rolling sensation at push off. While my long runs are not that long anymore (8-10 miles) I would be confident taking the shoe on much longer easy runs. 

I have 30 miles on my pair and there is no wear on the rubber outsole and minimal wear on the exposed midsole. The large amount of rubber coverage provides good traction on wet roads. I would expect average durability out of the shoe, likely limited by midsole performance as opposed to outsole wear. As a sidenote, the Cloudboom Volt is quite comfortable for walking. I used it for walking several miles while on vacation and appreciated the firm midsole and early forefoot rocker. It reminded me of a less bouncy version of the Ahnu Sequence.

STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)

Matt: The On Cloudboom Volt is a neutral racing shoe. There are some tiny guidance components but no traditional methods of stability. The platform is fairly narrow without any major sole flaring. There is a large posterolateral bevel and a centered forefoot rocker. There are mild sidewalls in this shoe most noticeably in the medial heel/midfoot. There is also some mild medial sole flaring in the heel that along with the plate and lateral heel bevel, makes this shoe feel extremely stiff at the medial heel. Those who need mild medial stability at the heel may do well in this shoe. The midfoot is more centered even with the mild medial sidewall due to the slight narrowing of the medial sole. The deep central groove helps somewhat center the shoe but those with more extreme stability needs (like me) may still struggle. The forefoot is fairly centered thanks to the stiff plate and slightly wider shape. So while this shoe is mostly neutral, there is still some mild guidance in the medial heel for those who need it. 

Andrea: The On Cloudboom Volt is a neutral racing/uptempo shoe. It has a relatively narrow platform without significant sole flaring, except for a slight lateral bias in the forefoot. It features a moderate heel bevel and an early forefoot rocker. The midsole features a full-length central cutout that may provide mild guidance. There is a moderate medial midfoot sidewall that provides some resistance to medial midfoot motion. However, as someone who does not get along with medial sidewalls, the one in the Cloudboom Volt was completely unnoticeable while running. The structure and highly secure upper does a great job of stabilizing the foot in the shoe. Overall, this shoe runs quite neutral and will be best for those without significant stability needs.

Thoughts as a DPT: Who Needs a Super Shoe for Easy Runs?
By Andrea Myers

While I expected the On Cloudboom Volt to have more energy return and pace versatility like the Saucony Endorphin Speed or Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro, the only runs I enjoyed in the shoe were my easy runs. The lower resilience of the version of Helion HF used in the Cloudboom Volt made the ride sluggish at faster paces, but the shoe felt protective and rolling when running easy. Writing this review has made me think about the point of having a super shoe that only works at easier paces. When I was focusing on the marathon and running 60-70 miles per week, I had a lot of easy miles to do, usually on tired feet and legs. The ride of the Cloudboom Volt would be ideal in this situation, as the high stack midsole and stiff platform would provide welcome underfoot protection and the early forefoot rocker encourages turnover, helping to eat up all of those easy miles. However, my training for the past year and a half has been focused on the 800 and the mile, with 35-40 mile weeks, much more intense workouts, and shorter easy runs. While I am certainly tired after my workouts, I do not have the deep fatigue of marathon training. I find myself reaching for lower stack, less rockered shoes on my easy days (like the Brooks Hyperion 2 or the Topo Fli-Lyte 6). It has been an interesting experiment to see how my shoe preferences have changed as my training has changed. 

Super shoes are generally defined as shoes that have a lightweight midsole foam with higher energy return, a plate, and rocker geometry. Another term for these features is advanced footwear technology, or AFT. It is the interaction of these features that have the potential to improve running economy for an individual. One of the ways that super shoes may improve running economy is by reducing work at the ankle (Hoogkamer et al 2019). For a higher mileage runner who needs to get a lot of easy miles in on tired legs, a shoe that improves running economy may be beneficial to help get through the required mileage. A lower mileage runner with a lower chronic training load may not need the benefits of a super shoe to get through their shorter easy runs. A well done research study by Malisoux et al in 2015 found that having a shoe rotation (using more than 1 pair of shoes in training) can reduce running related injury risk. The authors proposed that a reason for this is that different shoes expose the body to different stresses. A super shoe may reduce work at the ankle, but increase it at the hip. A minimalist shoe may reduce work at the knee, but increase it at the foot and ankle.

Runners who do their workouts in super shoes and have a lower weekly total mileage may benefit from not using super shoes for their easy runs in order to expose their body to different stresses. As an example, when I was marathon training, a typical week would be 5 miles easy on Monday (or easy bike), 11-13 mile critical velocity or threshold workout Tuesday, 5 miles easy Wednesday, 9-10 miles easy with strides Thursday, 12-13 miles with a long tempo Friday, 5 miles easy Saturday, and a 16-23 mile long run with marathon pace work on Sunday. There was so much easy running that I had a variety of shoes I would wear depending how fatigued and sore I was. Some days I would run in the Brooks Hyperion Max 1 and other days I would run in the New Balance SC Trainer 1 if I was really tired. Compare that to my current training, which is typically 3-4 miles easy Monday, 5-6 miles easy with strides Tuesday, 6-8 mile threshold or CV workout Wednesday, 4 miles easy Thursday, 8-10 mile tempo Friday, easy bike Saturday, and speed workout (3k-400 pace) Sunday. As a mid distance runner, my easy runs are a lower percentage of my total mileage as compared to when I was marathon training. I tend to use super shoes for my threshold and tempo runs and spikes for my track workouts, so if I want to expose my body to different stresses on my easy days, I need to make sure most of them are in lower stack, more flexible shoes like the Hyperion 2 or Fli-Lyte 6. For our readers, I would suggest that no matter your weekly mileage, having a shoe rotation of different types of shoes is one of the best things you could do for your training. Super shoes certainly can be used for easy running, but I would suggest that you not use them for all of your easy running.

References:

Hoogkamer, W., Kipp, S. & Kram, R. (2019). The biomechanics of competitive male runners in three marathon racing shoes: a randomized crossover study. Sports Medicine, 49(1), 133-143.

Malisoux, L., Ramesh, J., Mann, R., Seil, R., Urhausen, A., & Theisen, D. (2015). Can parallel use of different running shoes decrease running‐related injury risk?. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 25(1), 110-115.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Matt: There is great potential in the Volt but I feel it suffers from many of the issues the Cloudboom Max experienced. The midsole feels far stiffer and firm than would normally be expected for a superfoam, plated shoe. It is quite stable, but likely due to the stiffness and at the expensive of speed, which is what this shoe is meant for. Additionally, I expected this shoe to be far lighter or have pace versatility, neither of which occurs. While not in super shoe pricing, it is still expensive and there are far more versatile options at similar weights/stats for $40-60 cheaper. Therefore, my suggestions are to soften the Helion HF in this shoe and rework the plate, geometry and upper to drop some weight. The upper is a tiny bit thicker than I would expect, which could be lightened to drop weight. The heel counter is extremely hard and would be an easy place to drop weight and modify. The softer Helion HF may still be firmed up by the plate, so either having cut-outs in the plate may help reduce weight and slightly improve the underfoot compliance. This shoe has potential, but right now it is a slightly uptempo and lighter version of the Cloudboom Max rather than being a budget racer. 

Andrea: While I have enjoyed using the Cloudboom Volt for easy runs, the shoe's midsole has disappointed at faster paces due to its lack of energy return. On is marketing this shoe as a lower priced racing shoe, but I think many runners will be disappointed in its performance at faster paces. A comparison that comes to mind is the much more responsive Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, which at $175 has much more pace versatility and is a true low priced racing option, even at a heavier weight. I recommend that On re-work the version of Helion HF they use in the Cloudboom Volt, because I love the bouncy version of Helion HF in the Cloudboom Strike and Cloudboom Echo 3. 

WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?

Matt: The On Cloudboom Volt is a lower price racing option for those who want a stiff and firmer racing option over longer distances that has some mild medial heel stability. The fit will be best for those who want a little more toe box room and a snug heel/midfoot. The ride will be best for those who want a firm and stiff ride that works best at easier and uptempo efforts. It will not work for those who want smooth transitions, a softer ride, or a truly neutral heel. This shoe reminds me of a heavier ASICS DS Racer, given what almost feels like a mild medial heel post. In today's world, I personally feel like the On Cloudboom Volt is more of a lightweight plated trainer/racer similar to the ASICS Magic Speed series with a similar pricing and stats. There is a market for those shoe, although how large I do not know. It certainly has potential and I hope On continues with this series. 

Andrea: The On Cloudboom Volt is a lower price racing option from On that features a firm version of Helion HF. For me, the shoe is very comfortable for easy runs, but its lack of resilience makes it sluggish at faster paces. It could be a training companion to the Cloudboom Strike if a runner was looking for a super trainer for longer easy runs, or a long distance racing shoe for those who prefer a firm platform. This shoe will be best for those without stability needs thanks to its narrower platform and lack of significant guidance features. Personally, I would spend $250 on the somewhat overpriced Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro, which has greater pace versatility and a much more responsive midsole, than $200 on the less versatile Cloudboom Volt.

GRADES

Matt
Fit: B+ (Squared forefoot with snug heel/midfoot. Hard heel counter and slightly short fit due to toe guard)
Performance: B- (Best for easy/uptempo paces. Challenging, too stiff and too firm for faster efforts)
Stability: B+ [Neutral, but mild medial heel stability?] (Stiff ride makes narrow platform more stable than expected and internal components provide a surprising amount of mild medial heel stability. Neutral otherwise)
Value: B- (On the cheaper end for an On running shoe with these components but limited versatility for the price)
Personal: B- (I really want to like this shoe more as the mild heel stability feels great. The hard heel counter and overly stiff ride makes it difficult for me to want to keep running in this shoe. Weirdly... I like walking in it more)
Overall Design: B- 

Andrea
Fit: A (squared, higher volume toe box and a secure overall fit. Zero fit complaints with this shoe.)
Performance: B- (Great for easy runs, but too firm and unresponsive for anything faster)
Stability: [neutral] B (Secure upper fit provides the most stability. Otherwise, narrow platform with mild laterally biased forefoot and medial midfoot sidewall do not provide noticeable guidance.)
Value: B+ (This is a lower priced racing shoe, however it does not perform well at faster paces. $200 for an easy run shoe seems overpriced.)
Personal: B (I have enjoyed my easy runs in it and I love the fit. I am disappointed at its low resilience.)
Overall Design: B

SHOP | SUPPORT DOR

On Cloudboom Volt

Price: $199.95 at Running Warehouse

Shop Men | Shop Women

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Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to Matt Klein (Founder) or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Sherwood, Santa Barbara, Danbury and Stevens Point areas, we are currently taking clients for running evaluations. Email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com for more information.

***Disclaimer: These shoes were provided free of charge in exchange for a review.  We thank the people at On Running for sending us pairs.  This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We systematically put each type of shoe through certain runs prior to review. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review (often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process). For racing flats we ensure that we have completed intervals, a tempo or steady state run as well as a warm-up and cool down in each pair prior to review. This systematic process is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of conditions to provide expansive and thorough reviews for the public and for companies. Our views are based on our extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.

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