On Running has been on the rise lately, so it’s not shocking if you’ve been seeing stylish shoes with their logo everywhere. I remember just walking around one day and seeing their symbol pop up on these shoes I’ve never seen before. On shoes are trending and there’s great reason for it. Known for their advanced, Swiss-engineering technology, these shoes truly deliver on comfort and performance.
The Cloudspark (mens and womens) was released in March of this year (2024) with a unique factor of being designed for women first. When researching the shoe, I found that On had studied and scanned over 1 million women’s feet to design a prototype for women first, switching up on industry standards of starting with men’s prototype. This is the first time On has designed for women’s feet first, which of course won me over. I had to see what it was all about, and boy, this shoe delivers.
Comfort, Fit, and Feel
To preface, I haven’t bought a new pair of running shoes in over five years. My go-to brands are usually Nike or Adidas. But when I read all the rave reviews about On, I knew it was time to try something new.
My initial impression of the Cloudspark is that these are extremely lightweight and comfortable, much more lightweight than my old running shoes. I’m also used to a lower stack height and standard cushioning, so having some extra cushion was a bit jarring for me. I was worried it would be too cushy, but it’s actually quite firm.
It feels super soft and well-fitted on the inside while maintaining a durable and supportive outer. The signature On pods are not only stylish and unique, but they provide that forward-rolling feeling, propelling me forward with each bouncy stride. The construction of the shoe makes it so you’re quite literally springing forward with great energy.
This shoe is not as flexible as I thought it would be, but it is quite responsive and again, has great energy returns. The construction of the outsole is very durable and grippy, providing great traction, especially when running up or down steep hills. I briefly ran on a trail with some rocks and didn’t have any major issues with traction, support, or protection. The shoe remained extremely comfortable and I could barely feel the rocks.
Overall, the fit and feel is great and is super comfortable all around.
Style and Function
Did I mention how stylish the Cloudspark is? Its versatility makes it a great running shoe, daily trainer, and a casual option for running errands. I’ve actually gone running in these shoes and then wore them for the entire day walking around. Never once did I feel any discomfort or soreness. I only wish that there were more color options!
Pros
The Cloudspark delivers on comfort while maintaining its firmness. These are probably one of the most comfortable and lightweight running shoes I’ve worn. My favorite part is that the shoe really propels me forward with each stride, offering a smooth transitions from heel to toe without much impact on my knees and joints.
There’s a sense of bounciness with each step and great energy returns, making the entire ride more fun. Even when I got tired, it was almost effortless to just follow the stride since the construction of the shoe naturally leads you forward.
These shoes are also super lightweight and breathable. Even with long runs on very hot days, I never any issues with breathability. The mesh upper material align with the tongue are soft and ultralight, so there’s quite a bit of ventilation that comes through.
Love the style and design.
Cons
Again, there are currently only two color options for the Cloudspark. I hope that in the near future, they’ll release more appealing color options.
This hasn’t been an issue but I notice that the shoe is not very flexible, which could sometimes hinder comfort. But overall, this shoe has been quite comfortable despite lack of flexibilty.
Summary
On is known for creating comfortable, lightweight shoes without compromising on performance. The Cloudspark is no different. What makes this shoe extra special is the fact that On studied over 1 million scans of women’s feet in order to design the best shoe for women first. This initiative is clear when you slip your feet into the Cloudspark.
If you’re looking for a fun, lightweight and comfortable, long-distance running shoe, this is your gal. While I haven’t tried it for speed work, it’s certainly a nice, versatile option for a wide range of workouts. The comfort, durability, and lightweight factor really takes this shoe over the top.
