The On Cloudboom Max is well-cushioned, comfortable, stable and responsive for long runs and races.
If you want to stir a heated (non-political) conversation this fall, head to your favorite social media channel and make a post or comment about whether or not top-tier carbon-fiber plated marathon racing super shoes offer optimal benefits for runners in the 3:30 to 4:30 marathon range.
While there many runners who have run 4-hour marathons in a pair of carbon-plated Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, Nike Vaporfly 4, or Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 shoes, the question is whether or not a runner averaging 9-minute mile pace might benefit more from running in a less aggressive shoe. The merits of the debate are real, but ultimately it comes down to what you think works best for you. It has less to do with speed or how “fast” you are (because those are relative to what your training and past results), but more to do with being able to maintain a consistent gait for the duration of a run or race at the pace you intend to run.
The new On Cloudboom Max is one of the shoes I’d recommend if you’re planning to run a marathon in that range. Why? Because it offers the three key ingredients I want for running at that pace for that long—namely comfort, stability, and some level of energetic rebound. But what I don’t want is a shoe that’s too light, too unstable, or even too aggressively propulsive that will work against me when my form deteriorates as fatigue sets in. The Cloudboom Max is a shoe for the other end of the racing spectrum than that of the On Cloudboom Strike.
While we’ve all seen the bright, shiny reviews of the latest and greatest carbon-plated marathon racing super shoes—and yes, those are drool-worthy shoes, aren’t they?—shoes built for more moderate marathon paces don’t necessarily make it to the spotlight. Super trainers with peba, fiberglass, nylon or TPU plates have mostly been marketed as up-tempo training shoes—including the ASICS Sonicblast, Brooks Hyperion Max 3, and Hoka Mach X 3—but those are also good models to consider if you’re aiming to run a marathon in the 3:30-4:30 range. They’re generally less expensive than high-end, carbon-plated racing shoes, but they also don’t produce such a sharp sensation in every stride.
Here are my takeaways about the On Cloudboom Max after running about 80 miles on it since late July.
What’s New: The key feature of the Cloudboom Max is what On refers to as a propulsion-inducing 8% Glass Fiber Infused Speedboard that is embedded in the Cloudtec midsole. That dual-density midsole includes a soft and responsive layer of Helion HF Pebax just below the foot (and above the plate) and a layer of firmer and more durable Helion HF TPEE foam on the bottom of the shoe (below the plate). It also has a perforated engineered mesh upper over the top of the shoes, and large segments of durable outsole rubber on the bottom of the top.
Fit/Feel/Ride: The Cloudboom Max fits true to size with a medium interior volume and sufficient wiggle room in the toe box. (Some reviewers have complained about rubbing against their pinky toes, but I didn’t have that issue at all.) The thinly padded fully gusseted tongue creates a locked-down fit, thanks in part to the sawtooth laces and study heel cup. The step-in feel and vibe oozes comfort, in part because of the padded heel collar, soft footbed, and stretchy, accommodating, and breathable upper.
The ride feels naturally energetic without any excessive internal propulsive pop common to many carbon-plated racing shoes. Instead, the semi-rigid plate and rocker geometry serve up a consistently cushy, semi-firm/semi-soft rolling sensation that’s easy to replicate at any pace. It’s not very bouncy or extremely responsive, but it does offer a bit of springiness in every stride.
Price: $230
Approximate Weights: 9.2 oz. (women’s size 8); 10.4 oz. (men’s size 9),
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 40mm (heel); 32mm (forefoot)
Why It’s Great: The Cloudboom Max is well-cushioned, comfortable, stable and responsive. I’ve run a wide range of runs and workouts in this shoe and have enjoyed it most for moderately paced long runs, longer tempo runs (i.e. 7 miles at about 7:45 pace), and recovery runs. It’s not quite versatile enough to be considered an everyday trainer, mostly because it’s just not conducive for quick-cadence running. However, I’ve found it great for running 9-minute mile pace for up to 16 miles.
Why You’ll Love It: You’ll likely love this shoe because of the smooth, energetic sensation the glass-fiber -infused Speedboard produces in every stride. That semi-firm plate is also semi-flexible, which allows it to be accommodating for a wide range of paces and gait styles. In other words, it lacks the sharp, aggressive sensation of most carbon–plated shoes that can contribute to broken down form once fatigue sets in during the final 5 to 10 miles of a marathon. If you like a shoe with a stable, semi-firm ride, you’ll appreciate what this shoe is all about.
Why You Might Not Like It: Yes, the Cloudboom Max a slightly heavier shoe compared to many training shoes. While you can make the argument that a slightly lighter shoe could benefit a 3:30-4:30 marathoner, it makes up for it with comfort and stability. However, smaller or lighter runners might not appreciate the slightly heavier weight or semi-firm feeling of this shoe. (If you’re looking for a lighter, softer, and bouncier race-day shoe, read about the On Cloudboom Strike that came out last year.)
Pro: Regardless of pace, this shoe could be a good option for taller or larger runners who prefer extra cushioning, stability, and support for long runs.
Con: While the Cloudboom Max might be a good choice for a 3:30 to 4:30 marathon or the equivalent half marathon paces, it is not a quick shoe that would be great for shorter, up-tempo intervals like a 6×800 workout or mile repeats. If you want to feel sprightly for those kinds of workouts, you’ll want to choose a different shoe.
Senior editor Brian Metzler has wear-tested more than 2,000 running shoes and is the author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2021). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences pack burro racing in Colorado.
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