Most runners need a daily trainer that makes it easier to show up tomorrow, especially new runners who are looking to make running into a lifelong habit.
That’s exactly where the On Cloudrunner 3 sits for me. It’s a max-cushioned stability daily trainer built for steady, protective miles, and it feels very similar in purpose to the previous On Cloudrunner 2.
It's still confidence-first running, especially for beginners, but the difference this time is the feel.
The Cloudrunner 3 is softer underfoot, and that makes it a much better running shoe overall. There's less of a sense of being aware of the shoe, and more of that bouncy fun ride, where you feel you can just keep running, on and on.
Key specifications
- Price: $160 at DSG (available Feb 5th)
- Weight: 10.4oz / 295g (US M9, my pair)
- Drop (and stack height): 8mm drop (31mm heel / 23mm forefoot)
- Upper: Plush step-in comfort (notably padded tongue + heel area)
- Midsole: Max-cushioned ride, softer than the older Cloudrunners
- Outsole: Reworked “cloud” geometry that feels more supportive; thicker outsole intended to help durability but also makes the ride feel softer
- Extra attributes: Wide base geometry, longer ground contact, “dynamic” stability (guidance that follows movement), minimal forefoot rocker, more deliberate heel guidance
Sizing and fit
The step-in experience starts strong which is often my experience with On running shoes, and they fit true to size with a medium width and roomy toe box.
There's a good amount of volume in general.
The plush tongue and heel padding make the shoe feel cushioned and secure immediately, and the midfoot/heel lockdown feels secure and comfy rather than race-snug.
It’s the kind of step-in comfort that suits the runner this shoe is clearly built for.
If I'm being super picky, then I'd say the laces could be shortened a little, or On could add a lace stow loop, to keep them from flapping around when you run.
Alastair Dixon
Performance review
The biggest change for me with this latest iteration, is simple, the Cloudrunner 3 feels softer underfoot, and less rigid overall without losing the ability to serve its core function, stability.
That softness matters because it changes how much attention the shoe demands.
With this version, I’m not spending the run thinking about what’s under my feet. It feels more natural, like it gets out of the way and lets the run happen.
Not just that though, it's one of those shoes that feels so comfortable that you want to run further in them.
Alastair Dixon
Stability provides calm guidance, not over correction
This is stability that feels planted, not pushy, and to be honest I'm surprised it worked at all with all that soft foamy compression coming from the Cloudtec Phase midsole
The stability comes from geometry rather than hard “correction”: a wide base and longer ground contact make each step feel more settled and supported.
What I notice most is how calm it feels, and I like how it doesn’t try to force my feet into a corrected position. It supports the movement I’m already making, which is why I’d describe it as “dynamic” stability.
Upper comfort and lockdown
The upper comfort is instant, and the heel lockdown feels reassuring. It's not the most breathable mesh but that does make it good for running in cooler weather.
The plush tongue and heel padding give it that cushioned step-in feel right away.
For daily training, and especially for newer runners, that immediate comfort matters because it reduces friction between 'thinking about running', and 'going out and doing it'.
You’re not “breaking in” the shoe mentally every time you lace up.
The outsole gets some updates
The reworked outsole “cloud” geometry feels more supportive than older versions, and there's now more coverage.
This is one of the more important upgrades in how the Cloudrunner 3 behaves on the run.
The outsole design feels better organised and more supportive underfoot compared to the previous Cloudrunner 2, and it plays into that overall “planted” feel the shoe is going for.
You also get a slightly thicker outsole, which should help with durability over time. For a daily trainer that’s meant to rack up steady miles, that extra material makes sense.
Heel guidance
Heel support feels more intentional now, especially when you’re tired late-run.
This is one of those details you appreciate most when your form starts to fade and you just want the shoe to keep you feeling aligned and secure, and it of course helps with stability.
Alastair Dixon
Transitions and toe-off feels predictable, not tippy
The minimal forefoot rocker makes the ride feel predictable but that does mean this isn’t a super-rockered, roll-you-forward kind of shoe.
Toe-off feels steady and controlled, which pairs well with the stability-first goal of daily training.
If you like a dramatic rocker and a really “propulsive” sensation, this won’t be that, but here are my top cushioned tempo running shoe recommendations, should you wish to go that route.
However, if you like knowing exactly what the shoe is going to do each step, it’s a plus.
What it’s best for (and what it’s not)
It’s comfort and stability first running shoes for daily training miles, and that’s the whole point.
Even with the bouncy ride, this still isn’t what I’d grab for snappy speed sessions.
It feels best for easy runs, base-building, long miles, and consistency in daily training, especially if you like guidance without feeling over corrected.
The main trade-off is the platform. That wide, stable base can feel a bit “platform-y” if you prefer a nimble, low-profile daily trainer but as far as cushioned stability daily trainers go, this is one of the best, right now.
My verdict
If you want a max-cushioned stability daily trainer that feels steady, protective, and easy to trust, the Cloudrunner 3 makes a lot of sense.
For me, the improved softness is the biggest win here. It turns the Cloudrunner into something that feels more natural on the run, and more enjoyable to rack up miles in.
The stability is the calm kind, the step-in comfort is immediate, and the ride stays predictable even on long runs due to the dynamic stability.
I wouldn’t choose it for speedwork, and I can see some runners preferring a more nimble daily trainer if they don’t like a wider platform underfoot but for beginner-friendly daily training and consistent easy miles, it does its job extremely well.
If you’re just starting out, or making a return to running, and need a reliable running shoe to help you gain momentum, this is the kind of shoe that will support you every step of the way. -Alastair
