The On Cloudultra 3 is On’s latest all-mountain trail running shoe designed to help propel you forward over long distances.
Compared to V2, the Cloudultra 3 brings a more refined and cushioned ride, better grip, and a more breathable upper. But while the performance improvements are certainly noticeable, a couple of fit quirks will hold it back for some.
Key specifications
- Price: $190 at on.com / £180 Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)
- Weight: 10.1 oz (286g) for US (M) 9 (my pair)
- Drop: 6mm
- Upper: Breathable Leno weave mesh with a gusseted tongue and abrasion-resistant TPU overlays. Includes an elastic loop for stowing laces.
- Midsole: Dual-density Helion™ HF hyperfoam with engineered rocker and speedboard for forward propulsion, and underfoot protection
- Outsole: Redesigned Missiongrip™ rubber with FEA-informed lug geometry
Sizing and fit
Length-wise, the Cloudultra 3 fits true to size, but the midfoot is narrow, and the lateral TPU overlay presses into the arch, which was more noticeable on my left foot (see images below).
That design quirk reminded me of a fit issue I pointed out in the original Cloudventure, many years ago.
The heel collar runs a little high, so runners with low ankle bones may experience rubbing or discomfort, however, the collars and heel counter are all very soft and padded, making them very comfortable to slip into.
Alastair Dixon
Performance review
Where this shoe excels is in the ride quality and grip, both noticeably improved over the Cloudultra 2, which for the record, I really liked.
The new dual density Helion HF hyperfoam midsole feels softer and more refined, especially when the miles start to stack up.
It's protective, forgiving on hard-packed ground, and doesn’t bottom out on rocky trails.
Compared to v2, transitions feel smoother and less harsh, and there’s more comfort for longer efforts.
The Missiongrip outsole is better too.
On claims it’s their most advanced to date, and while that seems like a subjective claim, it does deliver strong grip on steep inclines / declines, rocks, and loose terrain. The lugs don’t collect debris, and the increased surface area improves downhill confidence.
Upper comfort is also mostly improved, the Leno weave mesh is super breathable and dries quickly.
That midfoot TPU strip I mentioned earlier, does really need a redesign; if your feet don’t match the shoe’s mold, there's very little room for error with TPU material, as there's no stretch properties to it.
It’s the only thing (plus a slightly high collar) that interrupts what is otherwise a great upper.
So, in short, if you're coming to this review having owned the Cloudultra 2; the ride is better, the grip is better, and the shoe is easier to live with on long trail days, but the narrow midfoot fit might be a deal-breaker for some.
Alastair Dixon
My verdict
There's no denying, the On Cloudultra 3 is an expensive all mountain trail shoe when you compare the competition, right now, but is it worth that $190 price tag?
Well, it delivers in most of the key areas that are important for ultra running on all mountain trails, and On is a premium brand, so although I feel it's priced a little high, it's still a very good shoe.
Sure, the upper could use some tweaks but I think most people will overlook some stiffness out of the box, for the benefits of the smooth ride, and technical ability.
- What it is: A rugged, high-cushion trail shoe with improved ride comfort and traction, ideal for long mountain missions on hard, technical terrain.
- What it isn’t: A great match for wide or sensitive feet, the narrow midfoot and high heel collar limit its universal appeal.
If the fit works for you, this is On’s best-performing ultra-distance trail shoe to date. If you'd like to learn about my other top trail running shoes in this category, head over to my Best All Mountain Trail Running Shoes roundup.
