The On Cloudultra Pro marks a real turning point for On’s trail lineup. Unlike the earlier Cloudultra models, which felt more like cushioned adventure shoes than race-ready tools, the Pro has genuine racing DNA with all-mountain capability.
It’s lightweight, fast, stable, and built for efficiency across long distances, whether you’re grinding up alpine climbs or hammering down hardpack descents.
After logging plenty of miles in my pair, it’s clear that On finally has a competitive ultra-distance trail shoe on its hands.
It feels more refined, more responsive, and more capable than the Cloudultra 3, and it shows that On’s engineering team has been listening to pro runners.
Key specifications
- Price: $260 at On.com (women's version here)
- Weight: 9.5oz (269g) for US(M)9
- Drop / Stack: 6mm (38mm heel / 32mm forefoot)
- Upper: Zoned Leno weave mesh (TPEE/TPU blend); breathable, quick-drying, and supportive
- Midsole: Dual-layer Helion™ HF hyperfoam + nylon Speedboard® (15% glass fiber reinforced)
- Outsole: Missiongrip™ rubber, 3.5mm lugs with redesigned geometry
- Extra attributes: Engineered rocker geometry for smooth efficiency; optimized via Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stability and traction.
Sizing and fit
Fit is true to size with a moderate width that should suit most runners.
The upper molds nicely to the foot after a couple of runs, and the heel lockdown feels secure thanks to the structured collar and inner padding.
I did experience a little rubbing on my small toe where the TPU overlay meets the mesh, not a dealbreaker, but something to note for those with wide feet.
There's also plenty of cushioning around the collars and the tongue has just enough padding in the right places to make lacing them up securely, feel comfortable.
Alastair Dixon
Performance review
The Cloudultra Pro feels immediately quick underfoot.
At 9.5oz for my US(M)9, it’s light for its cushioning and delivers a snappy, efficient turnover that makes long climbs and flat sections feel more effortless.
The rocker works seamlessly with the Nylon Speedboard to maintain momentum, there’s that forward-rolling sensation that keeps you flowing through each stride.
Ride and stability
The dual-layer Helion HF midsole strikes the ideal balance between cushion and responsiveness.
It’s soft enough to protect over ultra distances but firm enough to stay lively, efficient, and most importantly, controllable on all-mountain terrain.
The Speedboard, reinforced with glass fiber, adds just the right amount of rigidity for stability without making the ride harsh or stiff.
I’ve found it to be fast and confident on all terrain types, flat fire roads, technical descents, and steep climbs alike.
Traction and control
The new Missiongrip outsole is excellent on dry dirt, hardpack, and rocky surfaces.
The redesigned chevron lugs give dependable grip on mixed terrain, and the rubber compound is durable enough to go the distance.
It’s not perfect on slick wet rock (that's just the MissionGrip compound for you) or heavy wet mud (the lugs aren't deep enough to maintain clawing traction) but for most conditions, traction feels very secure and predictable.
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Comfort and support
The Leno weave upper is one of the most breathable I’ve tested, dumping heat quickly and draining fast after creek crossings.
It also has a gusseted tongue to help hold it in place, and stop debris from rubbing on your foot.
The Cloudultra Pro is comfortable for long runs, with a stable midfoot and a nicely balanced arch that supports without intruding.
Stability overall is very good for such a high-stack trail shoe, it feels planted and trustworthy on uneven ground, which gives me extra confidence to push harder downhill.
Efficiency and responsiveness
There’s an undeniable sense of energy return here, not from a dramatic bounce, but from how well the foam, plate, and rocker geometry work together.
The transitions are fluid, and the shoe encourages a quicker cadence without feeling forced. It’s one of those all-mountain trail shoes that makes running fast feel natural.
Alastair Dixon
My verdict
The On Cloudultra Pro is the real deal, it's a performance-driven all-mountain trail running shoe that finally puts On in the same conversation as established ultra-distance models from Salomon, HOKA, and Saucony.
It’s lighter, faster, and more stable than the Cloudultra 3 (but also $70 more expensive), and easily one of the most trail shoes I’ve tested this year.
Is it worth $260? Well to be honest it feels overpriced in the category, but it's still worth it, especially for those who are On fanboys (and girls).
It performs as well as some of the best all mountain trail running shoes right now, even though the best competitors are less expensive.
If you’ve been waiting for On to make a true trail racing shoe, this is it. The Cloudultra Pro combines On’s engineering precision with the energy, protection, and speed needed for competitive ultra-distance running.
👉 Keep an eye out for my upcoming comparison post: Cloudultra Pro vs Cloudultra 3, where I’ll break down which is better for your specific type of trail running, and help you choose the best ones for you.
