On Cloudboom Strike 2 First Run Review: A Balanced Carbon Racer With Real Value

Introduction

The On Cloudboom Strike 2 is the successor to the Cloudboom Strike carbon plate racing shoe, and this first run review covers the standard version rather than the pricier, lighter Lightspray (LS) model. At £230 or $250, it sits at the cheaper end of the carbon racing shoe spectrum, and after a first run it already looks like one of the more balanced and accessible options in On’s lineup.

Design and Specifications

At the key numbers, the Cloudboom Strike 2 weighs 204 g (7.2 oz) in a UK 9, which is On’s US 9.5. It is not as light as the LS version, which comes in around 150 to 160 g, but it is still a lightweight shoe by any reasonable standard. The drop is 5 mm, and the stack height at the heel sits just below the 40 mm limit set by World Athletics.

The upper is a fairly open mesh with a stiff material that holds the fabric up off the toes at the front. There is a little internal heel counter that stays fairly flexible at the back, and minimal padding, as you would expect from a lightweight racing shoe. The midsole is dual-density and built on On’s PEBAX-based Helion HF foam, with CloudTec sphere geometry that creates segments in the midsole, intended by On to deliver a more explosive, bouncy ride. A carbon plate, which On calls a speedboard, runs through the midsole to add propulsion. Both the foam and the plate are lighter than in previous models, and the plate is stiffer, which should create a more energetic ride while keeping the weight down.

Fit and Sizing

Fit feedback from testers with average-width feet was positive in their normal running shoe sizes, with no slippage and good hold around the heel and midfoot. The toe box has decent space, though slightly less thumb-width of toe room than some other brands in the same size, so there is a bit less wiggle room than some runners are used to. The midfoot is fairly standard and true for average-width feet, so runners with wider feet may struggle.

Compared with On’s more training-focused shoes, the Strike 2 has a slightly more dialed-in, tighter fit around the toes, which is expected from a racing shoe. It is not the most padded shoe, but it was comfortable on a first run. The straightforward advice: stick to your normal running shoe size.

First Run Impressions

The first run took place during a double workout day, with a shorter interval session of 20 times 60 seconds on, 30 seconds off, at roughly 10K intensity. The result was very encouraging: paces came out quicker than expected, around 3:11 to 3:12 per kilometre on the reps, and the run felt smooth and controlled throughout.

The shoe felt a little clanky during the warm-up, as carbon shoes often do, but once the pace picked up it delivered a genuinely pleasant combination of smoothness and bounce. The ride felt almost explosive, with a bit more spring than the previous Cloudboom Strike LS. There is a touch more softness than expected, and the foam comes back nicely, making long warm-ups and cooldowns comfortable enough that the shoe works for a full hour of running.

A second tester ran a 7K fartlek session mixing paces from about 5:30 per kilometre down to around 4:00 per kilometre, and came away impressed by how balanced the shoe is. At easier paces it feels comfortable, cushioned and smooth, and it kicks into gear when the pace quickens. On a spectrum between something like the Endorphin Elite 3 at one end and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 at the other, this sits in the middle: plenty of stack and bounce, but not overly aggressive and not overly squishy. It feels versatile enough for a comfortable marathon and fast enough for shorter racing, though stability has limits. With its big stack and slightly soft character, there were a couple of small wobbles on turns, so it is fairly stable overall rather than rock solid.

Outsole and Durability

Outsole coverage is one of the strong points here. A big central cutout runs down the length of the shoe, but every part of the sole that contacts the ground is covered in rubber, and it is a pretty thick layer given how light the shoe is. For runners who normally tear through the rubber at the back of their racing shoes, this solid, grippy outsole is a meaningful plus.

Who Should Buy the Cloudboom Strike 2

Early verdicts point to a comfortable, solid, versatile shoe that is easy to pick up and wear straight away, with plenty more to come once it is properly broken in. It is not the most hyper-light, aggressive, rocket-punchy racer on the market, but it is a genuinely fast shoe that you can also do a lot of training in. That makes it especially interesting for longer distance racing, where its stable, comfortable design pays off.

It also makes a strong case over the LS version for many runners. The two shoes share a very similar midsole setup, but the LS is a fair bit lighter thanks to its Lightspeed upper, which some runners find difficult to get on and off, and its fit is not always perfect. Having an adjustable fit option with the same enjoyable midsole at a much lower price is a compelling alternative within the On range.

Buying Advice

If you want a top-tier carbon racing shoe that doubles as a dependable training shoe, the Cloudboom Strike 2 is a strong candidate. Its balance, comfort and reasonable price considering how expensive even training shoes have become make it a good all-round package. If you prioritise absolute minimum weight and are willing to pay a premium and accept a trickier upper, the Lightspray version remains the alternative, but for most runners the standard Strike 2 is the smarter buy.

Conclusion

After a first run, the On Cloudboom Strike 2 impressed as a well-rounded carbon racing shoe: fun, fast and bouncy at speed, comfortable and fairly stable the rest of the time, with good outsole protection and a price that undercuts much of the carbon racing market. Longer term testing will tell more, but as a balanced option for racing and training alike, it makes an excellent start.