On Cloudboom Strike 2 Review: A Softer, Quieter Race Day Contender

Introduction

Two years is a long time in super shoe development, and the On Cloudboom Strike 2 arrives with the kind of changes that suggest On has been paying attention. The second iteration of the brand’s marathon racer keeps the Helion HF PEBA foam family but reformulates it to feel lighter, bouncier, and noticeably softer underfoot than the firmer original. It also introduces a distinctive CloudTec Sphere cutout at the forefoot, a geometry choice On says is designed to keep propulsion alive in the late miles of a marathon.

There are two versions to choose from: a traditional laced upper with a Leno weave mesh, and a Lightpray version with On’s seamless sock-like upper. Both were available around the time of this release. The Lightpray version, based on first impressions, may be the more exciting of the two, but this review focuses on the traditional upper version, which comes in at $250, a rare price decrease for a race day shoe in a market where prices keep climbing.

Upper: Leno Weave and a Race Day Fit

The traditional upper uses what On calls a Leno weave, an open mesh structure that looks almost like a screen door. It is a familiar pattern seen on several race day shoes this year: very open, very breathable, and fairly minimal. Inside, welded elements create the structure, in a way similar to what you would find in other minimal race uppers, and the gusseted tongue carries some strategic padding for a touch of comfort.

It fits like a race day upper should: light, breathable, and mostly unobtrusive. The heel counter has a bit of padding that creates a nicely locked-in heel cup, which is often where minimal race uppers fall short. Overall fit was solid with no issues, though the shoe runs a touch wide through the midfoot and forefoot, which is worth knowing if your feet are narrow. For reference, a men’s size 10 came in at 7.6 oz (215 g) and a women’s size 7.5 at 6 oz (171 g). Sizing was true to typical On fit, going a half size down from usual street shoe size.

One note on aesthetics: the tested colorway is a bold green that will not be everyone’s taste, though an all-white version exists that many will find more race day appropriate. Performance matters more than looks, but the visual confidence of a race shoe counts for something.

Midsole: Helion HF and the CloudTec Sphere

The midsole is the biggest story here. Helion HF returns, but as a new PEBA formulation that feels lighter, bouncier, and softer than the original Cloudboom Strike, which was notably firmer. It is still not as soft as some competitors in the super shoe space, sitting somewhere in the middle: clearly softer than the first Strike, but not plush in the way the softest race day options are.

The headline feature is the CloudTec Sphere, a sculpted cutout at the forefoot that effectively decouples part of the shoe near the toe-off zone. On explains it as a way to keep propulsion going when fatigue sets in after mile 20 of a marathon, and the shape also makes the integrated speedboard plate slightly more flexible, adding a bit of extra punch off the plate. Early impressions of the geometry were positive; the forefoot did feel like it offered some energy return when pressing down on it.

Stack specs sit at 40 mm in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot for a 5 mm drop, which is a high stack for this category. A hidden detail adds to that: the shoe includes a substantial PEBA insole, so there is actually more foam over the plate than the external profile suggests. Remove the insole and the plate is visible, meaning you can see the speedboard shape without cutting the shoe apart.

Performance: Quick, Cushioned, but Lacking Punch

In real running, the Cloudboom Strike 2 does a lot right. In early test runs, miles ticked off faster than expected, and the shoe clearly helps with turnover in the stride. The cushioning is genuinely enjoyable, with a nice rebound and comfortable underfoot feel that holds up over long distances. Longest runs in this version reached 16 miles, with the cushioning still holding up well, though without a strong toe-off punch late in the run.

The main criticism is a missing sense of snappy, propulsive energy at toe-off. The shoe’s wide, flared forefoot and moderate toe spring give it a slightly bulky feel rather than the sharp rocker geometry that some competing race shoes use to great effect. For runners who like an aggressive, rockered, propulsive ride, this one may feel a bit flat.

That said, this is a very stable race day shoe by current super shoe standards, and the width that frustrates narrow-footed runners will feel accommodating and planted to those with wider feet. Runners who have not yet tried the Lightpray version should be aware that early impressions suggest it delivers a more seamless, more refined experience, and may well be the version to seek out if the fit of the laced version feels less than ideal.

Outsole and Durability

The outsole features full rubber coverage, which is not always a given on race day shoes. Visually, it looks like a lot of rubber, and the initial concern was that it would add weight or stiffness. In practice, the rubber is light and flexible, working with the decoupled forefoot rather than fighting it. Full coverage should also translate to better durability and grip than the stripped-down outsoles some brands use to save weight.

Design, Value, and the Lightpray Question

Design is a mixed bag. The CloudTec Sphere gives the shoe a distinctive look that stands out from the crowd, but the overall shape reads a little wide and less sleek than the fastest-looking racers. It is an okay-looking shoe rather than a great one, at least in this colorway.

Value is where things get interesting. At $250 for the traditional upper, the Cloudboom Strike 2 is now on the lower end of the race day shoe price spectrum, and it represents a price cut from the previous version, which is nearly unheard of in this category. The Lightpray version sits higher at $310 and includes a pair of socks.

The bigger question hanging over this shoe is the Lightpray upper. Early testers came away preferring it clearly over the laced version, citing a more seamless fit and a better overall experience, similar to how Lightpray versions of other On shoes have impressed. If you are choosing between the two, and you are comfortable with the higher price, the Lightpray version looks like the one that unlocks this shoe’s full potential.

Buying Advice

The Cloudboom Strike 2 with the traditional upper is a solid, stable, well-cushioned marathon racer at a comparatively reasonable price, best suited to runners who want a softer, high-stack ride without aggressive rocker geometry. Runners with wider feet will appreciate the accommodating fit. Those seeking a sharp, propulsive, snappy toe-off may want to try before buying, and those who want the best version of this shoe should seriously consider the $310 Lightpray variant.

Conclusion

The On Cloudboom Strike 2 is a thoughtful update: softer and bouncier than its firmer predecessor, cushioned enough for full marathon distance, stable, and priced below most of its competition at $250. The CloudTec Sphere is a genuine attempt to solve the late-race propulsion problem, even if the effect is subtle in the traditional version. The verdict lands at a B across the board: above average, comfortably good, and probably one Lightpray upgrade away from being something special.