On Cloudboom Strike 2 Review: A More Complete Marathon Racer

The original On Cloudboom Strike made a strong case for a different kind of carbon-plated racing shoe. It was soft, protective and comfortable over longer distances, but alongside the sharpest racers in the category, it sometimes felt as though it left a little speed on the table.

The On Cloudboom Strike 2 goes after that missing edge. New CloudTec Sphere™ geometry, lighter Helion HF foam and a redesigned carbon Speedboard aim to turn more of that cushioning into usable propulsion, while retaining the controlled and stable feel that made the original approachable.

After running in both versions, this update improves on some of the limitations of the first Strike. The Cloudboom Strike 2 feels softer, more propulsive and more settled at sustained race pace, without becoming overly aggressive. It still is not the snappiest option for shorter racing or fast repetitions, but over longer efforts, it feels like a more complete marathon racer.

In this review, we look at how the changes affect the ride, where the second version improves on the original and which runners are likely to get the most from it.

Quick Take

The On Cloudboom Strike 2 is a clear improvement over the original. It feels softer beneath the foot, noticeably more energetic through toe-off and more stable across the forefoot.

CloudTec Sphere™ is the defining update. The new geometry allows the Helion HF PEBA foam to compress and rebound more freely, creating a stronger sense of forward movement through the front of the shoe.

However, this is not a racing shoe that feels explosive during every type of session. The carbon Speedboard remains rigid through the midfoot and forefoot, while the broader platform and extensive outsole coverage give it a more controlled and structured character.

For me, it feels best during sustained efforts at race pace. Longer intervals, tempo sessions and extended half-marathon or marathon-paced efforts are where the cushioning, structure and forefoot response begin working together most effectively.

What Has Changed From the Original Cloudboom Strike?

One of the most distinctive features of the Cloudboom Strike 2 remains its removable top midsole.

Rather than placing a conventional thin sockliner above the midsole, On uses a substantial layer of Helion HF PEBA foam directly beneath the foot. It sits where you would normally expect the shoe liner, but forms a meaningful part of the cushioning system.

This construction places more responsive foam between the foot and the carbon Speedboard than you find in many other racing shoes. It creates a soft step-in feel and reduces some of the direct, rigid sensation of the plate without removing its structure.

The Cloudboom Strike 2 retains that point of difference but changes how the rest of the midsole moves. CloudTec Sphere™ replaces the original CloudTec setup with strategically positioned channels through the foam.

As pressure moves into the forefoot, these channels allow the PEBA foam to compress more freely before rebounding through toe-off. The result is a clearer sense of forward movement and noticeably more propulsion than the original.

It is not an overly sharp or sudden response. Some racing shoes create a more aggressive snap at toe-off, but the Cloudboom Strike 2 feels smoother and more controlled. Over longer efforts, that approach works well because the shoe can repeat the same transition without feeling demanding or unstable.

The Helion HF PEBA compound also feels softer than the foam used in the original Cloudboom Strike, although it is not as soft or compressive as something like the Saucony Endorphin Elite 3.

Beneath that cushioning, the redesigned carbon Speedboard remains particularly rigid through the midfoot and forefoot. This gives the shoe a firm foundation and helps direct the softer foam forward, but it can also make the transition feel more demanding at slower speeds or during shorter repetitions.

The Cloudboom Strike 2 therefore does not feel soft in the traditional sense. It feels cushioned closer to the foot, but structured and distinctly race-focused underneath.

A broader and more stable platform

The forefoot sits on the broader side for a racing shoe, particularly compared with some of the narrower and more aggressive options in the category.

That width slightly reduces the feeling of agility, but it also provides the stable base needed to support the softer PEBA foam and segmented CloudTec Sphere™ geometry. The platform feels planted through landing and toe-off, giving the runner something dependable to push against.

Without that additional width, the midsole could feel more compromised as the foam compresses. Instead, the Cloudboom Strike 2 remains controlled and predictable as the pace and distance increase.

The outsole further supports that feeling. Almost the entire underfoot platform is covered by high-grip rubber, which is a substantial amount of coverage for a lightweight racing shoe.

Many modern super shoes expose large sections of midsole foam to reduce weight. On has taken a different approach, prioritising road contact, protection and durability while still keeping the standard Cloudboom Strike 2 impressively light.

That additional rubber gives the shoe plenty of confidence underfoot and reinforces its more stable character. It may contribute slightly to the reserved feeling during shorter repetitions, but for longer racing and regular race-specific training, the extra coverage feels like a worthwhile trade-off.

A lighter and more enhanced open-weave upper

The updated open-weave upper feels light, breathable and appropriately minimal for a racing shoe. Airflow has noticeably improved from the original, creating a more modern and lightweight feel around the foot.

Through the heel, the fit feels secure and snug without becoming overly tight. On has added slightly more padding than the original, and I did not experience any noticeable heel movement or discomfort.

The toe box sits slightly on the wider side, which is something we have come to expect from several recent On performance shoes. There is enough space for the toes to spread and the foot to expand over longer distances without making the fit feel loose.

That shape also works well with the broader platform underneath. The upper and midsole feel consistent rather than combining a narrow race-day fit with a wide base.

How Does the Cloudboom Strike 2 Perform on the Run?

The Cloudboom Strike 2 feels most convincing once you settle into a sustained pace.

Longer tempo efforts, race-pace intervals and progressive long runs give the shoe enough time and force to engage the midsole properly. The PEBA cushioning takes some of the harshness away from the rigid Speedboard, while CloudTec Sphere™ creates a smooth and repeatable release through the forefoot.

Compared with the original, the second version feels easier to settle into and better equipped to maintain its response as the session continues. The cushioning feels softer, the forefoot has more energy and the broader platform creates greater confidence underneath.

During shorter and faster repetitions, it can feel slightly reserved. The stiff plate and controlled transition mean you need to work harder to generate more speed from the shoe, and it does not turn over as quickly as some lighter and sharper racing options.

It can still handle faster sessions, but this is not where its strengths are most obvious. The Cloudboom Strike 2 feels designed to build into a rhythm rather than immediately push the runner onto their toes.

That is the main difference between the two versions. The original was already soft, protective and comfortable, but the Cloudboom Strike 2 makes better use of that cushioning. It adds the forefoot response and stability needed to create a more complete long-distance racing experience.

Georgia's Perspective

For me, the Cloudboom Strike 2 feels smooth, stable and really well balanced. It still feels fast underfoot, but without the unsteady sensation I sometimes get from more aggressive racing shoes.

The cushioning does not feel overly soft or squishy, which I like. I can feel the rebound without having to work too hard to compress the foam first, and there is still enough protection underfoot for longer efforts.

So far, I have used the shoe for one-kilometre efforts at threshold pace with 400-metre floats, and it felt perfect for that type of sustained session. I found it easy to lock into a rhythm and hold pace without feeling like I needed to push the shoe too hard.

Compared with the original Cloudboom Strike, the forward roll feels smoother and more natural. The overall fit also feels better, and I can comfortably wear my normal size without any issues around lockdown. The weight reduction is noticeable as well.

For shorter racing and faster sessions, I would still reach for something more propulsive, like the ASICS Metaspeed. For half-marathon and marathon distances, though, the Cloudboom Strike 2 suits what I value most: comfort and stability over outright speed.

The best word I would use to describe it is balanced. It still feels fast underfoot, but I can lock into a pace without feeling unsteady.

My favourite updates are the smoother forward roll, improved fit and lower weight. I also think it looks great, it is a really clean shoe with some strong colourways.

Final Thoughts

The Cloudboom Strike 2 feels best suited to half-marathon and marathon racing, where its protective cushioning, rigid Speedboard and CloudTec Sphere™ forefoot work together to create a smooth, controlled ride at sustained pace.

It is not the sharpest or most aggressive carbon-plated shoe in the category, and runners focused on 5km or 10km racing may prefer something more immediate. Over longer distances, however, that balance becomes one of its strengths. The second version feels more complete than the original, with a smoother forward roll, stronger forefoot propulsion and greater stability underfoot.

It also has enough durability and protection to handle longer race-pace sessions, marathon-specific workouts and faster long runs, rather than being reserved exclusively for race day.

For runners who prioritise comfort, stability and protection without giving away responsiveness, the Cloudboom Strike 2 makes a compelling case for the half marathon and marathon.

About the Author

Ed - Runner & Content Specialist

I’m a distance runner and Performance Content Specialist at RunDNA, with a passion for running, road and gravel cycling, quality gear, and the stories shaped by effort and adventure. My current focus is long-distance road running and triathlon, driven by a love of performance and the challenge of pushing body and mind further.