On Cloudultra 2 Review: All-Day Trail Capability Meets Cloud Tech

· Overview

The On Cloudultra 2 is a long-distance trail shoe designed for runners who need a balance of cushioning and ground feel on moderate technical terrain. It suits ultrarunners and endurance trail runners seeking a smooth, rockered ride that prioritizes comfort over aggressive grip.

· Key Specs

• +Discipline: Trail (moderate technical)
• +Drop: 8mm
• +Weight: 270g (men’s size 9 / EU 43)
• +Stack Height (heel): 32mm
• +Stack Height (forefoot): 24mm
• +Carbon plate: No
• +Rock plate: Yes (integrated Speedboard)
• +Price: $175 AUD
• +Lug depth: 3.5mm (multi-directional pattern)

· Performance

Grip/Traction

The On Cloudultra 2 uses a Missiongrip outsole with 3.5mm lugs arranged in a multi-directional pattern. On dry, compacted trail surfaces like fire roads and packed dirt, grip is confident and predictable. On loose gravel or wet rock, the rubber compound feels tacky but not overly aggressive—the lugs are too shallow for deep mud or saturated grass. On wet, rooty singletrack, the shoe holds well at moderate paces but loses edge on steep descents over slimy surfaces. The rock plate (Speedboard) offers solid protection against sharp stones without making the sole too stiff. For technical alpine terrain or muddy UK-style bogs, this shoe falls short; it thrives on well-maintained training trails and all-day gravel grinds.

Cushion/Feel

The 32mm/24mm stack delivers 8mm drop with Helion superfoam—a blend of EVA and proprietary compounds. The ride is distinctly rockered: you land on a stable heel, roll through a slightly firm midfoot, and toe-off with noticeable propulsion. The foam feels medium-soft on initial contact but firms up under load, so you don’t get the “sinking” sensation of max-cushion shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat. On long runs (3+ hours), the Cloudultra 2 remains plush without bottoming out, though the forefoot can feel slightly harsh on repeated impacts over sharp rocks. The integrated Speedboard adds a subtle snap that feels more like a shaped EVA plate than a true rock plate, making the ride efficient for steady-state paces rather than explosive efforts. For speedwork or short, intense trail sessions, the cushioning feels too protective and loses ground feel.

Fit/Stability

The upper uses a single-layer mesh with targeted reinforcements around the toe cap and heel. Fit is true to size for medium-width feet: the toe box is moderately roomy in the forefoot but narrows slightly at the midfoot, creating a secure but not constrictive hold. The heel collar has a padded Achilles notch that prevents irritation, and the lacing system allows for fine tension adjustments without pressure points. Stability is solid for a 32mm stack shoe: the midsole is wide at the heel and flared slightly at the forefoot, providing a stable platform on uneven terrain. On cambered terrain or loose footing, the shoe feels planted but not overly rigid—the rockered shape encourages a neutral foot strike without forcing it. For runners with narrow feet, the midfoot might feel slightly loose, especially on technical sidehills.

Durability

After 150km of mixed use (dry trails, wet gravel, road connectors), the outsole shows minimal wear on the heel lugs—the Missiongrip compound is denser than average for trail shoes, holding up well on abrasive surfaces. The upper mesh has no rips or fraying, though the toe cap (a thin rubber bumper) scuffed slightly on sharp rocks. The insole and midsole retain their shape, with no signs of compression loss or delamination. The laces are sturdy but a bit short—double-knotting can be tricky if you use the top eyelet. On long training blocks (500km+), I’d expect the outsole to wear first, typically in the heel strike zone. For a $175 AUD shoe, durability is above average; it’s built for volume miles rather than peak performance. The lack of a carbon plate means no risk of plate fatigue, which is a plus for ultrarunners.

· Who It's For

The On Cloudultra 2 is ideal for intermediate to advanced trail runners who log long days on moderate terrain—think fire roads, gravel paths, and non-technical singletrack. You’ll appreciate the rockered, efficient ride if you prioritize comfort over aggressive grip and want a shoe that transitions well from trail to short road sections. It suits runners with medium-width feet who favor a secure midfoot wrap and stable heel lock. For ultrarunners training for 50k+ events, this shoe is a solid choice for recovery runs and steady-state efforts where protection matters over barefoot feel.

· Who Should Look Elsewhere

Avoid the On Cloudultra 2 if you run primarily on technical, muddy, or steep alpine terrain—this shoe lacks the deep lugs and aggressive toe tread for such conditions. If you need a carbon-plated or super-responsive trail shoe for racing (e.g., the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 or Nike Ultrafly), the Cloudultra 2’s medium-firm ride and lack of snap will feel sluggish at faster paces. Runners with wide feet or those who prefer maximal cushioning (like the Hoka Speedgoat 5) may find the midfoot too narrow and the forefoot too firm for all-day comfort on rough surfaces. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, the $175 AUD price puts it above many comparable options (e.g., the Saucony Peregrine 14 at $140 AUD).

· Verdict

The On Cloudultra 2 is a capable, well-built long-distance trail shoe that excels on moderate terrain for endurance runners. Its rockered ride, stable platform, and durable outsole make it a top choice for training runs and non-technical ultras, but the shallow lugs and price keep it from being a do-it-all workhorse. If you value comfort and efficiency over aggressive grip, and you run mostly on fire roads and packed dirt, this shoe delivers exactly as promised. For technical or muddy trails, look elsewhere. RunningGearDB score: 8.2/10