Beyond sellers dealing collectibles and sneakers | 4 Nike Supreme x Nike SB Gato QS sneakers in 2024

When selecting the best overall shoe in a specific category, versatility tends to be the quality we look for most in a shoe, and On’s Cloudvista certainly has it in spades. It’s a road-to-trail shoe that easily takes the cake as On’s best trail runner.

We didn’t expect much from the Cloudvista’s subtle lugs that we measured at only 2.5 mm thick. In fact, they surpassed our expectations during our test runs, where we found them to be extremely grippy whether we were on dirt or gravel. We even experienced great traction on the roads, where the shoe feels just as smooth as it does off-road. They’re also plenty durable to boot, as our Dremel test demonstrates, with only 0.7 mm of material lopped off after contending with the tool for twenty seconds compared to the average loss of 1 mm. 

Testing the softness of the midsole foam gave us a durometer reading of 23.5 HA, which is softer than the average trail shoe. Beyond the foam itself, however, the configuration of the midsole’s individual “clouds” further contributes to the cushioning and responsiveness of the Cloudvista. The large ones at the rear compress dramatically, giving our heel landings an extra touch of perceived protection, while the smaller ones at the forefoot rebound to shape quickly for snappy-feeling toe-offs. 

Our main gripe with the Cloudvista is the narrowness of the toebox around the big toe. At only 76.9 mm wide, it’s 2.3 mm less roomy than average. This may not sound like much, but it certainly becomes noticeable at the end of long efforts and our swollen feet have less room to splay out. This will lead to inevitable hotspots and/or blisters, especially for runners with wide feet.

We tested On’s trail running shoes against rough terrains and slippery slopes and discovered Cloudventure offers the best grip. Navigating through beaten paths is a breeze with the shoe’s excellent traction, light and protective build, and breathable upper.

On our wet and muddy encounters, the outsole cemented its supremacy in providing traction. Even when tackling steep downhills, we had no slippage issues and remained surefooted. We give credit to the Missiongrip outsole that has a zig-zag pattern for better traction.

Along with a reliable grip, its light nature allows us to be nimble and in control. Weighing 7.9 oz (225g), it stands 24% lighter than the average trail shoe. Its 6.0 mm heel drop gives us a good feel of the ground.

Hugging the top of our foot is a mesh upper that feels like it’s made of high-quality materials. It strikes the middle ground between breathability and durability, keeping our feet away from unwanted things such as sweat, hotspots, and debris.
 
Even after several runs, the overall ride feels stiff, which could trigger muscle soreness. We recommend exploring other options if plush cushioning is a priority.

On Cloudultra won us exceeding with its cloud-like cushion, steady ride, and durable build. The comfort it offers allows us to mindlessly gobble up miles, while its reliable grip handles technical terrains with ease. The fact that our legs have no fatigue after long hours on the trail makes it our best long-distance trail runner.

Each stride feels protected with the ultra-soft foam, muting ground impact and little rocks we step on. Not only is it secured underfoot, but even the top and sides of the shoe effectively shield us from debris. Cloudultra gave us a worry-free and pain-free experience.

Surprisingly, for such an amount of foam, the ride feels steady and stable. Cloudultra gives us a well-planted sensation despite running through steep and uneven terrains. We had no slippage issues even as we ran through muddy paths and loose gravel.

With all its bounce, we found it difficult to sprint as the shoe seemed to absorb the energy rather than return it. Cloudultra performs best on long and steady runs.

On our encounters with mud and river streams, Cloudventure Waterproof was the most effective in blocking water out among On’s trail lineup. It's protective against moisture, sweat, and debris with its unusual upper that surprisingly blends waterproof and breathable elements. Underfoot, its outsole displays the best traction on softer ground and inclined trails.

Cloudventure houses a gusseted tongue that successfully keeps unwanted elements out. Even when standing in a shallow stream, our feet remained completely dry. The upper includes an impermeable membrane, yet we’re pleasantly amazed at how breathable the shoe is. This is unusual for waterproof shoes.

The front has a spacious toebox with a bumper that guards us against jagged rocks and roots, while the midsole includes a stiff speedboard for additional protection. We noticed how this stiffness comes to life on soft mud and returns a good amount of energy.

The Mission Grip outsole offers excellent traction on soft terrain and loose gravel thanks to the triangular rubber lugs that cling well to mixed surfaces. Even when traversing uphill or downhill, we never had instances of slipping.

We found the fit to be loose around the midfoot and heel area. Even when we tightened the laces, it didn’t give us the snug fit we're looking for.