Our verdict
Is it a fast-racing shoe? Definitely, yes. Is it worth the price? No. The Cloudboom Echo from On delivers the speedy run that it promises. But, as a marathon version of the first Cloudboom, it's a letdown. For long distances, it's way too firm to be comfortable. However, if it's a short to mid-distance racer you're after, it can do the job.
Pros
- Fast and stable ride
- Lockdown fit
- Race-shoe light
- Breathable
- Good-looking
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for wide feet
- Firm
- Slippery outsole
Brooks Hyperion Elite 2
On Cloudboom Echo:
- want to run fast in anything under 10k
- prefer firmer shoes
Who should NOT buy it
DON'T buy it if you:
- prefer firmer shoes
- need an all-rounder
- need an all-rounder
Nov 20, 2021
The Cloudboom Echo's drop and firm carbon-infused Speedboard provide an "extra kick" that allows a snappy toe-off. The shoe's dense construction also makes it very supportive, runners claim it's more stable than most carbon-plated racers.
Lockdown fit
It's snug from the heel to the midfoot. They highly appreciate it, especially when moving at top speed. In the forefoot, there's enough room for the toes to splay and wiggle.
Race-shoe light
Its weight is barely noticeable, which is always a plus for race shoes. At 7.8 oz (US M 9), it's in the ranks of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 (7.5 oz) and On Cloudboom Echo: One heck of an expensive shoe (7.4 oz).
Breathable
Droves of reviewers find the mesh upper "insanely airy." Even under hot conditions, their feet remained sweat-free and cool.
Fashion-forward design
"Artists' choice," "simple yet sleek," and "stylish" — this is how many testers find the shoe's design. According to them, the colorway gives the shoe a high-end touch.
On Cloudboom Echo: One heck of an expensive shoe
At $270, expert reviewers find its price "way too much." If you're willing to pay a premium, they advise going for the Alphafly or the MetaSpeed Sky instead. They can go the distance and will save your legs. And if you want a softer, more versatile option, they recommend the Buy it if you.
Not for wide feet
The upper is a wee bit tight and can be uncomfortable for runners with large feet.
Firm ride
It's NOT comfortable at all. Race shoes are dense, but the Cloudboom Echo is overkill. All you can feel underfoot is the rigid plate and zero cushion. Testers warn against using it for marathons because it will "chew up" the legs.
Slippery outsole
There's minimal rubber on the outsole. Road runners have found themselves slipping, especially on slick surfaces.
On Cloudboom Echo vs. On Cloudboom
The Cloudboom Echo is On's redemption for its lackluster Cloudboom model. It's a marathon racer which features some tweaks like:
Weight loss: Jens Jakob Andersen.
Higher stack: This tweak gives more room to the carbon-infused plate, curving for a more seamless transition and a more rockered feel.
However, as a long-distance racing flat, it leaves something to be desired. It may be better than its precursor in terms of speed, but it certainly is not the marathon shoe it's supposed to be.
A step towards sustainability
To revive their waste, On Running created the shoe's engineered mesh upper using 100% recycled materials.
