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Did On Accidentally Make the Perfect Urban Adventure Shoe?

Stability, reliable traction and very cool colorways define the approachable new model from the forward-thinking Swiss athletic brand.

Close-up of a peach-colored knit sneaker with matching laces and a pull tab against a green background.On
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By Hayley Helms

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Trail running is having a moment. While there are tons of technical shoes designed to go fast over demanding terrain, few beginner-friendly options blend elevated style, premium materials and a relatively approachable price point.

Leave it to the minds at On to fill that gap. The upcoming Cloudsoma is designed for newcomers that aren’t chasing PRs and accolades but rather, a deeper connection to the trail.

But that’s only half of its appeal; because of its comfort-first approach and city-friendly styling, On’s newest release may just be the ideal urban adventure shoe.

Light purple and tan athletic shoe with thick tan sole and laces on blue background.
According to On, the Cloudsoma is engineered to connect mind, body and trail.
On

Head in the clouds

While On has a stacked catalog of heavy hitters, from everyday casual sneakers to innovative super shoes, its soon-to-be-released Cloudsoma is a fresh step forward for the brand.

It’s being positioned as an ideal pick for beginning trail runners, thanks to its reliable traction, enhanced stability and next-gen cushioning. That also makes it great for everyday urban adventure.

Pair of orange athletic running shoes with knit uppers and thick cushioned soles on a blue background.
Thanks to its new cushioning tech, focus on stability and comfort-forward design, the Cloudsoma is ideal for newcomers to trail running.
On

The Cloudsoma debuts CloudTec Connect, On’s newest cushioning tech, which features pods that flex independently and adapt to uneven ground, a major bonus for runners used to the road.

That smooth and stable feeling underfoot is matched by On’s updated Missiongrip outsole, which uses a new compound and lug pattern designed for dependable traction on wet, muddy and variable terrain. This capability translates well to city streets.

Outsole of a pair of running shoes with tan and pink rubber tread on a blue background.
The upgraded, all-terrain Missiongrip outsole can handle wet, muddy and obstacle-laden terrain.
On

The shoe’s Helion HF hyper foam, complete with a 6mm drop, provides an enhanced connection to the ground while maintaining comfort.

That comfort is echoed in the upper’s sock construction, which locks the foot in place while minimizing weight.

Pair of light gray athletic shoes with thick soles and mesh fabric uppers on a blue background.
The Cloudsoma’s available colorways include Black/Black, Glacier/Pearl (pictured), Sandstone/ Tangerine and Sakura/ Safari.
On

Visually, the Cloudsoma marks a new era of On’s trail shoe design. The unified silhouette of the sole is a departure from its signature hole pattern, and the gradient and monochrome hues add a pop of color or match any running ensemble, depending on your preference.

Black athletic sneaker with textured sole and knit upper on a blue background.
The CloudTec Connect cushioning system flexes with your foot’s natural movement, offering an enhanced connection to the trail.
On

In a world where $200+ running shoes are becoming the norm, the Cloudsoma delivers plenty of tech and comfort for $180.

Thanks to the multi-surface-friendly design, these could easily be worn as a daily driver, making their price easier to justify.

Availability and pricing

The Cloudsoma will be available starting April 2nd at On’s website in both men’s and women’s sizes, retailing for $180.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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