On Cloudstratus 3 Running Shoes Review
An in-depth review of the On Cloudstratus 3 shoe for road runners
April 2, 2024
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OUR VERDICT
With On’s burgeoning popularity in the U.S., we’ve been thrilled to get our hands (or rather, our feet) on each pair. As a flagship product, the Cloudstratus 3, in particular, is one of the most popular road running shoes On sells. While it isn’t our favorite of the On shoes, we admire its all-around comfort and performance as a do-it-all training shoe. This shoe can do it all, and is the most versatile On shoe we’ve tested so far.
This is a people-pleasing shoe. While other On models we’ve reviewed, such as the Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster, and the Cloudeclipse we’re currently testing, all have pros that beat out the Cloudstratus 3, this shoe’s middle-of-the-road, dependable capabilities still will not disappoint. The Stratus 3 offers all of On technology we’ve come to admire and the comfort we’ve come to expect. Plus, the Stratus 3 uses 30% more recycled materials than the Stratus 2, which is a step in the right direction for sustainability practices.
A drawback to the On Cloudstratus 3 is the price tag. At $180, it’s among the most expensive road running daily trainers on the market. While we appreciate the midsole technology, quality construction, and overall comfort and versatility of this shoe, the cost is high for a middle-of-the-road shoe that doesn’t excel in any particular area — there are other shoes that can do similar work for less money. If you can find this shoe on sale, or if your budget allows for it, this is a great shoe that won’t disappoint.
I spent decades as a competitive distance runner — including racing for a D1 cross country and track team and in the elite fields of races from the mile to the marathon — and I have coached at the high school and collegiate levels. I bring these experiences, along with my new experience as a disabled runner, to review road running shoes. I spent over 30 hours in the women’s On Cloudstratus 3 in a wide range of winter and spring weather conditions in Colorado and even wore the Stratus 3 on one foot while wearing other On shoes on the other for even greater comparison.
In this guide, we continue our On road running shoe journey with a close look at the Cloudstratus 3. We examine the specs, construction details, and general testing experience, as well as how this shoe compares to other models, so you can determine if this is the right shoe for you.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
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SPECS
Cushion: Plush
Stability: Forward-rolling
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm): 6 mm
Stack Height: 32 mm (heel), 26 mm (toe)
Upper: Polyester
Midsole: EVA with Speedboard®, Helion, and Double CloudTec®
Outsole: Rubber
Weight (pair): 1 lb 4.4 oz (men’s), 1 lb 1.6 oz (women’s)
BEST FOR
The Cloudstratus 3 (colloquially, Stratus 3) is perhaps the most middle-of-the-road training shoe On offers. It’s a good option for just about anyone. With a 6 mm drop, weight of 8.8 oz per women’s shoe and 10.2 oz per men’s, plush cushioning, and forward-rolling midsole construction, it handles just about any need you may have as a runner. It’s cushioned enough for daily training runs, responsive enough for workouts, and the middle-of-the-road weight and heel-to-toe drop makes it a people-pleaser for most runners’ feet.
Personally, I found the cushion of the Cloudsurfers more comfortable if you’re looking for something for daily training runs or recovery runs (they won our Best for Recovery Runs category in our Best Recovery Shoes and Sandals for Runners guide). The Cloudmonsters, which are also a forward-rolling shoe, weigh a little less, feel a little more cushioned, and are more responsive. I found the Monsters to be more comfortable and forward-rolling when I tested the two together. The Cloudeclipse is essentially a neutral version of the Stratus 3, but when worn side-by-side the Eclipses felt more responsive as well. We’ll dive deeper into the differences in the Similar Models section.
This isn’t to say the Stratus 3 is a bad shoe, In fact, it is one of the most popular road running shoes On sells. They boast the Stratus 3 as a flagship product in their performance portfolio. Anecdotally, it was recommended to me by a friend who has been a sponsored professional runner for the brand — it is his favorite of their shoes and the one he trains in the most. In other words, the Stratus 3 performs well as a daily trainer and workout shoe and will make most folks happy (especially if they aren’t comparing them side-by-side with another model).
COMPARISON TABLE OF SIMILAR MODELS
MEN’S
RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT (ONE SHOE) | DROP | IDEAL USE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
On Cloudstratus 3 | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 10.7 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer, workouts |
On Cloudmonster 2 | $180 | Max | Forward rolling | 10.4 oz | 5.5 mm | Long runs, daily trainer, workouts |
On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 8.6 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
On Cloudflyer 4 | $170 | Plush | Stable | 10.6 oz | 10 mm | Long runs, daily trainer, workouts |
On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 10.8 oz | 6 mm | Recovery, long runs |
woMEN’S
RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT | DROP | IDEAL USE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
On Cloudstratus 3 | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 8.8 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer, workouts |
On Cloudmonster 2 | $180 | Max | Forward rolling | 8.8 oz | 5.5 mm | Long runs, daily trainer, workouts |
On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 7.2 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
On Cloudflyer 4 | $170 | Plush | Stable | 9.0 oz | 9 mm | Long runs, daily trainer, workouts |
On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 8.5 oz | 6 mm | Recovery, long runs |
WHAT WE LIKED
Plush cushioning makes this forward-rolling shoe versatile
Comfortable fit
Features a lot of On proprietary midsole tech (CloudTec, Speedboard, and Helion)
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
Feels less responsive and “forward-rolling” than the neutral On Cloudeclipse
Feels less cushioned and heavier than the forward-rolling On Cloudmonster
Expensive, especially when less expensive shoes work just as well or better
WHO IS ON?
On is a Swiss-based running apparel company that has burst in popularity in the US recently. You’ll find these shoes on the feet of professional and non-professional runners, as well as on anyone who likes the sleek, casual design of the shoes. With the brand’s increasing popularity, we’ve found ourselves as intrigued as everyone else by their shoes. That’s why we’ve been testing some of their most popular road running shoes, including the Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster. A review of the Cloudeclipse will be coming soon, as well as a general road running shoe guide.
Details
Fit
The fit of the Stratus 3 is true-to-size. It’s an “average” fit, so folks with wide feet may find it too snug, and unfortunately it is not available in wide sizing. If you do have wide feet, it’s worth trying on the Stratus 3 in a store if possible. While our men’s tester — who wears wide shoes — didn’t test this model, he had luck with the fit of the similar-fitting On Cloudeclipse.
Midsole and Cushioning
The midsole is equipped with a lot of On technology. The Helion foam and double CloudTec form a plush cushion – not their max cushioning like the Cloudmonster provides, but more than enough to keep the legs fresh.
The midsole also utilizes On’s Speedboard tech, which encourages a forward-rolling motion in your stride. This is a nice feature for workouts or speedier runs. While side-by-side with other forward-rolling On shoes, like the On Cloudmonster, the Stratus 3 felt more like a neutral shoe. As such, this shoe isn’t going to shine on workout day as much as perhaps the Cloudmonster might, but it will still get the job done and could be more versatile over the course of a training block (i.e., you’ll be comfortable from training runs to long runs to workout days).
On CloudTec
CloudTec is On’s proprietary cushioning system. Its purpose is to absorb impact and reduce strain on the body. It also adapts to the feet’s unique movements by compressing to cushion where you need it most. CloudTec material is constructed of On’s proprietary Helion foam.
Helion Superfoam
Helion is On’s superfoam, constructed of a mix of rigid and flexible materials to form a lightweight performance outsole that adds cushion. Helion is comparable to the “super foam” found in many road running shoes today, a shoe tech fad that originated with Nike’s PEBA (polyether block amide) super foam racing shoes. Today, any shoe company sponsoring professional runners will utilize a similar technology, as it’s all but required anymore of anyone wishing to remain competitive in the running world.
On Speedboard
Speedboard is On’s proprietary midsole technology that adapts to individual runners’ needs and encourages a forward-rolling stride. The Speedboard plate bends and flexes with your stride to harness your momentum and propel you forward for quicker turnover (i.e., more speed). This technology fits in the midsole of the shoes that are intended to be more responsive.
Level of cushioning compared to other road shoes
The Stratus 3 is considered a "plush" cushioned shoe. In On running shoes, “Plush” cushioning falls between moderate and maximum cushion. This means it the Stratus 3 is quite cushioned, though not the most cushioned.
In our testing, the Cloudsurfers feel more cushioned than the Stratus. According to On, both are plush cushioning. But there was a difference, perhaps because the Surfers also have a more cushioned upper than the Stratus 3.
The Stratus 3 is less cushioned than the Cloudmonster and Cloudeclipse, though the difference is negligible unless you’re wearing them side-by-side like I did during testing (this is only recommended if you, too, are testing both models for gear reviews — otherwise, wearing two shoes of the same model is recommended).
Impact absorption and energy return
The CloudTec and Helion technology in the midsoles is designed to absorb impact, while the Speedboard plate is designed to utilize energy return and propel you forward. The Stratus 3 accomplishes this well, allowing you to wear these shoes on workout days and feel refreshed after (or, as refreshed as a pair of road running shoes has the ability to make you feel).
Comfort
These shoes are plush, well designed, and carefully constructed to be comfortable. When compared to other On models (and while being quite nit-picky), I found them to be less comfortable than the other models I’ve tested. However, I’m immediately reminded of On’s excellence in shoe engineering when wearing them after wearing most other road running shoe brands. Some folks love shoe tech, others despise it, but ultimately, when done well, shoe tech can make for a very comfortable experience. The Stratus 3 provides a comfortable running experience.
Stability and Support
The Stratus 3 is a forward-rolling shoe that feels like a neutral shoe. They aren’t overly motion-controlled, and fit similarly to other neutral shoes.
Ride
The Cloudstratus 3 provides a smooth, stable ride. Due to the Speedboard in the midsole, there is a gentle push forward with each stride. However, we didn’t notice a strong propulsion with this shoe like we did with the Cloudmonster. Even the Cloudeclipse we’re currently testing, which is labeled as a neutral shoe, feels more forward-rolling than the Stratus 3.
The plush cushioning is noticeable as you run, which can be helpful for aching joints. It is not so cushioned that you feel like you lose responsiveness, either. As far as On road running shoes goes, this one feels pretty middle-of-the-road in terms of cushion and responsiveness.
Outsole, Grip, and Traction
The rubber outsole offers just enough grip and traction for wet, slick roads and non-technical trails. You can feel comfortable running on the roads or sidewalks after a big rain, some light snow, or with periodic patches of ice, as well as crossing over to some easy trails.
Versatility
Versatility is perhaps the Stratus 3’s greatest strength. This shoe doesn’t shine over others in one area — the Cloudsurfer offers better cushion for recover runs, the Cloudmonster is more cushioned, more forward-rolling, and lighter weight for workout days, and the Cloudeclipse is a lighter, more cushioned neutral shoe that feels more comfortable for workouts.
However, no shoe does it all like the Cloudstratus 3. Cushioned and neutral enough for daily training runs and long runs, responsive enough for most workouts. You could use this shoe for everything but racing and short speed workouts and be happy.
Responsiveness
The purpose of the Speedboard midsole is to make this shoe more responsive, allowing for quicker turnover and faster runs. This shoe does that well, though I’d reach for the Cloudmonsters and maybe even the Cloudeclipse (which we’re still testing, so TBD) before this shoe. However, it’s still responsive and a good option if that’s a priority for you.
Warmth
Due to the lightweight and breathable mesh upper, this shoe — like most road running shoes — was not designed to keep you warm. We recommend wearing a nice pair of wool socks on cold runs, and avoiding this shoe altogether if you’re just wearing them casually in the cold (rather than working out). Our favorite winter running socks are the Darn Tough Run Ultra socks from our Best Running Socks guide.
Break-In Time
Since the Cloudstratus 3 is a mid-drop, mid-weight shoe, the break-in time is very low. Some folks could run in these out of the box and be fine. Others who are accustomed to different specs — a high or zero-drop shoe, a much lighter or heavier shoe, a motion-controlled or minimalist shoe, for example — might need a little more time. The plush cushioning helps with the adjustment, too.
Upper and Breathability
The polyester upper is mesh and quite breathable. I had no issues with overheating, sweaty feet.
Durability and Longevity
Over the course of our testing, we had no issues with durability. However, some media and customer reviews note some concerns with the durability of the midsole, though overall most reviews note a good level of durability. With over 30 hours on the shoes so far, we haven’t had any issues. We’ll update this review if our findings change with continued testing.
Price and Value
At $180, this is one of the most expensive On shoes we’ve tested, and well on the high end of road running shoe prices in general. The Stratus 3 is also, however, a high-quality shoe. While we wouldn’t spend full price on this over other shoes, like the $170 Cloudmonster or many of the Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, or New Balance options that cost around $40 less, this is certainly worth the price if you have the budget for it or if you find it on sale.
Sustainability/Ethical Company
The total recycled material of this shoe is only about 25%, which is a lower percentage than the other On models we’ve tested. While that number could be higher, we do appreciate On’s level of transparency, as they break down the amount of recycled material for each part of the shoe, as well as where the supplier is located (Dean Shoes, Vietnam).
On is working toward cutting out their fossil fuel usage. For example, their CleanCloud technology captures carbon emissions to create their materials. Learn more about On's sustainability efforts here.
Features
Volume
The On Cloudstratus 3 will fit most average feet. Unfortunately, they do not offer a wide version of this shoe. It’s not as snug as the Cloudsurfer, though, so it could be worth trying if your feet are between “average” and wide.
Weight
The women’s Cloudstratus 3 weighs about 8.8 oz per shoe, while the men’s weighs about 10.2 oz per shoe. This puts it on the higher end of average for most road running shoes.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop means the heel rests 6 mm above the toes. This is a mid-drop shoe, which is a good option for most runners, especially those who land on their heels first and could use a little extra cushion there to ease the impact.
Laces/Lockdown
The laces are long and thin. I tucked the excess laces into the woven laces to keep them out of the way and had no issues.
Reflective Material
While there are small reflective elements, overall the Cloudstratus 3 is not a reflective shoe. If night-time visibility is a priority for you, we recommend adding reflective accessories and checking out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.
Upper
The upper is constructed of a polyester material and is mesh for increased breathability. It’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable. It is not as cushioned and snug as the upper of the Cloudsurfer, which is often too snug for folks with wider feet.
Style and design
The Cloudstratus 3 comes in four colorways for both men and women. As is the case with On road running shoes in general, it’s a more minimalistic look. This is part of the reason for On’s growing popularity, as many folks appreciate a simple design. If you’re looking for something flashy, you may want to go the Hoka, Saucony, or Nike route. Sometimes Brooks also showcases a fun design.
SHOULD I BUY THE ON CLOUDSTRATUS 3?
The On Cloudstratus 3 is a great road running shoe. It’s also a very expensive road running shoe. If you can budget for this, or if you find it on sale, the Stratus 3 will serve you well as a daily trainer, and on long runs and most workouts.
I found myself reaching for the Cloudmonster and Cloudeclipse before the Cloudstratus, but that doesn’t mean this is a bad shoe. In fact, it’s incredibly versatile and one of the company’s most popular. If it’s good enough for the professional runner who recommended it, and to be one of On's most popular shoes, it’s probably good enough for the rest of us. As long as the $180 is knocked down or is affordable for you, of course.
CLOUDSTRATUS 3 VS CLOUDMONSTER
SPECS
Folks are commonly searching “Cloudstratus vs Cloudmonster” because these two shoes have similar specs and purposes. Both are “forward-rolling,” cushioned, 6-mm-drop road running shoes that are close in weight. The differences are subtle, but when wearing the two side-by-side, we could tell a few differences.
The Cloudmonsters are max cushioned — one level of cushion above the Stratus’ plush — and you can feel it. The Monsters also encourage a little more forward propulsion than the Stratus. What this means in practice is, running in the Monsters feels a little “bouncier,” or like you can run faster for longer.
Ideal Use
If you do long workouts — say, training for a marathon or other long distance event — you may want to opt for the Monsters. The Monsters are more cushioned, “springier,” and a little lighter, which is ideal over long bouts of running.
The Stratus 3 is still quite responsive and cushioned too, of course, and will accomplish similar feeling over long distances. If you wish to avoid so much cushion, or try both on and feel more comfortable in the Stratus 3, then it will be a better option for you.
Additionally, the Stratus 3 is a versatile option if you plan to use it mostly for daily training runs and only occasionally for workouts because its forward-rolling nature isn’t as prominent as it is in the Monster. This means you might not run your daily training runs as fast as you might in the Monsters, allowing for better recovery. (Of course, other factors play into your pace — no shoe is a cure-all.)
To learn more, check out our comprehensive review of the On Cloudmonster here.
SIMILAR MODELS / OTHER SHOES TO CONSIDER
On Cloudmonster
MSRP: $170
Cushion: Max
Stability: Forward rolling
Weight: 9.7 oz (men's), 8.11 oz (women's)
Drop: 6 mm
Ideal Use: Long runs, daily trainer, distance workouts
The differences between the On Cloudmonster and On Cloudstratus 3 are subtle — the Monster offers more cushion and more propulsion. Again, these differences aren’t huge and are most noticeable when wearing the two shoes at the same time, so opt for whichever pair feels more comfortable on your feet. For a more in-depth comparison, read our On Cloudstratus 3 vs On Cloudmonster section above.
ON CLOUDMONSTER
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
On Cloudeclipse
MSRP: $180
Cushion: Max
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 10.8 oz (men's), 8.5 oz (women's)
Drop: 6 mm
Ideal Use: Daily trainer
Of all the models, the Cloudeclipse feels most similar to the Cloudstratus 3 to me. At the same price point, similar weight, same drop, and both containing the Speedboard and Double CloudTec midsole technologies, the both offer similar rides and cushion.
ON CLOUDECLIPSE
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
The Cloudeclipse is labeled a “neutral” shoe, rather than a “forward-rolling” shoe like the Cloudstratus 3. However, when wearing the two together (Eclipse on one foot, Stratus 3 on the other), and after swapping pairs mid-run, I found the Eclipse to be more responsive than the Stratus 3. The Eclipse also has Speedboard in the midsole, which is characteristic of the forward-rolling On shoes. I’m not sure what makes it a “neutral” shoe instead of “forward-rolling,” but the Speedboard is evident and my momentum feels better harnessed in the Eclipse than the Stratus.
The Eclipse is also a max cushion shoe, meaning it has just a little more cushion than the Stratus 3. In this way, it feels similar to the Cloudmonster, which is both max cushioned and forward-rolling, creating what I keep calling a “springy” or “bouncy” feeling. This is great over distance workouts, long runs, or even daily training runs.
Personally, I would opt for the Eclipse over the Stratus 3 for the same reasons as the Cloudmonster. Both shoes are better at what the Stratus 3 is trying to do, unless you prefer less cushion. A full review of the On Cloudeclipse will be coming soon.
On Cloudsurfer
MSRP: $160
Cushion: Plush
Stability: Forward rolling
Weight: 10.7 oz (men's), 8.8 oz (women's)
Drop: 6 mm
Ideal Use: Daily trainer, recovery runs
The Cloudsurfer and Cloudstratus 3 have different purposes — the Stratus 3 is intended more for workouts and long runs, whereas the Surfer is better suited for daily training runs and recovery runs. However, both work well as daily trainers and both can carry you through workouts. Despite both having “plush” cushioning, the Surfers feel more cushioned because cushioning extends into the upper. This creates a snug fit that folks with wide feet may not like.
ON CLOUDSURFER
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
In short, the Stratus is more wide foot-friendly and better suited for workouts than the Surfers. If you’re just looking for a road running shoe for daily runs (rather than faster workouts) and do not have wide feet, I’d save $20 and opt for the Surfers.
Hoka Mach 6
MSRP: $140
Cushion: Responsive
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 8.2 oz (men's), 6.7 oz (women's)
Drop: 5 mm
Ideal Use: Daily training runs, workouts, races
The Hoka Mach 6 is designed for quick movements. It’s similar to the On Cloudstratus 3 in the sense they both encourage quick turnover (faster running) and are both mid-drop shoes. However, the Mach 6 is less cushioned, weighs much less, and designed purely for speed. If you’re looking for a lightweight workout or race shoe and cushion is not a priority, the Mach 6 is the better bet. It also comes in wide sizes. (As a note, the Hoka Mach 5 is still around and on sale — the updates seem to be minimal, so this is a good option to save money.)
HOKA MACH 6
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 21
MSRP: $160
Cushion: Most
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 9.4 oz (men's), 8.4 oz (women's)
Drop: 10 mm
Ideal Use: Daily training runs, track
The Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 21 is a staple Brooks road running shoe, designed for daily training runs and most distance workouts. The high 10 mm drop is better suited for folks who heel strike and appreciate some extra cushioning to help correct their stride. Both the Glycerin and the Stratus 3 are plush. Where the Stratus 3 shines on long distance runs and workouts, the Glycerin StealthFit 21 shines as a do-it-all daily trainer with less propulsion but better support for heel strikers.
BROOKS GLYCERIN STEALTHFIT 21
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
HOW WE TESTED
We tested the On Cloudstratus 3 on the roads, sidewalks, running paths, and non-technical trails of Denver and Golden, Colorado. The shoes were tested in late winter and early spring, so they saw a wide range of weather conditions — dry and sunny, wet and cold, snowy and icy, you name it. We put over 30 hours on these shoes, and even wore them around town and during work shifts with lots of standing in order to further test the Stratus 3’s durability and comfort.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US / ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it. She’s recently earned her MFA from the Mile-High MFA program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.