On Cloudswift running shoes – jogger.co.uk review

Swiss sports brand On burst on to the crowded running scene nine years ago, masterminded by former top IRONMAN Olivier Bernhard.

In his quest to create a shoe which would disrupt the cosy world of trainer manufacturing, Olivier partnered with friends Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann. Their product looked different, felt different and is starting to chip away at the sectors top brands.

On Cloudswift running shoes is the latest offering and the sole features the new Helion foam.

Are On Cloudswift trainers comfortable?

I am sure that you have started your quest for new running shoes with our feature on gait analysis and by now know what you should be aiming for.

The On Cloudswift trainers feel exceptionally good on my feet. I did a mix of short, fast runs and longer steady sessions and the shoes cope well with the demands of both. I have no sign of blisters and the combination of padding around the heel and tongue was a key feature.

As with most On shoes, there is a good amount of cushioning. However, the low drop – just 7mm – means that you are not forced into an unnatural foot strike. It is impressive how they balance cushioning and padding with maintaining a respectable 290g in weight.

High levels of cushioning can lead to a slightly unstable run. At times it can make me feel as though I am tottering along in Baby Spice’s shoes from the mid-90s. I had none of that with the On Cloudswift running shoes.

How should I use the On Cloudswift?

They are marketed as a great all-round shoe with a focus on urban runners. They’re good for pretty much everything.

The On Cloudswift will see you through most training sessions, although the lugs on the sole do attract stones if going off-road into trail territory.

It will be fine for most races. However, if you want to cut weight and head to the speedy end of the On range, you might want to take a look at Cloudflow, Cloudrush or Cloudflash.

What colours does the On Cloudswift running shoe come in?

In short, grey, blue, orange, white and purple. In marketing speak that’s Rock / Slate, Denim / Midnight, Rust / Rock, Glacier / White, Teal / Storm and Plum / Dawn.

They are nice stylish colourways, which are understated compared to the flashy end of the market. This means that they also complement casual clothes as well as the runners’ classics.

I opted for the Rust / Rock, which look great. I just wish that Christmas presents didn’t always come in the form of bright yellow socks as the clash is mesmerising.

Are On Cloudswift trainers worth the money?

At £135 they have to perform very well as it puts them high up in the cost-stakes. My view is that if we accept that good running shoes come in at the £110+ mark, then On Cloudswift running shoes represent value for money.

They look great, feel great and, with a drop of just 7mm, are likely to encourage a strong running style. Good posture and a sound foot strike will do so much to help you stay injury free and reach your full potential.

With 15 years of running under my belt, including several marathons, I have come to appreciate that an extra £10 – £30 is money well spent for the right pair of shoes. Peace of mind, comfort and confidence cannot be underestimated.

What is On’s Helion foam?

On’s focus has always been on the rebound from their shoes. Early experiments more than a decade ago were focussed on how a running shoe can drive the stride forwards as well as up.

“‘No compromises’ was the mantra when we set out to create this new superfoam. Since no other foam was able to offer what we wanted, we decided to build our own. Helion is a lighter, softer, and more agile foam for a ride that feels more alive every step of the run.”

Olivier Bernhard, On Co Founder and multiple Ironman champion

The early On models achieved that goal and very quickly gained attention. The Helion is the evolution of that and aims to deliver the same performance with increased durability. 

In essence, Helion foam is an engineered structure combining stable, hard elements and softer, elastic segments. This has enabled designers to create longer-lasting shoes without increasing weigh. 

Being a Swish brand they are also highly aware of changing temperatures and Helion promises to perform at its best no matter what the weather. The brand is designed to maintain top performance no matter if it’s cold or warm outside.