Article by Peter Stuart, Dominique and Sam Winebaum, and Jeff Beck
On Cloudeclipse ($180)
Introduction
Peter: The Cloudeclipse is a new max-cushion shoe from ON.. It is a bigger, even cushion-er brother to the excellent CloudMonster. It features a now softer Helion foam in a double layer of CloudTec Phase cushioning and a Speedboard now mounted just above the outsole at the rear and midfoot to stabilize the whole thing.
Sam: The Eclipse represents for me On’s 2nd next generation shoe after the shorter distance new Cloudsurfer (RTR Review), with the Monster being an earlier step in the new direction. The new approach includes:
CloudTec Phase, a new cushioning approach (also seen in the Surfer) where the Cloud elements are more carefully angled by finite element computer analysis to collapse sequentially and differentially based on shape and size in the direction of travel with varied sizing laterally and medially, all molded as a single unit
The Helion foam is softer, banishing the brick like feel of prior On
The Speedboard moves from the center of the shoe to just above the outsole, accentuating roll while maintaining stability
The underside no longer has pod like outsole elements increasing ground contact
I found the similar tech design but considerably lower stack height Cloudsurfer super fun but limited in distance range due to the overly collapsing and soft front of the shoe and no Speeboard,
Here with more stack height than the Monster at 40 mm heel and 34 mm at the forefoot, and a different Speedboard that is more shank like, I was eager to see how the Eclipse measured up and compared to other 2023 max cushion options such as the Puma Magnify 2, Nike Vomero 17, ASICS Novablast 4 and Nimbus 25, and Saucony’s Triumph among others.
Pros:
Surprisingly nimble for its stack height, relative weight & lack of flex Peter/Sam/Dominique/Jeff
Ride is fluid and fun, new CloudTec Phase is a winner Peter/Sam/Dominique/Jeff
Deep, reactive and protective midsole: Sam/Dominique/Jeff
Steps up to higher paces really nicely, good bounce Peter/Sam/Dominique/Jeff
Wide pace range and distance versatility Sam/Dominique/Jeff
Runs lighter than its weight and big stack height: Sam/Jeff
Upper is comfortable, airy and good looking Peter/Sam/Dominique/Jeff
Beautiful design: Sam/Dominique
Fit is true to size unlike the Cloudmonster: Dominique
Solid sustainability component in the upper: 100% recycled upper yarn, 90% less water to dye: Sam
Cons:
The heel lateral side is a bit too rigid at contact. I question why Speedboard extends all the way back to the far back on that side: Sam
Superb upper could use a touch lace up and ankle collar structure and support: Sam/Jeff
Could be a bit lighter: Peter
Minimalist design of the upper is a bit roomy in the women’s: Dominique
Lateral edge has some collapse at landing for supinators: Jeff
Stats
Approx Weight: men's 9.7 oz / 275g (US9) / women's oz / 240g (US7.5 / EU38)
Samples: men’s 9.47 oz / 268g US8.5, 10.9 oz / 309g US11
Full Stack Height: men’s 40 mm heel (measured) / 34 mm forefoot ( 6mm drop spec)
$180. Available now including at our partner Running Warehouse US HERE
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
From On:
The Cloudeclipse isn't just eye-catching. It's also water-saving. That's because the shoe's yarn is dope dyed, a coloring process that uses 90% less water than standard dyeing techniques. For bonus points, the yarn itself is made using 100% recycled polyester.”
Peter: Well, not going to lie, I was a little worried about the On CloudEclipse upon unboxing. It’s a big, burly shoe with a lot of cushion and a very, very stiff undercarriage. You literally can’t bend them. Okay, maybe you can, but I can’t.
They’re also not the lightest shoe out there and heavy shoes can be a bummer. So imagine my surprise when I got out on my first run in them and they were fun, bouncy, cushioned and a joy to run in.
Step in was great. The upper is very comfortable, highly breathable and laces up efficiently and easily. The CloudEclipse runs true-to-size.
From the first step of the first run I knew the CloudEclipse and I were going to get along. It absorbed impact from the road without feeling squishy and the midfoot to rear Speedboard actually helps propel the shoe forward. I wound up speeding up through my run because I was having such a good time. The CloudEclipse seemed to rise up to meet my energy and they were even more enjoyable to run relatively quickly in.
Sam: I had the same first impressions as Peter and the same fun during my first run.
The engineered mesh upper is very soft and pliable varying in density from front to back and is similar to the Cloudsurfer”s but here thinner and softer yet. The over the toes area is notably soft and very well ventilated. The toe bumper is appropriate for such soft front mesh being quite firm and vertical.
To make the front lockdown work, On laminates two reflective strips on each side of the rear of the toe box which tie in with loops to the front lace holder. This approach allows a wide variety of foot shapes to be accommodated in the relatively broad, and as said previously soft and pliable front of the shoe. It works well for my somewhat lower volume feet but very low volume feet may struggle more. I would note the front of the shoe is considerably roomier and the toe box less pointy than the Monster’s.
Further back at the midfoot, we have a fairly stiff sewn on white band that serves as the holder for the rest of the laces. It provides some structure over the top of the foot to insure lockdown.
The tongue is a very slightly stretchy knit material with thicker knit areas parallel to the center reflective strip. I think these pads are designed to cushion from pressure the more rigid outer lace holders, Back to that center strip between the 2 padded areas. It has not the usual one lace pace through but two.The tongue does not migrate,
The top of the heel counter is semi rigid while the lower portion is very rigid and more so than the Monster. I think given the Speeboard appearing to extend all the way to the heel above the outsole the rigid patterned clip could be softened a bit. See Ride,
The fit is true to my US 8.5 size and generous. During my A/B test run with the Monster, which was a half size up from my normal at US9, I noted a pointier lower toe box in the Monster, better midfoot hold in Eclipse and a slightly better ankle collar to heel hold in the Monster, even at a half size up.
Overall I think this new upper design will accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes including broader ones with only very low volume very narrow feet struggling,
Dominique: My second pair of ON running shoes and this time around, the fit is true to size and the toebox is roomy compared to my Cloudmonster shown below and my same usual size women’s 9..
Unlike my Cloudmonster, I don’t plan on retiring my Cloudeclipse to “lifestyle” shoes after reviewing them as they fit so comfortably with plenty of room for my toes to spread out and have a superior ride,
During my second run in the Cloudeclipse it surpassed my experience with the Cloudmonster and, quite frankly, for its first iteration, this model is a serious contender in the maximalist category among the many brands now competing in this growing segment.
On Cloud running shoes are designed with an elevated sense of style and craftsmanship along with performance though the latter was not obvious until the Cloudmonster (2022).
I am quite taken by the look of the Cloudeclipse, which is available in the same color for both men and women testers in this launch colorway, in shades of flame and white with embroidered neon yellow accents. It’s has a beautiful upper with a sophisticated shoelace system distinctive from other ON models, i.e., the embroidered neon yellow lace holders and their red cords.
And with the high stack height of the CloudTec Phase® midsole and overall shoe at - 40 mm heel - the ON appeal has gone to new heights!
Beautifully crafted, very breathable and lightweight, the upper is minimalist in design creating a comfortable environment for your feet with a good foothold. The heel counter does a good job of keeping the foot securely in place. This said, the upper feels a tad roomy in comparison to my last tester, the Puma Magnify Nitro 2. Perhaps the “last” was designed based on the shape of men’s feet? For sure, this less denser upper does not feel as snug although it is very comfortable and breathable.
Jeff: First and foremost, On made a huge mistake by not naming this shoe the Cloud Behemoth, because it’s an absolute beast.
Largely I agree with my colleagues. The roomier upper is much appreciated for a wider-than-D footed runner like myself. The toebox has plenty of room, and the upper construction has decent foothold while being borderline minimal.
Also, from the first step in, the foam and midsole execution have something special. I frequently advise runners not to lock into weights and disqualify shoes because they are too heavy, and shoes like this are exactly the reason. It is much more fun than its weight would imply.
I found it to fit true-to-size with my go-to 10.5D fitting perfectly. No heel slip issues whatsoever, and the tongue is very thin, but not thin enough to bring any lace bite into the equation.
Midsole and Platform
From On:
With our thickest midsole and softest cushioning yet, the Cloudeclipse takes your comfort levels to new heights. As your feet land, the double layer of CloudTec Phase® cushioning collapses in sequence to absorb impact. The result? A smooth roll-through from heel to toe. And a plush, pillowy ride
Peter: The midsole is made of Helion superfoam . The combination of the Helion superfoam and the double layer of CloudTec Phase cushioning combine to make a soft yet springy landing and take-off. Gone is the harshness of some of the earlier On models.
Sam: Indeed gone is the harshness of prior On, except to a certain extent the newer Monster and latest Cloudsurfer. Here On goes yet further in their evolution of their CloudTec and overall platform approach.
The full stack height is 40mm at the heel with the spec drop 6mm so 34 mm upfront. This is one big stack height especially upfront in a rigid profile shoe where in many shoes things can get awkward to turn over. Not so here due to the magic of the CloudTec Phase tech in the mix. More on how below,
The platform is 90 mm heel / 70mm midfoot /105 mm forefoot and is similar to other max cushion shoes although I do note the forefoot is a bit less than the more typical 110mm increasing agility. I do like that On kept the midfoot at 70mm which is relatively narrow and allows for a smoother transition while the exposed Speedboard provides some support along with propulsion.
The Helion foam is moderately soft to pressing but here, in an unique On twist cushioning is not just the foam itself. The passthrough CloudTec elements are part of the cushioning and ride system.
They collapse in sequence along your stride path and are angled forward in the direction of travel, serving also as part of the overall propulsion geometry. As the entire midsole is molded as a single unit, On can and does shape the openings of the Elements as needed. For example the far rear medial opening is smaller than the corresponding opening on the lateral side for a bit more stability and support there.
Picking up this totally rigid shoe one might think they would be blocky, firm, stiff and hard to run. Not so at all.
While the cushion feel is dense and not pillowy with a 40 mm heel stack there is plenty of it and in no way is there the brick like feel of earlier On including the Monster to a lesser extent, or the over soft and thin if energetic front feel of the Cloudsurfer. There is a deliberate more controlled bounce which comes from the elements more so than the foam itself.
There is a purposeful pleasant sensation of forward flowing motion from the collapsing elements with nice rebound and an easy toe off from the big forefoot. Often such big front stack shoes, especially those in the 4-6 mm drop range, resort to an abrupt rocker and or a plate or have an overly soft heel that is hard to get past. Not so here and the Speedboard plate is actually not up front but at midfoot to the rear. For sure we also have pronounced front and rear rockers that are very smooth as the elements compress in sequence. Along with the front rocker flowing along in synch instead of abruptly occurring and needing to be hit just right, and at an ideal pace, usually faster ones.
The new Speedboard arrangement and new outsole design plays a key role. No longer located mid way up in the depth of the midsole, as in the Monster itis now above the outsole as shown above and below. It extends from just ahead of the beginning of the front outsole to the rear
The design reminds of adidas Torsion. I was worried that the plate at midfoot would interfere with transitions to toe off but not at all. I think the collapsing forward motion of the CloudTec Phase elements allow the foot to drive and engage the transition to toe off with the midfoot Speedboard area providing some kick forward preventing the foot from collapsing too far.
I do question what feels like the Speedboard’s extension all the way to the heel on both sides and especially on the lateral side. I do sense the heel landings as being a bit too rigid on that side at slower paces (but not faster) with not enough give to the crash pad despite the central groove. I think On could leverage the shape of the lateral CloudTec elements, making them smaller, as they do on the medial side, to prevent over compression on landings.
Jeff: I’ve had a few issues with On shoes and their running geometry, the existence/location of the Speedboard in previous models made them run a bit clunky. No longer the case, this is easily the best running shoe On has made to date. And thank you Sam, the adidas Torsion system is exactly what the new Speedboard located above the outsole at midfoot reminds me of.
The midsole is probably the most dynamic midsole I’ve ever run in, and by that I mean it's the most fluid in how it absorbs impact. That isn’t all necessarily a great thing though, I found I needed to focus on my form to keep from over-supinating and staying along the outside because of how much the midsole collapsed when I stayed along the outer edge.
It’s probably only relevant if you as a runner have the same venn diagram crossover I do of “midfoot landing” “supinator extraordinaire” and “heavyset runner”, so don’t sweat it if you aren’t at least two of those three things. It didn’t have any immediate downsides, for example other shoes that had a similar issue caused massive blistering from the extra friction, and not the case here - but I could see long term it becoming a potential wear problem. Or maybe they’ll just break in that much better and I’ll have the single best pair of Cloud Eclipse on the planet.
Dominique: Sam has described at length the midsole. Runners who liked the Cloudmonster are going to be on “cloud nine” when running in the Cloudeclipse – same for people who gravitate towards maximalist shoes. The 6 mm drop allows for a generous forefoot midsole at 34mm which is not always a given. I love the flowy motion of the midsole and good rebound in the forefoot.
Outsole
Peter: The outsole consists of a significant amount of rubber coverage around the forefoot in a horseshoe pattern (sort of). There’s a channel of exposed foam in the middle of the forefoot which may be aiding in the slight trampoline effect on the front of the shoe. The midfoot section is exposed foam and the Speedboard plate. On the back of the shoe we have a deeper center channel of foam sitting between two slabs of rubber. Grip is excellent.
Sam: The outsole and underfoot geometry is significantly changed from what we have typically seen from On. Gone are the classic podular elements replaced with more continuous rubber coverage and no center rock catching exposed cavity up to the Speedboard as the Monster has with the comparison shown below..
I think the more continuous design allows for more stable contact with the ground and for the Cloudtec Phase elements a to do their thing in compressing and driving you forward without as much interference, depending on your contact areas, from each individual classic On outsole pod.
While early in testing, I expect durability and traction to be very good.
Dominique: In agreement that the outsole, which is a significant departure from the Cloudmonster’s podular elements, provides great ground contact and helps stabilize the shoe. I also expect to be quite durable.
Jeff: I agree with the above comments, and would also add that the rubber On uses for the shoe has a solid durability/grip ratio. The outsole didn’t give the slightest bit of uncertainty even in damp conditions, though I did land on a few small pebbles on the exposed plastic bit and that wasn’t the greatest sound a shoe has ever made.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Peter: The ride of the Cloudeclipse is surprisingly fluid, energetic and fun. It rides lighter than it is and has no problem picking up speed. Cornering felt solid. While it looks like it might be an unwieldy shoe, it turns out to be a joy to run in. The Cloudeclipse builds on the things I liked about the excellent Cloudmonster and puts some more cushion (2mm to be exact) and bounce into the mix. I highly recommend it.
Peter’s Score 9.7 / 10
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Dominique: I find that it is easy to pick up the pace running in the Cloudeclipse as the ride is so pleasant and quite energetic. My runs have been more effortless when picking up the pace into the mid 10 minute miles, quite fast for me daily runs,
I am equally pleased with the Cloudeclipse as with my last tester, the Puma Magnify Nitro 2, which I described as “my favorite road running shoe of the year as of now” in a post. I find that the ride of the Cloudeclipse delivers more rebound but that the Magnify has a better foothold. I do like them on equal footing but for different reasons.
The Cloudeclipse is also a pricier option for a maximalist shoe at $180 versus $140 for the Magnify. At $170, the Cloudmonster is now available in 13 different colors with ON running outfits to coordinate each color shoe. With the arrival of the Cloudeclipse, the Cloudmonster will loose its standing - and appeal - as On’s top “maximalist” run shoe, yet it remains a good running shoe, but perhaps an even better lifestyle shoe considering all the colorways available.
Dominique’s Score: 9.7/10
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Sam: At long last it’s time to get On it! After years of among, if not the most spectacular and classy visual designs and overly rough and opinionated rides (my opinion and I am not alone), On delivers a unique great riding max cushion masterpiece of visual design and run fun. Must have been Roger Federer’s recent influences I say!
The ride is not what one would expect from a very rigid rocker shoe with “relatively” firm to pressing foam Helion foam, but a Helion that is for sure softer than in the Monster. The new CloudTec Phase elements, at long last for On’s trademark cushioning tech, provide not only cushioning but a flowing forward ride as they collapse linearly, handling all paces well.
Instead of relying on lots of toe spring and rocke,r although there is plenty in the mix, the flex and give is internal to the shoe via the elements thus making the feel of this rigid shoe very consistent and kind of surprising as picking it up so rigid and high stacked one would never imagine such a pleasant smooth experience.
I would not call the ride very soft or bouncy. It is more reactive in nature, deeply and densely cushioned, stable and all of a piece in feel from heel landing to toe off with an exceptionally smooth and well aligned dynamic flow. On characterizes the Eclipse as for “daily training and long runs” and I would agree.
It checks in under my magic 10 oz / 283g for a daily trainer and this with a big 40 mm heel and 36 mm forefoot. All the more remarkable that such a big forefoot height is so smooth flowing and easy to toe off and without a front plate without some flexibility as say its competitors such as Triumph 21, Vomero 17, New Balance 1080 v13 or Novablast 4 have.
The Speedboard plate is now “bottom loaded” reducing the harshness of prior Speedboards which were located higher up in the midsole. It now acts as an at the ground stabilizing and propulsive shank at midfoot. I do think its heel lateral extension could be eliminated or toned down as the landings while very well cushioned are a bit rigid there at slower paces.
The upper is sublime in looks and fit with a generous fit that is soft and light on the foot yet decently secure. Not easy to do with such light engineered mesh but the variable density and the lacing system and support straps make it all work well and I think for a wide variety of feet.
The Cloudeclipse is truly innovative in its approach to max cushioning and stride flow dynamics using the geometry of the CloudTec Phase elements to enhance not only cushion but this big shoe’s ride.
It is beautifully constructed, comfortable, and stunning looking with its ride clearly announcing that On is now very much (and a long last) top notch in fun to run, effectively executed top to sole performance running shoes.
Sam’s Score: 9.65 /10
Deductions for a more secure back of mid foot ankle upper hold for lower volume narrower feet and a rigid landing at slow paces.
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Jeff: On has famously made great quality shoes that were not great to run in. A year ago the Cloud Monster shifted that slightly, becoming a much more runnable shoe - but the Cloudeclipse takes that much further.
There’s still the top notch On quality, but now you don’t have to fight the geometry in order to get a smooth ride out of it.
You will need to want a big and bouncy protective shoe, because this thing is simply massive. But the overall size and weight doesn’t hurt it’s fun qualities, the shoe is truly a blast to run in.
I did find myself somewhat collapsing the outside of the midsole up front with my supinating forefoot strile, but it wasn’t creating friction issues like other collapsing midsoles have in the past, so it may be more visual than anything.
In a year with seemingly tons of excellent ultra cushioned shoes, the Cloudeclipse should be in consideration for anyone looking for incredible comfort with some performance - not something On shoes had been in the conversation about previously.
Jeff’s Score: 9.55/10
Ride: 9.5 (50%) Fit: 10 (30%) Value: 9 (15%) Style: 9 (5%)
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10 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE Roadtrailrun
On Cloudeclipse
Weight: 9.7 oz / 275g (US9)
Stack Height: 37 mm heel / 31mm forefoot
Platform Width 90 mm heel / 70mm midfoot /105 mm forefoot
On Cloudmonster (RTR Review)
9.7 oz / 275g (US9 sample)l stack height of 33mm at the heel, 27mm forefoot
90 mm heel / 75mm midfoot /105 mm forefoot
Peter: I liked the CloudMonster a lot. It was the first really runnable shoe from On for me. Other shoes looked great, but felt harsh on the road. The Cloudeclipse is more cushioned, bouncier and even more fun than the CloudMonster. In running them side by side, you can really feel the effect of the Helion foam working with the speedboard and the new Cloud Tec cushioning to propel you forward. The Monster feels a bit firmer, has some flex and has a bit more road-feel, but the CloudEclipse is more cushioned, bouncier and rolls of the toe even better.
Jeff: I’m with Peter, I liked the Cloud Monster quite a bit, and at first the Cloudeclipse seemed like more of the same - only when worn against each other did it become clear just how much more the CE is than the CM. More cushioning, more bounce, more room in the toebox, and much more smoothly running - if you even slightly liked the Monster, you’re going to enjoy the Eclipse.
ON Cloudsurfer (RTR Review)
Sam: The original 2023 CloudTec Phase trainer is lower stack, much more flexible up front and has no Speedboard. It is a short and fun run shoe. I found the front elements compressed too far making the forefoot thin and tiring for longer runs making the Eclipse the longer run more protective shoe and the more versatile one. The uppers look similar in design but the Surfer’s mesh is thicker and not as soft and its tongue more heavily padded. If your runs are short, fast and more “occasional” the Surfer. Otherwise the Eclipse is a far more versatile shoe.
Puma Magnify Nitro 2 (RTR Review)
Sam: One of my other big shoe favorites of 2023 with a slightly higner 40mm heel and a higher 10mm drop, the Puma’s supercritical single layer Nitro foam is bouncier and softer. It is more back weighted in feel and has a flexible front profile. Both are fine max cushion daily trainers with the Puma leaning more towards slower and recovery paces than the more agile Eclipse. The On’s upper is smoother and softer on the foot with the Puma’s more flawlessly secure all over. Both true to size with the On more generous in fit.
Topo Atmos (RTR Review)
Peter: The Atmos is very slightly lighter than the CloudEclipse. In side-by-side comparisons, the fit of the upper feels more dialed in for me on the CloudEclipse and the ride is more pleasant. I like the Atmos a lot, but it’s not as bouncy and fun a ride as the CloudEclipse. The Eclipse seems to return more energy and I’d be more likely to take it out on longer runs even though it’s a bit heavier.
Sam: Atmos is slightly lower in stack height and relies on its well implemented rocker for propulsion. Its foam is similar to Helion but has no Cloudtec elements to add to cushion feel and drive the stride or plates. I agree with Peter that it is not as dynamic riding a bit more lumbering in feel. While more pleasant fitting and looking the On upper is not quite as secure as the Topo which in the mix has a yet wider front fit.
Jeff: Very similar feel underfoot as far as overall cushioning, while the Atmos is a touch firmer and feels much more substantial, while the Eclipse feels light and bouncy by compariso and much more dynamic overall. The Atmos upper holds my foot better, and while it’s not a thick upper, it’s much thicker than the On. Topo’s toebox makes the front fit a non contest for those of us with wide toes.
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 25 (RTR Review)
Sam: Somewhat higher stacked, the Nimbus has a similar feel foam but.. no Cloudtec elements. Thus it has a more blocky hard to roll ride than the Eclipse for me. Equally fine uppers hear or the light on the foot variety with the Nimbus slightly more secure overall. Both true to size.
Jeff: Similar soft landing to both, but the Eclipse has a more dynamic bounce/rebound to it. Nimbus is purely an easy/recovery shoe, while the Eclipse can stay easy but also works well in other roles.
ASICS Novablast 4 (RTR Review)
Peter: The CloudEclpise and the Novablast 4 are very different feeling shoes. The uppers fit equally well, but the ride is very different. Where the CloudEclipse is the first shoe to justify the “running on clouds” marketing of On, the Novablast is much firmer. It’s a more efficient feeling shoe and is lighter–so would probably be a better tempo shoe. That said, the CloudEclipse feels pretty good when you speed up.
Sam: Agree with Peter that the somewhat lighter Nova 4 has a faster feel. It is more awkward in flow particularly at slower paces so less is versatile than the Eclipse. Uppers are similar in fit and finish with the Nova’s not quite as broad at the forefoot and overall lower volume and more secure.
Jeff: The Novablast is noticeably firmer, and definitely shines at faster paces, though the geometry isn’t quite as accommodating for a midfoot strike. The $40 discount of the ASICS is hard to overlook.
Saucony Triumph 20/21 (RTR Review)
Sam: Saucony big neutral trainer takes a different approach to cushion and ride. It relies on a bouncier foam and flex more than the Eclipse which has a rigid rocker profile with internal flex. The Eclipse is more reactive and quicker rebounding while having a similar level of cushion. I would say the Eclipse at the same weight and slightly higher stack leans faster paces and while the Triumph can certainly handle them is a more mellow easy paces shoe.
Jeff: Sam spells it out well, the firmer bounce in the Triumph has been fantastic the past two years, though the Eclipse is noticeably more dynamic. The Saucony upper holds the foot better, though neither shines over the other in toebox width. A bit of a coin toss for me, which is telling since the Triumph 20 was my shoe of the year last year and the 21 was a slight, but definite, improvement.
New Balance SC Trainer v2 (RTR Review)
Peter: Even though I really love the On CloudEclipse it doesn’t, um, eclipse my favorite daily trainer of the year. These two shoes have the most similar ride of any of the shoes I compared the Eclipse to. They are both bouncy, fun, reduce impact from the road and have great fitting uppers. Side-by-side the NB has a little more get up and go and is just slightly more exciting to run in. For longer runs I might choose the On CloudEclipse but I would take the SC out for anything shorter, especially if there’s some tempo involved.
Jeff: Peter nails it. Surprisingly similar shoes, though the NB definitely has a more performance edge to it. I’d prefer the On for easy stuff, anything else, the NB takes it.
NIke Vomero 17 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Vomero has an equal amount of heel cushioning and a higher drop. It is heavier. It combines Zoom X supercritical foam and Cushlon foam in a simple conventional 2 layer construction. Unlike the Eclipse, it is a flex based shoe. Its ride is more suited to slower days while Eclipse leans a bit faster. The Nike upper is denser and thicker, considerably more secure all over as well as lower volume upfront.
Hoka Clifton 9 (RTR Review)
Peter: The Clifton 9 upper feels constraining to me. I would go up ½ size if I got another pair. The ride is excellent, but not quite as fluid as the ride of the CloudEclipse. The On CloudEclipse rolls more easily through toe-off. Due to a more comfortable upper and a slightly more exciting ride my vote here is the On CloudEclipse.
The On Cloudeclipse is available now at our partners below
Tester Profiles
Peter lives in Austin, Texas and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner as well as a 1:21 half marathoner in recent years.
Dominique has run for over 40 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 10 and 11 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
Jeff Beck is the token slow runner of the RTR lineup, and as such his viewpoints on shoe and gear can differ from those who routinely finish marathons in three hours or less. Jeff runs 20 miles per week on roads and trails around Denver, CO (and sometimes on the treadmill when the weather gets too much for a Phoenix native). Jeff only got into running in his 30s, as a result his career PR's are 4:07 for the marathon and 5K at 23:39. Jeff has finished several ultra marathons, from 50K up to 50 miles, and is still debating if he wants to go down that road again.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is 66 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. 2022 was Sam’s 50th year of running. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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4 comments:
How aggressive is the rocker? I ended up with major knee issues after running hills in the NB SC Trainer V1, as I kept breaking on the downhill to control the shoe. This shoe is an absolute beauty.
Will wait for spring and new colorways. They seem to be very promising! :)
Comparison to the Ghost Max?
"Lateral edge has some collapse at landing for supinators: Jeff" Some collapse?? It's a squishy midsole even for a lightweight runner We fit a lot of runners day in/day out at our store. On remains an enigma. They are gaining a little traction with some runners, but after almost 10 years in the U.S. I feel On is still struggling to get past the "hang out in Harbor Springs"(Michigan monies resort area)fashion sneaker category. I like the fit in the Cloudeclipse(much better than the sloppy Cloudmonster), but haven't run in it.
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