Published Updated
A 2025 plated long-run trainer-racer with a dual-density Helion HF midsole and glass-fiber plate, the Cloudboom Max suits stability-seeking marathoners but gives little push at faster paces.
On built the Cloudboom Max in 2025 as the supportive sibling to its Cloudboom Strike racer, joining a wave of brands making plated, race-styled shoes aimed at ordinary marathoners instead of elites. The dual-density Helion HF midsole and glass-fiber plate are tuned for stability over snap, placing it in the long-run and marathon-pacing lane rather than pure race day.
Start with your normal running-shoe size. Road Trail Run found it true to size against a competing plated trainer, and one long-run owner noted it runs a touch wider than the Cloudeclipse and Cloudrunner 2. Width is standard with usable forefoot room, so most runners do not need to adjust.
Buy it if you want firm stability rather than a soft, cradling ride underfoot. Believe in the Run describes the dual-density Helion HF foam and glass-fiber Speedboard, and an owner logging 45km called the ride firm and very stable on easy efforts. Heel strikers get the most comfort and reward from the rocker geometry.
Choose the Strike if you want the lighter, sharper race-day shoe; choose the Max for stable, controlled long runs. Believe in the Run places the Max near the Strike on foam but differently tuned with a glass-fiber plate, so for daily long-run comfort the Max fits better while the Strike fits race day.
Not for faster runners, so buy it only if your goal pace is relaxed. One owner found it fine on easy efforts but said that at marathon pace he was doing all the work with nothing in return. It best suits 4-6 hour marathoners who value stable comfort over propulsion.
Skip it if you want the lightest race-day shoe or the bounciest PEBA feel. At around 296g it is heavy for a plated racer, and r/RunningShoeGeeks runners questioned why a pure race foam shoe weighs so much. Faster runners chasing maximum pop should compare the Cloudboom Strike, Vaporfly, or SuperComp Elite first.
Claims in the guide text link directly to these Reddit threads and article sources.
Cloudboom Max guide
Read the guide and compare current prices, stores, and sizes.
Browse the On Running Buyer's Guide
See the full On Running Buyer's Guide on SoleFeed.
On Cloudboom Strike
Lighter and more race-focused if you want stronger propulsion.
ASICS S4+ Yogiri
Another mid-pack marathon concept with a different plate feel.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
More energetic PEBA-based option with stronger race bias.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Comparable uptempo trainer lane with lighter feel for many runners.
