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Buyer's Guide

On Running Cloudboom Strike Review & Sizing Guide

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Buy Cloudboom Strike if you're a midfoot or forefoot striker looking for an aggressive, low-drop, bouncy race shoe under the radar it has been by far my favorite racing shoe; skip it if you heel strike or want a comfortable upper — the heel counter and toe rub have cut owners' races short.

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Key facts

Use case
HM and shorter race distances; aggressive low-drop racing for forefoot strikers.
Ride
Pebax-based supercritical foam, carbon plate with bounce board, aggressive rocker.
Fit
Sizing controversial — one owner sized down a full size <ref id="c1">I sized down a full size and don't regret it</ref>; another reported heel counter cut his achilles.
Stability
Not stable — better for midfoot/forefoot strikers; heel strikers will struggle.
Value
$280 retail; Strike 2 LS reportedly $250-260 <ref id="c2">the laced version is coming down in price... new one will be $250 or $260</ref>.
Watch-out
Heel counter cuts achilles per Rocket X 3 reviewer; not all pairs affected but common.

Full breakdown

On Cloudboom Strike is On's premium carbon-plated marathon racer — Pebax-based supercritical foam, carbon plate with bounce board, aggressive low-drop rocker, and an upper with mixed fit reviews. A 50km owner called it by far his favorite racing shoe and said it has been flying under the radar against ASICS, Puma, Adidas, Nike it has been by far my favorite racing shoe. With all the hype around Asics, Puma, Adidas or Nike, this shoe has been flying under the radar. Buy it for shorter HM-distance races if you forefoot strike; skip it if you heel strike or want stable upper fit.

FAQ

Is Cloudboom Strike actually competitive with Alphafly 3 or Adios Pro 4?

Yes per owner reports — the 50km reviewer rated it 12/10 on performance and said energy return is absolutely incredible Energy return is absolutely incredible, fast paces feel much more effortless than usual. He felt fast paces become much more effortless. Buy it for HM and shorter race distances; the Rocket X 3 reviewer preferred Cloudboom Strike's midsole but said the fit problems made him pick Rocket X 3 instead I certainly prefer the Strike's midsole but it loses this one just due to its terrible fit.

Cloudboom Strike vs Adios Pro 4 — which racer?

Adios Pro 4 is the safer fit; Cloudboom Strike is the more aggressive racer. The Rocket X 3 reviewer compared both and said Pro 4 has softer, bouncier, more unstable ride while Strike's midsole is preferable but the fit issues make Adios Pro 4 the better choice The Pro 4 has a much softer, bouncier and unstable ride as opposed to the quite traditional feeling Rocket... I would rather race in the Cielo and train in the Rocket. Buy Adios Pro 4 if you want consistency; Cloudboom Strike if you want under-radar bounce.