On Running Cloudboom Max

Description 296g · 8mm drop · Stability · Road Our verdict Best for Daily training — solid all-rounder at 296g Runners who overpronate or need medial support Skip if You have a neutral gait and prefer a flexible ride �� Price — On Running Cloudboom Max $264.00 at Pace Athletic ✓ In Stock Buy Now → �� Price History �� Runners Also ComparedReebok Floatzig 2 Sm295g · 6mm dropFrom $189Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4295g · 10mm dropNew Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14298g · 8mm dropFrom $219ASICS Gel-Kayano 32298g · 8mm dropFrom $290On’s super trainer concept comes to life in the Cloudboom Max, a high-stack daily trainer that bridges the gap between cushioned cruisers and carbon racers. With 40mm of heel stack (32mm forefoot), this shoe packs double the cushioning of typical On models while maintaining the brand’s signature responsive feel. The embedded Speedboard® provides structure without the aggressive propulsion of a full carbon plate, making this a versatile option for runners who want one shoe to handle everything from recovery shuffles to marathon-pace workouts. The Cloudboom Max represents On’s most accessible take on modern running shoe tech. Unlike the brand’s elite racing shoes, this model prioritises comfort and stability over outright speed. The upper construction and wider platform create a more forgiving fit, while the 8mm drop maintains a traditional feel that won’t force runners to adjust their gait. At 281g (men’s US 9), it’s heavier than pure racing shoes but lighter than most max-cushion trainers—sitting in that sweet spot for daily mileage. Who It’s For Marathon trainers seeking plated protection without racing-shoe demands — The Speedboard® adds structure for long runs without the harsh ride of carbon plates Runners transitioning from traditional trainers to modern stack heights — The 40mm heel height delivers cushioning while the 8mm drop maintains familiar mechanics Daily mileage collectors who want one shoe for varied paces — The responsive foam handles both easy miles and tempo work without feeling sluggish or harsh Who Should Skip It Runners wanting maximum cushioning without any firmness — The Speedboard® creates a stiffer ride than pure foam shoes. Try the HOKA Bondi 9 instead. Budget-conscious runners who don’t need the plated construction — At $260 , you’re paying for tech you might not use. Try the ASICS Novablast 5 instead. Minimalists who prefer ground feel over protection — The 40mm stack height isolates you from the surface. Try On’s lower-stack options or traditional flats instead. Key Specs Weight 281g (men’s US 9) / 296g (reported) Stack Height 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot Drop 8mm Plate Speedboard® (nylon-based) The Cushioning Story On’s decision to double down on cushioning transforms their typically firm platform into something more universally appealing. The 40mm heel stack puts the Cloudboom Max into super trainer territory, competing directly with shoes like the Nike Invincible and New Balance 1080. But unlike those pure cushion plays, On maintains their performance edge through the embedded Speedboard®. Lab testing reveals a stiffness reading of 19.1N—significantly firmer than non-plated trainers but more forgiving than carbon racing shoes. This creates what reviewers describe as a “rigid rocker” sensation, where the shoe guides your foot through the gait cycle rather than letting it sink and compress. For runners accustomed to soft, flexible trainers, this takes adjustment. But for those coming from firmer shoes or looking to add structure to their stride, it’s a welcome feature. Real-World Performance The Cloudboom Max shines brightest during those grinding middle miles of long runs. The cushioning depth protects legs from accumulated impact, while the Speedboard® maintains efficiency when form starts to deteriorate. Multiple reviewers note how the shoe feels better at moderate paces than either slow jogging or all-out efforts—it’s happiest in that aerobic sweet spot where most training miles live. The rocker geometry deserves special mention. On engineered a longer, more gradual curve compared to aggressive racing shoes. This creates smooth transitions without the abrupt toe-off that can strain calves during high-mileage weeks. Combined with the 8mm drop, it’s a formula that works well for heel strikers and midfoot runners alike. Durability Considerations Early wear reports suggest the Cloudboom Max holds up better than On’s previous high-cushion attempts. The outsole rubber placement focuses on high-wear zones, though some runners report quicker degradation on concrete versus asphalt. The midsole foam maintains its responsiveness well through 400-500km, though the cushioning does firm up slightly—actually improving the ride for some runners who find it too soft initially. The upper materials lean toward durability over weight savings. While this adds grams compared to racing shoes, it means the fit remains consistent through months of training. The engineered mesh breathes adequately for Australian conditions, though it’s not as open as pure performance uppers. How It Compares Feature Cloudboom Max HOKA Bondi 9 NB 1080v14 Weight 281g 310g (est) 285g (est) Stack Height 40mm/32mm 33mm/29mm 35mm/29mm Plate Speedboard® None None Best For Structured long runs Maximum cushion Soft daily miles Price Intelligence Currently available at Pace Athletic for $260.00 (down from $330.00 RRP—21% off). This positions the Cloudboom Max at the same price point as the HOKA Bondi 9 but significantly above the ASICS Novablast 5 ($199.99). The $70 discount makes it more palatable, though you’re still paying premium pricing for On’s tech package. Given the shoe’s versatility and durability, runners logging 50 km weekly can justify the investment through cost-per-kilometre value. The Verdict The Cloudboom Max succeeds in making performance shoe technology more accessible to everyday runners. It’s not trying to be the fastest shoe in your rotation—instead, it’s the reliable option that handles Tuesday’s easy run, Thursday’s tempo, and Sunday’s long run with equal competence. The Speedboard® adds just enough structure to maintain efficiency without creating the demanding ride of carbon racers. For Australian runners facing varied surfaces and long training blocks, this versatility matters. The shoe handles everything from waterfront paths to suburban streets without feeling over or under-built. Yes, specialised shoes will outperform it in specific scenarios, but few shoes match its broad competence across training situations. Further Reading On Running Cloudsurfer Australia Review — Compare On’s other cushioned daily trainer Nike Vomero 18 Review — Another max-cushion option worth considering Related shoes: ASICS Novablast 5 (bouncy daily trainer), HOKA Bondi 9 (maximum cushion) Value Rating ������ (3/5) — At $260 on sale, you’re getting legitimate super trainer technology, though non-plated alternatives deliver similar comfort for less. The Speedboard® construction and On’s build quality help justify the premium, especially for runners who’ll use its full capability range. Below $250 would push this to 4/5 territory.