On Running Cloudrock Mid WP

Description 441g · 7mm drop · Trail Our verdict Best for Easy runs and recovery — well-cushioned at 441g Off-road terrain — trails, fire roads, and technical ground Skip if You want something light for race day You only run on pavement �� Compare Prices — On Running Cloudrock Mid WP Retailer Price Stock Action Pace Athletic Best Price $288.00 $320.00 -10% ✓ In Stock Buy Now → Amazon $356.28 ✓ In Stock Buy Now → Prices from 2 Australian retailers. Last updated: 8 hours ago. Prices may vary. Click through to retailer for final price. �� Price History �� Runners Also ComparedBrooks Addiction Walker 2 Leather411g · 12mm dropFrom $200Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Leather Velcro411g · 12mm dropFrom $200Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Neutral411g · 12mm dropFrom $200Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX473g · 0mm dropOn Running’s Cloudrock Mid WP takes the Swiss brand’s road-running DNA and repackages it for the trail — specifically, for hikers who refuse to slow down just because the tarmac ends. At 389g (men’s US9), this mid-height boot splits the difference between a burly hiking boot and a nimble trail runner, landing somewhere around “fast hiking shoe with ankle support.” The standout tech here is On’s Helion superfoam midsole paired with their X-shaped Speedboard, a combination that delivers surprising energy return for a hiking boot while maintaining the stability you need on uneven terrain. The 100% waterproof membrane construction means creek crossings and sudden downpours won’t leave you squelching, though like most waterproof boots, breathability takes a hit in warmer conditions. The Missiongrip outsole features an updated rubber compound and tread pattern that On claims improves grip on technical terrain — and while it’s not quite as sticky as Vibram’s premium compounds, it’s noticeably grippier than the CloudTec pods on their road shoes. The mid-height collar provides genuine ankle support without the bulk of traditional hiking boots, making these a solid choice for fast-and-light missions where you still want some protection. Who It’s For Fast hikers who prioritise speed over bomb-proof durability — the Helion foam and Speedboard deliver actual energy return, making these feel more like a trail runner than a traditional hiking boot Day hikers tackling mixed terrain in unpredictable weather — the waterproof membrane and mid-height collar handle wet conditions and loose surfaces without the weight penalty of full hiking boots Runners transitioning to hiking who can’t stand dead-feeling boots — if traditional hiking footwear feels like strapping bricks to your feet, these maintain some of that responsive road-shoe feel Who Should Skip It Multi-day backpackers carrying heavy loads — at 389g with a relatively soft midsole, these lack the support for 20kg packs. Try the HOKA Bondi 9 instead for maximum cushioning under load Technical scrambling enthusiasts needing precise footwork — the Missiongrip outsole is good but not climbing-rubber good, and the cushioned midsole reduces ground feel Budget-conscious hikers who don’t need waterproofing — at $280, you’re paying premium for the membrane and On’s tech. Consider the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 for cushioned comfort at nearly half the price Key Specs Weight 389g (men’s size not specified) Drop 8mm Waterproofing 100% waterproof membrane Midsole Helion superfoam with X-shaped Speedboard Outsole Missiongrip rubber compound Support Type Neutral Width Standard Model Number 3WF1013 The Tech That Matters The Helion superfoam deserves scrutiny here because it’s doing double duty — providing the cushioning you expect in a hiking boot while maintaining enough responsiveness to justify On’s “fast and light” marketing. Unlike EVA foam that compresses and stays compressed, Helion rebounds quickly, which translates to less fatigue over long distances. The X-shaped Speedboard is essentially a semi-rigid plate that provides torsional stability (twist resistance) while allowing natural forefoot flex. Together, they create a platform that’s protective without feeling disconnected from the trail. The Missiongrip outsole represents On’s attempt to crack the trail traction code without licensing Vibram. The updated rubber compound is noticeably stickier than their road outsoles, though it won’t match the grip of dedicated climbing-approach shoes. The lug pattern appears optimised for mixed terrain rather than pure mud or rock — think groomed trails with occasional technical sections rather than off-trail bushwhacking. Real-World Performance Where these boots shine is on well-maintained trails where you can maintain a steady pace. The energy return from the Helion/Speedboard combo becomes noticeable on longer hikes — that subtle spring in each step adds up over 20 kilometres. The mid-height collar provides enough ankle support for moderate terrain without the restrictive feel of traditional boots, though serious ankle-rollers might want more structure. The waterproofing works as advertised for stream crossings and wet vegetation, but the trade-off is predictable: reduced breathability in warm conditions. Your feet will run warmer than in non-waterproof options, making these better suited to cooler weather or genuinely wet conditions rather than dry summer hikes. The padded ankle collar mentioned in the retailer description does help prevent debris ingress, though it’s not as effective as a full gaiter. Price Intelligence Currently available at Pace Athletic for $280.00 (down from $320.00 — a 12% discount). This represents the best price in Australia right now. At full retail ($320), these are firmly in premium territory, competing with established hiking boot brands. The current $280 price point makes them more palatable, though still a significant investment for casual hikers. Given On’s typical pricing strategy, sales deeper than 20% are rare, so this 12% discount is worth considering if you’re already sold on the features. How It Compares Feature Cloudrock Mid WP Traditional Hiking Boot Trail Runner Weight 389g 500-700g 250-350g Ankle Support Moderate (mid-height) High Minimal Energy Return High (Helion foam) Low High Waterproofing Full membrane Usually full Often none Durability Moderate High Low-Moderate Price Range $280-320 $200-400 $150-250 The Verdict The Cloudrock Mid WP makes sense for a specific hiker: someone who values speed and agility over bombproof construction, tackles mostly groomed trails with occasional technical sections, and needs waterproof protection without the weight penalty of traditional boots. The Helion foam and Speedboard deliver genuine energy return — rare in hiking footwear — while the mid-height design provides more ankle support than you’d get from trail runners. However, these aren’t the boots for heavy loads, serious off-trail adventures, or hikers who prioritise maximum grip and durability above all else. The $280 price point (on sale) puts them in competition with proven options from Salomon, La Sportiva, and others who’ve been making trail footwear far longer than On Running. You’re paying partly for Swiss engineering and partly for the crossover appeal of a brand that’s successfully bridged road and trail. Value Rating ������ (3/5) — At $280 (down from $320), you’re getting innovative cushioning tech and solid waterproofing in a lightweight package. However, dedicated hiking brands offer more trail-specific features at similar prices. The value proposition improves if you’ll use these for both fast hiking and light trail running, where the versatility justifies the cost. Further Reading On Running Cloudsurfer Australia — See how On’s road running tech performs on pavement Best Running Shoes for Beginners Australia 2026 — If you’re new to both running and hiking ASICS Novablast 5 — A max-cushioned road shoe that some hikers love for groomed trails New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 — Plush cushioning at a lower price point