On Cloudboom Max: the supershoe built for everyday runners

For the past few years, the running shoe market has been dominated by supershoes, carbon-plated models designed to help runners go very fast. They represent genuine technological breakthroughs for elite athletes, with an efficient, highly dynamic ride. But these shoes can be demanding and are not always the right fit for everyone. What about the vast majority of runners, those who are primarily looking for protection, support and comfort on race day? That is precisely why On designed the brand-new Cloudboom Max: a racing shoe built for marathoners targeting 4:00 and beyond. In short, it is a fast shoe, but above all one designed to carry you through 42.195 km comfortably and confidently.

Maximum cushioning for the ultimate distance

The Cloudboom Max takes a distinctly protective approach. With 40 mm under the heel and 32 mm under the forefoot (an 8 mm drop), it delivers substantial cushioning designed to protect the legs from muscular fatigue as the miles stack up. With a 40 mm stack height, the shoe complies with World Athletics regulations. Its midsole features Helion™ HF foam (made from Pebax), the most advanced foam On has ever developed, designed to maximise energy return without sacrificing flexibility. The result is a stable, smooth ride, even after several hours on the move.

A plate designed for non-elite runners

The model’s other defining feature is its fibreglass Speedboard® plate. Unlike the ultra-stiff carbon plates found in elite racing shoes, this one has a different job: providing support and propulsion for all types of stride, with more flexibility and forgiveness. That is a real advantage, particularly for heel strikers looking for stability and a softer ride. The result is an approachable yet responsive shoe that can make long efforts more comfortable, more efficient and less punishing on the body.

Comfort and breathability for the long haul

Its breathable, adaptive mesh upper promises a comfortable fit that adapts to the foot over the miles. The support has been carefully designed to minimise friction and provide a secure feel throughout the marathon. On the scales, it weighs 296 g in the men’s version and 250 g in the women’s version: a reasonable weight for such a protective shoe, though considerably heavier than a pure racer (the On Cloudboom Strike LS weighs 170 grams).

We were at the Berlin Marathon in 2021. Watching the race and then analysing runners’ strides in slow motion, one thing became clear: most of the runners finishing in four or five hours were wearing supershoes, but they were not really benefiting from them. That is where the idea came from to work with everyday runners and create a shoe with geometry and a plate adapted to them. The goal was clear: use as many of the same ingredients as the supershoes on the market, including a full-length Pebax foam midsole for bounce, while avoiding their main pitfall. A carbon plate forces a very specific posture, and that does not suit everyone. So we chose a more flexible Speedboard® plate, capable of adapting to different running styles. The aim? To deliver an optimal experience even over five hours of running, with a shoe genuinely designed to go the distance.

A distinct place in the On range

The Cloudboom Max joins the Cloudboom family, On’s performance and race-day range. While the Cloudboom Strike and Strike LS are aimed at chasing fast times and pure racing, the Cloudboom Max offers a versatile alternative, built to support the majority of marathoners in training and on race day.

➜ On Cloudboom Max: a dynamic, protective race-day shoe for marathoners targeting around four hours,
➜ On Cloudboom Strike: a demanding carbon-plated shoe for fast runners chasing a personal best,
➜ On Cloudboom Strike LS: a laceless carbon-plated shoe with a one-piece, single-thread upper for fast runners who want an ultra-light shoe.

Specifications

Foam: dual-layer Helion™ HF foam made from Pebax
Fibreglass Speedboard® plate
Ultra-light, breathable upper
Heel cushioning for support and comfort over long distances
Rubber outsole for grip on the road
Recommended use: race day, marathon in four hours or more
Weight: 296 g
Drop: 8 mm (40/32 mm)
Price: €240

With the Cloudboom Max, On stays true to its DNA with an innovative, forward-thinking shoe that brings performance and accessibility together. Designed for amateur marathoners, it strikes an impressive balance between cushioning, propulsion and comfort. This is a different kind of supershoe, one that finally addresses the real needs of the majority of runners. It lets you approach 42.195 km with confidence, enjoyment... and style.

✔ The On Cloudboom Max is available for €240 at on.com and from partner retailers.