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On Cloudboom Max Multi-Tester Review: Comfort Meets Control on Race Day

The Up & Runners

Posted Oct 08, 2025

The On Cloudboom Max delivers stable, cushioned comfort for marathoners chasing endurance over speed. Testers praised its wide-foot-friendly fit and smooth roll but found it heavy, pricey, and lacking the energetic pop of today’s top super shoes.

Total

Form

Performance

Value

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Cloudboom Max

2.7/5

(1)

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Pros

Stable and smooth-rolling ride
Comfortable fit with great lockdown
Wide-foot friendly design
Breathable, well-built upper
Excellent traction on road surfaces
Supportive and confidence-inspiring for long runs
Durable feel with quality materials
Ideal for marathoners seeking stability and protection

Cons

Heavy for a race-day shoe (Cody)
Lacks energetic bounce or “pop”
Expensive for the performance ($230)
Firmer midsole than expected (Eric)
Outsole can collect small rocks (Cody)
Potential durability concerns over time (Eric)

The On Cloudboom Max enters the marathon racing scene with bold claims of maximum cushioning and marathon-ready stability—but our Up & Runners crew found it carves out a very specific niche. Eric logged over 30 miles on roads and treadmill workouts, testing its tempo-day versatility; Cody mixed in 27 miles across easy runs, long efforts, and speed sessions to gauge its range; and Blake used it as a stable option for marathon-pace work. Across the board, the team agreed: the Cloudboom Max prioritizes comfort, support, and durability over raw speed. It’s a heavy but steady cruiser that favors those chasing endurance and finish-line consistency, not all-out PRs.

At-A-Glance

On Cloudboom Max Multi-Tester Review: Comfort Meets Control on Race Day

Designed as On’s premium marathon racer, the Cloudboom Max aims to deliver maximum cushioning and stability for the long haul. Its dual-layer Helion HF foam and carbon-infused plate promise efficiency and protection over 26.2 miles—but unlike many “super shoes,” this one isn’t chasing podiums. Instead, it caters to the steady striders—the runners who value comfort, confidence, and control as much as speed.

On Cloudboom Max Specs:

Weight: 10.9 oz (Men’s 9)
Stack Height: 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
Midsole: Dual-density Helion HF (PEBA + TPEE) with carbon-infused Speedboard
Outsole: Rubber traction pods with AI-optimized pattern
Fit: Wide-foot friendly, true to size
Price: $230

The Upper

Cody Jett

“The Cloudboom Max might have one of my favorite uppers On has delivered on the road side. It offers an excellent lockdown with no heel slippage and comfortably accommodates wider feet.”

The upper of the Cloudboom Max was a highlight for all three testers. Built from a lightweight engineered mesh, it delivers a secure, dialed-in fit without feeling restrictive. Cody and Eric both praised the solid lockdown and breathable design, noting that it handled longer runs and warm conditions without issues.

Runners with wider feet will find this model especially accommodating—a rarity among plated marathon shoes. Eric described it as “wide-foot friendly,” with no heel lift or irritation even during tempo work. While the design doesn’t feel as stripped-down as some elite racing uppers, testers appreciated its balance of comfort and structure, calling it a durable, marathon-ready fit that stays stable deep into long runs.

The Midsole

The Cloudboom Max features a dual-layer Helion HF foam system, blending a softer PEBA top layer with a firmer TPEE base, all paired with On’s latest carbon-infused Speedboard plate. In practice, testers agreed that the setup delivers a smooth, stable ride but doesn’t bring the energetic “pop” expected at this price point.

Blake described it as firm yet forgiving, noting it performs best at steady marathon or tempo paces rather than quick surges. Cody echoed this sentiment, saying the foam “never quite came alive,” though he appreciated its cushioning and support over longer efforts. The rocker geometry keeps transitions fluid and efficient, but the dense foam and extra weight make it feel more like a cruiser than a racer.

Eric McIntyre

“The geometry of the midsole rolled through very smooth for me—stable, comfortable, and built to go long, even if it’s a bit on the firmer side.”

Overall, the midsole shines in comfort and control, not propulsion. For marathoners prioritizing a stable, predictable platform over explosive rebound, the Cloudboom Max will feel right at home.

The Outsole

The outsole was one of the most consistent positives across the team’s testing. On uses an AI-informed traction pattern with rubber pods placed strategically for grip and durability, and it shows—each runner found it confident on roads, track surfaces, and light debris.

Blake Graf

"The outsole feels secure and does its job well—it’s a solid design that grips without overcomplicating things.”

Blake and Eric both praised its dependable traction and stable feel, while Cody noted that it handled most conditions well, aside from occasionally collecting small pebbles. Despite the lightweight design, none of the testers reported significant early wear, though Eric flagged minor concerns about long-term durability in high-friction zones.

Overall, the outsole complements the shoe’s character perfectly: reliable, grounded, and built to go the distance, even if it won’t win awards for agility or excitement.

How the On Cloudboom Max Stacks Up

The On Cloudboom Max stands out as one of the most stable plated marathon shoes on the market—but it trades some top-end speed for comfort and predictability. Here’s how it stacks up against similar options tested by the Up & Runners team:

ASICS Magic Speed 4 – Eric found the Cloudboom Max similar in firmness and rigidity but noted it lacks the same energetic “pop” when picking up the pace.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 – Cody said the Speed 3 feels livelier and more versatile, while the Cloudboom Max shines in long-haul stability.
Adidas Adios Pro 3 – Blake described the Adios Pro as lighter and more responsive, whereas the Cloudboom Max feels more controlled and forgiving over marathon distances.
On Cloudmonster – Eric pointed out that runners who enjoy the Cloudmonster’s cushioning and rocker will feel right at home here—it’s essentially a race-day evolution built for steady pacing.
Hoka Mach 6 – Cody compared the two as opposites in personality: the Mach 6 is snappier and lighter, while the Cloudboom Max delivers a more planted, grounded feel ideal for conservative racers.

Across the board, Cody, Blake, and Eric agreed that the Cloudboom Max isn’t the most electrifying option in the plated-shoe world—but it’s one of the most stable and comfortable for marathoners chasing endurance over explosiveness.

Related: If the price of the Cloudboom Max deters you, check out Hollie's Carbon Plated Running Shoes: 4 Run-Faster Picks Under $200. If you're looking for a racier option, her article on the Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes of 2025 might be more your speed!

Who Should Buy the Cloudboom Max?

🏃‍♂️ Best For

Marathoners who value comfort and stability over all-out speed
Runners who prefer a firmer, more controlled ride
Wide-footed runners seeking a secure, pressure-free fit
Those transitioning from high-cushion trainers (like the Cloudmonster) to a plated shoe
Long runs, steady tempos, and race simulations where predictability matters most

🚫 Skip It If

You want a lightweight, high-rebound “super shoe” feel
You’re chasing a PR or racing at faster than ~7:00/mi pace
You prefer soft, plush cushioning underfoot
You expect explosive energy return for short intervals or track work
You’re looking for top-tier value under $200

Related: For two takes and an additional in-depth look at the Cloudboom Max, check out Eric's Youtube Video Review and Cody's Full Youtube Video Review

Final Verdict

Eric McIntyre

“The Cloudboom Max isn’t built for sub-elite speed—it’s built for the runners who just want to get to the finish line feeling strong.”

The On Cloudboom Max isn’t trying to compete with the ultralight, propulsive racers dominating marathon start lines. Instead, it prioritizes comfort, control, and confidence over raw velocity. For steady-paced marathoners or runners stepping into plated footwear for the first time, it offers a reassuringly stable ride that keeps legs fresher deeper into long efforts.

Cody, Blake, and Eric all agreed: while it may not deliver the same energy return or “wow” factor as the Nike Alphafly or Saucony Endorphin Speed, the Cloudboom Max delivers a smooth, balanced experience that feels built to last.

If you’re chasing stability and comfort over PRs, this might be your marathon-day match.

Join the Conversation

Thinking about buying the On Cloudboom Max? Share your experience or questions in the comments — your insights help other runners find their perfect match.