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The Cloudultra 3 is On’s latest go at building a legit long-distance, all-mountain trail running shoe, and this version makes the most meaningful updates yet.
You get a smoother, more cushioned ride, the grip has taken a solid step forward, and the upper finally breathes more freely.
But there’s a catch, fit quirks in the midfoot and ankle area might still make it a no-go for some runners. If you’re someone with sensitive feet or wider feet, there are some things you should know.
Key specs
- Price: $190 at on.com / £180 at Sportsshoes.com (UK Readers)
- Weight: 10.1oz / 286g (Men’s US 9)
- Drop: 6mm
- Upper: Leno weave mesh with TPU overlays and gusseted tongue
- Midsole: Dual-density Helion™ HF hyperfoam, with rocker + embedded speedboard
- Outsole: Redesigned Missiongrip™ rubber, FEA-informed lug design
- Extras: Elastic lace stow loop, padded heel collars
Fit & comfort
Length-wise, the Cloudultra 3 fits true to size but the midfoot is noticeably narrow, and the TPU overlay on the lateral side presses into the arch, something I felt more on my left foot. It’s reminiscent of an old fit issue I found in the first-gen Cloudventure.
The heel collar also rides slightly high. It’s nicely padded, but if you’ve got low ankle bones, you might feel some rubbing on the run.
On the plus side, the shoe is very comfortable to step into. The upper dries quickly and feels breathable enough for hot days and long efforts.
It’s a step up from the v2 in terms of ventilation and general comfort; if the shape works for you.
Performance: smoother transitions, real grip
This is where the Cloudultra 3 shines for me. The new Helion HF midsole is soft, supportive, and more refined than v2.
It handles long miles on rocky trails, hard-packed ground, and loose terrain with more comfort and confidence.
The ride feels smoother and more fluid, particularly on descents or extended efforts where the v2 could feel a bit firm and flat.
The updated Missiongrip outsole also does a great job.
The new lug chevron geometry provides real bite on inclines, wet rocks, and gravel without collecting mud or debris. It’s not quite Vibram Megagrip-level grip, but for On, this is easily their best outsole yet.
And the rocker + embedded speedboard setup?
It works. You feel it especially late in a run when fatigue sets in, it keeps you rolling forward without having to work as hard for heel to toe transitions and stride turnover.
Upper design: breathable, but unforgiving
The upper design mostly works.
The Leno mesh is highly breathable and trail-tough, and the gusseted tongue provides a supportive secure fit while keeping the tongue in place.
But that narrow TPU midfoot overlay doesn’t stretch, which means it either fits you, or it doesn’t; there’s very little conformity going on here.
This rigidity is the main limiting factor for runners with a wide foot, and it’s what stops the Cloudultra 3 from being a more universal recommendation.
Final thoughts
The Cloudultra 3 is a genuine improvement over v2, and for the right runner, it’s one of On’s most capable all mountain trail running shoes to date.
While $190 is priced high when you look at some of the competition, you won’t be dissapointed in the performance, provided the fit works well for you.
The ride is smoother, the grip is better, and the upper breathes better, making it a strong option for long days in the mountains.
