Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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With double the amount of Helion™ superfoam to cushion every stride on your ultra-distance runs, the women's On Cloudultra trail-running shoes keep you moving through the miles of wandering trails.
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View all On Women's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 8 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Vamp mesh: recycled polyester; tongue/collar: 50% polyester/40% TPE/10% LYCRA spandex |
| Lining | Vamp lining: recycled polyester; collar lining: 88% recycled polyester/12% LYCRA spandex |
| Midsole | EVA |
| Support | Helion foam |
| Outsole | Rubber and Helion foam |
| Rock Plate | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
| 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 |
| UK | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 |
| EU | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 |
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I got the pink ones because they look great in the store. I’m usually 7.5 and can fit into 7 too for some brand, but ended up getting size 8 in these. The shoes do not have a lot of cushion but I think they are still comfortable. I wore them on a very easy 3mi hike and my right foot got a terrible blister in the back of my foot around ankle area. I wasn’t sure why at first, but after I took them off I realized the back has a seam that come together and it protrudes out and you can actually feel it, that bump was rubbing against my ankle the whole time. My left foot was fine, but I think I will have to return these. I’m really sad because I really love the style.
This is my first pair of trail running shoes but I love them much more than I was expecting. It is true the entry into the shoe is a bit of a challenge, even considering that I sized up so that I could fit thicker socks for cold days. However this is only a minor inconvenience, the shoes are very light and help keep me stable when going over rocky and loose terrain. I think perhaps my favorite aspect about these shoes though is that they did remarkably well running in the ice and snow! I am not actually sure if they market them as being waterproof but I was going through several feet of snow up past my ankles and my feet were totally dry and warm!
I love how much bounce these shoes put in my step! The sole is thick and cushion-y without making the overall shoe too heavy. I also appreciate that the tread is good at gripping without leaving too much space for little rocks to get stuck. The color scheme is nice and muted, nothing garish, which is nice. My only compliant would be that the sizes seem to run a bit small and the ankle is a bit tight, but I imagine it will stretch out and become more comfortable with time. Overall, a great everyday running shoe.
Awesome trail running shoe and looks great. The opening to the shoe to put your foot in is tight, but it is nice and snug around the heal once it is on and there is no slipping. Worth the price.
Sock fit construction means there is now adjustable tongue!! I missed that part of the review. I have unusually high insteps on both feet, and I can’t wear shoes that have an elastic band in place of laces. This shows has laces, so I didn’t think to explore what “sock fit” means. The toe box is also less elastic than other On running shoes, so it is a little bit snug across the ball of my foot, even though I have narrow-ish feet. Hugely disappointing compared to other on shoes. I was hoping for something more like Cloud, but with a sole that didn’t collect so many rocks.
The first time I tried these I could barely get my feet in them. They were so tight! Wore them for a walk (not a run) and got blisters. The second time I tried them I couldn’t even put them on. It wasn’t until the third time trying them that they got somewhat more comfortable. By the fourth time I was able to get them on with minimal issue and they were pretty comfortable. Not sure how they would be on a run as I don’t feel they’re very padded and I feel myself under (?) pronating (is that when your feet roll inwards?). I’ll use them for walks and cross training. I did receive several compliments on them. The design is great! I received these sneakers for free in exchange for writing a review.
I've noticed a "fashion trend" in almost all shoes these days, even athletic or hiking shoes. The toe box is very "shallow" from top to bottom, causing a tight, compressed feeling. The rest of the shoe is wonderful and stable and just what I needed but my toes HURT in these shoes. I have normal size toes, no issues. I want to WALK and feel good and I don't especially need to look trendy. I returned them once and ordered a larger size. Still the same compressed feeling in the toe area. I am returning the 2nd pair and going with another brand with a more traditional comfortable fit. I've always had out of the box comfort with Salomon, so I ordered the Pathfinder for walking on pavement. This On shoe runs VERY small by the way. Too much time spent ordering and returning due to poor fit.
After having issues/foot and toe pain with hiking shoes that were too hard, I was exciting to try this more cushiony On. While these definitely kept my feet from hurting on long (16+ mile) hikes, they got ripped up walking through rocky terrain the first time I wore them. So I will sadly be returning them. Perhaps they just need a toe guard that is constructed better.
Ideal balance of stability and cushion for my middle-aged body (sssh, did I write that?) Shoes are snug through the top of the foot for me yet I can fit thin smartwool socks, which is key for wintertime. I’ve had bunions since high school track and there’s plenty of room and support. After getting hit by a car while riding my bike, support and cushion are critical to keep sciatica at bay. I’m not able to run super far at this point, but I’m running up to 5 miles which is a post-surgery milestone. Ouch, I sound old but I feel so very young when I exercise without pain! Grateful for that. The soles grip uneven trail terrain well but aren’t bulky or heavy. Sometimes I run on packed beaches and although the sand gets in the tread holes, it’s easy to shake out. Really happy with these sturdy clouds.
Maybe it's just me but I couldn't even get my foot into them. I've had this problem with pants with super slim legs, too. The opening is very narrow and does not stretch.