On Cloudeclipse Running Shoes Review
An in-depth review of the On Cloudeclipse shoe for road runners
Home > Gear Reviews > Footwear
May 9th, 2024
OUR VERDICT
We’ve tested four models of On road running shoes now, and both the men’s and women’s testers agree: the On Cloudeclipse is our favorite. The shoe is well balanced — neutral stability, max cushion that feels more responsive than the Cloudmonster, a midsole that feels springier than the Cloudeclipse, and a roomier volume than the Cloudsurfer for wider feet.
You can wear these shoes for daily training runs, long runs, and distance workouts. We tested these shoes in the winter and early spring in Colorado, California, and Maine. The Cloudeclipse saw us through snow, rain, and ice. We took them on runs through neighborhood roads, local bike paths, and even non-technical dirt trails. The author even wears them behind the bar during her shifts at a brewery.
All the tech comes with a heftier price tag than most road running shoes. At $180, the Cloudeclipse is not cheap. But if your budget allows for it, or if you find it on sale, the Cloudeclipse offers an incredibly versatile and comfortable ride to carry you through everything but race day or speed workouts on the track. (Of course, you can absolutely race or run speed workouts in any shoe. But if you’re a competitive racer you likely have a lighter race day shoe.)
After spending over 50 hours in an array of conditions in these shoes myself, consulting with our men’s/wide-footed tester who ran over 100 miles in them, researching several other media and customer reviews, and using my 20-ish years of competitive running experience and 5 years of coaching experience, I’ve written this guide to help you decide if these are the right shoes for you.
My opinion doesn’t quite align with some reviews — unlike some, I found the Eclipse to perform far better than On’s more popular flagship model, the On Cloudstratus 3. I stand by my findings, though, and detail why in this guide. Here, I’ll break down the specs, fit, ride, and experience of the On Cloudeclipse as part of our ongoing look at the popular On road running shoe collection.
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COMPARISON TABLE OF SIMILAR MODELS
Men’s
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT (ONE SHOE) | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 10 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer, distance workouts, long runs |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | $180 | Max | Forward rolling | 10.4 oz | 5.5 mm | Long runs, daily trainer, workouts |
| On Cloudstratus 3 | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 10.7 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer, workouts |
| Saucony Ride 17 | $140 | Moderate | Neutral | 9.9 oz | 8 mm | Daily trainer, distance workouts |
| HOKA Mach 6 | $140 | Low | Neutral | 8.2 oz | 5 mm | Daily training, races |
woMen’s
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 8 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer, distance workouts, long runs |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | $180 | Max | Forward rolling | 8.8 oz | 5.5 mm | Long runs, daily trainer, workouts |
| On Cloudstratus 3 | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 8.8 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer, workouts |
| Saucony Ride 17 | $140 | Moderate | Neutral | 8.4 oz | 8 mm | Daily trainer, distance workouts |
| HOKA Mach 6 | $140 | Low | Neutral | 6.8 oz | 5 mm | Daily training, races |
SPECS
Cushion: Max
Stability: Neutral
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm): 6 mm
Stack Height: 37 mm (heel), 31 mm (toe)
Upper: 70% recycled engineered mesh
Midsole: EVA with Speedboard®, Helion, and Double CloudTec® Phase
Outsole: Rubber
Weight (pair): 1 lb 4 oz (men’s), 1 lb 1 oz (women’s)
BEST FOR
The On Cloudeclipse (more casually, Eclipse) is perhaps the most versatile and all-around impressive road running shoe we’ve tested. It’s a good option for just about anyone, from couch-to-5kers to competitive marathoners.
Versatility is the On Cloudeclipse’s great strength. From daily training runs, to distance workouts, to long runs, and from roads to non-technical trails, this shoe can do it all.
With a 6 mm drop, weight of 8.5 oz per women’s shoe and 9 oz per men’s, max cushioning, and Speedboard midsole construction with Double CloudTec Phase cushioning, this shoe thrives in just about every setting a distance runner may have. It’s cushioned for daily training runs and even recovery runs, responsive enough for workouts, and the middle-of-the-road weight and drop make it a crowd pleaser for most runners.
Interested in road running shoes? Keep an eye out for our upcoming Best Road Running Shoes guide, coming soon.
WHAT WE LIKED
Balanced maximum cushion and responsive midsole
Comfortable fit and ride
Versatile
Excellent midsole technology
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
Expensive
Non-slip laces
Greater size inclusion
WHO IS ON?
On is a running apparel company out of Switzerland. The brand has recently grown in popularity in the US — you’ll see these shoes worn by recreational runners and professional athletes alike. They’re known for their effective proprietary shoe technology and the sleek, minimalist, neutral design of the shoes.
Due to the brand’s increasing popularity, we were as intrigued as everyone else by their shoes. So, we’ve been testing some of their most popular road running shoes, and now have comprehensive reviews of three other On road running shoes. Check out our in-depth guides to the Cloudsurfer, Cloudmonster, and Cloudstratus 3 at these links.
We did side-by-side comparisons of the On Cloudmonster (left), Cloudstratus 3 (center), and Cloudeclipse (right).
On shoes come equipped with a lot of shoe tech. Specifically in the On Cloudeclipse, the midsole utilizes On’s proprietary Speedboard®, Helion, and Double CloudTec® Phase technologies. Some folks prefer a minimalist approach to running shoes, in which case On is likely not for them. But if you embrace the growing shoe tech movement, you’ll enjoy feeling like you’re harnessing your own energy with the responsive yet cushioned midsole.
Details
Fit
The Cloudeclipse fits comfortably on average to wider feet. While the plush Cloudsurfer and max-cushioned Cloudmonster both felt snug on our wide-footed tester, the Cloudeclipse felt roomier and true-to-size.
The men’s tester, Curtis Dartsch, testing the On Cloudeclipse in California.
One of our testers wears a 2E wide shoe, and found the Eclipse to be far more comfortable than other On shoes he tested. Nevertheless, he would not recommend these to anyone who wears a 3E or 4E.
For my more narrow foot, I found the shoes comfortable and not too wide.
While these road shoes are marketed as a “neutral” running shoe, the Speedboard technology in the midsole creates a forward-rolling effect on your gait. You’ll still feel the propulsion like you do in the Cloudstratus 3 or Cloudmonster, but the ride is subtly different with each.
Midsole and Cushioning
Due to On’s proprietary Double CloudTec and Helion superfoam midsole technologies, the Cloudeclipse offers a lot of cushion and individualized support with each step. This is a max cushion shoe, which is the highest level of cushioning On provides. Of the On shoes we’ve tested, the Cloudmonster is the only other one with this level of cushioning.
The midsole of the Cloudeclipse boasts On’s proprietary Speedboard, CloudTec, and Helion technologies.
On CloudTec
CloudTec is On’s proprietary cushioning system, composed of the company’s Helion foam. CloudTec is designed to absorb impact and reduce strain on the body. This midsole technology also adapts to the unique movements of an individual’s feet by compressing to cushion where it’s needed most.
The Cloudeclipse, like the Cloudstratus 3, has Double CloudTec for extra cushion.
Helion Superfoam
Composed of a mix of rigid and flexible materials, Helion forms a lightweight performance midsole that adds cushion. On’s proprietary Helion is comparable to the “super foam” in many road running shoes, a tech fad which has grown from Nike’s PEBA (polyether block amide) super foam racing shoes. Any more, if a shoe company wants to sponsor professional runners, they’ll need to utilize lightweight midsole technology, as it’s all but required of anyone wishing to remain competitive in the running world.
The On Cloudeclipse utilizes a lot of shoe tech in the midsole, allowing you to harness your own energy with the responsive yet cushioned midsole.
On Speedboard
Much like CloudTec, Speedboard is On’s proprietary midsole technology that adapts to runners’ needs. This plate bends and flexes with foot movements to help the wearer harness their moment and propel forward. This technology is found in the On shoes that are intended to be more responsive (i.e., encourage quicker turnover/faster running).
As with the Helion superfoam, the Speedboard midsole is a response to the growing desire for super shoes that make training more efficient. A springy, responsive, cushioned shoe helps runners train faster and recover more quickly, which most competitive runners see as essential these days.
Level of cushioning compared to other road shoes
A max-cushioned shoe, the Cloudeclipse provides comfort over long distances, making it effective for daily training runs and long runs. The cushion is less apparent in the forefoot of the shoe compared to the Cloudmonster—instead, it feels more spread out along the midsole. The effect is a lighter, more responsive ride than the Cloudmonster; where the Cloudmonster shines on long distance workouts, like for the marathon, the Cloudeclipse is ideal for shorter distance workouts (say, for 5k/10k training).
Impact absorption and energy return
With the Double CloudTec, impact absorption in the Cloudeclipse is high, This means you can run longer or farther with less discomfort, as the midsoles of these shoes cushion your steps.
Energy return is also high, due to the Speedboard technology. While this is listed as a neutral, rather that forward-rolling, road running shoe, the Speedboard does encourage propulsion and quicker turnover.
Comfort
Due to the high level of cushion and the roomier fit than the Cloudsurfer or Cloudmonster, the Cloudeclipse is very comfortable. When worn side-by-side with the Cloudmonster, you can notice the difference in where the cushion is. In the Cloudmonster there is more cushion near the forefoot, whereas the Cloudeclipse cushioning feels more dispersed.
Due to the max cushioning, the On Cloudeclipse has a comfortable ride and works very well for daily training runs, long runs, and distance workouts.
On the Eclipse, the upper is thinner than the Cloudsurfer, which makes it less snug and more comfortable for wider feet. In fit and comfort, this shoe feels comparable to the Cloudstratus 3.
Stability and Support
The Cloudeclipse is listed as a neutral shoe, but the Speedboard encourages a gentle forward-rolling motion. This could be a good compromise for folks who want a more responsive shoe for workouts or faster training runs, but a more neutral fit stability-wise, especially for customized inserts.
Ride
As mentioned previously, this neutral shoe rides more like a forward-rolling shoe. In fact, when worn side-by-side with the Cloudstratus 3, I felt the Cloudeclipse offered even more forward-propulsion. Compared to the Cloudmonster, which is also a forward-rolling shoe, the ride of the Cloudeclipse is gentler. This is because the cushion is more dispersed and less apparent, causing a more responsive feel.
In short, the Cloudeclipse has the smoothest forward-rolling ride of all the On shoes we’ve tested.
While listed as a “neutral” rather than “forward-rolling” shoe, we found the Cloudeclipse to perform well in long distance workouts, and they even felt more responsive than the Cloudstratus 3.
Outsole, Grip, and Traction
The rubber outsole grips as well as all the other On shoes we’ve tested, which is to say they perform as well as or better than most road running shoes on a variety of surfaces. We tested these shoes on dry, wet, snowy, and icy roads and running paths, as well as on grassy and non-technical dirt trails. We had no issues with traction, but would not recommend this shoe for technical trail running. If you’re looking for a trail shoe, check out our Best Women's Trail Running Shoes and Best Men's Trail Running Shoes guides.
The outsole of the On Cloudeclipse offers sufficient traction for snowy paths and rolling dirt trails.
Versatility
Much like with the Stratus 3, versatility is a great strength of the Eclipse while also beating out the Stratus 3 in just about every realm. The Eclipse is lighter, more cushioned, neutral yet more responsive shoe than the Stratus 3.
While the Monster is more cushioned at the forefoot and excellent for long runs and long workouts, it’s less responsive than the Eclipse for shorter distances. And while the Eclipse isn’t intended for recovery runs like the Surfer is, its neutral fit and max cushioning make it a great daily trainer like the Surfer. This shoe can do it all.
While intended for the roads, the On Cloudeclipse can handle non-technical trails just fine if your runs take you off the road occasionally.
Responsiveness
This shoe is lightweight and contains On’s Speedboard plate in the midsole, creating a highly responsive daily training shoe. As mentioned a few times already, the Eclipse is listed as a neutral shoe, but our testing revealed a significant forward-rolling ride. Significant enough I had to keep double checking it was the Eclipse and not the Stratus 3 that was considered neutral, as the Eclipse feels way more responsive between the two.
Unlike other media reviews, we found the Eclipse to perform far better than On’s more popular flagship model, the On Cloudstratus 3.
Warmth
This shoe is not insulated or intended to keep your feet warm. In fact, like most road running shoes, it’s optimized to cool your feet with a breathable mesh upper. If you’re worried about cold feet during a run, we recommend wearing lightweight wool socks, such as these Darn Tough merino socks.
Break-In Time
As has been our experience with all the On road running shoes, the Eclipse takes very little time to break in. Due to the max cushioning, mid-drop, and mid to light weight of this particular shoe, break-in time should be pretty quick for most folks. If you’re coming to the Eclipse from a zero-drop shoe like the Altra Torin, from a high-drop shoe like the On Cloudsurfer, or from a more minimalist (less tech-heavy) shoe, you may want to alternate shoes for a week or so to adjust.
The outsole of the Cloudeclipse has enough traction to easily transition from the roads to non-technical trails. The upper is made from a 70%-recycled, breathable mesh.
Upper and Breathability
The upper is constructed with 70% recycled engineered mesh and is breathable.
Durability and Longevity
Of all the On shoes we’ve tested, we’ve gotten the most use out of the Eclipses. Between our testers, we’ve spent about 70 hours and 140 miles in these shoes, and have had no issues with durability so far.
Price and Value
The $180 price tag is pretty steep for a road running shoe. It’s tough to recommend any daily trainer at that cost, especially when brands like Hoka, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, and others also offer great road running shoes at around $40 less.
The On Cloudeclipse is one of the more expensive daily training road running shoes on the market. If it fits your budget, it comes with excellent shoe technology, comfort, and a smooth ride.
That said, this is a great do-it-all training shoe. On’s technology is effective, comfortable, and valuable. If you can fit this shoe in your budget, or if you find it on sale, it’s worth it. Otherwise, we share similar models that cost less below.
To briefly compare to other On shoes, the Cloudeclipse costs the same as the On Cloudstratus 3 but is superior, so if you’re torn between those two I recommend the Eclipse. The Cloudmonster is $10 cheaper, but slightly less versatile. Unless you’re training for marathons and beyond on the roads, I’d opt for the Eclipse over the Monster.
Sustainability/Ethical Company
The total recycled material of this shoe is only about 24%, which is the lowest percentage of all the On models we’ve tested. While that number could be higher, we do appreciate On’s level of transparency, as they break down the amount of recycled material for each part of the shoe, as well as where the supplier is located (Athena, Vietnam).
Like the On Cloudsurfer, this shoe is dope dyed, which means color pigments are injected into the yarn as it’s being spun into fabric, rather than separately. This uses 90% less water than other shoe dying processes, which is better for the environment. You can learn more about On’s efforts to face the global water crisis here.
On is also working toward cutting out their fossil fuel usage. Their CleanCloud technology, for example, captures carbon emissions to create their materials. You can read more about On's sustainability efforts here.
Features
Volume
Volume-wise, the Eclipse fits similarly to the Stratus 3. While it’s not offered in wide sizes, nor is it marketed toward wide-footed runners, our tester who wears wide shoes found them comfortable. As a narrow-footed runner, I also found them comfortable.
The Cloudeclipse is roomy enough for our tester who typically wears 2E wide running shoes. Photo by Curtis Dartsch.
Weight
The men’s pair weighs 1 lb 4 oz and the women’s pair weighs 1 lb 1 oz. This falls on the lighter to middle range of most road running shoes.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
The Eclipse has a 6 mm drop, making it a mid-drop shoe.
Laces/Lockdown
The laces are long and thin, so you’ll likely need to tuck the excess under the woven laces to prevent yourself from tripping over them.
One thing we didn’t love about this shoe is the laces and lacing structure. The laces slip while you’re trying to dial in the tightness. One of our testers had to use a lace lock system to offset that, otherwise his heel would slip when the laces would loosen a little.
The laces of the Cloudeclipse are long and slippery, so our men’s tester got creative in how he laced his shoes.
While I didn’t have that exact issue, I agree that the material of the laces slips more than others, which is disappointing for such an expensive shoe.
Reflective Material
While there are small reflective elements, overall the Cloudeclipse is not a reflective shoe. If night-time visibility is a priority for you, we recommend adding reflective accessories and checking out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.
Upper
The upper is made of 70% recycled polyester mesh that is dope-dyed, which uses 90% less water than typical shoe dyeing methods. It’s lightweight, durable, breathable, and comfortable. It is not as thick as the upper of the On Cloudsurfer of the Saucony Ride, which are often too snug for those with wider feet.
The upper of the Cloudeclipse is dope dyed, a pigmentation process that uses 90% less water than typical dying methods.
Style and design
The On Cloudeclipse comes in four colorways. On road running shoes are known for a more minimalistic look, which seems to have contributed to On’s growing popularity. If you’re looking for something flashier, however, you may want to go the Hoka, Saucony, or Nike route. Occasionally Brooks showcases fun designs as well.
SHOULD I BUY THE ON CLOUDECLIPSE?
As echoed in the Price and Value section, that depends. Is this a comfortable, responsive, versatile road running shoe? Absolutely. Is $180 too much for a daily training shoe? Well, for me it is. As much as I love these On shoes and find the tech valuable, I’ll be sticking with my last-season Saucony Ride purchases. However, if I were to reach a higher tax bracket or find the Eclipse on sale, I’d buy them in a heartbeat. They’re truly impressive shoes.
Similar Models / Other Shoes To Consider
On Cloudmonster 2
MSRP: $170
Cushion: Max
Stability: Forward rolling
Weight (pair): 1 lb 3.4 oz (men's), 1 lb 2.2 oz (women's)
Drop: 6 mm
Ideal Use: Long runs, daily trainer, distance workouts
The differences between the On Cloudmonster 2 and On Cloudeclipse are subtle unless you’re wearing them side-by-side (which, naturally, I did as part of testing for this article). The Monster concentrates more cushion at the forefoot, while the Eclipse’s cushioning is more dispersed. Both offer similar levels of propulsion/responsiveness, though I noticed a smoother forward-rolling ride with the Eclipse.
Compare prices of the On Cloudmonster 2
Men's
Women's
To me, the Monster seems better suited for very long runs and workouts, whereas the Eclipse seems more versatile in distance. Again, these differences aren’t huge and are most noticeable when wearing the two shoes at the same time, so opt for whichever pair feels more comfortable on your feet.
The Cloudmonster (left) is more cushioned, especially at the forefoot, whereas the Cloudeclipse (right) has more dispersed cushioning.
On Cloudstratus 3
MSRP: $180
Cushion: Plush
Stability: Forward-rolling
Weight (pair): 1 lb 4.4 oz (men’s), 1 lb 1.6 oz (women’s)
Drop (mm): 6 mm
Ideal Use: Daily training runs, workouts
Of all the models, the Cloudstratus 3 feels most similar to the Cloudeclipse. At the same price, same drop, similar weight, and with both containing the Speedboard and Double CloudTec midsole technologies, they offer similar rides and fit.
Compare prices of the On Cloudstratus 3
Men's
Women's
The Cloudeclipse is labeled a “neutral” shoe, rather than a “forward-rolling” shoe like the Cloudstratus 3. However, when wearing the two together (Eclipse on one foot, Stratus 3 on the other), and after swapping pairs mid-run, I found the Eclipse to be the more responsive shoe. The Eclipse also has Speedboard in the midsole, which is characteristic of the forward-rolling On shoes. Despite their labeling, my momentum felt better harnessed in the Eclipse rather than the Stratus.
The Cloudstratus 3 (left) felt less responsive than the Cloudeclipse (right).
The Eclipse is also a max cushion shoe, meaning it has just a little more cushion than the Stratus 3.
I would opt for the Eclipse over the Stratus 3. The Eclipse is better at what the Stratus 3 is trying to do (unless you prefer less cushion).
Saucony Ride 17
MSRP: $140
Cushion: Moderate
Stability: Neutral
Weight (pair): 1 lb 3.8 oz (men's), 1 lb 0.8 oz (women's)
Drop: 8 mm
Ideal Use: Daily training runs, distance workouts
ucony Ride 17 is a neutral shoe with moderate, lightweight cushion. It’s designed to offer a smooth ride and some rebound, much like the On Cloudeclipse. Between the two, the Saucony Ride is a bit heavier and a bit less responsive. However, they offer similar rides and fit similarly. I’d say the Saucony Ride is a great budget option for the On Cloudeclipse.
Compare prices of the Saucony Ride 17
Men's
Women's
The On Cloudeclipse (left) fits less snug than the more-cushioned upper of the Saucony Ride (right). The Ride also feels more stabilizing than the Eclipse when worn side-by-side.
Hoka Mach 6
MSRP: $140
Cushion: Responsive
Stability: Neutral
Weight (pair): 1 lb 0.4 oz (men's), 13.4 oz (women's)
Drop: 5 mm
Ideal Use: Daily training runs, workouts, races
With its light weight and responsive midsole, the Hoka Mach 6 is designed for quick movements. It’s similar to the Eclipse in the sense they both encourage quick turnover (faster running) and are both mid-drop shoes. However, the Mach 6 is much less cushioned, weighs about 1.3 oz less per shoe, and is designed purely for speed. If you’re looking for a lightweight workout or race shoe and cushion is not a priority, the Mach 6 is a good option. This shoe also comes in wide sizes.
Compare prices of the Hoka Mach 6
Men's
Women's
Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 21
MSRP: $160
Cushion: Most
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 9.4 oz (men's), 8.4 oz (women's)
Drop: 10 mm
Ideal Use: Daily training runs, track
The Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 21 is a cornerstone Brooks road running shoe, designed for daily training runs and distance workouts. The 10 mm drop is better suited for folks who heel strike and appreciate extra cushioning to help counterbalance the impact of their stride.
Compare prices of the Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 21
Men's
Women's
We tested the On Cloudeclipse from late winter to spring, in a variety of weather conditions. Here, the author runs on the roads in Rocky Mountain National Park during a cool spring day.
I’ve been testing the Glycerin StealthFit 20 and have found it to have less cushioning than the Eclipse. However, the updated 21 offers 2 mm of more cushioning and may be more comparable to the Eclipse now, cushioning-wise.
Compared to the On Cloudeclipse, the Glycerin StealthFit 21 provides less propulsion but better support for heel strikers.
HOW WE TESTED
We tested the On Cloudeclipse on the roads, sidewalks, running paths, and non-technical trails of the Colorado front range, Maine, and California. The shoes were tested in late winter and early spring, so they endured a range of weather conditions — dry and sunny, wet and cold, snowy and icy, you name it. One tester even wore them during her shifts at a brewery.
Overall, we put over 70 hours and 140 miles in these shoes to thoroughly test their performance and durability.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
Becca has been in a long-term relationship with running, spanning over two decades. She ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it. She’s recently earned her MFA from the Mile-High MFA program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can find her at beccadownswriting.com, or on Instagram at @beccad___.
You can read all her Treeline Review articles on her author page.
