Tested: On Cloudboom Echo 3

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is a firm carbon-plated racing shoe designed for shorter distances up to the half marathon. Before even trying it, I wondered if the price was worth it? At $290, it's almost more costly than any other carbon-plated running shoe out there.

Cloudboom Echo 3 Stats

Type of shoe: racing/carbon plated
Weight: 7.6 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 9.5 mm
Cost: $290

Get on any airplane, and you'll see at least 20% of travelers wearing On. Run in any city, and it's the same thing. Race any triathlon, and you'll see more and more of them on people's feet. On has significantly grown in the last few years, and it's quickly become one of the top-selling running brands.  On running shoes have a distinct look to them. Their "Cloudtec" soles are intriguing. But it's also considered fashionable, so you see them on a lot of travelers’ feet. 

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is designed as a marathon racing shoe. The big update this year is the fully recyclable HF superfoam midsole made from Pebax. The midsole is 46% bio-based and is made from castor beans. The midsole and the full-length Speedboard Carbon Fiber Plate, and Cloudtec elements together create a modern-day racing shoe.

It's extremely firm and doesn't have that plush cushioning that a lot of carbon-plated marathon shoes have now. On claims that it is their fastest race-day shoe ever. While, yes, it's their fastest carbon-plated shoe ever, I can't quite agree that it's a great marathon shoe, especially since most people reading this are running their marathon after hours on the bike.

Upper Design

The brand On is known for its lightweight and comfortable upper. The Cloudboom Echo 3 features an upper that doesn't absorb liquid. This is great if you're running another Boston Marathon 2018 because your feet will stay drier. However, this doesn't make the upper breathable, and breathable uppers are essential for summer living in the Mojave Desert. The engineered polyester upper is thin and strong but it doesn't stretch well—you don't need to worry about it ripping. 

The tongue is thin and semi-gusseted on one side. I was concerned about it not being fully gusseted, but it doesn't slide around. It has additional eyelets under the regular ones, so you can tie it however you want. The shoelaces are interesting in that they feel like they are made from synthetic mesh but are still tacky enough to stay tied. 

On runs narrower than other brands, and the Cloudboom Echo 3 is no different. Typically, I wear a woman's size 10-11 in running shoes, and with On size 11 fits the best. If you have a wider foot, I recommend going up a half size.

Midsole Design

The Cloudboom Echo 3 doesn't feel like a marathon racing shoe. You feel the ground more, and there isn't a lot of energy return. If you miss the era of minimal racing flats and touching the ground, you'll likely enjoy running in the On Cloudboom Echo 3.

I've run almost every kind of run in the Cloudboom Echo 3, from easy runs to tempo and track work. I even tried a long run to see how it responded. It's designed for racing, and that's all I would use it for. But it didn't feel great in the long run, making me worry it wouldn't be a great marathon racing shoe. If you prefer a firm ride, you may love how it feels during long runs. My feet felt tired and slightly sore.

You can see the carbon plate in the On Cloudboom Echo 3, unlike many other brands. It's stiff and doesn't flex. One of the more unique pieces to the shoe is the thin silicone straps under the plate in the forefoot. On claims they are designed to hold your feet into place. It feels weird at first, but you get used to it. And they do keep my feet from sliding around.

Traction and Durability

When I saw the price tag, I thought that perhaps the Cloudboom Echo 3 was highly durable. It's not. It's likely one of the least durable carbon-plated shoes out there. On says the life of the Cloudboom Echo 3 is four marathons. (That could also be three long runs and one marathon.) It might not even make it past one month.

The outsole isn't flat, so the raised pieces often catch the ground. Mine have already worn significantly after only 25 miles.

The traction for the Cloudboom Echo 3 is good. I've taken it out on an inclement weather day and on the sandy desert trails and haven't had any issues. Together with the upper, I think it would be a good choice for a rainy race.

Concluding Thoughts

I want to like the Cloudboom Echo 3, but it's firm. Too firm for most people to run a marathon, and it doesn't feel like it should cost $290. Maybe it looks like a $290 shoe though? It does excel in the ability to race decently in pouring rain or inclement weather due to the traction and upper.

I would love to see On make the Cloudboom Echo 4 softer by increasing the stack height, adding more cushion, and making it more durable.

Who should buy the On Cloudboom Echo 3??
If you love the brand On and you like firm racing shoes, this is for you. It is great for half marathons and below.

Tags: