There are very few shoe brands out there that have reached star status in such a short amount of time as On Running has. The most iconic part of any On shoe is CloudTec, the patented cushioning construction with distinctive tubes making up the entire outsole of the shoe. But On has introduced two other unique and patented technologies into its shoes in recent years, one of which gets an upgrade in the new On CloudSwift. The new On CloudSwift 3 has a brand new two-component Dual Density Helion™ foam construct that promises a softer, more cushioned ride and a smooth, forward-rolling sensation. I tried on a pair of the latest 2023 edition CloudSwifts to try out and give my thoughts. Let’s get unpacking.
The latest CloudSwift has no outrageous marketing claims like the Cloud X or CloudBoom, instead taking a more iterative approach. The new CloudSwift is the first shoe I’ve tried with the upgraded Helion™, On Running’s “zero compromise superfoam”, and the 2023 update features a number of upgrades to the 2021 version I previously reviewed, but is still made for the toughest and most critical market: The Urban Runner. The Urban Runner is ruthless at wanting the lightest, most durable, agile and yet comfortable road shoes out there, and On Running thinks the CloudSwifts are the answer to their prayers…let’s see about that!
On CloudSwift 2023 – Keep Calm and Helion™
What are the CloudSwift Specifications?
If you are new to the On Running world, then be prepared. The experience of unboxing a pair of On Running shoes is a bit special. Open the box and you are greeted with an inner graphic of a monotone cloudscape, providing the perfect silhouette for your new shoes. I chose the Black/ White colourway – to bring some style to my shoe cupboard and damn they are a good looking shoe, arguably the best looking in the On range! The first thing you will notice is a beautifully engineered knitted upper whose multi tonal patterns only serve to emphasize the already bold and modern design of the shoe. The second thing is the rocker (the curvature of the midsole) which might seem extreme but this only serves to bring superior comfort and agility. Overall, CloudSwifts seem incredibly well constructed with laser-cut and glued seams. Don’t be surprised to find an “owners card” with an ID-number specific to the shoes, so they can be registered online – if that’s your thing.On Cloudswift 2023 first impressions