Swiss running brand On has expanded its trail running lineup with the Cloudsoma, an innovative new model that introduces independent traction pods designed to flex separately for superior ground contact on uneven terrain. The shoe represents On's most ambitious trail offering to date, translating the brand's signature CloudTec hollow-pod technology from the roads to the mountains in a way that addresses one of trail running's fundamental challenges: maintaining grip and stability across constantly changing surfaces. Launching this spring at $170, the Cloudsoma targets the growing segment of road runners looking to transition to trails without sacrificing the comfort and ride quality they expect from their daily trainers.
The Cloudsoma's defining feature is its outsole, where individual traction pods operate independently of one another, allowing each section of the shoe to conform to the specific surface beneath it. On uneven terrain—roots, rocks, loose gravel—this independent articulation means that each pod can grip at a different angle, providing a level of surface adaptation that traditional lug patterns cannot match. The pods are constructed from a proprietary rubber compound that balances grip on wet and dry surfaces with the durability needed to withstand the abrasion of rocky trails, and early testing suggests the design performs particularly well on the mixed terrain that characterizes most trail running routes.
The midsole utilizes On's Helion superfoam in a dual-density configuration that provides cushioning for longer trail runs while maintaining the responsive, snappy feel that On's road shoes are known for. The stack height is moderate at 30mm in the heel and 24mm in the forefoot, with the 6mm drop encouraging a natural stride pattern without the instability that can accompany higher-stack trail shoes on technical descents. The overall weight comes in at 290 grams, placing the Cloudsoma in the lightweight end of the cushioned trail shoe spectrum—lighter than most competitors at similar stack heights.
In the increasingly competitive trail shoe market, the Cloudsoma positions itself alongside the NNormal Cadi and Hoka Speedgoat 6 as an accessible option for runners who want trail capability without extreme technical features. Where the Cadi emphasizes comfort and the Speedgoat prioritizes max cushioning, the Cloudsoma differentiates itself through its unique traction system and the distinctly On-like ride character that will feel familiar to runners already in the brand's ecosystem. The shoe is less suited to aggressive mountain terrain where deeper lugs are essential, but for groomed trails, fire roads, and mixed surface runs, it provides a compelling blend of grip, comfort, and versatility.
On's trail running ambitions have grown significantly since the brand's founding, and the Cloudsoma represents a strategic step toward establishing the Swiss company as a serious player in a segment long dominated by Salomon, Hoka, and more recently NNormal. The brand's roster of sponsored trail athletes continues to expand, and the technology showcased in the Cloudsoma is likely to trickle up into more aggressive racing models in the coming seasons. For the road-to-trail convert looking for a shoe that makes the transition seamless, the Cloudsoma delivers exactly what its name suggests: a cloud-like ride that works on every surface beneath your feet.