Sometimes you think – what else can you do with a shoe? Well, a fairly new shoe company has designed a shoe with “CloudTec” element technology – think of garden hose sections on the bottom of your shoes. The Swiss sports company based in Zurich, On, have designed shoes with the “CloudTec” elements. Let’s take a look at the Cloudracer.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
On shoes are classified by “pace”. The Cloudracer is spec’ed at less than 4 min/km (6:26 min/mile). I wish I could say I run at a 6:26 min/mile pace. I was looking at a minimum drop (5mm) and neutral shoe which led me to the Cloudracer. The Cloudracer comes in approximately 9 oz. There is plenty of room in the forefoot and fits true to size. See pictures below.
Notice the 18 low-profile “CloudTec” elements.
Very thin upper with “cheese-like” material to reduce weight while providing structure.
You will notice the extra thin tongue to keep the weight down without sacrificing fit.
TRAIL TESTING (AND ROAD)
I tested the Cloudracer on dry non-technical trails. They performed well in these conditions with minimal debris getting lodged between and within the “CloudTec” elements. When tested on wet muddy technical terrain, they did not work well – lack of traction, rocks getting lodged between the “CloudTec” elements, and debris getting lodged in the “CloudTec” elements. Please note, the Cloudracer performed very well on road during easy, interval, and tempo running sessions. They are very light with minimal amount of upper material. They drained well in rainy conditions on the road.
TECH SPECS
- Drop – 5 mm
- Half-Gusseted tongue (Attached on the Instep side)
- Neutral Shoe
- No Rock Plate
- Midsole – EVA
- Upper – Synthetic
- Made In – Vietnam
Weight Breakdown
CONCLUSION
I can’t say I have been running at a 6:26 min/mile pace, but I loved the Cloudracer on dry non-technical trails and the road. The “CloudTec” elements on the outsole is an interesting design that works in providing cushioning while minimizing materials to reduce the weight of the shoe. I also like the overall quality of the Cloudracer. In summary, a shoe designed for the neutral runner looking for a lightweight trainer for dry non-technical trails and the road.
