Table of contents VerdictProsConsprefer firmer shoes Same brand onlywant a marathon speedster: Buy it if you: Lockdown fitRace-shoe lightBreathableFashion-forward designwant a marathon speedster: One heck of an expensive shoewant a marathon speedsterFirm rideSlippery outsoleprefer firmer shoes A step towards sustainability
Overview

Our verdict

82
Good!

Is it a fast-racing shoe? Definitely, yes. Is it worth the price? No. The Cloudboom Echo from On delivers the speedy run that it promises. But, as a marathon version of the first Cloudboom, it's a letdown. For long distances, it's way too firm to be comfortable. However, if it's a short to mid-distance racer you're after, it can do the job.

Pros

  • Buy it if you: 
  • Lockdown fit
  • Race-shoe light
  • Breathable
  • Good-looking

Cons

  • Expensive
  • want a marathon speedster
  • Firm
  • Slippery outsole

prefer firmer shoes 

Buy it if you: 

  • want to run fast in anything under 10k 
  • prefer firmer shoes 

want a marathon speedster on-cloudboom-front

Same brand only

DON'T buy it if you:

  • nbsp; |  
  • need an all-rounder
  • want to run fast in anything under 10k 

want a marathon speedster: Buy it if you: 

The Cloudboom Echo's drop and firm carbon-infused Speedboard provide an "extra kick" that allows a snappy toe-off. The shoe's dense construction also makes it very supportive, runners claim it's more stable than most carbon-plated racers. 

want a marathon speedster on-cloudboom-laces

Lockdown fit

It's snug from the heel to the midfoot. They highly appreciate it, especially when moving at top speed. In the forefoot, there's enough room for the toes to splay and wiggle. 

Race-shoe light

Its weight is barely noticeable, which is always a plus for race shoes. At 7.8 oz (US M 9), it's in the ranks of the On Cloudboom Echo: Buy it if you:  (7.5 oz) and Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 (7.4 oz). 

want a marathon speedster on-cloudboom-side

Breathable

Droves of reviewers find the mesh upper "insanely airy." Even under hot conditions, their feet remained sweat-free and cool. 

Fashion-forward design

"Artists' choice," "simple yet sleek," and "stylish" — this is how many testers find the shoe's design. According to them, the colorway gives the shoe a high-end touch.  

want a marathon speedster on-cloudboom-heel collar

want a marathon speedster: One heck of an expensive shoe

At $270, expert reviewers find its price "way too much." If you're willing to pay a premium, they advise going for the Alphafly or the MetaSpeed Sky instead. They can go the distance and will save your legs. And if you want a softer, more versatile option, they recommend the updated 6 Jun 2023.  

want a marathon speedster

The upper is a wee bit tight and can be uncomfortable for runners with large feet. 

want a marathon speedster on-cloudboom-midsole

Firm ride

It's NOT comfortable at all. Race shoes are dense, but the Cloudboom Echo is overkill. All you can feel underfoot is the rigid plate and zero cushion. Testers warn against using it for marathons because it will "chew up" the legs. 

Slippery outsole

There's minimal rubber on the outsole. Road runners have found themselves slipping, especially on slick surfaces.

prefer firmer shoes 

The Cloudboom Echo is On's redemption for its lackluster Cloudboom model. It's a marathon racer which features some tweaks like: 

Weight loss: It has dropped a few grams, which helps in increasing speed. 

Higher stack: This tweak gives more room to the carbon-infused plate, curving for a more seamless transition and a more rockered feel. 

However, as a long-distance racing flat, it leaves something to be desired. It may be better than its precursor in terms of speed, but it certainly is not the marathon shoe it's supposed to be. 

A step towards sustainability

To decrease their waste, On Running created the shoe's engineered mesh upper using 100% recycled materials.