Tested on the rocky, root-strewn terrain of the Bruce Trail, On’s Cloudsoma Hike delivers a rare combination of trail feel and smooth movement.
There’s a growing divide in trail footwear. On one side are heavily cushioned shoes that prioritize shock-proof comfort above all else. On the other are minimalist designs that deliver excellent trail feel but can leave your feet and knees feeling battered after a long day.
The On Cloudsoma Hike (available for women or men) aims to bridge that gap, combining a close-to-the-ground feel with enough cushioning and support for lengthy missions. After several hikes on Ontario’s Bruce Trail, it became clear to me that the Cloudsoma Hike can maintain this balance.
The Bruce Trail is an ideal testing ground with its varied limestone rock, twisted roots, loose gravel and forest singletrack, demanding a shoe that can adapt quickly to diverse terrain. A heavily cushioned shoe will attempt to mask the trail’s sharp characteristics, losing some dexterity in the process, while a more minimalist shoe will dig into every nook and cranny, requiring more work but offering focus in each footfall. The Cloudsoma Hike treads a path between these two extremes.
What impressed me most was how connected I felt to the trail; it felt like my feet were reacquainting themselves with it in a more intimate way. On built the Cloudsoma Hike around its CloudTec Connect cushioning system, which uses individual underfoot elements designed to flex and adapt to uneven terrain. The result is a ride that allows you to feel what’s happening beneath your feet without feeling punished by it.
The Cloudsoma Hike treads a path between these two extremes.
That sensation became especially noticeable on sections of the Bruce Trail with irregular rock (which makes up much of the trail). The shoe provided enough feedback to help me read the terrain and place my feet confidently, yet it also smoothed the transition from rock to root to dirt and back again. Rather than picking my way cautiously across every obstacle, I found myself moving more fluidly.
The Cloudsoma Hike feels markedly different from many traditional hiking shoes. Firstly, it is very lightweight for a hiking-specific shoe. And the low-profile design and 6 mm drop make it feel more agile, resembling a trail runner more than a conventional hiker.
The midsole’s flexible construction bolsters that agility, encouraging natural foot movement to mirror the terrain. On has avoided the overly rigid approach common in some hiking footwear, so the shoe complements your stride rather than dictating it. On my longer hikes, this translated into less fatigue and more ground focus.
Traction is another highlight. The Missiongrip outsole performed confidently on rock, packed dirt and gravel. The tread pattern strikes a practical balance, providing enough bite for tech terrain without feeling too aggressive and “noisy” on smoother sections. On’s segmented outsole design also helps maintain contact with uneven surfaces, further contributing to the stable and controlled feel.
The upper, constructed from abrasion-resistant, quick-drying materials, offers a secure but forgiving fit. A protective toe cap and mudguard protect against trail debris, while the padded tongue adds comfort during longer days. The overall fit feels precise, particularly through the midfoot, which enhances confidence on rocky traverses.
One of the shoe’s biggest strengths is that it feels equally at home on a fast-moving, pole-assisted short hike or a weekend spent exploring mixed terrain. Hikers who prefer lightweight footwear will appreciate how the Cloudsoma Hike “disappears” on your foot. Its superior ground feel connects you to the landscape, so you feel more a part of it.
The shoe’s superior ground feel connects you to the landscape, so you feel more a part of it.
The trade-off is that backpackers carrying heavy loads or hikers seeking maximum underfoot protection may want something more substantial. And I still use my stiffer-soled hiking boots when I need them. The Cloudsoma Hike is designed for movement and agility rather than brute-force support.
For hikers who value trail awareness, natural movement and lightweight performance, the On’s Cloudsoma Hike delivers a blast of renewed vigour just in time for hiking season. –Ned Morgan
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