On Cloudultra 3: Cushion Meets Technical Grip

On Cloudultra 3: The trail shoe built for endless miles

When the trail stretches on and your legs start asking questions, you need a shoe that answers with comfort, grip and flow. The On Cloudultra 3 was designed for the long haul. It is built to carry you through South Africa’s toughest trails with cushioning that lasts, traction that holds and a ride that feels smooth from the first climb to the final descent.

Key features and benefits

• Helion™ HF Hyperfoam: Next-generation cushioning that feels soft underfoot yet rebounds with energy. It is designed to stay responsive even after hours on rocky paths.
• CloudTec Phase geometry: Pods compress and roll in sequence for a natural stride. This helps absorb impact and keeps transitions smooth on uneven ground.
• Fibreglass Speedboard: Adds stability and propulsion without harsh stiffness. It helps you stay steady over roots, rocks and steep climbs.
• Missiongrip™ outsole: Updated lug pattern provides reliable traction on wet sandstone, loose gravel and dusty singletrack.
• Sock-fit engineered mesh: Breathable, lightweight and secure. Designed with recycled materials for a lighter footprint.
• FlipRelease™ fit tool: A small detail that makes a big difference. It lets you adjust shoe width on the go when your feet swell over ultra distances.

Why it works for South African runners

From Table Mountain switchbacks to the Drakensberg ridges, the Cloudultra 3 balances cushion with control. The breathable upper suits hot summer trails around Cape Town. The traction holds in muddy Gauteng koppies. And when you are pushing through hours of training for Ultra-Trail Drakensberg or the Magalies Monster, the cushioning stays consistent without weighing you down.

Ride feel

• Cushioned but stable: Softer than the Cloudultra 2, yet balanced enough to keep you centred on technical paths.
• Smooth rocker flow: Rolls you forward naturally, even when fatigue sets in late in an ultra.
• Secure fit: Sock-like comfort that keeps the foot planted. FlipRelease helps with mid-run adjustments.
• Light for the category: At just 235 g (women’s), it is noticeably lighter than rivals while still protective.

How it compares to competitors

The Cloudultra 3 slots into the premium ultra-trail space, but it brings its own edge.

• Altra Olympus 6: More cushioned, zero-drop and heavier at 290 g. Better if you want maximum plush underfoot. The Cloudultra 3 is lighter and more agile.
• Nike Zegama Trail 2: Uses ZoomX foam with lots of bounce and a 4 mm drop. Great for speed, but less stable on technical ground compared to the Cloudultra 3.
• ASICS Trabuco Max 3: A durable ultra option with FF Blast+ cushioning. At around 265 g it is heavier and less nimble, while the Cloudultra 3 gives a quicker feel.

If you want one shoe that can handle ultra-distance trails, technical terrain and high-mile training without beating you up, the Cloudultra 3 finds the balance.

Pricing and value

At around R4,049, the Cloudultra 3 sits in line with premium ultra-trail shoes. Compared to rivals, it offers a rare combination: light weight, advanced cushioning and versatile fit features. It earns its place for runners who value comfort that lasts beyond the marathon mark.

Quick specs

This shoe works well for

• Long technical runs in the Drakensberg or Magaliesberg
• Training blocks for ultra races like SkyRun or Ultra-Trail Drakensberg
• Weekend adventures on mixed trail and gravel routes
• Runners who want one shoe for both training and racing on trails

The Cloudultra 3 is an On trail shoe that blends comfort, grip and innovation. It is lighter than you expect, steadier than most ultra shoes and built to carry you far. If you want to feel supported and smooth no matter how many hours the trail throws at you, this is the shoe that will keep rolling with you.

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