Evaluating On Cloud vs Altra trainers is likely one of the more difficult comparisons I’ve finished as a result of the footwear really feel, match and performance so otherwise. But, the one factor they’ve in widespread is how distinctive and recognizable each are!
With every model boasting its personal distinctive set of options and philosophies, the discerning runner faces a problem in deciding on the perfect footwear for his or her coaching.
Because the miles pile up and the physique lets us know what’s working (and never), runners are more and more looking for footwear that aligns with their biomechanics, preferences, and targets. Altra and On Cloud have answered this name with distinct approaches, making it all of the extra important to know their origins, applied sciences, and efficiency attributes.
You’ll see I’ve examined a number of these footwear and like each manufacturers, however have some bias based mostly on what feels good to me! So I undoubtedly went searching for different opinions to spherical it out.
Altra Vs On Cloud Key Variations
On Cloud and Altra supply related options and fashions for all types of runners, from the brand new runner to Ultramarathoner to the flat-footed or high-arched. And naturally followers of every model will let you know why theirs is superior! However we’re going to have a look at the main points and the footwear so you may select.
Curiously, Altra first turned well-liked with Ultrarunners and has since moved within the to primary stream of operating.
It seems like On took maintain within the triathlon market first after which rapidly moved mainstream operating.
I break down the variations in additional element beneath, however right here’s a fast overview:
Altra Working Footwear
- Zero drop operating shoe with cushion (no change from heel to toe)
- Wider toebox than any conventional operating shoe
- Targeted on enhancing key kinds, quite than including extra kinds
- Has some clothes, however major focus is operating, path and mountain climbing footwear
I’ve a examined and written in depth about Altra Working Shoe fashions, if you need extra particulars.
On Working Footwear
- Extra slim slot in older kinds, some newer kinds have a wider forefoot
- Recognizable sole with the pods
- Claims their CloudTec sole reduces muscle fatigue and lowers HR
- Concentrate on enhancing velocity off floor and lowering impression
- Largely trainers, however has unbelievable operating jackets, pants, and so forth as properly
Should you’re on the lookout for only a detailed look a On, checkout this full On Cloud Overview >>
I’ve worn each manufacturers and can add some private ideas, together with hyperlinks to detailed opinions. And keep in mind it’s vital to rotate trainers, so you may want a shoe from a number of completely different manufacturers.
Which is Higher On Cloud or Altra Working Footwear?
There isn’t any “higher” choice right here. Simply the shoe that’s going to suit your foot one of the best and assist you to run with out damage. Based mostly on the overall variations above you may see that Altra will be nice for actually spreading out the toes, which provides you extra floor really feel and energy in your push off.
Whereas On Working might give you extra of that spring (and magnificence) that you simply’d like.
On Working vs Altra Function Comparability
Each manufacturers are newer to the market in comparison with many, however have rapidly gained avid followers.
The variations in these two strains is important to me from match, to really feel, to operate.
Whereas each present varied ranges of cushion and path footwear, On Cloud goes to supply extra conventional variations of issues like a stability or movement management shoe and doesn’t presently supply a zero drop mannequin.
The next breaks down every shoe based mostly on the elements patrons want to think about when buying a operating shoe.
It’s gonna get a bit TECHY…so you may simply skip on right down to the particular mannequin comparability if you need, however personally if I’m shelling out $150 for footwear, I kinda need to know why.
Sturdiness
The lifespan of footwear from each firms is pretty comparable.
- On recommends swapping out for brand new footwear each 310 to 465 miles, a bit extra particular than most manufacturers.
- Altra footwear have a life expectancy starting from 300 to 600 miles. I’ve heard many runners say they really feel like they last more.
Figuring out when to switch trainers, after all, all will depend on your gait, weight, and whether or not you run totally on path or highway.
Shoe Match
Cloud footwear are a bit arduous for me to explain as a result of I feel they’ve modified over the previous few years and are completely different with every mannequin that I’ve examined.
Whereas the size runs true to measurement, I might say some are a slim match and a few have a bit extra room within the toebox.
I might not think about any of the On Cloud’s a large shoe (besides the one’s made in huge width). However taking a look at these photographs they could seem huge, which I feel is because of the styling.
Altra stands aside in the case of match.
- Bigger toebox for a shoe extra formed like your foot.
- Zero drop shoe means a smaller heel.
- Loads of give attention to how gender modifications match.
- Some have famous they really feel the scale runs small in size, however that isn’t what I’ve discovered.
Cushioning
On makes use of CloudTec know-how which is fully what makes their shoe appear and feel completely different. They’ve little open pockets on the underside of the shoe that compress with every step to soak up impression and of their phrases really feel like a cloud.
I might say they’re cushioned, however not plush.
Altra focuses on a know-how of Balanced Cushioning with Quantic. Thus offering that even degree of cushion from the heel to toe of the shoe and maintaining the zero drop. I might say they’ve tremendously improved on this space over time and now have some actually nice cushioned footwear.
Stability
On goes in opposition to the grain of most stability footwear and works along with your foots movement quite than making an attempt to cease it. I admire this because it’s one of many many causes I steer people away from most stability footwear.
As a substitute, they modified the form and site of among the items beneath the arch of the foot which permits your entire muscular tissues to proceed firing, however slows that inward roll.
Each manufacturers have two completely different classes: Impartial and Assist. From testing I really feel that these two manufacturers don’t overdo the assist as many footwear used to. As a substitute, they’re actually targeted on guaranteeing the shoe gives a bit steerage, however doesn’t overcorrect or result in any muscle weak point.
Whether or not that’s a bit bit extra assist within the arch or via the midline of the foot it helps hips, knees, and joints to maneuver naturally, providing assist when wanted. Impartial runners might solely require them to kick in when their stride is off.
Learn extra on various kinds of trainers to know when you want stability >>
Affordability
The costs between the 2 manufacturers are pretty comparable.
- On costs vary between $130 to $170
- Altra’s begin at a at $120 to $180.
Specialty gadgets with extra options (like carbon plates) will improve worth.
You’ll discover that each model affords a spread and that is certainly because of a distinction in know-how and the place they promote the shoe. They know that the large field retailer can promote the shoe with much less in it, whereas the native operating retailer must be finest for devoted runners.
Altra Vs On Cloud Working Footwear
Now that you already know extra about every model, let’s have a look at their high fashions in every of the principle classes. There’s no winner declared right here as a result of all are nice footwear, it’s nearly which one is finest in your foot.
With every of those, they’re the highest fashions so numbers are consistently altering as they make a bit improve, however On doesn’t maintain including numbers to the shoe title like most manufacturers doe.
Stability Working Shoe
👉On Cloudflyer
As famous above each On and Altra do an excellent job of not making an attempt to drive the foot in to place, however quite offering a wider base that instantly gives stability. So it’s a extra pure really feel that almost all stability trainers.
It additionally has simply that slight rocker impact, to assist transfer you from heel to toe.
Thought of an opulent shoe, however as famous, their plush footwear should not in the identical ballpark as Hoka plush…it’s nonetheless a firmer trip with the main target being on that spring off the bottom. I’ll say that is altering with different fashions that you simply’ll see me observe beneath, so simply know this a firmer trip because of the outsole.
- 7mm drop
- 8.8oz ladies’s, 9.88oz males’s
- $110
One of many ongoing points I’ve with On footwear is that this…rocks.
👉Altra Provision
I’m NOT somebody who runs in stability footwear and but I’ve actually loved these. They completely don’t over right and they’re much softer than lots of the stability footwear I’ve examined prior to now.
I’m guessing a part of the explanation I appreciated them was a pleasant quantity of cushion (not overly plush) and so they don’t have that story inform hardness present in a number of stability footwear.
Ladies’s shoe is 8.2 oz, so additionally lighter than some stability footwear and as with all of their footwear a zero drop.
I additionally just like the design of the underside of the shoe. It gives some good drip so I may take it out on some low tech trails or days the place I’m hitting each pavement and path.
- 0mm drop
- 8.2 oz ladies’s, 9. 6 oz males’s
- $140
Impartial Working Shoe
👉On Cloudsurfer
I’ve run in a couple of of the sooner fashions of this shoe, however as their hottest shoe it’s one of many few that continues to get a quantity to notice that it’s new and improved!
We’re presently as much as mannequin 7. And this one is a sport changer. I prefer it a lot greater than all earlier variations.
This lastly gives that delicate touchdown for highway operating that I’ve all the time hoped from the title “cloud”.
I might have a look at this as a velocity coaching and 6-8 mile coaching shoe, for the design targeted on actually springing off the bottom. Then once more I like actually low profile, low cushion footwear just like the Saucony Kinvara for lengthy straightforward runs too…so that you do you.
This one is designed with average cushion for these medium distance runs (5K to half marathon). In different phrases, it doesn’t have the additional padding or construction that we frequently prefer to see in a marathon shoe.
👉Altra Escalante
As their go to daily shoe, that is one I’m usually pointed to by Altra lovers as a favourite. The Altra Escalante is a well-liked operating shoe that has gained a loyal following amongst runners because of its light-weight design, snug match, and responsive cushioning.
It’s simply 7.7 oz, which is way lighter than many footwear and it nonetheless has cushion. Positively not as delicate because the Torin or Paradigm, for me it’s barely too agency. And but, that’s precisely what others love in regards to the means to really feel extra of the bottom.
Of us additionally actually love this who’re on their toes all day lengthy. The shoe’s zero-drop platform and huge toe field might help to enhance posture and cut back pressure on the toes, ankles, and knees. Moreover, the cushioning supplied by the midsole foam might help to soak up shock and cut back fatigue, making it simpler to remain targeted and productive all through the day.
I’m a fan of kinds like Kinvara which are a minimal impartial shoe and there are very a lot consistent with that.
- 0mm drop
- 7.7 oz ladies’s, 9.3 oz males’s
- $140
*My finest good friend swears by this shoe, however for me it simply didn’t have sufficient cushion…in the meantime the Torin beneath was a winner.
Cushioned Working Shoe
👉On Cloudmonster
I actually loved my first run in these footwear and was excited to take them out once more. It’s now the place close to as agency as the opposite On footwear, it’s by no means the plush fashion of a Altra Torrin.
The Torrin is certainly that softer cushion. For On the cushion is extra in regards to the absorbing of impression, quite than what you may consider as conventional cushion. That’s not a nasty factor, simply completely different expectations.
This totally felt just like the most cushioned On operating shoe I’ve examined. Making it an excellent day by day straightforward run coach. I’ve put in a number of miles on it and gifted my husband a pair as a result of I believed it was that candy spot of cushion and assist for his flat toes.
- 6mm drop
- 8.11oz ladies’s, 10.76oz males’s
- $170
See my full assessment of the On Cloudmonster >>
👉Altra Torrin 7
Thought of their most cushioned shoe, I’m going to say it doesn’t really feel wildly completely different than the Paradigm to me. The primary distinction right here is it’s a impartial shoe.
The Torrin can also be one in all their hottest fashions, so that they have continued to create new variations or supply completely different kinds from leather-based to waterproof. After taking the 7 out for some runs, I can see why this mannequin has remained so well-liked.
It’s that candy spot of cushioning and makes it very easy to transition out of your commonplace trainers with the padded tongue and heel collar. I may simply see this being a favourite for lengthy runs, as soon as I’ve constructed up my physique to do extra zero drop miles.
- 0mm drop
- 8.3 oz ladies’s, 9.9 oz males’s
- $150
- See my full assessment of the Altra Torin 7
Carbon Fiber Plate Footwear
Are they cool new know-how, sure.
Do they final so long as your different footwear, nope.
So if you wish to take a look at these out use them for velocity work after which race day!
👉Altra Vanish Carbon
Altra’s Vanish Carbon is the most recent addition to their line of efficiency trainers and has already generated vital buzz amongst runners and trade consultants alike.
They made 17 variations earlier than really releasing the shoe!
The Vanish Carbon’s higher is constructed from a breathable mesh materials, which gives air flow and permits the foot to flex and transfer naturally. The shoe additionally incorporates Altra’s FootShape™ toe field, which permits for correct alignment and steadiness, lowering the danger of accidents.
The midsole is constructed from Altra’s Quantic™ foam, which gives a steadiness of cushioning and power return for a cushty and responsive trip. Moreover, the outsole contains a sturdy rubber compound that gives wonderful traction on quite a lot of surfaces.
- 0 mm heel drop
- 6.2 oz ladies’s, 7.3 oz males’s
Watch my detailed video on how Carbon Fiber Footwear work.
👉On Clouldboom Echo 3
This was one of many earliest carbon fiber footwear I examined and it’s very completely different from the Vaporfly. As a substitute of excessive cushion, that is extra like the sensation you may get in your day by day coach.
The shortage of cushion isn’t a nasty factor, simply completely different. And actually, I’m down for this shoe!
It’s even enjoyable which you could see the speedboard between the cushion and mentally know you’re getting that power return.
That being mentioned, with every iteration of the Echo, they’re including extra cushion to maintain up with different manufacturers, simply not that tremendous bouncy feeling. For a lot of runners, I feel it is a good factor and may strike that steadiness of velocity and cushion, with out the fear about Achilles accidents which are popping up.
I used to be actually impressed with the updates within the Echo 3 from the unique Cloudboom. BIG win for me is just not having the pods that lure rocks on the underside! This shoe additionally matches higher than the unique.
Strolling Footwear
I’ve usually talked about the necessity to have completely different strolling footwear than trainers. Nevertheless, a few of my high suggestions come from these two manufacturers and are certainly issues you possibly can run in!
Footwear that are perfect for standing round all day or strolling have a bit extra stability and arch assist.
👉Greatest for Standing at Work – On Cloud X 3 Shift
Should you’re standing all day lengthy you may need to think about carrying compression socks, together with discovering nice footwear.
The thought is one thing that may assist you to preserve good alignment so that you don’t have hip, knee or again points together with drained toes.
Road worthy fashion is a part of their draw for a lot of. However the actual profit comes from additionally feeling snug to put on all day lengthy. The thought is that you possibly can put on these to work or to exercise, which implies they’re designed to soak up impression and maintain your toes feeling good.
I’ve not worn this mannequin personally! It’s one of many few not examined. However have requested plenty of people who tried it out for ideas and plenty of mentioned it was the wear and tear it in all places shoe!
- Impartial shoe (not heavy on cushion)
- 6.7 mm heel drop
- 8.90 oz for girls
👉Altra Paradigm
They prefer to say this shoe is “all the assist and not one of the ugly”, which cracks me up however is usually true of strolling footwear. You need one thing that has a bit extra assist than operating. (see why strolling vs trainers are completely different).
Whereas the Altra Paradigm strolling footwear share many traits with their operating counterparts, they’ve been tailored to cater particularly to the wants of walkers. These footwear supply a mixture of consolation, pure design components, and cushioning that make them well-suited for varied strolling actions.
The outsole of the Altra Paradigm strolling footwear is crafted to supply good traction and sturdiness, together with nice padding across the heel collar and tongue.
- One other plush cushioned shoe, however with extra additional arch assist
- Wider toebox might help forestall bunions
- 0mm drop
Path Working Footwear
I admit that my expertise operating in On footwear for the paths is restricted as a result of I had sufficient points with rocks within the highway footwear. Nevertheless, I feel the Cloudultra fixes this situation based mostly on all of the suggestions I’ve obtained!
👉Altra Lone Peak
One of many fashions they began with 10 years in the past that has continued to be up to date and a fan favourite. StoneGuard gives nice rock safety, whereas the multi-directional lugs present wonderful traction on quite a lot of surfaces.
They really thought in regards to the path runner with issues like holes within the higher to empty water or a spot to attach gaiters.
Once more they’re an identical degree of cushion to different Altra footwear.
👉On Cloudultra
Welcome to their path shoe with the best quantity of cushioning. The flip launch on the shoe laces, additionally makes it straightforward to regulate the tigthness of the footwear. Which as we all know is usually wanted throughout ultras when toes swell.
The On Cloudultra is one in all On Working’s latest path trainers and a very good addition to the ultramarathon and endurance path operating market.
Partially as a result of they shifted the pod arrange, so you’ll catch much less rocks than with the highway footwear!! They add lugs for extra grip and took the pods means, means down.
On has happy the request of 1000’s of path runners with this shoe, due to its means to deal with tough terrain successfully and stay snug over lengthy distances on trails and highways with its Helion midsole foam.
These are wonderful path operating footwear for all distances as much as and together with the marathon.
Extra About On Cloud Working
On began in 2010 in Switzerland, when but once more one other runner thought “I may do that higher.”
This time it was three retired skilled athletes, who determined there wanted to be a shoe that had extra firmness to create that bounce off the bottom, together with cushion.
They went from their first prototype in January 2010, to having it offered in tales by June 2010! How insane is that timeline?!
By 2014 and 2015 skilled athletes have been carrying the footwear and successful races, creating much more buzz about these distinctive wanting footwear. They’ve finished an amazing job of maintaining that Swiss engineering whereas additionally offering some a lot wanted fashion to trainers.
Extra About Altra
ALTER + ULTRArunning = Altra.
The title got here to be from a loopy path of a younger marathon runner named Golden. He began altering common footwear to create a zero drop with cushion…it slowly turned a little bit of a black market factor.
Folks would actually purchase a shoe from the operating retailer owned by his household after which ask him to tear it up and remake it as zero drop footwear!
Out of the blue, he realized they have been doing this for practically a 1,000 individuals. Possibly making a shoe would simply be simpler.
Thus, in 2009 the model was born.
Your gait and toes will probably change over time and you might want to alter footwear.
That is additionally why I like to recommend rotating via a number of pairs of footwear without delay.
And keep in mind, simply because these are two of essentially the most well-known manufacturers in the marketplace, there are nonetheless loads of different shoe manufacturers to pick from if neither an On shoe nor Altra has the best sneakers for you.
Understand that shoe design can change, even with the identical mannequin, so all the time assess how the shoe matches each time you substitute a pair.
For extra assist deciding on the best shoe for you, don’t fear, I’ve obtained you:
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