The On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof features excellent cushioning that surrounds the ankle as well as the midsole to provide easy transitions from heel to toe. The Cloudrock is fully waterproof and constructed from a more beefy polyester upper to increase the longevity of the design. This boot is perfect for those seeking stability and protection in technical terrain and is best suited to day hikes or shorter jaunts into the mountains.
The updated Cloudrock hiking boots feature the perfect combination of the well-cushioned comfort provided by your favorite running shoe along with the ankle support and stability of a traditional hiking boot. They are true to size and feature a 8mm heel to toe drop that will provide some extra spring in your step. The Cloudrock is lightweight and perfectly cushioned both under foot and around the ankle, while also providing more rigidity and stability than other modern running shoe-like boot designs.
We couldn't help but notice how comfortable these boots were directly out of the box, requiring no break in time at all before hitting the trails for a longer day hike. These boots feature a wider toe box than some designs that we tested, although the toe box also tapers significantly, making these a better choice for those with narrow feet. If you're after a perfectly cushioned design that's best for day hikes or shorter backpacking trips, the Cloudrock may be the best choice for you.
The Cloudrock boot design is highly supportive without being too rigid thanks to a proprietary Helion superfoam midsole that absorbs any shock encountered on the trail. The x-shaped Speedboard joins the heel and forefoot of the design which encourages a smooth transition from heel to toe, even in technical, uneven terrain. The ankle cuff measures 6 inches from the bottom of the outsole to the top of the cuff and the single metal hook provides enough stability to support the weight of a pack.
While not as supportive as a traditional and more rigid design, the Cloudrock provides exceptional cushioning in the midsole while putting a little spring in your step as you transition from heel to toe. Perhaps not the best choice for extended trips into the backcountry with heavy loads but supportive and stable enough for day hikes or shorter trips.
The Missiongrip rubber outsoles of the Cloudrock are on par with the best traction that we've tested. The designers at On upgraded the tread pattern for even better grip in uneven terrain thanks to thoughtfully positioned lugs to enhance grip when you really need it.
After hitting the slippery and polished granite trails in Yosemite valley without losing our footing, our team was quite impressed with just how well these boots handled in uneven terrain, boulder fields, sand, and loose granite. If you plan on hiking those popular and polished trail systems or are planning an adventure through various terrain types, the Cloudrock will provide impressive performance.
The Cloudrock design features 100% recycled polyester uppers with a DWR treated waterproof lining to keep your feet dry when moving through wet terrain. The design also includes a waterproof membrane that performed well during our controlled bucket tests in addition to field tests that included submersion in local streams as well as muddy conditions after those consistent afternoon thunderstorms.
Similar to most waterproof designs, the Cloudrock doesn't breathe very well at all. The waterproof membrane and DWR finish truly prevent any sweat and moisture from moving out of the upper. That said, when hiking during the heat of summer in Yosemite valley, these boots were quite uncomfortable, however, when moving up in elevation and into cooler temperatures, they were perfect. Overall, we were grateful for the waterproof performance when we really needed it.
The Cloudrock features a unique and modern design that combines the stability and support of a hiking boot with the agility and nimble capabilities of a running shoe. Weighing in at 1.64 pounds for a US Women's size 8.5, these boots receive higher marks than most without sacrificing the durability, trail protection, and waterproof performance.
While some lighter weight designs are constructed from thinner, less durable mesh uppers, the Cloudrock features a thicker mesh with adequate coverage for the toes thanks to a toe cap and rand located on the front of the boot as well as the heel. Trust us, you'll appreciate the support and stability of this well-balanced hiking boot design without feeling a few extra ounces under foot.
While not as durable as a fully nubuck leather upper, the Cloudrock does offer key features that enhance overall quality to extend the life of the boot in uneven, technical terrain. The toe caps and mudguards previously mentioned help to protect the recycled polyester upper that is slightly thicker and more burly than most that we tested.
One of the only caveats to the design in our opinion is the lacing system which is lacking in some durability due to the tiny piece of webbing at the ankle which experiences the most torque when lacing up the boot. While we didn't experience any issue during testing, we can imagine this portion of the design failing after many uses. That said, the remainder of the design including the metal hook at the ankle feature high quality details to keep this boot performing for many seasons.
If you're looking to strike the perfect balance between comfort and stability, the On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof should be at the top of your list. While more expensive than other modern hiking boot designs that essentially combine a running shoe with a supportive ankle cuff, the 100% recycled polyester mesh upper is thicker and more durable than most. The waterproof treatment and membrane are effective and the traction is on par with the best that we've tested. If you're primarily pursuing day hikes and shorter backpacking trips, this boot does not disappoint.
