On Cloudrock Low Waterproof - Women's Review

Although a little heavier and more expensive than other options in our comprehensive review, the Cloudrock Low will provide lasting performance on mixed terrain during single-day pushes. 


Performance Comparison

Comfort

The On Cloudrock Low is one of the only hiking shoe designs that will provide comfort for most foot shapes. The 8 mm heel-to-toe drop provides a springy, rockered sole that feels like walking on a cloud, directly out of the box, while the 100% recycled polyester upper provides enough flexion to prevent an extended break-in period. Our testing team found this shoe to run true to size, and don't recommend sizing up or down for better comfort.

While the hiking shoe design is comfortable directly out of the box, we have a couple of complaints that detract from overall comfort, such as the high-performing waterproof upper and membrane. When hiking at low elevations during the summer heat, we couldn't help but notice hot spots below our heel and forefoot due to the lack of breathability in the mesh upper.

We also found it difficult to cinch the lacing system down as tightly as we would like on narrower foot shapes due to the thickness of the laces themselves. All that said, the On Cloudrock Low provides “cloud-like” comfort thanks to ample cushioning under foot and just the right amount of cushion around the heel and ankle, making it our favorite hiking shoe when it comes to day hiking in all terrain types.

Support

As opposed to other lightweight running-shoe inspired hiking shoes in our lineup, the On Cloudrock Low provides a stiff, supportive, and stable feel underfoot that could even support the weight of a backpack during longer days. True to their namesake, the shoe supplies a “cloud-like” feel under foot thanks to it's thick Helion super foam midsole that provides a rocketed sole for better heel to toe transitions. Rather than a floppy, lightweight upper and outsole, the OC features an X-shaped Speedboard that aims to provide improved stability on uneven terrain.

Although these supportive details create a thick midsole and outsole and increase the overall weight of the design, the On Cloudrock Low provides better support and stability through various terrain. Our testers loved the cushy midsole that absorbed impacts on the trail while we picked up the pace as well as the stiffer design that created enough support for a heavier day pack when you have to pack extra water to help combat the heat. If you're in need of a stylish and supportive shoe that performs best during day hikes, the On Cloudrock Low might just be the best choice for you.

Traction

We had the pleasure of testing the On Cloudrock Low in Yosemite National Park, where the popular trails have become polished and slippery after millions of people have navigated the decomposing granite, boulders, and steep inclines from Valley floor to canyon rim. And the new and improved Missiongrip outsole provided excellent traction through some of the most slippery sections. This new rubber compound and updated tread pattern performed similar to our rocking climbing approach shoes that have some of the stickiest rubber on the market today.

Even while navigating large group of tourists on steep, technical descents we never lost our footing. The On Cloudrock Low even surprised our testers with excellent traction while moving through decomposing granite on top of slippery granite steps as we moved quickly towards the Valley floor. The Missiongrip provides the security you'd expect from a high-performing outsole, making it a great choice for those seeking excellent traction during day hikes in popular areas.

Durability

The thickness of the midsole and the high-performing grippy outsole on the On Cloudrock Low design combine with a double-layered toe cap that will protect your feet when you encounter those surprise rocks and stumps in the middle of the trail. The shoe also features a TPU mudguard that surrounds the entire shoe but provides the most coverage on the toe and heel to keep the upper mesh clear of debris.

While most of the shoe design inspires confidence in top performance for a long period of time, our testers wish that every eyelet on the lacing system provided durable and lasting attachment points instead of just on the eyelet located near the ankle. And while the thicker laces aim to increased durability, they also put more pressure on these delicate webbing attachments in addition to making the shoe difficult to cinch into place. Lacing complaints aside, the upper, midsole, and outsole of the On Cloudrock Low suggest durable performance for many hikes to come.

Water Resistance

Whether we were dunking the On Cloudrock Low into our controlled for waterproof testing or taking them through the Merced river crossings, we found the Cosmo waterproof membrane to perform every single time.

While the waterproof membrane provided excellent performance, it almost performs too well if you find yourself hiking during the summer heat. Even though we tested a shoe very light in color, it still caused some uncomfortable hot spots as we tested during a heatwave in Yosemite Valley. That said, this is true of most waterproof shoes on the market. If you find yourself hiking in wet and soggy terrain, this might just be the shoe for you, however, just know that it will run hot during the heat of summer.

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Weight

Unfortunately all the features on the On Cloudrock Low that are designed to increase waterproof performance, trail protection, stability, and comfort on the shoe, also increase the overall weight of the design. Not that these extra ounces are noticeable under foot, the shoe just has a noticeably thicker midsole and outsole, in addition to a stiffer, less malleable design.

Despite the heavier weight, measuring 1.54 pounds for a US Women's size 8.5, we still highly recommend this shoe for those seeking excellent comfort, stability, traction, and waterproof performance during day hikes on all terrain types.

Should You Buy the On Cloudrock Low Waterproof?

If you're in need of a hiking shoe that provides cloud-like comfort, excellent support and stability, in addition to top-rated traction and waterproof performance for day hikes in all terrain, the On Cloudrock Low is worthy of your attention. Although a little extra investment up front, these shoes will provide out of the box comfort for wide or narrow feet as well as stable security on the trails thanks to a thick and rockered midsole combined with top-notch traction that grips even on popular, slippery trails. If you're looking for the best shoe for day hikes, the On Cloudrock Low is a durable design that will provide excellent returns on your investment.

What Other Women's Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

While the On Cloudrock Low is our favorite hiking shoe for day hikes in all terrain types thanks to a stable and supportive midsole, a waterproof upper, and a satisfying grip thanks to the Missiongrip outsole, you may be interested in a more traditional hiking shoe design or one that runs lighter in weight. If affordability is key to your next purchase, our testers love the Merrell Moab Speed 2, that better resembles a lightweight running shoe than a stable hiking shoe. Those with wider feet may be interested in the Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof which is also more of a lightweight running shoe design with a 0mm drop in the heel and a roomy toe box. And finally, if you're after a more traditional hiking shoe when it comes to support, stability, traction, waterproof performance and substantial durability, our overall favorite shoe is the La Sportiva Spire GTX.