CloudSpike: On's Track and Cross-Country Spikes
What CloudSpike is
CloudSpike is the name On Running gives to its range of racing spikes for track and field and cross-country. A spike is a lightweight racing shoe with metal pins set into a hard plate under the forefoot, which dig into the track or soft ground to stop the foot slipping at speed. CloudSpike is sold in versions tuned for different events, such as the CloudSpike 1500m for middle distance, the CloudSpike 10000m for long track races and a CloudSpike XC for cross-country.
Why CloudSpike matters
Racing spikes are the fastest shoes a runner can wear on the track. They are stripped down to the essentials so almost nothing is wasted, and the pins give the grip needed to sprint through bends and push hard off the surface. CloudSpike is On's entry into this specialist category, bringing the brand's cushioning and superfoam into a true race shoe rather than a trainer.
How CloudSpike works
CloudSpike is built on On's CloudTec cushioning and Helion HF superfoam, which provide a small amount of energetic cushioning without adding weight. Through the length of the shoe runs a spoon-shaped Speedboard, a stiff plate made from an injected fibreglass and nylon blend, which stores and returns energy for an explosive toe-off. Under the forefoot sits a six-spike plate that holds the removable metal pins, and a surface-gripping heel adds traction. The upper is a light single-layer woven material to keep weight down.
Benefits
What CloudSpike gives a racer
- CloudTec cushioning and Helion HF superfoam for energy return.
- A full-length spoon-shaped Speedboard for explosive toe-off.
- A six-spike plate with a grippy heel for traction at speed.
- A light single-layer woven upper to keep weight low.
Limitations
Spikes are highly specialised race shoes. They have very little cushioning, a stiff plate and metal pins, so they are only for the track, cross-country or specific sessions, never for everyday running. Each CloudSpike model is tuned for a particular event, so the right choice depends on your distance. They are not designed for comfort over long easy miles.
How CloudSpike compares
| Shoe type | Owner | Use | Cushioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| CloudSpike | On | Track and cross-country racing | Minimal, with Helion HF |
| Road racer | Various | Road races | High, with carbon plate |
| Daily trainer | Various | Everyday running | High and durable |
CloudSpike is On's track racing line, sitting apart from its road shoes. It shares On technologies like CloudTec, Helion HF and the Speedboard, but applies them in a spike rather than a cushioned trainer.
Buying considerations
CloudSpike is for runners who race on the track or over country and need the grip and efficiency of a spike. Choose the model that matches your event: the 1500m for middle distance, the 10000m for long track races, the XC for cross-country. If you only run on roads or trails, a spike is not the shoe you need.
Common misconceptions
CloudSpike is not an everyday shoe with optional spikes; it is a true racing spike with very little cushioning and a stiff plate. It is also not a single shoe. CloudSpike is a range, with separate models tuned for different track and cross-country events.
Related terms
Some connected terms help. A spike is a racing shoe with metal pins for grip. CloudTec is On's cushioning and Helion HF is its racing superfoam, both used in CloudSpike. A Speedboard is the stiff plate that returns energy for toe-off.
CloudSpike at OD's
At OD's Designer Clothing in St Helens we stock On running shoes alongside a wide range of running footwear from other leading brands. If you want to know which shoes in store use CloudSpike, or you would like help choosing the right shoe for the way you run, message us and we will help. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect.