CloudTec Phase: On's Sequential-Collapse Cloud Midsole
What CloudTec Phase is
CloudTec Phase is the name On Running gives to the latest version of its midsole cushioning. The midsole is the cushioning layer between the outsole, the rubber that touches the ground, and the upper that wraps the foot. On's original CloudTec used a row of hollow rubber and foam pods, which On calls Clouds, that squash on landing to soften the impact. CloudTec Phase keeps that idea but changes the way the Clouds are shaped and how they behave.
In CloudTec Phase the Clouds are angled and built from On's Helion superfoam. They are arranged so that they collapse one after another, from the heel through to the toe, rather than all at the same moment. On describes this as a domino-like roll through the footstrike. The technology first appeared on the Cloudsurfer.
Why CloudTec Phase matters
The biggest complaint about earlier CloudTec shoes was that the open pods could feel firm or catch small stones, and the transition from heel to toe was not always smooth. CloudTec Phase is On's answer to that. By making the Clouds collapse in sequence, the shoe rolls the foot forward more naturally and the toe-off feels cleaner. Because the sequence does the work, On no longer needs to add a stiff Speedboard plate, which means fewer parts, a lighter shoe and a more flexible ride.
How CloudTec Phase works
On engineers the shape and angle of each Cloud using Finite Element Analysis, a computer modelling method that simulates how the lower leg and the sole work together under load. When the heel lands, the rear Clouds collapse first and absorb the impact. As the body moves forward the next Clouds collapse, and so on, until the foot pushes off the front. This staged collapse spreads the cushioning through the whole stride rather than concentrating it in one spot. A thin rubber outsole underneath adds grip in wet and dry conditions.
Benefits
What CloudTec Phase gives a runner
- A smooth, rolling transition from heel to toe through each stride.
- A cleaner, more natural toe-off than earlier CloudTec.
- A lighter, more flexible shoe because no separate Speedboard plate is needed.
- Helion superfoam cushioning combined with the staged-collapse geometry.
Limitations
CloudTec Phase is tuned for a soft, rolling ride, which suits easy and daily running more than flat out racing, where a firm plated shoe can feel faster. The hollow Cloud design is part of On's identity but it remains more complex to make than a plain foam slab, and like any cushioning foam it will soften over many miles. It is a road and daily training technology rather than an aggressive trail or track system.
How CloudTec Phase compares
| Technology | Owner | Idea | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CloudTec Phase | On | Angled Helion Clouds collapse in sequence | Smooth daily running |
| CloudTec | On | Hollow pods compress on impact | General running |
| Helion | On | Superfoam midsole compound | Cushioning and rebound |
CloudTec Phase sits above standard CloudTec in On's range and is closely tied to Helion, which is the foam the Clouds are made from. Where rival brands chase speed with carbon plates, On uses the shape of the Clouds themselves to manage the roll of the stride.
Buying considerations
If you want a soft, smooth daily trainer with On's distinctive look and ride, a CloudTec Phase shoe such as the Cloudsurfer is a strong choice. If your priority is a firm, fast race-day shoe, a plated racer may suit you better. As always, the right shoe depends on your weight, your stride and the kind of running you do most.
Common misconceptions
CloudTec Phase is not simply marketing for the same old Clouds. The angled shape and the sequenced collapse are genuine changes from earlier CloudTec. It also does not use a Speedboard. One of the points of CloudTec Phase is that the staged collapse replaces the job the Speedboard used to do, so the shoe can be lighter and more flexible.
Related terms
To understand CloudTec Phase it helps to know a few connected On terms. CloudTec is the original hollow-pod cushioning. Helion is the superfoam the Clouds are made from. Speedboard is the stiff plate that CloudTec Phase removes. The Cloudsurfer is the shoe the technology debuted on.
CloudTec Phase 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 CloudTec Phase, 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.