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It’s interesting, I feel like up until 2024 and 2025, we didn’t really have “PRO” models of training shoes. Sure, we’ve always had pro-esque shoes in the sports performance world, but never in the niche cross-training and CrossFit sector.
The On CloudPulse PRO is the latest “PRO” shoe to debut on the scene, and it has notable upgrades compared to its more affordable little brother, the On Cloud Pulse (*coughs* it costs $160, so it’s not really that much more affordable). For context, the CloudPulse PRO is built with a strength training bias and normal CloudPulse HIIT.
Look, at this point in my career, I’ve been reviewing training shoes for over 9 years, so I have pretty high standards for brands bringing a “PRO” shoe to market, like TYR with their CXT-2 Carbon model.
The PRO version of shoes is usually marketed at a higher price point with notable “upgrades”, and I always ask myself…does the general gym goer really need these upgrades, and why not just make them in the normal shoe? Based on the normal CloudPulse, Next, and Pro, and what I think On is going for, they should have called this shoe “Strength” to avoid the confusion and avoid the “Pro” stigma.
On CloudPulse Pro
$180
Pros
- Good lateral support
- Stable for heavier sessions
- Awesome outsole grip
Cons
- Not the most flexible
- Can feel heavy
- Not flat feet friendly
Best For
- Strength Sessions
- Sport Sessions
- Arch Support Lovers
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight | 13.50 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~405 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <800 meters (at one time) |
ALTERNATIVES
Who Should Buy This Shoe?
- On Fans Wanting More Stability: If you’re a diehard On fan and you want to keep your shoe choice with them and need more stability for strength work, then you’ll like this shoe. I’ve worked up to 365 lb trap bar deadlifts in these with no glaring stability issues, so most lifting around there or lower should be solid in them.
- You Prefer Arch Support: This shoe has a good degree of arch support. It’s built with On’s Focusboard through the midfoot and heel, and Speedboard through the forefoot. These help contribute to the stability and overall arch support that you get in this shoe.
- You Like a More Robust Feeling In Your Shoes: This shoe runs on the stiffer side, is a little heavier, and has an overall wide platform to train, walk, and run on. If you like having a bigger base for your feet in your shoes, then these can be a solid option.
Who Shouldn’t Buy This Shoe?
- Minimalist Lovers: Just don’t. I had a friend the other day come up to me in the gym and say Those shoes look great, but also “chonky af” and he wasn’t wrong. If you love a minimalist vibe in your shoes and want flexibility, steer clear of these.
- Flexible/Mimimal Lifting Option: Born Primitive Savage 1
- Flexible/Mimimal HIIT/general Option: Altra Solstice XT 3
- You Have a Flatter Foot: The arch in these can feel aggressive if you’re someone who loves having as little material as possible pressing into your arch.
- Flatter Option: Flux Adapt Graphene XT
- You Run a Bunch In Your Workouts: If you’re blending strength work with running, say over a mile in workouts, then you’ll want to find a more hybrid-friendly trainer. This shoe can work for short sprints/intervals, but there will be better models out there if you’re after a true hybrid shoe that can hold its own with stability.
Sizing and Fit
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Fit Breakdown:
- Narrow (<D) Feet: True to size
- Medium (D) Feet: True to size
- Wider Feet (E, EE, 3-4E): Go up a half-size or pass.
If you currently wear On shoes, go with the same size that you currently wear in other models for the CloudPulse Pro. This shoe’s length runs “true,” and they have a moderate width to them that should be fine for E/EE width feet.
For 3+ width feet, tread lightly. Sizing up a half-size would be a safe call, but even then, I’m not convinced you’ll have enough room in these to feel overly comfortable.
Flat feet friends, these have a ton of arch. If you need more width and hate material pressing into your arch, then you’ll want to steer clear of these — and most of On’s shoes, for that matter.
Performance Assessment
Will the CloudPulse Pro Work for Lifting?
In short, yes. If you want to buy the CloudPulse Pro specifically for lifting, these shoes will work pretty well. For my On fans out there, this model will be your best bet if you want to do any form of heavier lifting in On shoes. They beat out the CloudPulse, CloudPulse Next, and Cloud X4 easily with the stability they provide.
The denser Helion foam midsole and dual SpeedBoard and FocusBoard plates in this shoe are what give it its relative stability. I’ve trained up to 365 lbs for 8s on trap bar deadlifts in these shoes with no issues. On top of that, I’ve also used them for heavier leg presses and they’ve also been solid. These have a 6mm heel-to-toe drop so you will have a little “heel” for your squat days if you like a bit of a drop.
My only caveats to these for lifting are that they do have a fair amount of arch support and they don’t have a ton of flexibility. If you like a hyper-mobile training shoe for lifting and have flatter feet, then these will be the fit elements that likely annoy and bother you. For my friends who love a more “built out” shoe, you’ll appreciate these aspects.
Are These Good for HIIT and Versatility?
These can work for cross-training, classes, and HIIT — to an extent. When it comes to straight up feel, they’ll be what I’d describe as “middle of the road”. They won’t run as dense and limiting as models like the Metcon 9 or Dropset 3, but they’ll definitely be a heavier ride compared to shoes like the Free Metcon 6 and UA Halo Trainer.
That said, if you’re primarily lifting, but like to blend some jumps, dynamic work, and explosive movements into your sessions, then you’ll be fine in the CloudPulse Pro. They’re versatile enough to accommodate those asks and the midsole does break in a bit over time. If you’re doing things like strength-focused F45 classes or Orange Theory workouts that have a lot of lifting, then you’ll be solid in these — don’t overthink that.
The stability through the midfoot and grip on the outsole are also big wins of this shoe for cross-training contexts. To be honest, I wish On would use this Mission grip on all of their training shoes. The lugs are super aggressive and the rubber has a ton of bite on surfaces like turf. Doing sled pushes with 5+ plates was no issue in this shoe whatsoever.
I mostly want to heed caution to those who are doing a ton of HIIT and hybrid-focused workouts and considering the Pro. For you, go with a more versatile and flexible shoe with a midsole that has a little more forgiveness to it.
Can You Run and Walk In the CloudPulse Pro?
The CloudPulse Pro can work for short interval runs that range from 200-600 meters. They also feel best on a curved treadmill or on a regular treadmill. For distances longer than this and for outdoor runs, they feel a bit too dense for my liking. You’d be better off grabbing something with a better heel, softer ride, and more flexibility that gives you better energy return.
If you’re looking for a walking shoe from On, then I’d guess you want something that’s softer and more comfortable. These will NOT be your best bet if that sounds like you and you’d better off reaching for options like the On CloudPulse Next, CloudNova X, or Cloud 6. They have a better “roll” to them regarding how the midsole feels for walking mechanics and feel much better when you’re on your feet all day.
Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?
Yes and no.
From a personal point of view, I wouldn’t buy these again solely due to their price point and the fact that I prefer lighter-weight, more flexible shoes for training.
From an objective standpoint, I think these can be a great option for those who want more arch support, midfoot stability, and prefer a more “built out” platform.
The CloudPulse Pro is the definition of different strokes for different folks. It’s not a bad shoe, but for its price, I can’t stress enough to make sure you align with its performance intent. If you have additional questions, drop them below!
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