Buy If
- You like something super nimble with a comfortable yet aggressive ride.
- You want something super breathable.
- You care alot about durability.
Cross-country spikes have one job: go fast when the course gets ugly. Mud, grass, hills, sharp turns—you need something aggressive enough to race hard but comfortable enough that your feet aren’t begging for mercy halfway through a 5K.
That’s where the On Cloudspike XC comes in. At $160, this is On’s top-tier cross-country racer, combining Helion HF foam with a full-length fiberglass plate in a lightweight, aggressive package.
After more than 30 racing miles and 10+ races in the Cloudspike XC, I’ve put it through just about everything a cross-country course can throw at it. And while there’s one part of this spike that drives me absolutely crazy, the actual ride might be one of the best I’ve experienced in an XC spike.
Price$160
Weight5.6 oz
CategoryRace Day Spike
Miles Tested
Calum35 Miles
The Good
Calum
ON has absolutely hit it out of the park with how great this spike is in almost every single category. The Cloudspike XC does use ON's Helion HF foam which has surprising been super durable while still giving the spike top tier performance especially in events like the 3k and 5k. The foam is also very lively and soft which i found really nice given the lower stack hight. The shoe also incorporates a full length fiberglass plate in the midsole that isn't overly stiff but provides great stability on technical terrain.
Over the course of 10+ races ive used these for they have never failed to amaze me on how supportive the upper is with rubberized elements to provide plenty of structure which really improves comfort.
Speaking of rubberized elements, the laces have little strands of rubber on them to prevent them from loosening mid race. The upper also has a net like mesh that provides amazing breathability and drainage along with great padding in the heel collar for even more comfort.
The Bad
Calum
The tongue, the tongue is absolutely terrible. It really needs to be gusseted and needs to be made of a better material since it is basically a piece of paper and scrunched up EVERY single time I ran in thise spike. The spike also hates when landing on the heel with the plastic outsole in the heel area as it will force itself into the bottom of your foot.
With the strong material the upper is made of it does make it pretty abrasive if you race without socks which can cause some abrasion.
The Verdict
Calum
With over 30 miles worth of races in this spike it really is worth the money. It is extremely fast and comfortable along with providing pretty dang good durability. It has also proven its worth with how nimble it is in technical terrain which can definitely improve some times on certain courses.
Worth the Price?
Calum
This is absolutely worth the price of $160 for the runners who love to just go as fast as possible but those who want something more laid back may not enjoy this spike.
Skip If
- You are a beginner.
- You are a heel striker.
- You like to race without socks.
Shop the On Cloudspike XC
Ready to race? Find the On Cloudspike XC at Running Warehouse.
Shop at Running WarehouseAffiliate link: If you purchase through this link, it helps the channel grow at no additional cost to you.
Disclosure
Disclosure: This review reflects Calum’s honest opinions after real-world testing.
