Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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The Cloud by well-known shoe brand, On, has been created to resolve the perpetual problem that runners face – bad cushioning that negatively affects their take-off and landing, and the weight of the shoes.
These running shoes by On are well-cushioned to ensure strong take-offs, and soft landings, and are super light in weight.
That’s a combination that most running shoes in today’s market cannot provide.
Altra, on the other hand, has been providing high-performance road running and trail running shoes, for a long time.
See also: Cloudventure vs Cloudultra
The reason for their growing popularity is their engineering and design, which includes features like the Zero Drop between the toe and heel of the shoes and the presence of a wide toe box.
These unique characteristics that proved beneficial to those with knee and other leg-related physical issues, brought Altra into the mainstream with other companies soon following suit.
Table of Contents
On Cloud vs Altra: Main Differences
The features specific to On Cloud and Altra make them stand out in their own way as running shoe brands.
These features are the core reasons for the differences between these two brands.
The On Cloud shoes come with pods that feature a Speedboard in the center of the shoe’s sole unit.
This unique board is semi-stiff and responsive in nature and is made using plastic in the form of a matrix weave.
It assists in the natural process of rolling during a stride, while improving rigidity, which aids in transferring energy for power-packed take-offs.
The performance of running shoes is based on their responsiveness and cushioning, and this has been taken care of by On Cloud using their Swiss engineering.
These shoes are exceptionally light, the landing is the softest you have ever experienced, and the knee-lifting is higher than you usually can.
The performance delivered by On Cloud running shoes is fully credited to the genius of its making.
Altra is a brand that caters to the health of the human foot.
Most running shoes are designed in such a way that they bring on injury to the foot in some way or the other.
Altra focuses on designing running shoes that are anatomically accurate.
These shoes are average in length-to-width ratio, and they include a toe-box shape wide enough to accommodate the foot in a proper way into the shoe.
Apart from the design being made to properly accommodate a human foot, the running shoes by Altra include Zero Drop from the toe to heel allowing natural biomechanics to come into effect.
The unique Balanced Cushioning on these shoes allows proper aligning of the toes and the heel while providing enough cushioning to support the midfoot while the neutral balanced is maintained.
In this way, these Altra running shoes ensure a natural feel and fit while providing protection and support.
On Cloud shoes
What makes On Cloud shoes exclusive at a glance is the presence of pods or clouds on their soles.
These pods run along the entire length of the soles and add cushioning while dispersing pressure.
These pods move vertically and laterally ensuring that they push you forward with enough force, and help you transition quickly.
The clouds disappear when you land because they provide cushioning to the stride, and they come back to give you the necessary push when you take off.
Again, the CloudTec technology on all On Cloud soles is made using Zero-Gravity foam, which is an EVA compound, and it functions to be responsive, superlight, and flexible.
The On Cloud shoe feature a Speedboard that allows the pods to move independently so that you can get the best natural range of motion when running in these shoes.
Altra shoes
The running shoes by Altra are designed to be healthy for your feet and allow your toes and feet to function naturally.
These wide-toe box shoes specifically cater to ensure that the health of your feet is not affected negatively when you run in them.
They allow your forefeet and toes to comfortably spread out the way they should naturally.
This encourages you to run in a healthy and proper form to avoid damage to your legs or feet.
The technology core to Altra running shoes is the use of Balanced Cushioning.
Using this technology, Altra ensures that your toe and heel stay at a level to create the Zero Drop, unique to this brand’s shoes.
This Balanced Cushioning does not just keep the heel and toe in alignment, but it adds to the cushioning of the midfoot so that it is supported when the neutral balance is maintained.
When the Balanced Cushioning is combined with the wide toe box design of the shoes, you get the most comfortable and natural fit while being provided with proper protection and support.
Add to this the MaxTrac traction featured in all Altra running shoes for maximized grip on all terrain types.
This traction is designed to ensure that you get proper grip and traction without wearing out the shoes.
Altra vs On Cloud: Features
Durability
The running shoes by Altra can last between 300 and 600 miles. Some users have even mentioned that their Altra shoes have lasted longer than this period.
The On Cloud shoes are very durable due to the design including mesh and synthetic-based overlays that allow the shoes to take in long-term abuse.
It can be said that the average On Cloud running shoe lasts between 300 and 500 miles, depending on the usage.
Breathability
Altra and On Cloud running shoes are both highly breathable.
The On Cloud shoes include thin padding on the heel collar and tongue to give out heat and moisture from the shoes.
See also: On Cloud vs Mizuno
Fit
All the On Cloud shoes are designed to fit snugly, be it the Cloudflow, the Cloud, or the Cloud X, and other models for that matter.
The cut of these shoes might look narrow but that adds to the locked-in feel that these shoes have to provide.
If you have wider feet, opting for a size larger than you usually go for, would be a good choice.
However, the On Cloud shoes are narrower towards the back part and they splay out towards the toe box so that you can get more comfort and space.
The easy-entry system for lacing allows you to slip off and on the On Cloud shoes with convenience. The brand provides conventional laces for those of you who want a more fitting look.
See also: How to Lace On Cloud Shoes?
Altra’s uniqueness lies in the ways its shoes fit. It comes with a large toe box so that the shoes look more like the feet.
The Altra running shoes feature Zero Drop to ensure that the heel is smaller and more level to the toes.
All these attributes help you achieve a more proper form while running so that your feet are not injured while running in them.
Cushioning
Molded cushions are included in all On Cloud shoes so that you get enough protection when running in them.
The Speedboard feature provides you with more energy when taking your next step.
Again, the sole comes in a weaving pattern that adds to its durability, strength, and its flexibility.
The Balanced Cushioning used in Altra running shoes provides cushioning on an even level from the toe to the heel while maintaining Zero Drop.
Altra comes with EGO PRO foam to make it highly responsive and light.
This foam provides a carbon plate and cushioning for a springy and comfortable running experience.
See also: On Cloud vs Merrell
Stability
The Altra running shoes are perfect for those that need more support and guidance when in the step cycle.
These Altra shoes provide support at times of tiredness and while pronating.
Altra shoes are good with stability and can provide the proper running form to those that don’t need support and guidance.
The Balanced Cushioning and FootShape technology ensure that stability is maintained when running in Altra shoes.
Most of all, the GuideRail stability technology provides you with proper support without intrusion.
Instead of hard foam below the foot, you get more strength on your heel for stability and support.
The On Cloud running shoes have been designed to provide enough stability and support.
Both the Cloud X and the Cloudswift models along with other models in this line are super light in weight, and highly responsive and stable.
See also: Cloudflow vs Cloudswift
The high arch in the Cloudswift ensures midfoot stability, and its overall mesh body (upper) makes it highly breathable and comfortable.
See also: Best On Cloud Shoes for High Arches
Pricing
The Altra running shoes and the On Cloud line of shoes are both priced slightly in the above-average price range.
However, of these two, Altra can be a bit less expensive compared to On Cloud, based on what shoes you select.
See also: Cloudflow vs Cloudswift
On Cloud vs Altra Torin
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: On Cloud or Altra
The On Cloud shoes come with a technology that can make you feel like you’re running on clouds, and Altra running shoes ensure that you run correctly without damaging your feet.
While this On Cloud vs Altra comparison brings out the exclusive features and differences between these two brands, the final call is for you to make.
You can make a choice depending on your workout regime and your health, and of course, your budget.
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