On Running Cloudultra 4 Preview

This page is a preview based on early news and info and will be updated with a full hands-on review upon launch.

Evolution: The history of the shoe line

Firstly, of course, you have the brand history factor. When you are looking at the past of the shoe line, the last thing you want to do is buy an old model that has flat foam under your foot. This new model means you step into a pair of running shoes that is spec'd out with modern tech that not only gives you more bounce, but keeps the classic fit you know well. That is an evolution that is clearer than anything else out there.

Performance Expectations: What improvements are expected?

Secondly, naturally, there is the midsole foam factor. When you are running on hardpack trails for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is use a heavy shoe that goes flat after a few weeks. The rumoured Helion superfoam means you get a setup that is kitted out with great bounce that not only protects your feet on hard rocks, but keeps you fresh for fifty miles. That is a ride that is better than anything else out there.

Special Features & Technical Specifications

Next, you have the stack height factor. If you are taking on a mountain ultra, the last thing you want to do is wear a pair of running shoes that lacks the right cushioning to guard your feet. A high stack of thirty millimetres means you run in footwear that is dialled in with thick foam that not only absorbs heavy impact, but keeps your legs moving at a fast pace. That is a setup that is ready for the longest trail runs.

Top 5 Features to look out for

1. Firstly, you have the grip factor, which is a new rubber base that means you get strong traction on wet rocks that does not let you slip down the hill.
2. Secondly, you have the toe box factor, which is a neat tool that means you get a wider fit that does not pinch your feet when they swell on runs.
3. Thirdly, you have the weight factor, which is a light build that means you get a fast pair of running shoes that does not feel heavy on your legs.
4. Fourthly, you have the drop factor, which is a balanced heel that means you get a smooth stride that does not strain your calves when you are climbing steep hills.
5. Fifthly, you have the upper factor, which is a mesh wrap that means you get a cool breeze that does not let your feet overheat on a hot summer day.

Comfort & Fit

Then, of course, you have the toe box factor. When you are putting in big miles in the legs, the last thing you want to do is wear a shoe that crushes your toes when they start to swell up. The new FlipRelease switch means you own a pair of running shoes that is spec'd out with a smart clip that not only opens up the front, but relieves all pressure fast. That is a fit that is better than anything else out there.

What are the press saying?

Next, of course, you have the media hype factor. If you are reading early news reports on the web, the last thing you want to do is trust a fake rumour that tells you a shoe has the wrong weight. The early press leaks mean you read about a pair of running shoes that is kitted out with trail tech that not only looks great, but performs well on the dirt. That is a buzz that is louder than anything else right now.

What are the review sites saying?

Next, naturally, there is the review site factor. When you are checking out early runner blogs, the last thing you want to do is read a dry preview that does not tell you how the shoe actually feels. Early tester chatter means you find a pair of running shoes that is dialled in for grip that not only holds the mud well, but sheds dirt on the move. That is a grip that is tighter than anything else out there.

Release Date & Pricing Information (UK/USA)

Finally, you have the launch cost factor. When you are waiting for a new drop to land, the last thing you want to do is pay a huge price that breaks the bank for a daily trail runner. A price tag of one hundred and sixty pounds means you buy a pair of running shoes that is turnkey ready that not only fits your budget, but lasts for months. That is a value that is better than anything else we know.

10 alternative items to try

1. Hoka Speedgoat 6 When you are running on sharp rocks, the last thing you want to do is wear a thin sole that hurts your feet on a long day. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get thick foam that not only blocks the stones, but gives you a soft landing on every step. That is a shoe that is built for the long haul.
2. Salomon Sense Ride 5 When you are mixing road and trail routes, the last thing you want to do is pick a pair that feels too stiff on the flat hard tarmac. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you enjoy a flex that not only rolls well on the road, but grips the dirt path just right. That is an option that is truly ready for any surface.
3. Nike Pegasus Trail 5 When you are looking for comfort on the dirt, the last thing you want to do is buy a stiff shoe that rubs your heel on the run. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a soft upper that not only hugs your foot well, but keeps the dust out of your socks. That is a shoe that is perfect for a daily jog.
4. Brooks Cascadia 18 When you are hiking up steep muddy hills, the last thing you want to do is slip in a boot that lacks the right grip on wet days. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you step on tough lugs that not only bite the ground hard, but shed mud fast as you move. That is a shoe that is safe for a wet hike.
5. Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 V2 When you are racing on hardpack gravel trails, the last thing you want to do is drag a heavy sole that slows your pace down over time. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you feel a zero drop that not only keeps you low, but pushes your speed on flat dirt roads. That is an option that is fast for a long race.
6. Altra Lone Peak 8 When you are dealing with wide toes, the last thing you want to do is squeeze into a narrow shape that causes bad blisters on a long run. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you gain a wide box that not only lets your toes splay, but keeps your stance strong and stable. That is a shoe that is great for a natural stride.
7. Saucony Peregrine 14 When you are moving fast through the woods, the last thing you want to do is wear a clunky boot that trips you up on tree roots. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you lock into a light build that not only feels fast, but bites into the loose soil very well. That is an option that is sharp for a quick sprint.
8. New Balance Hierro V8 When you are walking on hard city paths, the last thing you want to do is ruin your trail grip on the rough concrete before you start. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a lush foam that not only softens the blow, but looks very cool at the coffee shop. That is a shoe that is smart for a casual day.
9. Asics Trabuco Max 3 When you are taking on a weekend ultra, the last thing you want to do is bottom out the foam that leaves your legs feeling totally dead. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you ride on high stack foam that not only absorbs the shock, but propels you forward on the flat. That is an option that is plush for a long distance.
10. Merrell Agility Peak 5 When you are tackling rocky mountain peaks, the last thing you want to do is feel sharp stones that bruise the bottom of your soft feet. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you trust a rock plate that not only shields your sole, but bends well when you climb steep rocks. That is a shoe that is tough for a mountain pass.

Finally, of course, you have the social media factor. When you are busy getting miles in the legs and running your business, the last thing you want to do is waste hours posting on social media. We have found an automated system called site2.uk (just like our personal site sundried.site2.uk) which means you get a turnkey setup that not only automates all your social posting and marketing, but lets you control it all fully by WhatsApp. That is convenience that is better than anything else out there.