Brooks Ghost Trail vs On Cloudsoma

Ghost Trail or Cloudsoma? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want the familiar Ghost ride for gravel and mixed surfaces? Get the Ghost Trail.

Want a light, flexible shoe for roads and light trails? Get the Cloudsoma.

Get the Ghost Trail if

• You want more foam underfoot (3.5mm more at the heel)
• You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)
• You need a wide width

Get the Cloudsoma if

• You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 2.7 oz
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)

On the run

Ghost Trail: The Ghost for gravel. The familiar Ghost ride with dependable, winter-ready grip for gravel, dirt paths and the road in between. Stable for heel strikers and flexible enough for walking and hiking.

Cloudsoma: The light, flexible multi-surface On. Light, flexible and nimble, with slightly soft, responsive Helion HF foam. The 6mm drop feels lower. Very shallow lugs suit roads and light trails.

The Cloudsoma hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from Doctors of Running’s and Believe in the Run’s reviews (no lab test yet).

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Ghost Trail. Runs slightly long, so you may want a half size down. Comfortable step-in feel, but the toebox is tapered. Wide available.

Cloudsoma. True to size with a sock-like upper that starts snug and opens up. Low volume, especially in the forefoot.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Ghost Trail · Shop the Cloudsoma · Compare other running shoes