On Cloudsurfer 3 Review | Plush Cushioning Meets A Firm, Responsive Ride

On Cloudsurfer 3 delivers a cushioned, yet relatively firm ride, making it a solid option for runners looking for a neutral daily trainer with plenty of comfort.

If you are still undecided about On running shoes, you’re not alone. After years of testing different models, I finally found one that won me over!

The Cloudsurfer 3 is a step up from version 2… quite literally. The heel stack height increases from 37 to 45 mm, making this a substantially different shoe. 

That extra 8 mm translates to a plusher ride, which I personally enjoyed. Over the course of several weeks of testing, I gravitated toward the shoe for my easy, mid-distance runs.

For my usual 4-5 mile outings, it quickly became a go-to. The cushioning feels plush without being overly soft, while the standard fit and stable ride offer a comfortable, balanced running experience.

This shoe is great for neutral runners looking to add a daily trainer to their lineup.

On Cloudsurfer 3 Overview

After a great initial run in the Cloudsurfer 3, I needed to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. As I mentioned earlier, I haven’t enjoyed running in On shoes in the past, so I was determined to put this one to the test in a variety of running environments. 

Over several weeks of testing, I ran in the Cloudsurfer 3 on paved streets and crushed limestone paths. I went on numerous stroller runs with my 2-year-old son, easy recovery runs with friends, fun runs with my dogs, and even a few quicker tempo efforts.

I sought out both hilly and flat routes and tested the shoes in dry and wet conditions.

So, what made this On shoe feel different from the others I tried? A closer look at the Cloudsurfer 3 reveals major updates from version 2, particularly in the midsole cushioning, stack height, and overall ride. 

The Cloudsurfer 3 introduces On’s Surreal superfoam in place of the Helion superfoam used in version 2, resulting in a softer, more responsive feel underfoot. According to On, the new shoe is 15.5% softer, 15% lighter, and 23.3% more responsive.

Another notable change is the stack height. The Cloudsurfer 2 has a 37 mm heel stack height, while version 3 increases that to 45 mm. In addition, the heel drop goes from 9 mm to 8 mm with the new version.

On also re-engineered the mesh upper for a more breathable, secure fit.

The shoe also features an updated version of On’s signature CloudTec Phase cushioning system, with its collapsible cloud pods designed to compress on impact. Engineered in Switzerland, this technology delivers cushioning during landing and a smooth transition through toe-off.

The updated geometry creates more of a rolling sensation through the stride, which I found reminiscent of Hoka’s signature rocker.

I like the style of the shoe, and in particular the Sprout/Lucent colorway I tested. I could see myself wearing these shoes more casually, like on walks with my dogs or during weekend errands.

On Cloudsurfer 3 Fit

Length: True to size
Width: Standard
Toe Box: Roomy
Arch: Neutral
Volume: High

The Cloudsurfer 3 fit true to my usual women’s size 8, with a normal amount of room throughout the shoe and in the toe box. I was initially wary of the substantial cushioning throughout the midsole, but I found that the shoe was stable, and I felt confident running in it across a variety of terrain.

The overall fit felt comfortable, without any obvious issues with sizing. The heel also felt securely in place, with no noticeable slippage during my runs.

The one drawback for me was the shoe’s rocker geometry, which created a noticeable sensation of rolling forward.

While this made for a smooth transition through my stride, I found that it could put a little extra pressure on the bottoms of my big toes. This was most noticeable after a speedy 5-mile run on a hilly route, when my big toes felt a little sore. Interestingly, I didn’t experience the same issue on flatter routes at easier paces.

So based on my experience, I’d recommend the Cloudsurfer 3 for easy runs on relatively flat terrain instead of faster, hillier efforts.

On Cloudsurfer 3 Feel

The Cloudsurfer 3 has a balanced midsole that combines cushioning with resilience, resulting in a smooth, comfortable ride.

The shoe feels plush underfoot, with generous padding throughout, particularly around the tongue and heel.

The upper isn’t the most breathable, which may be noticeable on warmer days, but the soft materials and padded fit make for a comfortable running experience overall. That being said, if you tend to overheat, you may find this shoe less breathable during hot, summer runs.

Underfoot, the Cloudsurfer 3 strikes a nice balance between softness and responsiveness.

The cushioning feels protective without being overly squishy, which is tough to achieve in running shoes. I often find that highly cushioned running shoes can feel a bit too pillow-soft underfoot. The Cloudsurfer 3 is the perfect combination, offering plenty of cushioning without sacrificing the firmer, more responsive feel I prefer.

Despite its generous 45 mm heel stack, I also felt stable in this shoe. I’ve been known to twist my ankle in other high-stack shoes, so I’m understandably a bit cautious of shoes with added height. I’m happy to report this wasn’t a concern with the Cloudsurfer 3.

The shoe felt secure underfoot, giving me confidence in my runs. 

I was shocked that there’s even a bit of a bounce with the shoe, which keeps the ride from feeling flat. It isn’t my top pick for speed, but it does still offer a lively pep.

Underfoot, the outsole also provides dependable traction for everyday road running. I found this to be true on wet and dry pavement and even on my local crushed limestone running path.

Comparison

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve tested and regularly worn numerous On shoes over the years, but the Cloudsurfer 3 is the first I’ve genuinely enjoyed running in.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well it suited my running preferences, namely given my mixed experiences with the brand’s other models. 

I’ve run in several other On shoes, including the Cloudflyer, Cloudswift, and Cloudmonster. Over time, I’ve realized that exposed CloudTec pods or “clouds” aren’t for me. I’ve found that rocks can easily get lodged between the pods, which quickly becomes frustrating on a run. That’s one reason I was really excited to try the Cloudsurfer 3.

This shoe’s more traditional, flat outsole design places the pods underneath the shoe instead of leaving them exposed. 

Similar to the Brooks Ghost Max or Hoka Clifton, the Cloudsurfer 3 offers generous cushioning without sacrificing the supportive feel I look for in a running shoe.

While the Cloudsurfer 3 has earned a place in my running rotation, other On shoes receive a shout-out. The On Cloud is my go-to for walking, thanks to its easy slip-on design. With a young toddler and three very active dogs, having shoes I can quickly throw on and head out the door is a must.

For strength training and gym workouts, I prefer the Cloud X. Its lower-profile design feels better suited to lateral movements and other exercises I do in the gym. 

So, after years of searching for an On shoe that truly clicked with me, I’m excited to say I’ve found one with the Cloudsurfer 3! It’s the first On running shoe I’ve genuinely looked forward to lacing up, and I’m excited to keep putting miles in!

Who Tried It?

I’m Stephanie Hoppe, a writer and running enthusiast based out of Bethlehem, PA, where I live with my husband, our 2-year-old son, and three Vizslas. Running has taken me all over the world, and I’ve competed in everything from a 1-mile race in Manhattan to a 50-mile ultramarathon in the Arizona desert. I’ve even run (at least) a mile on every continent, including Antarctica!

I enjoy covering elite runners, inspirational competitors, and legendary athletes for publications such as Runner’s World, The Guardian, Women’s Running, PodiumRunner, and Competitor Magazines. 

I’m passionate about helping runners at every stage of their journey, especially when it comes to finding the right shoes. Over the years, I’ve helped lead adult marathon and half-marathon training groups, volunteered with Girls on the Run, and worked part-time at several running stores. These experiences have given me a firsthand understanding of how the right footwear can influence a runner’s comfort, confidence, and overall experience.

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