Do you need a stability shoe? That’s a bigger question which we’ve talked about many times for runners (cough do your strength work), so maybe the question is do you need the On Cloudrunner 2? It’s a very mild stability shoe that’s now adapting to On’s new more cushioned feel and features.
To be honest, testing the On Cloudrunner 2 kinda felt like being set up on a blind date. I didn’t know a ton about On and frankly, considered them to be more lifestyle shoes than actual trainers. I mean right out of the box I was taken by the Cloudrunner’s clean, elegant design, and color scheme.
It’s a nice reminder that a shoe does not have to include 8 different colors and a futuristic design to catch your eye.
Plus, they simply LOOK comfortable, like my feet could easily slide in and feel oh so cozy.
I put my predispositions aside to court the Cloudrunner 2 for a while. Amanda has mentioned that for years she wasn’t a huge On fan, but in recent years has put in countless miles in the neutral On Cloudmonster and now the new carbon plated On Cloudboom Strike.
And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
In fact, I’m still a bit smitten.
The Cloudrunner 2 is a classic, comfortable stability trainer that runners of all paces can enjoy for casual efforts.
I spent a lot of time getting to know the Cloudrunner 2, logging about 60 miles on the roads, the track, and the treadmill, with the goal of providing y’all with an honest and thorough assessment.
Who is it Good For?
Who is the On Cloud Runner 2 a good fit for, let’s break it down by some common categories:
- Wide Feet: Great option for wider feet
- Heavier Runners: Great option for some cushion and light support
- Long Runs: Will work well for half marathon training at a moderate cushion
- Front of the Pack: Faster runners will enjoy these for easy runs or recovery days
While we tend to recommend stability shoes only if you know you’ve done all the strength work, etc and still have overpronation that’s causing injuries…this is pretty mild and most folks won’t even notice it’s there.
On Cloudrunner 2 Review
The Cloudrunner 2 is one of the few daily trainers that doubles as a mild stability shoe. Not that there aren’t plenty of stability options that you all love like the Glycerin GTS, but this one could pass as a neutral shoe with some elements that help stability. And that is something we can get behind.
I put the Cloudrunner through the gamut of workouts, including an 18 mile long-run, track speedwork, fartleks, and recovery runs. So it’s safe to say we got to know each other pretty well.
Where the Cloudrunner 2 truly shines is in casual, conversational efforts.
For me that’s around 8:30 min/mile but that’ll translate even if your relaxed effort is closer to 10 or 11 min/mile.
As I mentioned, I wore the shoes on a longer run and my feet felt fantastic from beginning to end. This is definitely related to the midsole, made of Helio Superfoam, On’s proprietary foam technology, that is both light and promises high energy return. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that makes it responsive like a lightweight tempo shoe, it is a nice moderate cushion that felt light underfoot.
Unlike many really firm stability shoes or some of the new max cushioned shoes, this remains in that moderate sweet spot for many. Consider it a middle child to the old hard On shoes that Coach Amanda hated and the new cushy soft On Cloudsurfer.
On Cloudrunner 2 Specs
- Weight: 9.7 oz (Men), 8.5 oz (Women)
- Heel Drop: 10mm
- Stack Height: 31mm (Heel), 21mm (Toe)
- Available in 6 Colors
- Available in Wide and Waterproof
- Available at On.com for $150
The mesh upper is highly breathable and made of 100% recycled polyester, so it’s both functional and environmentally friendly. I found out just how breathable first hand on a few runs in the upper 80’s during the July-like October we had in Kansas.
I was happy to find the rubber outsole functions quite well in both wet and dry conditions. It’s certainly not a trail shoe for major grip, but had no real issues on wet roads. Another issue, I didn’t have, rocks.
On recently reworked the Cloudtech, making the individual cells smaller to avoid catching objects in the shoe’s pockets. This has been a huge win across every shoe we’ve reviewed this year.
What makes this a stability shoe?
As I mentioned earlier, the Cloudrunner 2 is a moderate stability shoe, but it certainly does not feel like one. If you’ve ever had a stability shoe that seemed to force your foot in to an unnatural position or perhaps just felt like a rock, that isn’t this shoe.
The stability is incredibly subtle, again why we’d almost classify it as a neutral shoe.
But it comes from a couple of key points. The first is the wider base, which is something we have long talked about with Hoka shoes. It’s one of the reasons they were the first to add stack height and have shoes that felt incredibly stable. We noticed this recently in the Puma MagMax Nitro too where the base is significantly visible as being wider and it helps that super soft shoe.
Second, is where their famous pods come in to play.
On’s signature Cloudtech, cloud-shaped, tubular cells comprise the entire midsole. The direction and shape of these pods is actually different based upon the model of the shoe, which is part of what contributes to how it feels underfoot. For stability, they actually change the shape of the pods on the medial (side closest to your body) vs the outside pods.
Finally, the piece that will be most noticeable to most runners is the heel counter. There is both an internal and external counter that wraps around the outside of the heel working together. This design helps the shoe maintain its shape and adds stability.
On Cloudrunner 2 Fit
There’s a whole lotta shoe here, and as a runner with narrow feet, I was a bit apprehensive. The On Cloudmonster 2 was a sloppy fit and there were some nerves this would be the same, but we found it actually tightened up really well.
I’m always worried about my feet slipping and sliding and I’m not interested in booking a one-way ticket to Injurytown. But while many online reviews suggest bumping down a half size, suggesting the shoe runs large. I found the shoe to run true to size.
The highly-cushioned tongue and heel collar provide a secure, smooth ride. The toe box is roomy and I had plenty of space above my toes. Which is all to say that I was able to get that secure fit we all want, but without ever feeling too tight or restricted.
On Cloudrunner 2 Feel
That moderate cushion was great for all of my easy miles and recovery days. Truly something that I think most paces are going to appreicate.
Bonus points for my legs feeling sprightly the day after this long run too. No issues with hot spots or rubbing.
The shoe stumbles when shifting from a conversational effort into a higher gear.
When trying to tick down to marathon pace (6:40/mile for me) or faster, the Cloudrunner 2 feels clunky and unresponsive. I experienced a similar feeling logging a few 400 meter repeats on the track. The shoe lacks pop when you try to speed things up and that’ll translate to any pace range.
Sigh.
Where is the promised energy return from the Cloudtech and Helio Superfoam??
Now we know, just because a shoe is reported to have energy return or be light, doesn’t meant their all meant for your speed work sessions or tempo runs. This is not a shoe we’d recommend as an all around trainer, but instead one that’s ideal for easy efforts up to say half marathon distance. We actually like a little softer cushion to go farther.
Similar Shoes to On Cloudrunner 2
Looking for something in a brand you already know or just want to see how it stacks up to others?
- Hoka Arahi – Similar wide foot accomodation
- Saucony Tempus (full review coming up)
- Asics Gel Kayano – A long time beloved stability shoe
Who Is The Cloudrunner 2 Good For?
As long as you don’t require a strong stability shoe, I highly recommend giving it a go.
- The Cloudrunner 2 checks A LOT of boxes runners love: it looks great, provides subtle support, and holds up well during longer runs.
- Runners looking for a mild stability shoe or traditional neutral shoe runners looking for a bit more support
- Runners of all shapes and sizes (It comes in Wide too!)
- Those searching for a smooth but slightly firm ride
- Anyone seeking a new shoe for recovery runs and easy efforts
- Runners who aren’t fixated on speed who just need a high-quality, reliable trainer
I’m a real sucker for a good recovery run, and the Cloudrunner 2 is a fantastic companion for slow, relaxing miles.
Sustainability
When we have a chance to call out sustainbility in a shoe we try to because this is an area that so many of us are thinking about. On has been making some changes and in this particular shoe used 100% recycled polyester for the upper.
Wouldn’t think that from such a fashion forward shoe, would you? We love that this proves sustainability doesn’t have to mean a lack of function or looks.
I really enjoyed the majority of the time I spent in the Cloudrunner 2.
In fact, while writing this review, I paused to take them for one more spin before putting pen to paper to finish up this On Cloudrunner 2 review (I’m fine with how that saying dates me, judge away.)
Would love to hear if you’ve tested it out or have questions about On running shoes!
Looking for more shoe reviews?
- Best Stability Running Shoes
- Hoka vs On Cloud Shoes
- Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review (a lower drop shoe for speed that feels really stable)
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