I’ve tried quite a few pairs of On running shoes over the years. I’ve always loved the way they look out in the wild but never quite found “the one” for my feet and my training plan. That changed for me with the On Cloudsurfer 2!
The Cloudsurfer 2 is a solid blend of performance and style. The shoe is fun, comfortable, and energetic. This is one of those shoes that I’m constantly grabbing for first when I go to work out.
If you’re looking for a light, cushioned, and comfortable daily trainer that can also easily translate to streetwear, here it is.
This trainer felt comfortable on both the road and treadmill, and I loved trying out a wide variety of workouts to see how versatile this shoe really can be. I love that you can wear it casually as athleisure and then head straight out for a run, giving me lots of flexibility and excuses to wear it.
As always, we’re here to give you the pros, the cons and our honest assessment of this shoe. No one running shoe is going to work best for every single runner! The goal of our reviews is just to help you decide if this shoe is a good one for you to try.
Who is it Good For?
Who is the On Cloudsurfer 2 a good fit for? Let’s break it down by some common categories:
- Wide Feet: It’s not a wide shoe, but accommodating for wider feet.
- Heavier Runners: Great option for cushion that’s not overstacked so it feels stable.
- Long Runs: We find this is probably best for up to 10 miles.
- Front of the Pack: Faster runners will enjoy these for easy runs or recovery days.
Can you run a marathon in this shoe? Absolutely, though it’s not our first recommendation. But this is not a fast shoe for high intensity speed work or hitting a sub-3:30 marathon.
Coach Amanda: If you’re confused by the number of this shoe, don’t worry it’s not just you. The last version they released as just the On Cloudsurfer we reviewed previously, but it was technically the Cloudsurfer 7. However, based on the changes they’re making to the line up I guess all the previous models no longer count and we are starting over!
I’ve tested out the entire line up of On running shoes, so hopefully we can give you some well rounded feedback!
On Cloudsurfer 2 Overview
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is On’s latest update to the running brand’s very first shoe, which includes the familiar fit and style like the OG Cloudsurfer with some tweaks and features that make it a firmer, more durable ride.
This latest shoe combines soft, cushioned foam in the midsole, a redesigned upper and a firm rubber outsole. I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable the footbed felt the first time I tried these on, and that had me constantly coming back for more.
The midsole features On’s CloudTec Phase cushioning technology and Helion superfoam. This combo makes for a smooth, energetic run and a soft landing with each stride.
Cloudsurfer 2 is a moderate cushioned, lower stack height, running shoe for shorter easy runs that’s also high on our list of great walking shoes.
This shoe is definitely not one you’re taking out on technical trails. The rubber outsole will give you some traction on wet sidewalks but I’m not too sure it would hold up the same hitting anything more than light gravel.
I’d say this shoe is best suited for half marathoners and runs up to 10 to 12 miles. I enjoyed these for a couple of interval and tempo workouts, but I’d lean more heavily on other shoes for true speedwork in the future.
The Cloudsurfer 2 is cushioned and versatile enough that I’d highly recommend for runners who incorporate walking into their routines.
I can tell you first hand that these were supportive and comfortable enough to get through a 30K step day at Disneyland. My feet felt good enough to get out for a run the next morning!
On Cloudsurfer 2 Specs
Let’s look at some of the details:
- Weight: 9.2 oz Men’s, 7.9 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 9mm
- Stack Height: 32mm
- Usage: Daily trainer
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at On.com for $160
You can see a strategically placed rubber outsole and tread pattern to increase the shoe’s durability over the miles and to give you some grip on the road. In particular, I noticed some added rubber on the heel to ensure more durability on that part of the sole.
On Cloudsurfer 2 Fit
The Cloudsurfer fits true to size for length and width. While it’s not a wide shoe, the midfoot felt slightly wider than other running shoes making it comfortable right out of the box.
Fans of prior Cloudsurfer models may also notice a re-engineered upper on this shoe. While the design of the upper is an update from prior models, the changes are subtle and simple, not a true overhaul of a design that already has proven itself over many years.
Coach Amanda: IT’S A MASSIVE change. Ok maybe not massive, but I liked the previous model and couldn’t wear it because the weird tag on the tongue rubbed my ankle raw. I was overjoyed to see this one had ditched the unnecessary.
There is also a very slight change to the shape of the pods, which I think is benefiting this as a running shoe vs just a casual shoe.
The mesh upper is breathable, light, and supportive. I found it to be just the right weight for cold, icy days but breathable enough to make the shoe enjoyable in warmer weather as well.
I liked that the light mesh upper felt fitted through the midfoot, especially on faster runs where I needed that stabilization. My heel felt secure when I was striding and there was still the added comfort of the cushioned sole and padded heel collar.
One change I noticed in this iteration of the Cloudsurfer was to the tongue of the shoe. The tongue and heel collars are padded and structured to wrap around your foot for added comfort and support.
On Cloudsurfer 2 Feel
From the first time I tried the Cloudsurfer 2, I loved how light and comfortable these shoes were. For a daily trainer, these have the right amount of energy return and cushion while feeling breathable and secure on your feet.
With so many brands going for max cushion or a higher stack height, the On Cloudsurfer 2 felt average compared to a lot of its competitors.
At 9oz, the Cloudsurfer 2 is lightweight but feels supportive enough to protect you through a variety of runs. It balances performance with weight in a way that makes this a reliable, smooth trainer.
The cushioned midsole of these shoes isn’t overly plush, which does feel like a departure from prior Cloudsurfer models. The changes to this shoe’s midsole still feel extremely comfortable. I never felt like I was sinking into the shoe and it still felt like a cloud underfoot!
Coach Amanda: I’d agree this is a more moderate cushion, if you’ve gotten used to some of the big squishy ones like the Asics Nimbus and yet it’s not as firm as say the Pegasus. It really is a shoe that just feels nice, but not one that I want for big long run days.
Having tested so many other cushioned running shoes, it really did change my opinion on this one. I think it’s a really great option for folks who are tired of the growing stack heights to get some cushion and an enjoyable ride…but it’s not my go to shoe.
More of a casual easy run day or as Coral mentioned a casual on my feet all day kind of winner.
Similar Shoes to the On Cloudsurfer 2
Not sure this is the one for you, but you like the idea. Here’s some options:
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- New Balance 1080v14 – (Higher stack height, softer cushioning)
- Saucony Ride 18 – (Similar weight, moderate cushioning, really comfortable for long miles)
- Nike Pegasus 41 – (Similar low stack, slightly firmer cushion)
This shoe is a great staple to add to any rotation it’s lightweight, cushioned, comfortable, and stylish.
Cloudsurfer 2 vs Cloudsurfer Next vs Cloudmonster
Anyone else getting confused with naming and how similar shoes are starting to feel? Ya we thought so too, so here’s a little extra breakdown to help.
- Cloudsurfer 2 is an easy run to great walking shoe
- Cloudsurfer Next is designed to be more of a speed shoe with the superfoam midsole
- Cloudmonster is a firmer ride and better for longer runs (but they are making it more focused as a walking shoe for some reason)
Cloudsurfer vs Cloudsurfer Next
Cloudmonster is still one of the shoes that we find the majority of runners enjoy over longer miles. There is a Cloudsurfer Max coming later this year which could change that by providing the cushion that many are now used to for big days.
In the meantime, we think the Surfer 2 is a win for short easy runs and the Next is well…we’d rather see you just get the Cloudboom Strike and go fast!
I hope you found this On Cloudsurfer 2 review helpful as you’re making decisions about your next pair of shoes. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish daily trainer.
Ready to run? Check these out at on.com for $160 >>
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