Introduction
The On Cloudsurfer was a very popular release back in 2023. This is the shoe that introduced CloudTec Phase, a computer-designed remix of On’s traditional clouds. While innovative, the shoe had a few issues. Namely, the breathability of the upper, the squeaking of the midsole, and a lack of durability. Unfortunately, the foam compressed far too quickly and lost its properties.
With the release of the On Cloudsurfer 2, has On successfully addressed these concerns? And how does it perform compared to its predecessor? Let’s find out.
The second iteration brings a much improved outsole
Alex: The upper of the On Cloudsurfer 2 is completely revised, and it’s a significant improvement. The new more breathable material ensures better airflow, solving one of the main drawbacks of the original model. However, it’s not overly ventilated, meaning it still provides decent protection in colder conditions.
Another notable upgrade is the addition of TPU overlays around the eyelets. These prevent the laces from damaging the upper—a smart and practical addition. The modified heel cup, now sits slightly lower while offering better heel lockdown, which contributes to an overall more secure fit.
The fit remains true to size, though it runs slightly narrow, which might be a consideration for runners with wide feet. The tongue is not gusseted, which is worth noting, but it does not negatively affect the lockdown. Overall, the upper feels much more refined and well-thought-out, fixing the major issues from the original model.
Maisie: The ON Cloudsurfer 2 upper offers a comfortable and breathable upper. Overall, the engineered mesh strikes the right balance between structure and flexibility. Furthermore, the mesh design offers a really efficient airflow without compromising temperature regulation. I have worn them in a few extreme winter temperatures and have had no issues.
On the top of the shoe, the tongue and lacing system of the ON Cloudsurfer 2 works well for me. Firstly, the lightly padded tongue ensures no issues with lace pressure over the top of the foot. Meanwhile, the lacing system offers a secure lock down. At the rear, the heel padding is also spot on for me. Not too plush, but it contributes to the secure and comfortable lock down.
The fit for me was true to size. Whilst the ON Cloudsurfer 2 are not a particularly wide shoe, for me there was plenty of room across the midfoot and the toebox.
Overall, a solid upper from ON which hits all the marks for breathability, comfort and fit.
Midsole: A slightly denser and firmer foam that should suit a wider range of runners
Alex: The midsole of the On Cloudsurfer 2 has undergone some changes, but it still retains the CloudTec Phase technology that made the original version unique. Designed using On’s F.E.A. software (Finite Element Analysis), the shape of the clouds is slightly adjusted to improve performance.
One of the most noticeable differences is that the foam now feels denser and firmer. This is a welcome improvement, especially for runners who found the original Cloudsurfer too plush and lacking in responsiveness. The shoe still maintains a smooth and cushioned ride, but it no longer feels overly soft or mushy.
The geometry of the shoe was refined, now featuring a very slight lateral bias. This means the shoe doesn’t collapse as much on the medial side, which could help with stability. Whether this change is due to a tweak in the shape of the shoe or a specific modification of midsole density is unclear, but it’s a beneficial adjustment. With a stack height of 32mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot, the Cloudsurfer 2 offers a good balance between ground feel and cushioning. The forefoot is particularly direct and responsive, making it an interesting option for runners who like a bit more feedback from the road. During faster-paced runs, the shoe performed well, leading me to believe it could also work for track sessions or speed workouts.
Maisie: Alex has nailed the description of the ride ON Cloudsurfer 2 as feeling ‘denser and firmer’ and this works really well for me. I really enjoy the ride and in my opinion, as a daily trainer it has the right balance of cushion and energy return. It certainly feels quite different to many of the max cushioned runners currently on the market, but I really enjoy the more responsive and direct ride of the shoe.
The new Helion™ superfoam and the CloudTec Phase midsole provides a smooth rolling sensation. I found the heel to toe transition effortless. Despite the plush cushioning and CloudTec Phase midsole, the stack height means you feel close to the ground. Furthermore, it feels responsive under foot. Whilst I have mainly worn the Cloudsurfer 2 for easy and recovery miles so far, they also coped well when I threw in a few strides.
Overall, for me, the midsole performance and ride is bang on for a daily trainer. As the ride is relatively firm if you prefer a more cushioned or softer ride, they may not be quite right for you.
Conclusion: A fairly priced all rounder
Alex: The On Cloudsurfer 2 successfully addresses most of the concerns I had with the original model.
- The upper is more breathable and offers a better overall fit.
- The midsole is firmer and more stable, eliminating the overly soft feel of the previous version.
- The squeaking issue is completely gone, which will be great news for many runners who found it annoying in the original model.
At $160 / €170, the On Cloudsurfer 2 is fairly priced for what it offers. While it may not be the best choice for runners with very wide feet, it’s an excellent all-rounder that can handle everything from daily training to faster-paced sessions.
If you liked the concept of the original Cloudsurfer but had concerns about its durability, breathability, or softness, this new version is a significant upgrade.
Maisie: The ON Cloudsurfer 2 offers a solid choice for a daily trainer at a fair price point. The upper, comfort and breathability tick all the boxes. The firm, yet smooth ride handles daily training and faster paces. Overall the ON Cloudsurfer 2 is a sound choice for a daily trainer for most runners. Although, if you prefer a more plush or max cushioned feel underfoot, this may not be a great choice.
