On Cloudsurfer 2 Road Running Shoe Review
An in-depth review of the On Cloudsurfer 2 cushioned road running shoe
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is a great daily trainer for those seeking a high-cushion, high-drop road running shoe. Photo by Sam Schlid
April 16th, 2025
Our verdict
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is a highly comfortable running shoe for daily training. They have On’s proprietary Helion superfoam and Cloudtec midsole technology, making the shoes pillowy-soft but still responsive when you push off. And even though they’re very cushioned, they’re still incredibly light.
When running, the Cloudsurfers feel smooth underfoot. The Cloudtec Phase cutouts compress with every footfall and spring back into shape as you push off. The shoes have 9 mm of heel-to-toe drop, which cushions your heel as you land, making them an excellent option for heel strikers.
They have a slight rocker shape, creating an efficient ride feel. Every time your foot lands as you stride, the Cloudtec Phase cutouts compress as the shoe rolls forward, propelling you into the next step. The overall result is a lightweight shoe with great cushioning that feels like it wants you to keep moving.
On Cloudsurfer 2
Men's
Women's
We tested the Cloudsurfer 2 in men’s and women’s while running in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah during the winter and spring, on runs ranging from 3 to 20+ miles and in temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees. The Cloudsurfers stand out among comparable neutral-cushioned road running shoes for their unique cushioning design that keeps the shoes light and extremely comfortable.
We also compare the Cloudsurfer 2 to the Cloudsurfer 1, which is still available at discount. Read more in our in-depth review of the first On Cloudsurfer.
The Cloudsurfer 2 is excellent for daily training and active recovery runs. And they don’t feel like heavy blocks of EVA foam like some shoes for active recovery do. They feel good on your feet, day after day, no matter what’s next in your training journey. We also think they’re a great option for those just getting into running due to the high cushion.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, plush, and springy running shoe for long distances, you should check out the Cloudsurfer 2.
Specs
Weight: 261 g (men's), 225 g (women's)
Heel-to-toe drop: 9 mm
Stack height: 37/28 mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Plush
Support: Neutral
Lacing: Standard
Materials: Recycled polyester upper, TPU, rubber outsole, Helion superfoam midsole
Sustainability: Recycled content in upper and overlays
Suitable for vegans: Yes
Comparison table
| RUNNING SHOE | WEIGHT MEN'S | WEIGHT WOMEN'S | CUSHION | HEEL DROP | STACK HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudsurfer 2 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 1.4 oz | 1 lb | Maximum | 9 mm | 34 - 42 mm (M), 30 - 38 mm (W) |
| On Cloudeclipse Men's Women's |
1 lb, 5.7 oz | 1 lb, 1.0 oz | Maximum | 6 mm | 37 - 31 mm |
| HOKA Clifton 10 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 3.6 oz | 1 lb | Plush | 8 mm | 42 - 34 mm |
| HOKA Clifton 9 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 1.4 oz | 15.8 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 36 - 28 mm |
| HOKA Bondi 9 Men's Women's |
1 lb, 5.0 oz | 1 lb, 2 oz | Maximum | 5 mm | 42 - 37 mm |
Who is it for?
We tested the On Cloudsurfer 2 on daily road runs, tempo runs, and hill workouts on roads, paved surfaces, gravel, and dirt. Photo by Sam Schilid
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is an ideal daily trainer for those looking for a high-cushion road running shoe with lots of heel-to-toe drop to cushion on a heel-strike-dominant footfall.
These shoes are light and quick enough for moderately fast training runs, and they’re also comfortable and cushioned enough for active recovery days. They’re not the fastest, but you can still use them for faster workouts.
They’re also an excellent option for people getting into running since the high cushion will help alleviate the stress running puts on your joints as your body adjusts to this high-impact activity.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K or 100th marathon, the Cloudsurfer is one of those shoes that is a general crowd-pleaser and an excellent option for runners of many levels of experience.
How we tested
While the On Cloudsurfer 2 is a highly cushioned shoe, it’s also springy and light underfoot. Photo by Sam Schlid
We tested the On Cloudsurfer 2 in women’s and men’s sizes while running roads and greenways in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah during the winter and spring.
We used them for runs up to marathon distance and on short, 2-mile recovery runs around the neighborhood. We took them on city sidewalks and gravel paths through parks, in temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees.
We wore them on tempo runs and hill workouts, where we pushed the pace and our heart rates. We used them for plenty of slow and easy jogs on back roads, where the paved surface deteriorated as we got farther out—from solid blacktop to gravel and dirt. We wore them while walking around town and on days when we had to be on our feet for long hours, too.
What we liked
Comfortable
Lightweight
Responsive midsole
Well-cushioned
What could be better
Large section of exposed midsole through the center of the tread (a durability concern)
Gravel/rocks can get stuck in outsole
Features
The combination of the Helion foam with the Cloudtec Phase midsole design creates cushioning unlike any other running shoe brand and a stellar ride feel. Photo by Sam Schild
Ride and cushioning
The Cloudsurfer uses On’s patented Cloudtec Phase midsole to create a smooth ride as you stride. On’s unique Cloudtec midsole design is what most people associate with On shoes. These cutouts that tunnel through the midsole compress with every footfall and spring back into shape as you push off, creating a plush ride that’s well-cushioned yet springy.
The midsole foam consists of On’s Helion superfoam—a combination of rigid and flexible foams to form a lightweight performance outsole. This foam is lightweight and soft yet doesn’t feel mushy. The combination of the Helion foam with the Cloudtec Phase midsole design creates cushioning unlike any other running shoe brand and a stellar ride feel.
Upper and fit
The Cloudsurfers hug your foot for a supportive and comfortable fit. The heel cup holds your foot firmly in place, and there is more cushion around the top of the heel and the ankle than in many running shoes.
They have flat laces that attach to reinforced upper sections that run down to the midsole where your midfoot rests. When you tighten the laces, you’re also locking in midfoot so it doesn’t slide. There is another set of these reinforced sections that attach at the top lacing loops and wrap around the ankle on the outside and down to the midsole on the inside of the heel.
The On Cloudsurfer 2 utilizes reinforced lacing attachments for extra security, locking in the midfoot. Photo by Sam Schild
The upper is made of a creel mesh. On claims that this mesh enhances breathability compared to previous versions of the shoe. We wore these shoes on 90-degree days under the hot Arizona sun, and can confirm they breathe well. They don’t breathe remarkably better than other running shoes with mesh uppers, but they do breathe well.
The Cloudsurfers have a gusseted tongue, which extends farther along the edges where it attaches to the shoe than it does in the middle. This gusset, which On refers to as an anatomical design, allows the tongue to wrap around the top of your foot better and creates a more comfortable yet snug feel. The tongue is also very cushioned, which pads the top of your foot when you tighten the laces.
Outsole and traction
According to On, the Cloudsurfers have computer-optimized rubber tread for durability and smoother transitions. We found this rubber tread design somewhat lacking in rubber, with large sections of exposed midsole foam, but it still provides adequate traction.
It has two rubber sections: along the heel and on the forefoot. There is a lot of exposed midsole foam between these two sections of rubber, and there’s a large channel in the middle of the shoes with deeper divots perfectly shaped to catch marble-sized rocks.
The rubber tread outsole is computer-optimized for durability and smoother transitions. We didn’t notice much rubber, and the exposed midsole foam could be a durability concern, but we found the shoes provide adequate traction on the roads. Photo by Sam Schilid
Compared to the Cloudsurfer 1, the Cloudsurfer 2 has smaller cavities in the tread, which is an improvement. But when running on gravel surfaces, we still find that rocks get stuck in this outsole channel. However, if you stick to paved surfaces, there is less chance of getting a rock jammed here, and that’s really where these shoes do best anyway.
Fit and design
The Cloudsurfers fit true to size. We got the shoe size we usually wear and found they fit perfectly. They use flat laces and a standard lacing pattern. Our main tester, Sam, has slightly wider than average feet, and the Cloudsurfers weren’t too narrow. They aren’t available in wide sizing, however.
The On Cloudsurfer 2 fits true to size. Photo by Sam Schild
Sustainability
The Cloudsurfers use recycled yarns in the upper and overlays. They also use a recycled polyester upper.
On is also developing an EVA midsole made from captured carbon emissions, and while they’re still testing it to ensure it meets their standards, they hope to use this technology in all their shoes one day. We look forward to the day when the Cloudsurfer’s midsole is made with captured carbon.
The On Cloudsurfers use recycled yarns in the upper and overlays. They also use a recycled polyester upper. Photo by Sam Schild
Performance in the field
The Cloudsurfer 2 is one of the most comfortable shoes we’ve worn, making it easy to lace them up daily for regular training. The cushioning underfoot makes even high-volume running weeks feel as easy as possible.
The Cloudtec Phase cutouts and Helion foam midsole are the standout features on these shoes. The midsole feels springy underfoot, and the Cloudtec Phase holes make it light. Even though the Cloudsurfers have a lot of cushioning, they don’t feel like you’re riding a bike on an underinflated tire when you push off, as some max-cushioned shoes do. Instead, they feel quick, almost like you’re floating as you stride.
The mesh upper allows enough airflow to feel comfortable in hot weather. Photo by Sam Schild
We like these shoes for the majority of our daily training runs. They aren’t the fastest, so we don’t use them for speed workouts, but they’re great for every other type of run. They excel in longer runs, where the smooth ride and plush cushioning make the miles pass easily. But they’re also great for shorter runs because everything that makes them great for long runs applies to shorter ones. You want to be comfortable and efficient with your strides on every run, after all.
We found the upper materials to be durable. The stitched overlays on the side of the forefoot reinforce what’s typically a weak point on running shoes, where your foot pulls up on the upper material with every step. Photo by Sam Schild
When running in hot weather, we find they’re highly breathable. The mesh upper allows enough airflow to keep our feet comfortable in hot weather. Even when running under the hot desert sun on 90-degree days, our feet don’t overheat.
These shoes hold up well over regular use as well. The biggest weakness in durability is the exposed midsole foam on the tread. But the tread underfoot is holding up well to pavement use. If we were running on rocky dirt and gravel, we suspect that wouldn’t be the case, but if you stick to paved surfaces, the outsole won’t wear out too quickly.
The upper materials are also quite durable. The stitched overlays on the side of the forefoot reinforce what’s typically a weak point on running shoes, where your foot pulls up on the upper material with every step.
On Cloudsurfer 2 vs. similar shoes
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is an ideal option for runners seeking a cushioned, high-drop, comfortable daily road running trainer. Photo by Sam Schild
Compared to similar neutral cushioned trainers, the Cloudsurfers feel more cushioned in a way that’s unique to On. The most significant difference between the Cloudsurfers and similar shoes from HOKA, Brooks, and Asics is the Cloudtec Phase midsole. This midsole feels springy while offering a more responsive cushion in a lightweight package.
Besides the midsole design, the Cloudsurfers are similar to other neutral running shoes. The upper feels similar to a HOKA or Brooks, and the sizing also feels on par.
Should I buy the On Cloudsurfer 2?
Buy if you want a cushioned, high-drop, and comfortable daily trainer.
If you want a max cushion shoe that’s comfortable for daily training runs and prefer a high heel-to-toe drop, then the Cloudsurfer 2 is a good option. They have 9 mm of drop, which is more than many running shoes and great for heel strikers. They’re also more comfortable than most running shoes, and the Cloudtec Phase midsole is firm, yet bouncy as you stride.
Skip if you want a fast shoe or a lower heel-to-toe drop.
The Cloudsurfer 2 isn’t the fastest shoe. They excel in comfort and cushioning, and while a pair weighs just over 17 ounces, they don’t feel as fast as running shoes built for speed. They also have 9 mm of heel-to-toe drop, which may be too much for some people.
Where to buy the On Cloudsurfer 2?
The On Cloudsurfer 2 road running shoes are popular, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
On Running
Pros: Wider variety of colors and sizes, easier returns and warranty when shopping directly from the retailer
Similar products
On Cloudsurfer 1
Weight: (men's), (women's)
Heel-to-toe drop: mm
Stack height: mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Plush
Support: Neutral
The On Cloudsurfer 1 is still on sale, and the Cloudsurfer 2 is similar to the first version.
As mentioned above compared to the Cloudsurfer 1, the Cloudsurfer 2 has smaller cavities in the tread, which is an improvement as we often got small rocks stuck in the original shoe. Still, if you stick to paved surfaces, there is less chance of getting a rock jammed here, and that’s really where either version of these shoes do best anyway.
Another difference we noticed is the newer Cloudsurfer has a slightly firmer midsole. So, if you liked the soft, cushioned feel of the Cloudsurfer 1, you should stock up while they’re still available and discounted. But the Cloudsurfer 2’s midsole still feels plush. So, you won’t be disappointed in the Cloudsurfer 2, either.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the first On Cloudsurfer.
On Cloudsurfer 1
Men's
Women's
On Cloudeclipse
Weight: 1 lb, 5.7 oz (men's), 1 lb, 1.0 oz (women's)
Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
Stack height: 37 - 31 mm mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Max
Support: Neutral
The On Cloudeclipse has less heel-to-toe drop than the Cloudsurfer. The Cloudeclipse has a 37-31 mm stack height, compared to the Cloudsurfer 2’s 37-28 mm stack. The Cloudeclipse also has a Speedboard in the midfoot, which makes them stiffer across the arch and creates a more efficient platform to push off of as you run. The Cloudeclipse also costs $20 more than the Cloudsurfer 2.
The Cloudeclipse is the overall winner in our best women’s road running shoes and upgrade winner in our best men’s road running shoes guide.
Read more in our in-depth review of the On Cloudeclipse.
On Cloudeclipse
Men's
Women's
HOKA Clifton 10
Weight: 1 lb, 3.6 oz (men's), 1 lb (women's)
Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
Stack height: 42 - 34 mm mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Plush
Support: Neutral
The Hoka Clifton 10 is a max cushion shoe similar to the On Cloudsurfer 2. The Clifton has 8 mm of drop, compared to the Cloudsurfer’s 9 mm. Its stack height is higher and thus offers more cushion than the Cloudsurfer 2. The Clifton isn’t any heavier than the Cloudsurfer, even though it has more cushion. Learn more in our in-depth review of the HOKA Clifton 10.
HOKA Clifton 10
Men's
Women's
HOKA Bondi 9
Weight: 1 lb, 5.0 oz (men's), 1 lb, 2 oz (women's)
Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
Stack height: mm (heel/toe)
Cushioning: Maximum
Support: Neutral
The Hoka Bondi 9 has even more cushion than the Hoka Clifton, with a 42-37 mm stack height. That’s 5 more mm of cushion than the Cloudsurfer 2. The Bondi is also significantly heavier than the Cloudsurfer because of all that cushion. We’re currently testing the Bondi 9, but you can learn more about the Bondi 8 in our in-depth review.
HOKA Bondi 9
Men's
Women's
About the author / Why you should trust us
Sam Schild is a thru-hiker, runner, cyclist, and mountain athlete based in Colorado. He’s been a runner since he was a child when he ran five days a week as cardiovascular training for soccer. As he grew older, he stopped playing team sports and focused on running and cycling.
Sam regularly runs five days or more per week. He has completed countless ultra-distance, self-supported trail runs on trails throughout the American Southwest.
He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail twice, always in running shoes.
You can read more about Sam on his author page or his website.
