Article by Sam Winebaum
On Cloudsurfer Next ($150)
Introduction
The Cloudsurfer Next sits in ON’s “Everyday” running category. It features a Helion super foam midsole and the CloudTec Phase elements we first saw in the Cloudsurfer 2023 (RTR Review), the Cloudeclipse (RTR Review) and the Cloudsurfer Trail (RTR Review). The upper is a woven mesh worthy of a trail shoe in support and debris resistance.. A hint to where I found the Next most useful?
The Cloudsurfer Next is actually not a new Cloudsurfer but is called out as an update to the Cloudgo with a lower 6mm drop and 5mm more front cushion at about the same heel height with now CloudTec Phase elements. All things considered I think it is really a Cloudsurfer Trail with a less aggressive “looking” outsole but one that I actually found very effective off the pavement on easier trails and even very wet grass.
Confused? Well On will start to group its shoes in categories and will have a new Cloudsurfer next year.
This Cloudsurfer should not be compared to the OG as it has firmer foam, no front bottoming out, is more stable and for sure has cross over uses to the gym, everyday wear and travel and as I also found light trail.
Such “all around” or multiple use shoes can have compromises: too firm and rigid, heavy, ponderous to actually run, etc… but I found not much of that here in my testing which included road runs, door to light trails including wet leaves and grass and everyday wear.
Pros:
Versatile beyond running: gym, light hiking/walking, single shoe for travel
Firmish midsole foam is mitigated by effective sequential collapse of CloudTec Phase elements
Stable platform
- Responsive ride: not a bouncy over soft shoe as OG Cloudsurfer was
Rugged trail shoe like upper with road shoe comfort.
Expected very good durability
All over reflective
Reasonably light in weight for so much shoe.
While not highly profiled the outsole had surprisingly good grip on very wet grass and leafy slopes
Cons:
A ride on the firmer side but not punishing. Midsole foam could be somewhat softer, requires some break in.
Outsole could use more front flexibility and segmenting..
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 9.35 oz / 265g
Prior Version Weight: men’s oz / g
Sample Weight: men’s 9.1oz / 260g US8.5 , oz / g US
women’s 8.0 oz / 226 g (US W8)
Stack Height: men’s 30 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot ( 6mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
With several shades of gray with silvery reflective threads in the weave, the Next has a very classy, serious upper with subtle visual depth that stays away from the common all black look yet means business.
The mesh is a dense, relatively stiff, thin mesh, really a trail shoe “debris mesh” type material.
The hold very much approaches that of a trail shoe except there is no gusset tongue and that is a good thing relaxing the fit just enough. I have run easy footing but steep trails in them with no upper security issues.
The heel counter is stout, rigid and comfortable while also not being particularly plush. While it is low it has great hold and is not overly rigid in feel, something actually desirable for a trail shoe as one maneuvers over terrain.
The solid non stretch hold also makes me think the upper is more than suitable for gym workouts. So as with the rest of the shoe's construction it has both an “indoor” and outdoors vibe and utility, but of course without a big lug trail outsole.
Lace up is among the smoothest, easiest and best I can recall. I do worry a bit about the durability of the small cord loop eyelets towards the front of the shoe. The tongue is moderately padded and not exactly plush a recurring theme here but ends up effective and ties in well with the rest of the upper.
The toe bumper is moderately substantial yet pliable and is in an external dense mesh thin overlay construction which extends all the way around the sides of the shoe, again leaning trail shoe construction.
The fit is true to size for my narrow to medium volume feet.
Midsole & Platform
The platform has a 30mm heel / 24mm forefoot stack height so moderate and even low stack height by today’s standards as 6mm or more stack additional height is now common in daily trainers. As such the stack is somewhat old school and contributes along with the relatively firm Helioni foam to a retro stable and more responsive feel. Thank goodness there is no Speedboard here and none is needed as even after some runs it is quite stiff with an effective rocker joining the Phase elements to move you along..
What makes the midsole unusual is that a firmer denser foam is joined to the CloudTec Phase elements with the flow and feel smoother than I would have expected.
The elements compress/decompress sequentially delivering impulse forward, additional shock absorption and cushion. Unlike traditional CloudTec elements they are different sizes and shapes.
What it is not is a soft, bouncy with a kind of squirrely and thin especially at forefoot feel as the OG Cloudsurfer had. While harkening back to older On and their firm foam with stiff Speedoard rides here we have a more pleasant ride if not a super soft one. I do think the heel Phase elements could be increased in size to soften heel landings a bit more. Reliable, stable and steady with a touch of excitement is the way I would describe this midsole.
Transitions and especially toe off is surprisingly fluid and also quite decisive. I do think given the now firmer (than Cloudsurfer) foam that the outsole could be more segmented to make the shoe more flexible or the foam a touch softer. This might bring back more of the forefoot excitement of the Cloudsurfer and still deliver a more stable, less thin and tiring front of the shoe than the Cloudsurfer.
Outsole
The outsole is excellent. The rubber is firm to pressing and should prove very durable.
The extensive sharp low profile patterning plus extensive contact surfaces grips road, gravel and even in my testing wet grass extremely well. Not a “mud” shoe, this all purpose outsole for sure can handle some trails without issues with the combination of outsole and firmer midsole even delivering some rock protection while remaining stable. For many light non muddy trails having the magic 3.5mm lugs of “door to trail shoes is not a must and the Next proves this. I do think the front of the outsole could use more segmentation to increase flexibility.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Looking for a do many things and not just pure road run trainer, look no further. The secure stylish upper, dense midsole and stable platform with Phase elements to give it some flow and give, the versatile outsole, and decently light weight point the Next to not only road running but the gym, travel, everyday wear, walking and some trail running. While On does not say so, my conclusion is that it is essentially a trail shoe with a more road focused but still light trails/ gravel worthy outsole.
Is it the ideal road trainer? Probably not. From ON, their Cloudeclipse is that shoe for me. If you seek a firmer more responsive and stable ride with some flow and kick from the Phase elements and lots of versatility beyond pure road running, the Cloudsurfer Next is an excellent choice and a very good value.
Sam’s Score: 9.0 /10
-0.5 wish for a slightly softer more energetic midsole, -0.5 for more front outsole segmentation/flexibility to liven the toe off more and let the Phase elements shine more
Our full multi tester review with many comparisons is coming soon.
Tester Profile
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s
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