Article by Dominique Winebaum and Jeremy Marie
On Cloudsurfer 2 ($160)
Pros:
Very stable, planted and secure/Sam/Dominique/Jeremy
Crossover: gym and lifestyle/Sam/Dominique/Jeremy
Enhanced shoelace system on this model/Dominique/Jeremy
Excellent heel lock/Dominique
General comfort of the upper Jeremy
Cons:
Firm dense cushion: not the fun if a bit wild and thin forefoot v1: /Sam/Jeremy
Cushioning is too firm and lacks rebound:/Dominique/Jeremy
Missing that “running on Clouds” feel: Dominique
Overbuilt heel area:/Sam/Dominique
Very little difference from recent Cloudsurfer Next: Sam
Hard to position in On’s trainer lineup Jeremy
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 8.9 oz / 252g US9
Prior Version Weight: men’s oz / g
Sample Weight: men’s 8.7 oz / 247g US8.5 (prior version 8.06 oz / 228 g US8.5)
oz / g US, 9.59 oz / 272g (US10.5)
Stack Height: men’s 32mm heel / 23mm forefoot (9 mm drop spec)
Prior Version Stack Height: 31 mm heel (measured) /21 mm forefoot (10mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85mm heel / 65mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Dominique: The Cloudsurfer 2 is my fourth review pair of On running shoes, but unlike the Cloudmonster, the Cloudesclipse, and the Cloudsurfer Trail, I am not experiencing the “running on clouds” feel that is so characteristic of the brand. After 4 runs in them (4-5 miles), and walks, I continue to struggle with the firmness of the cushioning, the stiffness of the shoe, and the unpleasant heel landing impact. I have also experienced soreness in my legs the day after a run in the Cloudsurfer 2.
On the upside, the fit is true to size and very comfortable. The toebox is quite roomy and it is not a super snug fit overall. The Cloudsurfer 2 is distinctively well padded, especially when compared to the minimalist upper of the Cloudmonster and Cloudesclipse.
Indeed, the padding around the collar is very generous creating a snug and secure fit around the ankles. The tongue is thickly padded as well. Without going overly minimalist, my preferences are for a bit less padding; the Cloudsurfer Trail strikes that perfect balance for me.
The upper is a soft engineered mesh that is both lightweight and breathable with a quite rigid heel counter, especially at its base which has a stiff overlay.
Though I did not test its predecessor, the lacing system on this model has been enhanced, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Gone is the band of material down the center of the lace-up and instead shoelaces are secured via a loop in the tongue.
In addition to the external A stitched straps at the base of the shoelace system, this On model features an extended stitched strap at the top in lieu of loops. The added embroidered details in the top eyelets top off the look and strengthen the fit.
Jeremy: On is on a streak as far as I’m concerned. It all started with the CloudGo, their simplest entry level shoe that proved to be really good, nice and versatile and which departed from their usually firm midsole.
On the trails, CloudUltra 2 is a nice softer evolution of the far too firm first version, and the CloudSurfer Trail was one my ‘24 favs.
On pavement, since the Cloudgo, I’ve had really good experiences with the CloudFlow 4, Cloudboom Echo3, and especially the Cloudmonster Hyper which got me covered for numerous miles during 2024, and I still reach for it when not reviewing shoes.
All these shoes proved a really nice evolution away from On’s traditional with less harsh Speedboards, softer foams and new tech such as the CloudTec phase first introduced in the CloudSurfer last year.
Well, it seems that this streak ends for now, at least with the Cloudsurfer 2, which leans heavily leaning towards On’s past issues for me.
As usual, I have nothing but good things to write about the looks and fit of the CloudSurfer 2. On’s really nails the fit of their shoes for me, be it on their performance-oriented models or, as in the CS2, in their trainers.
They fit true to size and got fine with my usual 10.5US.The toebox is adequately wide, and the soft engineered mesh used in the upper brings comfort and breathability. It’s built with a perforated outer layer, and a paper thin material against the foot to improve foot hold. The front-most two-thirds of the CLoudSurfer has a relaxed fit, but is far from being loose. I think this is mainly thanks to the lacing system which ensures a very nice wrap around the foot.
The first lacing row is attached to cords connected to the base of the upper, just above the midsole, à la Flywire. This makes for a hold that starts at the base of the foot, putting the upper closer hence improving foot hold for the whole front part of the shoe.
The same construction is also used for the last row, mimicking the usual last eyelet and enhancing heel hold.
Here, it’s achieved thanks to the Flywire-like chords which go almost under the ankle bone, really closing the collar and perfectly holding the foot in place.
The rear third of the upper starks in contrast with the front, as a very generous padding is used from the ankle collar to the fairly rigid heel counter.
The heavy foam padding ensures comfort and an efficient hold no matter the shape of your foot.
Heel hold can quickly become an issue for me but I have no issues in the CloudSurfer 2.
The upper stayed comfortable even during a 2h+ run right out of the box, and did not get heavy with water despite some rain and running in puddles.
This is easily the best part of the shoe as far as I’m concerned. All-day comfort and perfectly nice foot hold.
Midsole & Platform
Dominique: With a stack height of 32mm/23mm, in my opinion the Cloudsurfer 2 does not live up to the specs description as “best in class high cushion” . The cushioning feels overly firm underfoot with a lack of rebound feel. Given the fairly high-drop at 9mm, this shoe might deliver more smiles at faster spaces, but not something I have experienced at my fairly slow paces.
After some wear, all my former On models developed a squeaking sound as the CloudTech® Phase angled elements collapsed with each foot step. Given the firmness of the Cloudsurfer 2, this model might end up being squeak free as there is too much resistance for the pods to collapse so far as to rub.
To also help, the channels inside the pods have some texture to them in order to help prevent pods from squeaking when collapsing but did ON go so far to prevent the squeaking that they over firmed the ride? Maybe..
Jeremy: The CloudSurfer 2 uses the same CloudTec Phase Tech that appeared in the first edition. At the time, this was really a big breakthrough for On, and a clear departure from what they usually use for cushioning. I’ve read many raving reviews about the “dynamic softness” of the CloudSurfer, and the fun brought by the CloudTec Phase although some RTR testers in our review of v1 found the front of the shoe while fun and energetic compressed too far and got tiring.
As a consequence, saying that I was eager to review its successor is an understatement, considering how I got on well with the last On’s shoes I’ve reviewed.
Alas, it seems that some magic has been lost in the process.
Despite using the same CloudTec Phase midsole tech, I’ve found the CS2 to be firm, even after more than 40 kms hoping they would break in.
This is quite unexpected as the brand clearly pushes the “softness” of the cushioning with comfort for miles. I did not experience the same soreness as Dominique did after my runs, but I clearly found that some softness was lacking, considering the intended use of the shoe as a “comfortable trainer”.
Actually, I find it to be better suited to faster paces due to its firmness. The midsole is not that energetci, there’s no sensible rebound as we can see in some modern trainers, but the firmness and the lack of flexibility clearly favors a quick turnover, and hence faster paces, reducing the versatility expected from this kind of shoe.
The positive side of this midsole is that the shoe is inherently stable, without any artifact saved from the usual slightly raised sidewalls. It’s probably one of the reasons that makes it suitable even during my longer runs. The center channel, a On’s classic, adds some guidance during the roll and gently guides the foot up to toe-off.
Outsole
Dominique: We have a durable outsole with different rubber areas to optimize stability. As a heel striker who runs at a slow pace, I find the inside heel rubber overly rigid and not as decoupled as I would like. The outsole cannot overcome the firmness of the midsole in helping generate a pleasant ride.
Jeremy: The outsole is very durable, and even the light engraving does not show any wear after 45 kms of mixed roads and light trails.
On has applied the outsole rubber as large patches under the mid-to-forefoot section, probably segmenting it in order to minimize the added rigidity, but still the whole platform of the shoe is fairly inflexible for a non-plated everyday trainer.
The brand’s focus on the “computer generated” outsole pattern which is supposed to bring improved traction and durability, this I can confirm !
My paces are probably faster than Dom’s so I did not feel the added rigidity of the outsole, but it clearly accentuates the already firm feeling that the CloudSurfer 2 gives off.
At least, this rubber is durable, and ensures an efficient grip even on wet asphalt.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Dominique: As a rule, I get a lot of additional runs and more from my On Running shoes after testing/reviewing them as I really enjoy wearing them. This time around, I plan to retire my Cloudsurfer 2 for the gym and/or walking. The joy is simply not there when running in them.
Dominique Score: 8.2 / 10
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Jeremy : I’ve largely previously unfolded my conclusions. The ride of the CloudSurfer 2 is a clear disappointment to me. Maybe my expectations were too influenced by reviews of the first version, but I clearly wanted to experience a “soft” On shoe, maybe one not adequate for longer runs (they already have this covered with the CloudMonster, or the Hyper) but one bringing some “fun” to the roads, so that it could have been the perfect sibling to the CloudSurfer Trail.
But instead of this, the Cloudsurfer 2 is a firm, if stable, shoe, more suited to faster paces, but not the fastest, and one which also does not work that well for easy outings.
As Dominique stated, I see it as a very nice gym shoe, even for some weight-lifting, I can clearly see using them during my Hyrox prep: stable, comfortable, good traction, those qualities are important in the gym.
I also have some difficulties in seeing its role in the lineup: The original Cloudsurfer (RTR Review) was soft and fun, the Cloudsurfer Trail (RTR Review) was firmer and…less fun…and now the CS2 clearly feels like the CS Next, and the lineup is for now missing a fun, soft, comfy shoe.
The Cloudsurfer 2 is a firm, serious shoe, but has nothing to really stand out from the crowd, save for its style.
Jeremey’s Score: 8.3 /10
Ride (50%): 7.5 Fit (30%): 9 Value (15%):9 Style (5%): 10
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The Cloudsurfer 2 launches February 13, 2025
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
Jeremy MARIE, French, 44y/o. Running since 2013 and quickly transitioned to trails, focused on ultras since 2015 : TDS, Maxi-Race, “100 miles du Sud”, 90 kms du Mt Blanc, GRP 120 kms, Some shorter more mellow races (Saintelyon 45 kms, Ecotrail Paris 45 kms…) with always in the mix road and flat running, but not many road races. Also active cyclist and 70.3 Ironman. Recovery/easy runs ~4’45/km - 4’30/km. He has an un-official marathon PR of 2h54 (solo) and 10K PR of 36’25. He does few timed road races.
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