ON On Cloudsurfer 2 review

7 expert score
0 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 13th April by Olivia Yoder Ultrarunner, personal trainer and soccer coach.
46 other reviews

ON On Cloudsurfer 2 Verdict

The On Cloudsurfer 2 is overall a great everyday trainer. It’s lightweight, breathable,and comfortable. They allow you to wear them all day without any irritation. These are for everyone. From the moment I tried them on, I loved how they felt. You will experience a smooth ride like butter.

The pros

  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Durable

The cons

  • Runs small
  • Midsole falls short for longer distances

Where to buy

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

Rating breakdown

Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
On Cloudsurfer 2
Previous model
Weight
9 oz (255 g)
MSRP
$160.00

Heel
37 mm.
Toe
28 mm.
Heel drop
8 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
Buy half size bigger
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Tight

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Plush
Amount of cushioning
Highly cushioned
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Flexible

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the ON On Cloudsurfer 2 ?

It’s a great choice if you want a lightweight yet supportive shoe. I love how it looks and wear them with everyday casual athleisure outfits.

Who should not buy the ON On Cloudsurfer 2 ?

Even though the cost of everything has gone up, they are still on the pricier side. I would also say they might not be the best choice if you are looking for a very stable shoe. Although stable, the midsole is on the softer side. There are other stability shoes available that I would suggest. They run on the narrower side, so if you have a wider foot I would recommend sizing up or looking for a different shoe.

ON On Cloudsurfer 2 Introduction

Picture of On Cloudsurfer 2

The On Cloudsurfer 2 is an overall favorite of mine. I am constantly grabbing them for various adventures. On is always taking their shoe game to the next level, and they nailed it with the new and improved Cloudsurfer 2.

It is my go-to for nice, easy runs. They just make you be able to cruise through the miles. You’ll also notice how stylish they are and want to wear them with just about any athleisure wear.

If you are confused about the number, its predecessor was the Cloudsurfer 7. But, based on the changes they are making in the line, I think they are making the previous models not count and starting over.

Most noticeably, they have updated the tongue construction for a better-suited fit and also tuned up the CloudTec Phase cushioning for a better ride. On has updated the upper as well and still uses Helion foam, which looks almost identical to the first version.

Just putting them on, they feel lightweight. Probably one of the lightest shoes I currently own. They are weighing in at 9.0oz (255g) for a US M9 /7.8oz (221g) for a US W7.5. This puts them at being slightly heavier than the previous version. You could probably chalk this up to the added rubber outsole. The stack height /drop is 37 mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot. Giving you a 9 mm drop.

I bought the light grey / lime green colorway and dig how it looks. On usually does a great job with their shoe colors. Overall, its a great-looking shoe that I get compliments on them all the time.

The price you’ll find is $160 on most sites, and that is a typical price for an On shoe and as well as most daily trainers now. Do I think this is reasonable? Yes, considering that’s what most trainers are costing these days. Plus, On makes exceptionally high-quality shoes, and the Cloudsurfer 2’s display their craftsmanship.

ON On Cloudsurfer 2 First Impressions

Picture of On Cloudsurfer 2

I’ve always been a huge fan of the look of On’s shoes. I don’t think I have ever seen a bad-looking On shoe, so in the style department, they are crushing it. Like most On shoes, you will notice the air pods on the sole of the shoe. The Cloudsurfer 2 is no different.

When I first placed my feet in them, I instantly thought that they gave me a sock-like feel. They are very form-fitting and lightweight. I loved how they initially felt—all-over cushioning with a slight bounce to them. They do run a little narrow and I would suggest sizing up a half size.

My first run in them was a 5k on the treadmill that was a tempo run. I didn’t mind it for the slower-paced sections of the workout but felt like they did hold their shape when pushed to faster limits. Like I said, they are very comfortable and On prides itself on being one of the softest daily trainers available.

ON On Cloudsurfer 2 Upper

Picture of On Cloudsurfer 2

The uppers are freshly updated with a new and improved engineered mesh made from recycled polyester. This allows for better airflow. Which in return makes it feel lighter than the past model, and makes it a great choice for warmer-weather runs, walks, or workouts.

Along with a new upper, they have also upgraded the tongue. It has been made with extra padding to make it even more comfortable. This is one shoe area I am a big fan of. It’s perfectly padded and allows you to have a great tie-down without discomfort.

Picture of On Cloudsurfer 2

Looking at the laces, you will see embroidered eyelets that are made out of recycled yarn. The laces and lacing system are pretty standard. The heel counter is nicely built up and has ample padding. When I laced them up, I had no problems with slipping or pressure. They have a sock-like fit to them that keeps your foot snug yet allows for room to move.

ON On Cloudsurfer 2 Sole Unit

Picture of On Cloudsurfer 2

Looking at a typical On shoe you instantly notice the pods that run along the midsole of the shoe and this pair is no different.

The midsole is made up of On’s Helion super foam and in combination of the brand’s CloudTec Phase design. This specific design uses the pod/gaps that you see in the midsole, to be strategically placed to create a rockered ride that rolls from your heel to your toes. Their rocker makes your transition feel buttery smooth.

Picture of On Cloudsurfer 2

The outsole is more durable than the Cloudsurfer 2023 and has better rubber coverage on the midfoot and heel. It uses a thicker padding and has smaller cavities in the tread.

These updates made by On have contributed to it’s durability. I can attest to this, I have worn them for well over 100 miles and have seen little to no wear on them.I have had tested many other On shoes and have had similar experiences with Cloudrunner 2.

ON On Cloudsurfer 2 Conclusions

The Cloudsurfer 2 is a good daily trainer for up to 5 miles. They will get the job done with comfort but will leave you wanting more if you are trying to take them to greater distances.

Ideally, I love them for my all-day wear sneakers, park play dates and walking my dog. I would highly recommend this shoe for someone who stands the majority of their work day and is looking for a solid jogging/walking shoe.

Picture of On Cloudsurfer 2

How does the On Cloudsurfer 2 compare?

Nike Pegasus 41
ON On Cloudsurfer 2
Asics Gel Nimbus 27
Expert score
7
7
7
User score
Retail price
US$139.95
US$159.95
US$164.95
Brand
Weight
10 oz
9 oz
10.4 oz
Heel Drop
10 mm
8 mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
balanced
plush
responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
flexible
flexible
rigid
Stability
some stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
buy half size bigger
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of ON at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

$159

ON On Cloudsurfer 2 price comparison

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

Reviewed by Olivia

This review was written by Olivia Yoder on 13th April.
Lives in Marietta, Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and dog. Olivia is a personal trainer and soccer coach. She has been running for 10 years and competes in various distances. For the past few years she has been concentrating on the ultra distances. She never would have thought that one sport would change her whole outlook on life like running has.

User feedback (0)

Lowest price:
$159

Where to buy

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

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