ON Cloudsurfer Max Introduction

The Cloudsurfer Max is a daily trainer designed for the neutral runner. It is a great choice if you prefer a sneaker that offers cushioning but not too much. To fully feel what it has to offer,you will have to break them in. Not all shoes I test out need a break-in period, but these do. On is always making high-quality shoes, and these are right up there.

The build is top of the line and just looking at them visually, you can see how well-made they are. If you are looking for a lightweight shoe, these would not be at the top of the list. They weigh in at 10.3oz for the men and 9.2oz for the women. They have a stack height of 37mm heel/31mm forefoot. That gives you a 6mm drop.

They have a superb stable feeling to them, and do exceptionally well absorbing impact.

On doesn’t only produce great running shoes, but it also makes shoes that just look stylish. I have been finding myself grabbing them for just about every errand I have to run.

The sleek look and color combination make them a nice addition to any casual outfit. They will cost you a pretty penny, at $180. Do I think this is a fair price to pay? I personally love the shoe, but there are other shoes out there that get the job done for much less.

ON Cloudsurfer Max First Impressions

I have tested many On running shoes, and most of the time I am a huge fan, but I have had some pairs that I didn’t click with. So, when I received this pair, I truly did not know what I was going to think.

When I first opened the box, I loved the whole package of the shoe. The color and the design hit all the check marks for me. Typically, they have great colors picked out for each of their shoes, and this one is spot on.

It did take me a little while to get on the “white shoe” bandwagon, but I do enjoy how they look. I don’t like how dirty they get so quickly. My first run with them was an easy 5-mile loop, which was all on sidewalks and black top.

Visually looking at them, you see On’s signature midsole with the pods on the bottom. I love that! Looking at them, they do scream “max-cushioned,” But to my surprise, they were firmer than I expected. During that first run, I took notice of that as well as the upper. It too had a firm feel to it. I had no problems during the initial run or subsequent runs. After a few runs in them, they did start to feel broken in.

ON Cloudsurfer Max Upper

The upper is made of a breathable engineered mesh fabric. It has a clean look to it and offers a comfortable fit. Looking at the collar of the shoe, you will see that it is flat but has some internal padding to help support the Achilles area.

Moving down the shoe, you come to the tongue, and it is well-padded but not like some of the On shoes. I love having a tongue that is padded, so when I go to pull my laces tight, I don’t feel any pressure on the top of my foot. A great example of this type of padding would be on the On Cloudsurfer Next.

The laces are a standard round lace that stays in place when double-knotted and the collar is padded which helps eliminate any irritation.

ON Cloudsurfer Max Sole Unit

The midsole is the area that your eye is drawn to. On is always making sure that they have the latest and greatest technology. This particular pair has a double layer of the CloudTec Phase,which allows for a soft and smooth ride.CloudTec Phase utilizes a design featuring small “clouds” or openings in the midsole that collapse, much like little dominoes, to create a flawless transition. They have a great rolling feeling to them that makes those longer distances feeleasier. The combination of these two technologies also helps to absorb impact.

They offer a broad platform that allows the shoe to provide a very stable feel, especially in terms of lateral stability. I have said that they are on the firmer side, but this is not a bad thing. It delivers an overall stable and smooth ride.

The Cloudsurfer Max is described as a hybrid feel. You get a more structured and firmer fit than most other max-cushioned shoes. But, with enough softness and flawless transitions, which make it a great everyday trainer.

The outsole has extensive coverage. It is covered in rubber, which extends almost the full length of the shoe. You will see the rubber strategically placed over the high-impact areas. With that being said, I did test them in various weather conditions and surfaces. I experienced no slipping, and even after 50-plus miles in them, there was little to no wear on them.

When comparing other shoes, I can’t help but think that the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is very similar. Both are on the firmer side and feature a wider midfoot, providing great stability. If I had to choose between them and the Cloudsurfer Max, I would opt for the Brooks Ghost Max 3. They have been my favorites lately for all distances, and you would save some money if you went with them.

ON Cloudsurfer Max Conclusions

The On Cloudsurfer Max is a very well-built daily trainer that will last you miles. It can wear many hats, but it will fall short when you want to set a PR. Despite the “max” branding, they are not as soft as some competitors. They offer a comfortable and smooth ride, with an upper that delivers on many levels and an overall durability that makes them a great choice if you are in the market for a stylish trainer.