On Cloudsurfer 2 review
On’s everyday trainer returns with firmer CloudTec Phase foam, more forefoot cushioning and a thicker outsole, and it now feels more stable than plush.
- Drop
- 9 mm
- Heel stack
- 37 mm
- Forefoot
- 28 mm
- Weight
- 255 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- None
Our verdict
Smooth, firm, and built for easy days.
The Cloudsurfer 2 is a firm, rockered neutral trainer that rolls you smoothly from heel to toe on Helion foam shaped into collapsing CloudTec Phase pods. It suits neutral runners who land on the heel and run easy or walk a lot, and published tests range from enthusiastic to clearly disappointed.
Strong points
- Smooth rocker transition, praised by every test we read
- More stable and less mushy than the first Cloudsurfer
- Durable outsole: 0.6 mm of wear in RunRepeat’s test, against 1.1 mm on average
- True to size for most testers, with a Wide version from On
- Comfortable for walking and long days on your feet
Weak points
- Firm foam: 43.8 AC in RunRepeat’s lab, against a 35.5 average
- Little energy return, flat once the pace rises
- Thick, wide tongue that some testers found awkward
- Toe spring on a flexible forefoot bothered one Doctors of Running tester
Who it fits
- You run easy and like a rolling feel
- You land on your heel
- Your shoe also has to walk and stand
- The original felt too soft
Who should skip it
- You want bounce or any kind of pace
- Your foot needs guidance
- Your big toe dislikes bending
- You have wide feet in the standard width
Shoe profile
Where the Cloudsurfer 2 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue.
| Axis | Cloudsurfer 2 |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | 33 |
| Lightness | 60 |
| Stability | 30 |
| Drop | 82 |
| Response | 20 |
Fig. 1 · How to read it. Each axis runs from 0 at the centre to 100 at the edge. Cushioning, lightness and drop are the shoe’s rank in the catalogue from listed figures; stability and response are scored from the support type, the plate, the rocker and the intended use. The dotted grey line is the catalogue median. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Where it sits in the catalogue
Weight255 g, lighter than 59% of shoes
Drop9 mm, higher than 82% of shoes
Heel stack37 mm, lower than 58% of shoes
Forefoot stack28 mm, lower than 72% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 6 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Protective, but firm. Moderate stack of Helion foam in CloudTec Phase pods; RunRepeat measured it firm at 43.8 AC, and RTINGS found it stiffens under load.
Steadier than the original, still neutral. Steadier than the first Cloudsurfer and rated stable by RTINGS, but the heel and midfoot are narrow and there is no guidance.
A smooth roll, no spring. Energy return below average in both labs, 52.6 percent at the heel per RunRepeat; the smooth rocker is the shoe’s real strength.
Protective, but firm. On builds the midsole from Helion foam shaped into its CloudTec Phase pods, which collapse in sequence from heel to toe. Running Warehouse lists 37 mm at the heel and 28 mm at the forefoot, and RunRepeat measured 37.5 and 27.1 mm. With 125 of the 207 neutral road shoes in our catalogue listing a taller heel, that is moderate cushioning by current standards.
The foam is firm. RunRepeat measured 43.8 on the AC scale against a 35.5 average, and RTINGS rates both heel and forefoot firm, with a midsole that stiffens once the pods compress. RunRepeat still found good protection at the heel, 137 SA against a 131 average. Doctors of Running found it moderately cushioned, and Runninglab very comfortable, though a hammering feel crept in beyond about 20 km.
Steadier than the original, still neutral. Firmer foam made this version steadier than the first Cloudsurfer, according to Believe in the Run, The Run Testers and Runninglab. RTINGS rates its lateral stability good, and Runninglab scores stability 9.5 out of 10.
Doctors of Running add a caveat: the heel and midfoot are narrow, the sidewalls minimal, and the soft top layer can feel unsteady. RunRepeat’s measurements agree on the shape, with a midsole 88.8 mm wide at the heel and 113.6 mm at the forefoot, both narrower than average. It is a neutral shoe with no guidance elements.
A smooth roll, no spring. RunRepeat measured energy return of 52.6 percent at the heel and 54.1 percent at the forefoot, below average, and RTINGS scores energy return 1.4 out of 10. The Run Testers felt the rocker flatten out and the spring go missing as soon as they picked up the pace.
The rocker is what testers enjoy. Doctors of Running describe a forefoot-focused rocker with strong toe spring, while RunRepeat measured a flexible forefoot, 11.5 N against a 15.5 N average. That flexibility makes the roll feel natural to some testers and, for one Doctors of Running tester, put extra load on the toes.
Read more
Protective, but firm. On builds the midsole from Helion foam shaped into its CloudTec Phase pods, which collapse in sequence from heel to toe. Running Warehouse lists 37 mm at the heel and 28 mm at the forefoot, and RunRepeat measured 37.5 and 27.1 mm. With 125 of the 207 neutral road shoes in our catalogue listing a taller heel, that is moderate cushioning by current standards.
The foam is firm. RunRepeat measured 43.8 on the AC scale against a 35.5 average, and RTINGS rates both heel and forefoot firm, with a midsole that stiffens once the pods compress. RunRepeat still found good protection at the heel, 137 SA against a 131 average. Doctors of Running found it moderately cushioned, and Runninglab very comfortable, though a hammering feel crept in beyond about 20 km.
Steadier than the original, still neutral. Firmer foam made this version steadier than the first Cloudsurfer, according to Believe in the Run, The Run Testers and Runninglab. RTINGS rates its lateral stability good, and Runninglab scores stability 9.5 out of 10.
Doctors of Running add a caveat: the heel and midfoot are narrow, the sidewalls minimal, and the soft top layer can feel unsteady. RunRepeat’s measurements agree on the shape, with a midsole 88.8 mm wide at the heel and 113.6 mm at the forefoot, both narrower than average. It is a neutral shoe with no guidance elements.
A smooth roll, no spring. RunRepeat measured energy return of 52.6 percent at the heel and 54.1 percent at the forefoot, below average, and RTINGS scores energy return 1.4 out of 10. The Run Testers felt the rocker flatten out and the spring go missing as soon as they picked up the pace.
The rocker is what testers enjoy. Doctors of Running describe a forefoot-focused rocker with strong toe spring, while RunRepeat measured a flexible forefoot, 11.5 N against a 15.5 N average. That flexibility makes the roll feel natural to some testers and, for one Doctors of Running tester, put extra load on the toes.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Made for it | Its natural pace. Every test we read keeps it for relaxed daily miles. | Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS, The Run Testers, Runninglab |
| Recovery runs | Made for it | On markets it for recovery and steady runs, and the smooth roll asks little of tired legs. | The Run Testers, On |
| Walking | Made for it | Believe in the Run wore it for long walks and shifts; Doctors of Running rate it good for walking if the toe spring suits you. | Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run |
| Long runs | Can do | RunRepeat finds it better than the first version on long runs, but Runninglab felt a hammering effect beyond about 20 km. | RunRepeat, Runninglab |
| Treadmill | Can do | One Believe in the Run tester used it happily for treadmill runs and gym sessions. | Believe in the Run |
| Tempo | Not for it | Weak energy return in both labs, and Runninglab sends faster running to the Cloudsurfer Next. | RunRepeat, RTINGS, Runninglab |
| Marathon race | Not for it | RunRepeat scores it 31 out of 100 for racing, and RTINGS finds it harsh at higher impacts and faster efforts. | RunRepeat, RTINGS |
Source: Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS, The Run Testers, Runninglab, On, Believe in the Run
What the tests say
Published tests agree the Cloudsurfer 2 is firmer, smoother and more stable than the first Cloudsurfer, and that it belongs on easy days. They split sharply on whether that makes it a good shoe: Runninglab is enthusiastic, Believe in the Run is not.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors of Running | Review | Mixed | One Doctors of Running tester grades it B+ overall and enjoyed the rocker; the other grades it lower after forefoot discomfort tied to the toe spring. | Read |
| RunRepeat | Lab | Mixed | RunRepeat scores it 80 out of 100: comfortable, durable and smooth for daily miles, but firm and short on energy. | Read |
| RTINGS | Lab | Mixed | RTINGS gives 7.3 out of 10 for daily training but 1.4 for energy return: stable for short daily runs, harsh when you push. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Negative | Believe in the Run’s three testers rate it an average trainer at best, with a flat ride and an upper they did not like. | Read |
| The Run Testers | Review | Mixed | The Run Testers like it for easy runs but rank several more versatile rivals ahead of it. | Read |
| Runninglab | Review | Positive | Runninglab scores it 9.2 out of 10: very comfortable and stable for daily training, limited only on the longest runs. | Read |
They agree
- Firmer than the originalBelieve in the Run, The Run Testers and Runninglab all describe a firmer, more stable midsole than the first Cloudsurfer, and RunRepeat measured the foam well above the average hardness.
- A smooth rollDoctors of Running, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers and Runninglab all praise the rocker for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
- Not for speedRunRepeat measured 54.1 percent energy return in the forefoot against a 61.4 average, RTINGS scores energy return 1.4 out of 10, and The Run Testers felt the spring missing at faster paces.
- True to sizeDoctors of Running, Believe in the Run, RTINGS, The Run Testers and Runninglab all found the usual size right.
They split
- Is it a good shoe?Runninglab scores it 9.2 out of 10 and calls it very comfortable and very stable. Believe in the Run puts it in its lowest tier, finding the ride flat after a few miles and the upper stiff.
- How far it goesBelieve in the Run testers capped it at 3 to 6 miles. RunRepeat finds it better than its predecessor on long runs, and Runninglab took it to about 20 km before the firmness showed.
- Room up frontDoctors of Running and Runninglab found a fairly generous forefoot. RunRepeat measured a slightly tapered, narrower-than-average upper, and The Run Testers found the toe box not especially roomy.
How it’s built
A recycled engineered mesh upper with a thick tongue, a Helion foam midsole shaped into CloudTec Phase pods without a Speedboard plate, and a thicker full-length rubber outsole.
Recycled mesh upper with a very thick tongue, firm Helion foam in CloudTec Phase pods without a plate, and a hard 3.0 mm rubber outsole that wears slowly.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperEngineered mesh | Breathability 3 / 5 |
| 2 | Tongue | 10.6 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 3 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsoleHelion foam, CloudTec Phase | Hardness 43.8 AC |
| 5 | Insole | 4.5 mm |
| 6 | Outsole | 3.0 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 37 mm heel, 28 mm forefoot; measured: 3 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Running Warehouse, Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, Runninglab.
Upper. A new mesh made with 88 percent recycled polyester, per Running Warehouse. Doctors of Running found it more breathable than the first version, though one tester felt it might run warm, and RunRepeat scored breathability 3 out of 5, slightly below average. Believe in the Run found the upper stiff.
Tongue. Very thick at 10.6 mm in RunRepeat’s measurement, against a 5.8 mm average, and not gusseted. Doctors of Running note a loop that keeps it in place, while Believe in the Run testers found it too wide and that it would not lie flat.
Heel. A small, stiff and well-padded counter that gave Doctors of Running a good lockdown. RunRepeat rated its stiffness 3 out of 5, about average.
Midsole. Helion foam shaped into CloudTec Phase pods designed with finite element analysis to collapse progressively from heel to toe, with no Speedboard plate, per Running Warehouse. RunRepeat measured 43.8 AC, firmer than average, and a flexible platform: 11.5 N to bend, against 15.5 N on average.
Insole. A removable insole of average thickness, 4.5 mm in RunRepeat’s measurement.
Outsole. Running Warehouse describes thicker, computer-optimised rubber than before. RunRepeat measured 3.0 mm of hard rubber at 85.0 HC and a low traction score of 0.39 against a 0.53 average, yet Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers and Runninglab all reported good grip on wet roads.
Read more
A recycled engineered mesh upper with a thick tongue, a Helion foam midsole shaped into CloudTec Phase pods without a Speedboard plate, and a thicker full-length rubber outsole.
1. Upper. A new mesh made with 88 percent recycled polyester, per Running Warehouse. Doctors of Running found it more breathable than the first version, though one tester felt it might run warm, and RunRepeat scored breathability 3 out of 5, slightly below average. Believe in the Run found the upper stiff.
2. Tongue. Very thick at 10.6 mm in RunRepeat’s measurement, against a 5.8 mm average, and not gusseted. Doctors of Running note a loop that keeps it in place, while Believe in the Run testers found it too wide and that it would not lie flat.
3. Heel. A small, stiff and well-padded counter that gave Doctors of Running a good lockdown. RunRepeat rated its stiffness 3 out of 5, about average.
4. Midsole. Helion foam shaped into CloudTec Phase pods designed with finite element analysis to collapse progressively from heel to toe, with no Speedboard plate, per Running Warehouse. RunRepeat measured 43.8 AC, firmer than average, and a flexible platform: 11.5 N to bend, against 15.5 N on average.
5. Insole. A removable insole of average thickness, 4.5 mm in RunRepeat’s measurement.
6. Outsole. Running Warehouse describes thicker, computer-optimised rubber than before. RunRepeat measured 3.0 mm of hard rubber at 85.0 HC and a low traction score of 0.39 against a 0.53 average, yet Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers and Runninglab all reported good grip on wet roads.
Durability. Built to last. The outsole lost only 0.6 mm in RunRepeat’s wear test, against 1.1 mm on average, the heel padding scored 4 out of 5 and the toe box 3 out of 5. Doctors of Running saw no visible outsole wear after 30 miles, about 48 km, and expect above-average durability.
Durability. Built to last. The outsole lost only 0.6 mm in RunRepeat’s wear test, against 1.1 mm on average, the heel padding scored 4 out of 5 and the toe box 3 out of 5. Doctors of Running saw no visible outsole wear after 30 miles, about 48 km, and expect above-average durability.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Drop, mm
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, mm
Weight (men’s), g
| Spec | Listed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Drop |
|
|
| Heel stack |
|
|
| Forefoot stack |
|
|
| Weight, US M9 |
|
|
| Support |
| – |
| Plate |
| – |
| Surface |
| – |
| Release year |
| – |
Fig. 4 · Listed vs measured. Bars start at zero. Sources: Running Warehouse, RunRepeat, RTINGS.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Energy return (heel) |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
|
| Traction coefficient |
|
| Breathability |
|
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Toe box width |
|
| Toe box height |
|
| Outsole thickness |
|
| Insole thickness |
|
| Tongue thickness |
|
| Flex force |
|
Sizing and fit
Take your usual size; the question is forefoot shape, not length.
Length
True to size
Widths
standard and wide
Toe room
Toe room is average. RunRepeat measured a 73.5 mm toe box with 28.0 mm of height, both close to average, and Runninglab found it fairly wide. A Doctors of Running tester felt the fabric eyelet loops press over her outer toes.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Runninglab
Full sizing notes from testers
Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, RTINGS, The Run Testers and Runninglab all found the length right in the usual size, and On describes a regular, true-to-size fit. RunRepeat’s reader poll leans slightly small, so if you sit between sizes, go up.
Width divides testers. Doctors of Running found a slightly wider, generous forefoot, while RunRepeat measured a somewhat tapered upper, 93.6 mm wide against a 95.2 mm average. The Run Testers suggest half a size up for wider feet. The heel hold is good, with a small, stiff, well-padded counter, according to Doctors of Running.
A cleaner fix than sizing up is the Wide version, which On sells for men alongside the standard width. RTINGS, testing earlier, found no wide option, so availability varies by country.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, Runninglab, On
Vs Cloudsurfer (2023)
On restarted the numbering, but this is a direct update of the 2023 Cloudsurfer: firmer, thicker under the forefoot, a little heavier and harder wearing.
Keep the original Cloudsurfer if you loved its soft, sinking feel: Believe in the Run and Runninglab both describe version 2 as a clear move toward firmness. Move to version 2 if the original felt unstable or bottomed out under the forefoot.
Version history: Cloudsurfer (2023) to Cloudsurfer 2
Firmer, steadier foam. Believe in the Run, The Run Testers and Runninglab all find the midsole firmer and more stable than the original, which tended to bottom out under the forefoot. (Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, Runninglab)
More foam under the forefoot. RunRepeat measured 27.1 mm at the forefoot against 21.6 mm on the original. (RunRepeat)
A little heavier. RunRepeat weighed 254 g against 237 g for the original, and a Believe in the Run tester also found the new pair heavier than before. (RunRepeat, Believe in the Run)
New upper and outsole. A more breathable recycled mesh, revised lacing and thicker outsole rubber, per Running Warehouse and Doctors of Running. Runninglab notes the drop went from 10 to 9 mm. (Doctors of Running, Runninglab, Running Warehouse)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Cloudsurfer 2 does not do.
| On Cloudsurfer 2 |  ASICS Novablast 5 |  Adidas Adizero Evo SL |  On Cloudsurfer Next |  Hoka Clifton 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | Softer | Faster | Roomier fit | More cushion |
| Drop | 9 mm | 8 mm | 7 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 37 mm | 41.5 mm | 37 mm | 37 mm | 43 mm |
| Weight | 255 g | 252 g | 230 g | 273 g | 258 g |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
Does the On Cloudsurfer 2 fit true to size?
Yes for length. Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, RTINGS, The Run Testers and Runninglab all found the usual size right, and On describes a true-to-size fit. RunRepeat’s reader poll leans slightly small and measured a somewhat tapered upper, so runners between sizes or with wider feet can go half a size up or choose the Wide version.
Cloudsurfer 2 or the original Cloudsurfer: what changed?
The Cloudsurfer 2 is firmer, more stable and thicker under the forefoot, 27.1 mm against 21.6 mm in RunRepeat’s measurements. It is also slightly heavier, 254 g against 237 g, with a thicker outsole and a new mesh upper. Fans of the soft original may miss its plush feel; runners who found it unstable will prefer version 2.
Is the On Cloudsurfer 2 soft?
Not really. RunRepeat measured its foam at 43.8 AC, firmer than the 35.5 AC average, and RTINGS found the midsole stiffens once the CloudTec Phase pods compress. Doctors of Running and Runninglab still found it comfortable, but runners who want a plush, sinking feel should look at softer trainers such as the Novablast 5.
Does the On Cloudsurfer 2 come in wide?
Yes. On sells a men’s Cloudsurfer 2 Wide alongside the standard width, described as wide and true to size. RTINGS found no wide option when it tested the shoe, so availability varies by country and retailer.
Is the On Cloudsurfer 2 good for walking?
Yes. Believe in the Run testers found the Cloudsurfer 2 comfortable for long walks and everyday wear, and Doctors of Running rate it good for walking and standing, as long as its toe spring suits you. Its durable outsole, which lost only 0.6 mm in RunRepeat’s wear test, also helps for daily use.
Can you run a marathon in the On Cloudsurfer 2?
It is not a racing shoe. RunRepeat scores it 31 out of 100 for racing and RTINGS finds it harsh at higher impacts and faster efforts. For long training runs it is usable at easy pace: RunRepeat finds it better than its predecessor there, while Runninglab felt the firmness beyond about 20 km.
Cloudsurfer 2 or Cloudsurfer Next?
Choose the Cloudsurfer 2 for easy miles with a smooth rocker. Look at the Cloudsurfer Next if you want more room up front or faster running: a Doctors of Running tester preferred the Next for its roomier toe box, and Runninglab recommends it for tempo work.
Sources
- Doctors of Running, On Cloudsurfer 2 Review (David Salas, Andrea Myers, March 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RunRepeat, On Cloudsurfer 2 lab review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RTINGS, On Cloudsurfer 2 running shoe review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, On Cloudsurfer 2 Review (February 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- The Run Testers, On Cloudsurfer 2 review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Runninglab, On Cloudsurfer 2 : test et avis (Julien Guyod, February 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Running Warehouse, On Cloudsurfer 2 Men’s Shoes. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- On, Cloudsurfer 2 Men’s Road Running Shoe. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- On, Cloudsurfer 2 Wide (men’s). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-13). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- cat: Strideprint catalogue, 395 shoes
How we review. We read published tests, brand and retailer pages and lab measurements, cross-check the figures and flag where they disagree. We did not test this shoe ourselves. Last updated October 13, 2026.