I was excited to try the On Cloudsurfer. I haven’t reviewed the shoe since 2016, and boy was On a completely different company back then. Even comparing the two Cloudsurfers, I didn’t realize it was the same model. The good thing about blogging is when you review dozens of shoes; you can always go back and see what you’ve reviewed and what you haven’t. LOL, I digress.
Over the last few years, On has transformed what they are doing. In 2016, they were much firmer, and while great walking shoes, I never found they had enough cushion for running. The On Cloudmonster and On Cloudgo have put On out there. Not to mention dozens of track runners sponsored by On running speedy times. First, the name is “On,” not On Clouds or On Running. Just On.
On Cloudsurfer Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.6 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm
Price: $159.95
On Cloudsurfer Intro:
The Cloudsurfer is a soft and lightweight daily trainer. This year, On introduced the CloudTec phase while redesigning On’s midsole. The Cloudsurfer has a smooth ride (maybe the softest of any On shoe). It’s flexible and allows you to pick up the pace as needed.
On Cloudsurfer Fit:
Throughout the years, On has fit relatively narrowly. The Cloudsurfer has more volume and is slightly wider than their usual offerings (hoorah!). The On Cloudsurfer mesh is thicker, but it breathes pretty well, and I don’t have to worry about my feet overheating in the Mojave Desert summer.
The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and for the most part, the On Cloudsurfer does that. The midfoot has thicker material. The tongue is gusseted and stays secure. The heel is thick and has much more padding than average, but it still feels comfortable with the flexible heel counter.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and have found the women’s size 11 best fit. It feels comfortable, and if you are looking for a wider On model, the Cloudsurfer is one of the first places I would start. It’s not “wide,” but wider than most other On shoes.
On Cloudsurfer Ride:
As mentioned above, the Cloudsurfer is a lightweight trainer with a lot of cushion. On has changed the design of the Cloudsurfer by removing the speed board and changing the geometry of the clouds. This created a much softer ride with the On Cloudsurfer. Losing the speed board is a big deal as it’s a thin plastic piece, and removing that makes it so much softer. Immediately trying on the Cloudsurfer, I noticed how soft the shoe was. The lack of a Speedboard also increases how bouncy the shoe is. Finally, On has a shoe that feels like you’re “running on clouds”.
The heel angle is angled, creating a smooth transition from heel to toe, and the midfoot transition feels quick. It makes it easy to pick up the pace and doesn’t feel forced.
Durability and Traction: A problem I’ve always had with On was how many rocks they picked up. This impacted their durability and traction because the rocks could easily cut through the cloud pods, creating a lack of traction. Also, having a rock on your shoe’s bottom is annoying. I can just hear the clink, clink, clink now! Anyway, the Cloudsurfer has a different geometry of clouds, making it less likely to pick up stones and easier to run on desert trails. I think the On Cloudsurfer will be On’s more durable (and least annoying) shoe yet. I’ve used it on the roads, in inclement weather, and on a few sandy trails, and I haven’t had any issues with traction or rocks. I expect the shoe to last somewhere around 400 miles.
I wasn’t sure where the On Cloudsurfer would land in my rotation, and it’s a good option for almost anything. It can handle easy runs well and provide enough cushion. If I feel like picking up the pace that day, it easily transitions from heel to toe. It’s one of my favorite shoes from On and can handle almost any training. If you want a dedicated “fast shoe”, it’s not that, but it can take virtually all daily runs. The changes On is making in their shoes is exciting and fun. I cannot wait to see what is next!
On Cloudsurfer Conclusion:
I am a big fan of Cloudsurfer, and it’s interesting how soft and how many changes On has put into it. I wonder: is this the way of On’s future? And I hope so because they’ve done many great things. If you have been wanting to try On but need a softer or a wider model, the Cloudsurfer might be the option for you!
Who should buy the On Cloudsurfer? Are you looking for a daily trainer that can handle almost any running? It’s a good option.
Who should not buy the On Cloudsurfer? I can’t think of a reason other than if you prefer a firmer shoe or are looking for a dedicated workout shoe.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: On Cloudsurfer, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro, Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the On Cloudsurfer?
What is your favorite daily trainer?
This was perfect timing…I actually just ordered a pair of these and they are supposed to come today! This will be my first On shoe to try – super excited. Thanks for the review!
That’s so awesome LeAnne!! Let me know how you like them!
YES!!!…it’s become my shoe. I’ve been a fan of On for a while, wasn’t a fan of the Cloud Flyer, but loved the Swift, and the Surfer has become my go to shoe, my Hoka Arahis have now almost become my gardening shoes….weird thing, I pronate, but the pods just seem to work with that without any issues
That’s awesome you’ve found your shoe Warren!