On Cloudsurfer 2 Review: A Premium Daily Trainer That Feels Surprisingly Firm

Introduction

The Cloudsurfer 2 is On’s premium daily trainer, sitting in the same category as shoes like the Gel Nimbus, Glycerin, and 1080. It is only the second version of the model, and it continues the direction On started with the Cloudmonster and Cloudrunner: dropping the speedboard used in older shoes like the Cloudswift in favor of a softer, more comfortable midsole with reduced, less pronounced pods.

On paper, very little has changed this time around. The Helion foam midsole, the engineered mesh upper, and the 37mm heel to 28mm forefoot stack heights all carry over. The headline change is the tongue, which has been completely redesigned. In practice, though, the feel of the shoe has shifted meaningfully, and not everyone will welcome it.

Upper and Fit

The fit is serviceable but not luxurious. The engineered mesh upper pattern looks nearly identical to the previous version, and lockdown is solid: no heel slip, nothing sliding around, and a secure feel through the whole run. The heel has more padding than before, which helps.

The new tongue is the most divisive change. It is very wide and wraps almost all the way around the foot, almost like a gusset without actually being one. In warmer weather it can feel warm and restrictive over the top of the foot. The upper material itself also feels a bit stiff and scratchy for a shoe positioned at the premium end of On’s lineup, which is a letdown given the price point.

Runners with narrow feet may find the fit slightly roomy, but overall the sizing and lockdown are fairly standard.

Midsole and Ride

This is where the story gets interesting. The midsole uses Helion foam with CloudTec Phase, where diagonal cloud pods (or the absence of them) create a rolling sensation through the stride. That rocker does work: there is a genuinely smooth roll from heel to toe that comes through on every run.

The surprise is the firmness. The first Cloudsurfer was criticized by some for collapsing too much in the forefoot and feeling too soft, and it appears On dialed back the durometer to correct that. The correction may have gone slightly too far. Side by side, the new version is clearly firmer, and the difference is noticeable even in a simple pinch test.

The ride is fine for a few miles, but from around mile four through six the midsole starts to feel flat and dead, with little propulsion despite the rocker. Compared with rivals in the same category like the Glycerin or 1080, which maintain a pleasant balance over long miles, the Cloudsurfer 2 sits near the bottom of its class. Weight has also crept up to around 9.8 to 9.9 oz (280g), a full ounce heavier than the previous version, likely due to added rubber on the outsole and the wider tongue. That is not a dealbreaker for the daily trainer category, but it is a step in the wrong direction.

Durability of the Verdict

Scored across form, fit, and function, this version lands around 2, 2-3, and 1-2 out of 5 respectively. The tongue, the upper feel, and the Helion density all read like a step backwards for On. The frustration is sharpened by the marketing: a shoe positioned as the poster child for a “soft” campaign simply is not soft, and it does not nail its own brief.

Who Should Skip It

If you want a plush, forgiving daily trainer, this is not the one. The firm, somewhat flat ride after a few miles makes it better suited to casual use, walking, and short easy runs than to the long, comfortable miles the premium daily trainer category promises.

There is reason for optimism about the brand overall, from strong racing shoes to promising trail releases, but this particular model feels like a miss. Riders hoping the next version returns to a softer, more balanced ride may want to wait.

Buying Advice

At around $160, the Cloudsurfer 2 asks premium money for a shoe that does not deliver a premium feel. If you loved the softer first version, test this one carefully before buying. If you are shopping in the Nimbus, Glycerin, or 1080 class, competitors currently offer a more satisfying ride for similar money.

Conclusion

The On Cloudsurfer 2 keeps its specs but loses the plot: a firmer, heavier ride, an awkward oversized tongue, and an upper that falls short of its premium positioning. Lockdown and the smooth rocker are genuine positives, but the overall package lags the best daily trainers in its price range. Hopeful for a stronger third version.