On Cloudsurfer 2 vs Cloudmonster 2: Which Daily Trainer Deserves Your Money?

Introduction

On currently sells two very different takes on the cushioned daily trainer, and this comparison puts them side by side. The Cloudsurfer 2 is the newer shoe, landing early in 2025, while the Cloudmonster 2 is the follow-up to On’s popular max-stack big-cushion cruiser. Both have been put through real test mileage on easy runs, progressions, and long outings to see which one is actually worth your money.

Specs at a Glance

The Cloudsurfer 2 packs 32mm of stack in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot for a 9mm drop. It weighs 9.1 ounces or 258 grams in a UK men’s 8.5 test shoe. The Cloudmonster 2 is bigger in every direction: 35mm in the heel, 29mm in the forefoot for a 6mm drop, and 10.5 oz or 297 grams.

On price, the Cloudmonster 2 is the more expensive shoe at £170 or $180, while the Cloudsurfer 2 lands at £150 or $160.

Midsole and Ride

Both shoes use Helium foam, but the midsole setups differ significantly. The Cloudsurfer 2 uses On’s CloudTec Phase design, where elements collapse in sequence like dominoes and release as you roll through each step. There is a pronounced rocker but no speedboard plate, deliberately left out to soften the ride. The result is a smooth, snappy, natural experience where you do not sink so far into the foam that you have to fight back out of it.

The Cloudmonster 2 sticks with the more traditional CloudTec elements and a new dual-foam setup, with a nylon blend speedboard plate reshaped from the previous generation to improve efficiency from touchdown to toe-off. In testing, though, it felt clunkier than its predecessor, losing some of the smoothness, stiffness, and snap of the original. The potted outsole design also contributes to a heavier, less responsive feel.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes ran true to size for testers with no real fit problems. The Cloudsurfer 2 is a little more snug and hugs the foot with plushly padded heel collars and a thick, soft, premium-feeling engineered mesh upper. The tongue is well padded, though not gusseted, and the lacing comes further down the shoe.

The Cloudmonster 2 has a roomy, wide toe box. Runners with narrow feet found themselves swimming slightly and had to pay attention to locking the shoe down, though runners with wider feet, or those planning very long multi-hour efforts who want extra room up front, may welcome the space.

Durability and Outsole

Both shoes carry generous outsole rubber over the key impact zones. The Cloudsurfer 2’s rubber is notably thick, with good heel pads, and is separated into sections so the sole can flex while retaining protection. The Cloudmonster 2 uses On’s familiar potted rubber design, which can wear thin in the heels over time, though mini studs help with that.

Our Verdict

The Cloudsurfer 2 takes the win for both testers, and it is not close. It is more comfortable, lighter, more versatile, smoother in transition, and cheaper. It delivers enough softness and road protection to cover long mileage without the clunky, heavy feel of the bigger shoe.

The Cloudmonster 2 still makes sense if you are a long-term fan of that classic On feel and want the most cushioned option in the range. But for everyday training across all run types, the Cloudsurfer 2 is the easier pick.

Conclusion

If you can only buy one, the Cloudsurfer 2 is the clear choice: a smoother ride, a better fit, more comfort, and a lower price. The Cloudmonster 2 remains an option for devoted fans of On’s traditional max-stack feel, but the newer shoe simply does more, for more runners, with less to complain about.