On Cloudsurfer 3 vs Cloudsurfer 2: What the New Midsole Changes

Introduction

The Cloudsurfer 3 is On’s newest take on its rocker-style daily trainer, and it arrives with a bigger overhaul than the numbers suggest. A brand-new midsole foam called Surreal replaces the Helion foam used previously, and the result is a shoe that is noticeably more cushioned, softer and more substantial than the Cloudsurfer 2, without losing the smooth rolling feel that defines the line.

The trade-off is weight: at 305 g (10.8 oz) in a UK 9, this is a fair bit heavier than either previous Cloudsurfer. The price stays the same at £150 to £160, and the drop actually comes down slightly, from 9 mm to 8 mm. So is the extra bulk worth it? After early runs in both models, here is how they stack up.

What Is New in the Cloudsurfer 3

The headline change is the Surreal midsole, a supercritical PEBA-based foam that On positions as lighter, softer and a little more energetic than what came before. It keeps the CloudTec Phase cushioning, where gaps in the midsole let the foam collapse into each other like dominoes to create a smooth rocker effect through the stride. There is also more rubber on the outsole, with thick coverage across the forefoot and heel that should help long-term durability.

The upper is a warp knit construction with generous padding on the tongue and heel collar. Step-in comfort is excellent, and the oversized heel padding turned out to be a pleasant surprise: rather than feeling excessive, the soft liner grips gently at the base of the Achilles and holds the heel securely. Fit is true to size, with good toebox room, a secure midfoot hold and a nicely padded tongue, though runners in hot climates may find the upper slightly warm since breathability is not its strongest trait.

Ride and Performance

Early runs back up the “more shoe” claim. The Surreal foam starts off noticeably soft, and there is clearly more cushioning under the forefoot, where previous Cloudsurfer models began to thin out. That extra foam also means the shoe is less likely to bottom out on long runs, a complaint with earlier versions.

The CloudTec Phase design still dominates the ride, and it works. Those compressing segments roll you smoothly from landing to toe-off, and the rocker profile gives an encouraging, measured push without feeling bouncy or wild. On a progression run from 9-minute miles down to 6:30s, the shoe stayed smooth and comfortable through the easy and moderate paces, with around 7:00 to 7:30 pace feeling like the sweet spot. Push toward faster thresholds and it starts to feel laboured, so this is a shoe for the bottom two-thirds of your pace range rather than the top.

It is not a hyper-responsive foam, and that is fine. What you get instead is a stable, protective, balanced ride that feels efficient and assistive at daily training paces, with just a bit more energy returned than the Cloudsurfer 2. For logging easy volume and covering a lot of mileage comfortably, it does the job well.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is the strongest card here. Every Cloudsurfer has been easy on the foot, and the 3 follows that pattern with plush, instant step-in comfort and a fit that works in your usual running shoe size. The padded tongue lets you lace down tightly with no pressure or lace pinch, and the flexible warp knit upper wraps the foot without any squishing or closing in.

Despite weighing over 10 ounces, the shoe did not feel burdensome on the run. The big stack keeps landings soft and protective, and the overall design keeps it feeling nimble and compact for a daily trainer. It is also a good-looking shoe that pairs easily with casual clothes, which adds to its appeal as an everyday option.

On Cloudsurfer 2: Still Worth It?

A short run with one shoe on each foot makes the differences obvious. The Cloudsurfer 2 is the nimbler, lighter shoe, and you feel that immediately just walking in them. It still feels soft, and for a quick test it can even seem like the better shoe on feel alone.

The catch shows up under the forefoot and over distance. The older model simply has less foam down there, and experience with the Cloudsurfer 2 suggests it can bottom out a little on long runs. It also feels slightly less stable, with a touch more inward roll than the new shoe. If you prioritise a light, agile feel for shorter runs, the Cloudsurfer 2 remains a pleasant option, but the 3 is the safer pick for mileage.

Buying Advice

The Cloudsurfer 3 sits somewhere between the previous Cloudsurfer models and On’s softest cushioning shoes. It is softer than the Cloudsurfer 2 without tipping into squishy territory, and the rocker keeps it rolling smoothly despite the added weight. Think of it as a reliable, cushioned daily trainer for banking miles, not a shoe for track sessions or hard speedwork.

It is also more accessible than On’s pricier max-cushion models, coming in cheaper while covering the same easy-mile duties, and the Surreal foam loses much of the harshness that some earlier On shoes had. Casual runners doing two or three easy runs a week will be well served, as will anyone who wants a single comfortable shoe for most of their weekly volume. If you need something livelier for faster sessions, look elsewhere, but for comfort-first daily running this is a strong pick.

Conclusion

The Cloudsurfer 3 is a deliberate shift in character: bigger, softer, heavier and more protective, while keeping the smooth rolling ride that made the line popular. The new Surreal foam is among the best felt in an On daily trainer, the fit is true to size and genuinely comfortable, and the extra outsole rubber bodes well for durability. It will not blow you away at fast paces, but as a cushioned, stable shoe for everyday miles, it is a solid update, and most runners will prefer it to the Cloudsurfer 2 for anything beyond short, light efforts.