On Cloudsurfer Max Review: How It Stacks Up Against Brooks and ASICS

Introduction

The On Cloudsurfer Max steps into a lineup spot that used to belong to the Cloud Eclipse, one of On’s most likable max cushion shoes. The rename and rework bring the shoe closer to the feel of the rest of the On range, and that shift has real consequences for how it runs. This guide breaks down what changed, who the shoe suits, and how it compares against two strong alternatives in the same category: the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 and the ASICS Nimbus 27.

How We Evaluated These Shoes

All three shoes were assessed on cushioning feel, how they handle easy and recovery running, whether they perk up on faster long runs, upper comfort, and overall value at retail. The focus is the long run and daily mileage slot: big, tall shoes that look like pure comfort but often hide a more versatile side.

On Cloudsurfer Max

The Cloudsurfer Max is a 37 mm heel stack shoe with a 6 mm drop, putting 31 mm of foam under the forefoot. The midsole pairs On’s Helion foam with CloudTec Phase, the triangular compression elements that sit at different angles through the shoe to control how it compresses under your footstrike. Earlier iterations of this design drew complaints about squeaking, and On has added ridges and texture to the CloudTec Phase layers to address the noise. The outsole keeps a rubber pattern with an exposed channel down the middle to guide compression through ground contact.

The upper uses engineered mesh that is stretchy and breathable, with a knit tongue, pull tab, and a puffy heel collar wrapped in flat knit. Weight comes in at 292 g or 10.3 oz, roughly what you would expect for a shoe this size. On the road, the shoe is firmer than its predecessor, which makes it less plush for recovery running but gives it a noticeable pop when you pick up the pace. A small medial notch near the ball of the foot gives you extra foam to compress and push off from, a trait shared by several shoes in this category. The result is a shoe best described as a taller, firmer version of the Cloudsurfer 2: a bit firm, a bit tall, and very much an On design. It retails for $180, the same price as last year’s model, and fits best for runners who already like how On shoes feel.

Brooks Hyperion Max 3

The Hyperion Max 3 is the shoe that most closely pursues the same idea as the Cloudsurfer Max, and arguably lands it better. It uses a layer of DNA Gold, which is a PEBA foam, plus a plate, and shares many styling cues with the On shoe: breathable engineered mesh, a knit tongue, a padded heel collar lined with flat knit, and a rear pull tab. Like the Cloudsurfer Max, it has a small cutout on the medial side of the ball of the foot that gives you a strong platform to push off from as your foot pronates naturally.

Where it differs is character. The Hyperion Max 3 is genuinely fun on easy and recovery runs, and it stays engaging when you lift the pace on longer efforts. It is priced at $200, which is more than the On shoe it competes with, and that is the main obstacle here. If the price came down, it would be an easy recommendation over the Cloudsurfer Max for most runners.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27

The Nimbus 27 takes a different route to a similar destination. The styling cues differ noticeably, but the shared formula is familiar: a comfortable breathable mesh upper, knit tongue, well-padded heel collar, and flat knit ending in a pull tab. Underfoot, FF Blast Plus foam is a lively material on its own, but the geometry and a touch of pure gel make it stable and comfortable for easy running rather than bouncy.

This is the most max cushion oriented shoe of the three. It handles recovery runs and everyday mileage better than either competitor and is not intended for speed. Use it when comfort comes first, and reach for one of the other two when you want a shoe that stays peppy on faster long runs. At a retail price of $165, it is also the most affordable option here.

Buying Advice

Choose the Cloudsurfer Max if you already enjoy On shoes and want a taller option for Saturday long runs. Its firmer ride makes more sense within On’s lineup than it does as a standalone plush trainer, and $180 is a fair price if the brand’s feel works for you. If you want more dynamic cushioning that compresses and decompresses pleasantly underfoot, a leftover pair of the Cloud Eclipse, discounted to as low as $125 to $140 where stock remains, remains the more rewarding buy.

If you can accept a higher price for a livelier ride, the Hyperion Max 3 at $200 is the stronger performer of the group. If cushioning and comfort are the priority and budget matters, the Nimbus 27 at $165 does that job best.

Conclusion

The Cloudsurfer Max brings consistency to On’s lineup rather than excitement, and whether that is a win depends on what you want from a max cushion trainer. For plush recovery days, the Nimbus 27 leads. For a long run shoe with real pep, the Hyperion Max 3 is the one to beat. For loyal On fans, the Cloudsurfer Max is a comfortable, good-looking addition that delivers more of what the brand already does well.