The On Cloudsurfer 2 is one of those shoes that makes you smile the first time you run in it. On has a reputation for unique cushioning designs, and with the Cloudsurfer 2, they’ve taken their computer-optimized CloudTec Phase geometry and refined it into a shoe that feels smoother and more natural than many of their earlier models. What I really liked was how it struck a balance between fun, bouncy cushioning and everyday practicality—it’s light, it’s comfortable, and it rolls through each stride in a way that makes running feel a little easier. It’s not trying to be a max-cushion cruiser or a speed shoe, but rather a versatile daily trainer that feels great at a variety of paces.
Technical Specs
- Weight: ~245 g (men’s US 9) / ~8.6 oz
- Stack Height: 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
- Drop: 6 mm
- Midsole Foam: Helion™ superfoam with CloudTec Phase geometry
- Upper: Engineered mesh with 100% recycled polyester content
- Outsole: Rubberized foam with targeted traction zones
- Category: Neutral daily trainer
- Fit: True to size, medium fit with a breathable, flexible toe box
Upper
The upper on the Cloudsurfer 2 feels lightweight and breathable, with a clean, streamlined look. The engineered mesh keeps things airy on warm runs, and the recycled materials give it a nice sustainable touch. I liked how the midfoot wrap felt snug without being tight, and the heel collar had just the right amount of padding to hold me in place without adding bulk. The tongue is lightly padded and stays put, which made for a secure lockdown. The toebox felt flexible and roomy enough for natural toe splay, making longer runs comfortable. Overall, the upper did exactly what I wanted—disappeared on my foot once I got moving.
Midsole
The Helion superfoam paired with the CloudTec Phase midsole geometry is where this shoe shines. At 34 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot, there’s plenty of cushioning, but what really stood out to me was how smooth the rocker felt. The shoe rolls you forward in a natural way, and the foam itself feels soft on landing with a touch of rebound at toe-off. It’s not overly springy like a plated shoe, but there’s a playful energy to it that made daily runs more enjoyable. I appreciated the 6 mm drop—it kept me balanced and encouraged a midfoot strike without feeling forced.
Outsole
The outsole uses rubberized foam with some additional traction zones, and while it’s not the most aggressive outsole, it felt reliable on the road. On dry pavement, grip was excellent, and it held up surprisingly well on damp surfaces too. Because there’s less heavy rubber, the shoe stays lighter and more flexible, though that does mean durability might not be as high as some traditional trainers. After a number of runs, though, I saw minimal wear, so I think it should handle average mileage just fine. I liked how smooth the outsole made transitions feel—it kept the ride fluid from landing to toe-off.
Performance
On the run, the Cloudsurfer 2 felt versatile and fun. Easy recovery runs were cushioned and smooth, while moderate-paced efforts benefited from the rolling rocker geometry that seemed to keep me moving forward. It’s not the shoe I’d grab for intervals or racing, but it didn’t feel sluggish when I picked up the pace. What I really enjoyed was how fresh my legs felt after longer runs—the foam and geometry worked together to reduce impact in a way I could feel the next day. It’s the kind of shoe that made me look forward to lacing up, which says a lot.
Conclusion
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is a well-rounded daily trainer that combines comfort, smooth transitions, and a touch of bounce. The breathable upper, Helion superfoam midsole, and lightweight outsole all contribute to a ride that’s enjoyable across a range of runs. It’s not the most durable or the fastest shoe in the lineup, but that’s not what it’s trying to be—it’s about making daily running feel smoother and more comfortable. For me, it’s a shoe I’d happily keep in my rotation for easy runs, long runs, and those days when I just want something that feels good underfoot.
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
