On Cloudsurfer review

On continues to innovate the unique design of its road running shoes with the revamped sole of the Cloudsurfer promising a softer and more cushioned ride. But does it deliver? Our expert tester Rob Slade finds out.

On has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade, with the brand’s trademark ‘clouds’ often noticeable on the bottom of multiple shoes when you’re around other triathletes. Take a look at On’s newest version of the Cloudsurfer, however, and those pods are here no more. 

First impressions of the On Cloudsurfer

Well, that’s not technically true. On says there are still clouds present, but they’re now built directly into the Helion foam used in the all-new one-piece CloudTec Phase midsole. Check out our round-up of the best On running shoes to buy in 2024.

What we’re left with are gaps in the foam orientated at different angles depending on where they are in the shoe. The idea is that these collapse like dominos when your feet strikes the ground, delivering improved cushioning and a softer ride. 

Comparing this seventh iteration to its predecessor, that’s really noticeable. In our review of the Cloudsurfer 6 in 2022, we noted that the ride was on the firm side, but it’s all change here.

Comfort and fit

From the moment you slip these shoes on and sink into the footbed the comfort is apparent, as is the case when head out on a run. Landings feel soft and plush, with a hint of a bounce imploring you to push yourself that little bit further. 

That comfort is boosted further by the generous padding around the ankle and on the tongue. The latter helps ensure zero discomfort from the lacing system, which itself allows you to achieve a great fit.

Speaking of which, as with the last version we decided to go up by half a size for the sake of extra length, but it’s worth noting that these shoes allow for a lot of toe splay and aren’t particularly narrow, so may be a fit for those with wider feet as well as those with standard widths. 

How does the On Cloudsurfer perform?

Despite the added cushioning, the new Cloudsurfer actually managed to knock roughly 100g off the weight of the last iteration and came in at 280g (size 11). That is sure to have something to do with the fact that On has ditched the Speedboard plate.

The weight loss is certainly noticeable and the Cloudsurfer feel light on the feet, but the lack of Speedboard does mean you lose a little bit of the rebound and energy return that you’d otherwise have. 

Comfort and weight

Ultimately, though, the fantastic CloudTec Phase softens that blow. As we mentioned earlier, there’s a hint of a bounce when running and the shoes roll smoothly from foot strike to toe off. And when you pick up the pace?

Well, that hint of a bounce grows. In fact, it regularly felt like the Cloudsurfer was egging us on and we found ourselves having to resist the urge to push harder or longer. 

Sustainability

Besides comfort and performance, On also continues to put a big emphasis on sustainability. In total, the shoe’s made up of roughly 30% recycled materials, with 85% of the polyester itself being recycled.

The brand also says that the dope dyeing process it uses to colour the shoes reduces water usage by 90% compared to standard techniques.  

Final thoughts – is the On Cloudsurfer worth buying?

After a two-month test period, it’s fair to say we’re fans of the revamped midsole. On says this is a training shoe (it has a 10mm drop and a neutral ride) and we’d agree that it’s an efficient daily trainer for short to mid-distances, but if you’re not looking for top-end speed, it’s cushioned embrace wouldn’t be unwelcome come the exit of T2.

On Cloudsurfer spec

Price:	$159.99 / £150
Sizes:	3-9 (women’s, UK), 6.5-13.5 (men’s, UK)
Drop:	10mm
Midsole:	Speedboard midsole cushions
Weight:	280g (size 11 men’s UK)
Type:	Neutral