Cloudsurfer next vs cloudsurfer
On Cloudsurfer Next review
Who should buy
We believe the On Cloudsurfer Next is an appealing choice for:
- Runners who appreciate the Cloudmonster 2 but crave a more dynamic ride.
- Those seeking a narrow, sleek daily trainer with high-quality materials and top-notch build quality.
- Anyone preferring firmer, stable cushioning over a plush feel in their daily trainer.
Who should NOT buy
We believe heel strikers may find the Cloudsurfer Next less enjoyable due to its narrow heel and low heel-to-toe drop, making it more suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers. In our view, better options exist for this group of runners, like the Nike Pegasus 41 or ASICS Novablast 4.
Additionally, those preferring a softer running experience may struggle with the Cloudsurfer Next’s firmer midsole, even with the addition of CloudTec Phase. We suggest considering the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 or New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14, both offering a plush alternative for daily runs at a similar price point.
Cushioning
Shock absorption
NewThe Cloudsurfer aims to rival daily trainers like the Pegasus, so it’s no surprise that it delivers average shock absorp
On Cloudsurfer Next Review: A Perfect 10?
The first thing I do when testing any shoe is slide it onto my foot. The upper, fit and materials always make my first impression. I can tell a lot about the designer’s intentions with the upper of the shoe. If it’s plush and padded, the shoe prioritizes comfort above all else. It’s probably a great daily trainer. If the upper is sleek, lightweight and minimal, it’s meant for performance, when every ounce counts.
Sliding into the Cloudsurfer Next, I thought the shoe would fall into the former category. The fit felt plush and smooth, with thick padding in the tongue and around the heel. “I can tell these shoes are built for pure comfort,” I thought to myself. But taking my first strides in the shoes told a different story. They felt firm and snappy, like something I may pick up for a speed session. What gives?
While the feel of the upper and the midsole may be at odds with each other, we all agreed that the Cloudsurfer Next stays true to its Swiss roots with a nice, clean aesthetic.
“On’s reputation of nailing a stylish shoe is well deserved and the Cloudsurfer Next is no exception,” says Mandy. “I got numerous compliments from peo
The New ON Cloudsurfer 2: Everything You Wanted to Know
If you’ve been following On’s Cloudsurfer series, you’ve probably realized they’ve undergone quite a transformation. What started as a fairly rigid, rocker-shaped running shoe with a flat, almost harsh feel on the pavement has blossomed into something entirely different. The evolution really hit its stride with the Cloudsurfer released in 2023, and now with the release of the Cloudsurfer 2, On seems firmly planted in their "soft wins" philosophy.
ON Cloudsurfer 2 Specs:
- Weight: 9.2 oz (Men’s US 9) / 7.8 oz (Women’s US 7.5)
- Ride: Balanced
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Energy: Responsive
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9mm
- Stack Height: 32mm / 23mm
- Midsole: Helion Superfoam with CloudTec Phase design
- Outsole: Computer-optimized geometry and thicker rubber for better grip.
- Upper: Breathable engineered mesh with a padded tongue
- Category: Neutral daily trainer
- Purpose: Ideal for easy runs, short to mid-distance daily training, recovery runs, and casual wear
- Price: $160
The Cloudsurfer Lineup Evolution
The Cloudsurfer (2023) marked a major pivot for On, essentia
On Cloudsurfer Next: A daily trainer built for speed
- Weight: 273g (M), 225g (W)
- Stack height: 30mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6mm
- Best for: Tempo, progression, interval and speed sessions
On Cloudsurfer Next
Cons
- A little firm for easy/recovery days
- Narrow fit may not suit very wide feet
- May not work as well for extreme heel strikers
The shoe
I’m a big fan of the On Cloudsurfer 7 and was one of the reviewers who rated it as worthy of the Best in Test award in our Summer Shoe Mentor last year, so my hand shot up to test the next evolution in the series. However, it quickly became remove that the Cloudsufer Next is actually quite a different shoe. It’s much less the gentle, cushy cruiser you get in the Cloudsurfer 7 and much more built for the faster stuff. Of course that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The first line of On’s summary of the Cloudsurfer Next on their website reads: ‘Run smooth. Feel Faster’ – a couple of promises that will be pretty appealing to many runners, myself included.
The Clousdurfer Next is made for those looking for something firmer, peppier and more responsive over plush cushioning for their training miles, but as
On created its best daily trainer in the form of Cloudswift 4. It’s a versatile shoe that performs as amazing as it looks and has everything that we’re looking for in a daily mileage companion—flexibility, a superior upper, and a supportive platform.
Cloudswift 4 offers a fuss-free experience through its loose build, allowing us to adapt to various situations swiftly. In our bend test, it emerged 28.7% more flexible than average, boosting comfort for everyday wear.
Though this is a neutral trainer, it provides good stability that comes from its moderate 32.7/22.3 mm stack height and broad 93.8 mm heel. These elements guide our feet in place and enhance our surefootedness, keeping us stable even in sharp turns.
Cloudswift 4 features a well-ventilated knit upper that hugs our feet. We felt the breeze even while running in the sun. It scored 4/5 on our breathability test in the lab, showing beyond doubt its high-quality upper.
Unfortunately, the cushion may feel harsh on longer miles, especially for forefoot strikers. Best to check more comfortable options for LSDs.
Pros
- Outstanding knit upper
- Improved traction
- Premium build quality
- Remarkable stable