On Cloudsurfer

• Posted on 18 May 2023
• By Running Lab Staff
• Posted in Cloudsurfer, neutral, On, On Cloud, On Running, Road running
• 0

The On Cloudsurfer utilizes computer-optimized technology for next-level cushioning and a smooth ride. This shoe incorporates the innovative CloudTec Phase technology, this allows the clouds to collapse onto one another and form a soft and seamless transition heel to toe. This shoe is leading the way in a new wave of sustainability. In order to conserve water, the Cloudsurfer's yarn is dyed using an eco-friendly process known as dope dyeing. This reduces water usage by 90% compared to conventional methods. In addition, the plastic overlays have been removed, bumping this shoe's total recycled content to 30%. 

Check out what our reviewers, Keith and Sidney have to say about their experience in the Cloudsurfer.

SUPPORT: Neutral
STACK HEIGHT: 37mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot)
HEEL TO TOE OFFSET: 10mm
WEIGHT: 8.3 oz (234.3 g) women's /  8.3 oz (235 g) men's
USE: Everyday running, walking
SURFACE: Road, lifestyle

ON THE RUN

Keith: This is the first On shoe that truly feels like running on clouds. The combination of softness and minimal weight makes for a very enjoyable, very comfortable running experience. It really felt like I was putting less impact on my body due to how much forgiveness the midsole has. The new CloudTec Phase technology collapses and helps the foot roll smoothly all the way through each step. 

Sidney: The Cloudsurfer is simply so soft. My foot felt cradled in every step whether I was walking or running. This shoe provided me with such a smooth ride. I enjoyed my runs wearing the surfer so much that I even switched shoes in the middle of a run so I could run in them.

FIT

Keith: The toebox of the Cloudsurfer is ample and accommodating. It has a slight amount of adjustability with an elastic first lacing loop that helps to pull it snugger if that is your preference. The midfoot fit is fairly deep and allows for a higher arch foot to fit comfortably. There is no noticeable wrap or hug making it feel very open. This leads it to feel a touch wobbly when moving side-to-side. There is a very nice heel cup in the Cloudsurfer that surrounds the heel with a lot of plush flexible cushion. I felt no irritation or rubbing anywhere on the heel or ankle. The gusseted tongue is soft also, and stays in place well. This helps take care of the pain I sometimes get on the top of my left foot! The dual layered upper is breathable and, so far, seems durable. The overall fit is very enjoyable. It is a rarity to have a shoe with this much cushion that feels this invisible while running in it. I find I am in between a men's size 10.5 and 11 in most shoes. I stuck with a 10.5 with the Cloudsurfer even though sometimes that size can be too snug. The shoe is slightly long which allowed me to have plenty of length and width for my foot to feel happy. 

Sidney: The toebox of the Cloudsurfer surprised me by being a little bit more spacious compared to other styles of On shoes. The Cloudsurfer managed to cup and hold in your heel making you feel nice and secure without sacrificing the soft feel of the upper. The upper is insanely soft complimenting the soft cushion the midsole offers. I liked the thick mesh tongue as it was silky and allowed your foot to feel hugged. I also really enjoyed how easily the shoe seemed to move with me. It was not restricting but still had a good amount of structure and support in the upper. I would say this shoe fits true to size, as an 8 fit me perfectly.

CUSHION

Keith: The Cloudsurfer's cushioning is light, super soft, and only a little bit springy. The cushion is all about comfort. The CloudTec Phase technology collapses to support the foot through the entire stride. It forms a very soft but substantial arch that feels like an air bubble coming up to meet your foot. It feels like a shoe I could run in all day!

Sidney: The cushion on this shoe is simply so soft. There is no better word for it. The way the CloudTec Phase technology allows the cloud pockets to collapse onto one another creates a very unique fluffy and smooth feel under the foot.

STABILITY

Keith: Stability is not the Cloudsurfer's strong suit. The midsole has so much give to it that it will only amplify any type of overpronation or collapse of the foot and ankle. 

Sidney: The softness of this shoe does sacrifice some of the stability. It can feel a little wobbly since the foam is so soft and moves so easily with your foot. As a neutral runner/walker I found the shoe to have enough stability for me. 

SPEED

Keith: This is a solid daily trainer. It can handle all distances from short tempos with it's light weight feel to long treks with its significant amount of cushioning. Personally, I would only use it as a trainer as the bounce for races just isn't there.

Sidney: I found this shoe was nice for any run. It holds up well in long runs, feels smooth and soft for support during recovery runs, and perfect for any run in between. I even am thinking about using it as my marathon shoe since it provides great comfort while remaining so light. 

COMPARISON

Keith: Competitors for the Cloudsurfer would be the Hoka Clifton, Brooks Glycerin, Saucony Triumph, Diadora Equipe Nucleo/Atomo, Nike ZoomX Invincible, and New Balance 1080. The Cloudsurfer feels lighter than all of these, with the Diadora's being the only one that comes close. The softness stacks up favorably as well, I would give The NB 1080 the same grade for softness. Several shoes in this category have a more responsive ride. Especially the Saucony Triumph and Nike ZoomX Invincible. 

Sidney: I found the Cloudsurfer to feel similar to the New Balance Fresh Foam. I also felt like this shoe resembled a Hoka with its super soft midsole. It reminds me of a mix of the Hoka Clifton and the On Cloudmonster since it features a fluffy midsole mixed with the unique feel of the CloudTec midsole. 

PREVIOUS VERSIONS

Keith: While the new Cloudsurfer does borrow its name from a previous On model, of which they made six iterations of, the comparison stops there. The new Cloudsurfer is all about soft cushion and a super light feel, as opposed to the original which had a stiff and extremely bouncy ride. 

WHAT WE THINK

Keith: This shoe is for anyone who values softness in a light package! It will work for casual runners and hardcore marathoners, as long as they don't have weak ankles. On nailed this one for sure and I would absolutely recommend experiencing it!

Sidney: Overall the softness this shoe offers makes it great for anyone who is looking for a soft and smooth ride. This shoe is perfect for someone who loves a cushy, fluffy feel under foot. 

MEET YOUR REVIEWERS

Keith

39 year old
Wears men's size 10.5/11

Running has always been a part of my life. When I was younger it was mainly a way to stay in shape for soccer; running track in the off-season was a way to train hard and stay competitive. I liked it, but it wasn't until my first marathon in my late 20's that I really fell in love with running. Since then I have completed 9 marathons, a 50-miler, and two 100-milers while also competing in countless 5k, 10k, and half-marathon races. I enjoy running just about anywhere except the treadmill. I prefer trails in the woods to the road and my favorite spot so far is Corsair Trail System in the Huron National Forest near East Tawas, MI. I also frequent the many trails we have in Southeast Michigan. I currently work at Running Lab and have worked there for a total of just over 5 years. My favorite thing about running is that it can be super competitive yet the running community is so supportive of each other.

Sidney

20 year old
Wears women's size 8

I am a newer runner and I am about to take on my first marathon. I am mainly road running right now since I am training for a road race but I do love to occasionally take on the trails as well. I became easily addicted to running shortly after I began running consistently about a year ago. I love the meditative aspect running brings me by clearing my mind and allowing me to be more positive and level-headed.