On’s back with a new, more sustainably-made version of its daily trainer, the Cloudsurfer 2. The brand decided to restart the series last year with the seventh iteration, which meant that this year’s eighth iteration is called Cloudsurfer 2.
As noted by many reviewers, it makes sense for the Swiss running shoe giant to restart the numbering; the original Cloudsurfer, which came out in 2012 and was much firmer than the newer models. They could’ve just kept going with the numbering to emphasise the heritage of the shoes, but they didn’t – what can you do?
Yesteryear’s Cloudsurfer introduced the CloudTec Phase midsole, which makes away with the On-signature Speedboard plate and provides a smoother daily trainer experience. The new version is said to use an updated version of the CloudTec Phase, as well as a new upper and enhanced outsole design for added durability.
Are the shoes any good, though? Should they be considered among the best running shoes of 2025? These were the questions on my mind as I slipped into the shoes and headed out for my runs. Find the answers below!
On Cloudsurfer 2 review
Price and availability
The Cloudsurfer 2 launched in February 2025 and is available now at On US, On UK and On AU for a recommended price of $160/ £150/ AU$260. It comes in both women's and men's versions in four different colours (eight in total). Men’s sizes range from 7-14 (US) and 6.5-13.5 (UK), while women’s sizes range from 5-11 (US) and 3-9 (UK).
Specifications
- Best for: daily training, jogging, walking
- Weight: 260g (men’s UK 8)
- Drop: 9mm
- Stack height: 32mm (heel), 23mm (forefoot)
Design and materials
I hope no one expected quite an overhaul this year after the reinvention of the Cloudsurfer franchise last year. The 2025 model refines what makes the shoes so popular by adding new elements and tweaking others.
The upper went through the most drastic changes. The Cloudsurfer 2 is supposed to have a more breathable upper material paired with a refined tongue design and enhanced embroidered details.
The shoes have lost the long ribbon running across the entire length of the tongue. Probably for the best, as it caused some chafing when I tested the shoes last year. The new design not only loses the ribbon but allows the ankle to flex forward more by adding a little indentation at the top.
Another update is the “computer-optimised” outsole geometry engineered for a more durable ride. The rubber formed a more continuous unit on the previous Cloudsurfer, whereas here, it’s broken into sections, adding thicker layers in high-wear areas (e.g. lateral side of the forefoot).
Stack height has been significantly reduced, from 37mm (heel, Cloudsurfer) to 32mm (heel, Cloudsurfer 2). The drop is shallower, too, although still quite steep at 9mm (previously 10mm). The shoes are somewhat heavier (strangely) at 261g compared to last year’s Cloudsurfer’s 245g.
Performance and comfort
On made the right decision by removing the Speedboard from the Cloudsurfer series. They used to put it in every one of their shoes because the foam used to feel rock-hard. I remember running in the On Cloudswift in 2019 and thinking it was the hardest shoe I’ve ever tried. You can tell from the photos how thin the midsole of On running shoes used to be.
The brand put the running experience on a new trajectory with 2022’s On Cloudmonster, which introduced a double-stack foam setup, making the shoes much softer. Since then, On has embraced the high-stack life, with the new Cloudsurfer being an excellent example of a daily trainer: plush but supportive, comfortable and sexy.
I find the new upper a bit tighter than the previous version. It might be more breathable, but the toebox tapers a bit too soon for my feet. It’s not uncomfortable to wear, but I can certainly feel the pressure on the big toe after a while. The length of the shoes is fine; it’s just that the reinforced bit around the edge of the toebox rounds the upper off too early.
The new tongue construction is better. The Cloudsurfer has a standard lacing setup, and the tongue does a good job of reducing the pressure on the top of the foot. I particularly like the rear section of the shoes; there is plenty of support around the ankles. The heels are locked in, too, which makes running in the Cloudsurfer 2 a controlled experience.
Some people mentioned the firmness of the CloudTec Phase, but I found them comfortable enough. On says the midsole was designed so that the Cloud elements collapse sequentially to provide a smooth ride. In my experience, this is exactly what’s happening, Heel-to-toe transition is also excellent.
Verdict
The latest On Cloudsurfer iteration doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it moves the franchise in the right direction via tweaks and improvements. The new upper and tongue work well together, and the enhanced CloudTec Phase is just as good as it was last time around.
If you have the previous version and it still has some life in it, there is no rush to upgrade to this one. If you’re looking for a new daily trainer that double-up as walking shoes (and triple as lifestyle trainers), the Cloudsurfer 3 is an excellent choice.
Also consider
On Cloudmonster 2: A high-stack, super-cushioned On shoe with more bounce than the Cloudsurfer 2 and better durability. It's heavier, though, offering a more maximalist ride.
Hoka Mach 6: A lighter daily trainer with a soft yet propulsive feel. The rocker geometry enhances transitions. It has a lower stack height but is more speed-oriented than the On.
Brooks Ghost 16: Provides a soft yet stable ride with a more forgiving toe box, making it a great option for those who find the Cloudsurfer 2’s tapered forefoot too restrictive. However, it's not as bouncy as the On.
