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, essentially ditching the old formula and starting fresh. It was clear this wasn’t just an update but an entirely new take on what the Cloudsurfer could be. Designed for runners who value cushioning and comfort without sacrificing energy return, the shoe introduced On’s CloudTec Phase technology, which reimagined those signature pods on the sole to create a softer and smoother landing. 

Unlike its predecessors, the 2023 model felt plush yet springy, thanks to Helion Superfoam. It was a daily trainer that walked the line perfectly between soft comfort and responsiveness. No marshmallow-sinking here—it had just enough bounce to keep things peppy. 

ON also stripped out their traditional plastic Speedboard (finally!), which previously gave some runners an overly stiff feel. Instead, they leaned into a more natural, effortless ride, and the result was a shoe that worked just as well for easy runs as it did for mid-mileage days. 

The Cloudsurfer 2 builds on the success of its predecessor but takes things in a slightly different direction. The overall design sticks to a similar vibe. It’s got the same stack height (32mm in the heel), Helion foam, and even a nearly identical silhouette. But, as we all know, the devil is in the details, especially when it comes to running shoes.

Meet the New ON Cloudsurfer 2

UPPER

Engineered Mesh for Better Airflow 

The upper has been reworked to improve breathability, with the new engineered mesh. It feels lighter and more breathable, which makes it a great shoe for warmer-weather runs or high-intensity workouts. The mesh now feels more durable than the previous model.

Updated Tongue and Comfort Features 

The tongue design has changed quite a bit. It now has a more structured feel and a generous amount of padding. That said, it’s no longer gusseted, which may bother those who prefer a more secure midfoot wrap. On the bright side, the plush padding around the heel collar stays, so these ON running shoes still feels super comfy out of the box. 

Adjustments to Fit 

While the overall fit hasn’t really changed and stays true to size, the tighter knit in the new mesh gives the shoe a bit more structure compared to the softer, more yielding upper in the Cloudsurfer (2023). While this design provides better overall hold, runners with wider feet may notice slightly less room in the toe box. For those with average or narrow feet, the upper hugs comfortably.

Rockered Geometry 

The rockered shape from the 2023 version is still here, but On has leaned into it with a slightly updated midsole geometry. The forward roll feels more pronounced, making for a smoother, more natural motion, especially when running at slower to moderate paces.

Aesthetics

For anyone who cares about how their running shoes look (and who doesn’t?), the updated design adds some subtle embroidery across the upper for a slightly more polished vibe. Plus, the upper now uses recycled materials.

MIDSOLE

Firmer Helion Foam

While the first Cloudsurfer had an ultra-soft, almost pillowy midsole, the Cloudsurfer 2 brings some bounce back, thanks to its firmer Helion foam and tweaked compression design. It creates a more balanced ride, providing good energy return without feeling like the cushion is squished flat. Generally, the shoe feels slightly “snappier”. That said, it still prioritizes comfort over outright responsiveness, so it doesn’t feel as lively as more aggressive daily trainers.

Refined CloudTec Geometry 

ON’s signature CloudTec pods remain integral to the Cloudsurfer 2, but their geometry has been fine-tuned. The pods now collapse more sequentially during foot strikes, delivering an even smoother transition from heel to toe. Also, the pods now sit recessed within the outsole structure, reducing the likelihood of getting tiny rocks stuck mid-run.

OUTSOLE

Thicker Rubber Coverage 

The new ON Cloudsurfer 2 has a beefed-up rubber on the forefoot and heel sections of the outsole. This time, it’s thicker and covers more ground. This means the sole can handle more wear and tear. It also grips better.

ON Cloudsurfer vs. ON Cloudsurfer 2 at a glance 

Upper Updates 

• Cloudsurfer: Soft, cushioned upper with excellent flexibility. Praised for its comfort and fit. 
• Cloudsurfer 2: Features a stiffer, engineered mesh upper with improved breathability. The tongue has been redesigned, though it lacks gusseting. 

Midsole Updates 

• Cloudsurfer: Softer Helion Superfoam that many runners loved for its plush feel but sometimes felt it bottomed out on long runs. 
• Cloudsurfer 2: The midsole retains the Helion Superfoam but offers a firmer build, creating a more resilient and responsive ride. CloudTec Phase technology continues to provide smooth transitions.

Outsole Updates 

• Cloudsurfer: Adequate grip but less pronounced rubber coverage. 
• Cloudsurfer 2: Enhanced rubber coverage in high-impact areas for better traction. The outsole is thicker and more resistant to wear.

Final Thoughts on the ON Cloudsurfer 2

Pros 

• Improved durability with firmer foam and robust rubber outsole 
• Smooth transitions aided by CloudTec Phase technology 
• Lightweight design with a breathable, stylish engineered mesh upper 
• Eco-friendly materials and thoughtful design elements 
• Great for easy-paced runs and stylish enough for casual wear

Cons 

• Not as soft or cushioned as its predecessor 
• Tongue design may not appeal to everyone due to its lack of gusseting and stiffness 
• Limited versatility for faster training runs

Who Is This Shoe For? 

The Cloudsurfer 2 is best suited for runners looking for a dependable daily trainer with a smooth, controlled ride. It shines during recovery runs or easy-paced runs and will appeal to those who prioritize stability and durability over ultra-soft cushioning.