On Cloudsurfer Running Shoes Review
An in-depth review of the On Cloudsurfer shoe for road runners
January 17th, 2024
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OUR VERDICT
I have to admit, I was surprised to be so stoked for these shoes. I’d felt hesitant, probably because they have suddenly become so popular and until now I wasn’t sure why. And while no truly perfect running shoe that works for every single person exists, the On Cloudsurfer is a crowd pleaser and that can serve a lot of different kinds of runners.
In this review, I use my 21 years of running experience – including my years as a D1 athlete, competitive marathoner, and high school and college coach–to analyze this shoe and compare it to other road running shoes. From intense collegiate training, high mileage ultra training, laidback hobby jogging (in my hip arthritis era), and nerding out on the sport, I have learned a lot about the development of road running shoes.
After testing the On Cloudsurfer on everything from easy jogs around the neighborhood to snowy training runs to tougher workouts on paved paths in the foothills, I assessed the ins and outs of this shoe.
On a personal level, this has been the most comfortable road running shoe I’ve ever worn since developing hip arthritis. When I think back to my more competitive racing days, I would have loved this shoe for daily training runs and active recovery days. Now, as a non-competitive runner who isn’t training for races, I want to wear this shoe all the time. It’s comfy, and the cushion makes me feel like I have the joints of a more spry runner than I likely am anymore.
After miles of testing the Cloudsurfers on the roads and soft, non-technical trails around Denver and in Indiana, I’ve spent many hours running in the shoes over several months of all kinds of runs. To back up my own testing, I also analyzed both media and customer reviews and compared the Cloudsurfers side-by-side with more than a dozen similar running shoes I'm currently testing.
This guide will break down the elements of the shoes, compare them to similar models, and help you determine if they are the right shoe for you.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
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SPECS
Cushion: plush (between mid and max)
Stability: neutral
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
Stack Height: 37 mm (heel), 27 mm (toe)
Upper: mesh
Midsole: CloudTec
Outsole: Helion foam
Weight (pair): 17.2 oz (men’s), 14.4 oz (women’s)
BEST FOR
While the On Cloudsurfer may not be intended for speed workouts or races, the author wears them for almost any road run.
The On Cloudsurfer is a road running shoe, ideal as a daily trainer for folks looking for plenty of cushion and a high heel-to-toe drop to offset heel striking. The shoe works well for daily training runs at easy to moderate paces, active recovery runs and activities, and even light workouts like tempos.
This shoe would also be a good option for folks newly getting into running, as the cushion will help alleviate some of the aches and pains in the joints that sometimes accompany getting into running. So whether you’re training for your first ever 5k, your 12th marathon, or just looking to add some movement to your lifestyle, the On Cloudsurfer can be a good fit.
COMPARISON TABLE OF SIMILAR MODELS
Men's
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT (ONE SHOE) | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 8.6 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
| On Cloudmonster | $170 | Max | Forward rolling | 9.7 oz | 6 mm | Long runs |
| On Cloudflyer | $170 | Plush | Stable | 10.6 oz | 10 mm | Road |
| On Cloudstratus | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 10.7 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer |
| On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 10.8 oz | 6 mm | Recovery, long runs |
Women's
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 7.2 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
| On Cloudmonster | $170 | Max | Forward rolling | 8.11 oz | 6 mm | Long runs |
| On Cloudflyer | $170 | Plush | Stable | 9 oz | 9 mm | Road |
| On Cloudstratus | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 8.8 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer |
| On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 8.5 oz | 6 mm | Recovery, long runs |
The author running in the On Cloudsurfer during a misty Indiana day.
WHAT WE LIKED
excellent cushion
general comfort
surprisingly springy midsole
WHAT COULD BE BETTER?
not very responsive (doesn’t have quick turnover between when you touch the ground and lift your foot–i.e., you won’t run as fast)
rocks/gravel can get stuck in the outsole
not available in wide sizes
WHO IS ON?
While the On Cloudsurfer is a road running shoe, it can cross over to gravel and non-technical trails.
The Swiss company On has really hit its stride in the US recently, showing up in stores and on the feet of professionals and everyday runners alike. With so many shoes and a lot of hype, we at Treeline Review, like many runners, felt overwhelmed and wanted to learn more about each of their numerous models of shoes. So we decided to dive in.
With so many options, I decided to start my research and testing with the On Cloudsurfer, mostly because a friend of mine recommended them, and because of the four On models I am currently testing, they felt the most comfortable right out of the box. And let me tell you, all the other On shoes are going to have a lot to live up to after I experienced the glory of the CloudTec midsole cushion and technology specific to the Cloudsurfer. The shoes are cushioned and springy, and they made my achy arthritic joints feel like they could run like they used to (I mean, they couldn’t, but this is as close to feeling that way as I can get).
Details
A closeup of the On Cloudsurfer’s CloudTec midsole in action.
Fit
The Cloudsurfer is a comfort machine. Highly cushioned and lightweight with a comfortable upper, the shoe truly lives up to the Cloud name. I found my achy, aging body to feel immediately ready to run. In contrast, I have to walk around a bit in other daily trainers before I feel ready to actually run.
Midsole and Cushioning
Perhaps the most notable quality of the Cloudsurfer is its cushion. The plush cushion is described by On as between mid and max cushioning, but it’s hard to imagine needing any more than this. Even on days when my hip arthritis was flaring up, and my body did not want to run, wearing these shoes felt like stepping on small, soft springboards. Not springboards as in “I will run fast today,” but springboards as in “my joints won’t feel crushed with each step.”
The CloudTec cushion material of the midsole is thick (37 mm at the heel), which is great for runners looking to lessen the impact on their joints with each stride. As an arthritic runner, I swooned for this technology, which was far more cushioned without feeling like I was sinking down than any other midsole technology I’ve encountered.
This isn’t to say more responsive, less cushioned midsoles are wrong; in fact, they can be preferred for runners who don’t have joint issues and are looking for a faster training shoe. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s more responsive and allows for quicker turnover (i.e., you want to run faster), the Cloudsurfer’s high stack and plush cushioning are likely to hinder you and feel like too much tech. When it comes to how a midsole should feel, it’s a lot like falling in love–you just know it when you feel it. It will just feel right.
The closest shoe I can think to compare this to is the Hoka Clifton, as it also offers significant cushion. In a side-by-side comparison, though, the Cloudsurfer feels more plush than the Clifton.
On CloudTec
CloudTec is On’s cushioning system. The Swiss company designed their midsole cushioning to absorb impact and reduce strain while adapting to your unique movements. With each stride, CloudTec compresses where it should to provide cushion where you need it. While On doesn’t disclose the specific materials that construct CloudTec, you can think of it like EVA material in other shoes.
Helion Superfoam
Helion is On’s superfoam – a combination of rigid and flexible materials to form a lightweight performance outsole.
The On Cloudsurfer offers plush cushioning.
Level of cushioning compared to other road shoes
The On Cloudsurfer has a high level of cushioning compared to most running shoes. The On Cloudmonster has a “max” cushion, which means it is even more cushioned than the Cloudsurfer. However, the only other shoe we’ve tested that comes close to this level of cushion is the Hoka Cliftons, and even they don’t feel quite as soft.
Impact absorption and energy return
Due to the CloudTec cushioning, the Cloudsurfer does a phenomenal job absorbing impact with each stride. With my achy arthritic joint, this was by far the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever run in.
The energy return, or how your momentum is harnessed to help propel you forward, is fine for the level of cushion you’re getting – in fact, they feel a little springy – but certainly not significant if energy return is your priority. Because the shoe is more cushioned and less responsive, your turnover won’t be quick. If energy return is a priority, you may want to consider On running shoes that utilize the Speedboard technology, like the Cloudboom Echo (men's and women's) or Cloudflor 4 (men's and women's).
Comfort
The Cloudsurfer is comfy. The plush midsole and soft knit upper feel great, and the bouncy feel of the CloudTec encourages a smooth run. We're not alone in this thinking. After reading media and customer reviews of these shoes, it seems most folks agree that the Cloudsurfer is comfortable due to the highly cushioned midsole and that it could be categorized beyond “plush” to “max” cushion.
Stability and Support
The On Cloudsurfer is neutral and not a stability-added shoe, meaning it works with the natural movement of your feet. Some folks want increased stability to help control their overpronation (when the feet roll inward when they land) or supination (when the feet roll outward when they land).
The neutral support of the Cloudsurfer is good for folks whose feet don’t overpronate or supinate. This is info you can learn about yourself at many running stores, where they may have a treadmill and camera setup to assess how your feet land when you run.
A neutral running shoe is also good for folks who use corrective orthotic inserts to fix their stride. As someone with hip dysplasia and arthritis on one side, I experience one pronating foot and one neutral foot, so a neutral shoe like the Cloudsurfer could work well with corrective inserts.
Ride
Most neutral and plush shoes aren’t going to feel very responsive, but the On Cloudsurfer is surprisingly springy, considering its level of cushion. The ride, then, feels both cushiony and like your energy is being harnessed to help propel you forward. I have yet to feel sluggish in these shoes despite the frequent number of “bad hip arthritis” days I’ve had while testing them. It’s a smooth and comfy ride, and On’s description of the shoe even lists “computer-optimized midsole for our smoothest ride yet” as a key feature.
Small rocks can be easily stuck in the outsole. Photo by Chelsea Blanchard.
Outsole, Grip, and Traction
The rubber outsole is concentrated at the heel and forefoot. The grip and traction is good for a road running shoe, though I wouldn’t recommend them for much trail running (see our best men's trail running shoes and best women's trail running shoes guides for more recommendations). I’d exercise caution on icy, wintry surfaces, too.
One issue with the shoe is how the shape of the outsole allows for small rocks to get stuck while you’re running. If you tend to run on gravel or similar surfaces, you may encounter this problem.
Versatility
The Cloudsurfer is a versatile training shoe in the sense that it could serve you well over daily training runs, recovery days, and light or long workouts (like tempos and fartleks). While it wouldn’t be ideal for speed training or racing, the Cloudsurfer wouldn’t perform noticeably worse than other similar daily trainers.
Thinking back to my more competitive days, I’d totally wear these shoes for everything except track workouts and races. In my current non-competitive days? This is an everything shoe.
Responsiveness
Typically, responsiveness (or that feeling of being able to have quick turnover while you’re running) is sacrificed when more cushion is brought into the picture. It makes sense–more cushion means your body will “sink” down into the midsole with each step. However, On’s midsole technology is designed to harness that energy and propel you forward. I can tell you from the miles and miles I’ve spent in these shoes, it works. These aren’t racing shoes, but they do feel surprisingly springy for the amount of cushion they provide.
Warmth
As a breathable road running shoe, the Cloudsurfer is not designed to provide warmth. If warmth is a concern, we recommend some quality merino wool running socks from brands like Darn Tough, Smartwool, or Minus33. See our best running socks guide for recommendations on specific models we like.
Break-In Time
For me, the Cloudsurfer required no break-in time. My go-to road runners prior to testing these were the Saucony Rides (men's and women's), which have an 8 mm drop and weigh about 8.8 oz per shoe. Since the Cloudsurfer has a 10 mm drop and weighs 7.2 oz per shoe, the drop change wasn’t significant, and I didn’t have to get used to carrying extra weight on my feet. Additionally, the high level of cushion was so great for my joints that it was easy to feel good running in the Cloudsurfer immediately.
If you run in a low (under 5 mm) or zero-drop shoe, or if you run in a highly responsive or highly stable shoe, you may need a little time to adjust safely.
Upper and Breathability
The mesh upper allows for airflow and makes the Cloudsurfer a breathable shoe. It’s also cushioned for a comfortable step-in feel. The upper mesh feels durable, but like most road running shoes, it's vulnerable to significant and consistent toe flexion. In other words, if you lift or point your toes up a lot when you run, you may eventually wear a hole in the upper. If this happens, it typically means there is an issue with the fit or your running form–perhaps the toe box is too small for you, your toenails are too long, or you’re heel striking too much.
Durability and Longevity
Considering how lightweight the shoe is, it seems to handle mileage fairly well. However, some reviews of the shoe mention the midsole breaking down around 300 miles, especially for heavier runners. We're not there on the miles yet, but I haven’t noticed any wear and tear. We’ll update this as we continue testing.
Price and Value
At $160, the Cloudsurfer is an average-costing shoe for On. However, it is on the more expensive end for most road running shoes. The Hoka Clifton 9 (men's and women's), for example, cost $145, and Saucony Rides (men's and women's)) are $140. However, the Hoka Bondi 8 (men's and women's), which also offers plush cushioning, are $165.
For the $160 price tag, you are getting one of the most comfortable, cushioned shoes on the market. It’s a quality shoe and worth the cost if you want to prioritize cushion that reduces impact on your joints on your daily training runs.
Sustainability/Ethical Company
The total recycled content for the Cloudsurfer is 30%, with 85% recycled polyester. The materials are also dyed using water-saving dope dye technology. Dope dyeing is better for the environment because it involves dyeing the raw materials before they’re made into the shoe’s upper rather than after the shoe is constructed, which would waste more water and use more harmful chemicals. This process saves 2.61 liters of water, which is a 90% decrease compared with standard dyeing techniques.
The company is also working on cutting out fossil fuel usage. Their CleanCloud technology, for example, upcycles carbon emissions. They’re also transparent about who supplies the materials for their shoes on their website. You can read more about On’s sustainability efforts here.
Features
The On Cloudsurfer is also a great active recovery shoe.
Volume
Due to the upper’s cushioning, the volume doesn’t leave a ton of wiggle room. Your feet will likely feel snug in these shoes, so if you have wide feet, you may want to try these on before purchasing, as they may be uncomfortably tight for you. Unfortunately, On does not offer these shoes in wide sizes, which we see as an area for improvement. The only shoes they seem to have available in wide sizes on their website at this time are Cloudgo, Cloudrunner, and Cloudflyer 4.
Weight
The women’s pair weighs 14.4 oz, and the men’s weighs 1 lb 1.2 oz, making this a lightweight daily trainer.
The Hoka Clifton 8 (left) is the closest comparison to the On Cloudsurfer (right).
Heel-to-Toe Drop
At 10 mm, the heel-to-toe drop of the Cloudsurfer is high. This high drop is often preferred by runners who heel strike (i.e., they land on their heel rather than their forefoot). A high drop shoe can help lessen the strain on the body caused by heel striking.
Laces/Lockdown
This shoe uses laces and has a nifty loop where you can tuck the laces to keep them in place.
Reflective Material
The Cloudsurfer doesn’t tout reflective material. To stay safe while running in the dark, there are plenty of other (better) ways to stay visible than small reflective marks on shoes, though. We recommend checking out our guide on the Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark.
Upper
The upper is mesh for breathability and cushioned for comfort. As mentioned in the Sustainability/Ethical Company section, the upper is also dope dyed. In the dope dying process, the color pigments are injected into the yarn as it’s being spun, trapping it before the fabric is finished. This means less water is needed during the dying process, which is usually the step in the process that requires the most water.
The upper is also cushioned, making it a cozy fit, albeit a little snug. If you have wide feet, you will want to try this shoe on before committing to it, as it might be too tight.
Style and design
There are currently six colorways available for the On Cloudsurfer. I wouldn’t say the shoes are flashy like Nike and Hoka tend to be, but it’s a sleek look that appeals to a lot of people (the recent uptick in On popularity is at least in part because people like the way they look). I tested the Creek / White colorway and liked them enough, though admittedly, as a long-time runner, I’ve always viewed running shoes as a way to avoid hurting myself rather than a part of my fashion statement.
SHOULD I BUY THE ON CLOUDSURFER?
The On Cloudsurfer road running shoes are great for daily training runs or active recovery days.
Running shoes can be so personal — you have to find the right fit for your stride, the appropriate level of cushion, weight, and drop for your training needs, the style that will make you feel good, etc. The Cloudsurfer, though, is a major people-pleaser and, like, so comfortable. Personally, I can’t imagine finding a shoe I feel more comfortable in than this (though I’m open and excited about the possibility as I continue to test more models).
The On Cloudsurfer is ideal for folks looking for a neutral, plush shoe for most or all of their training runs (i.e., they plan to find a daily trainer that also works for some, most, or all of their workouts too). It works incredibly well as a recovery shoe. The high heel-to-toe drop could be a deterrent for those who run in zero or low-drop shoes, like the Altra Torrin (men's and women's).
Folks who run primarily on gravel may also find it annoying that small rocks can easily get stuck in the outsoles (though a friend of mine who encounters this issue frequently says it’s a small price to pay for the overall comfort of this shoe).
So, for a lot of folks, yes, this is a great shoe to buy. If you’re curious how it stacks up to other shoes, though, we’ll compare it to similar models below. You can also stay tuned as we test more On models and prepare for a comprehensive road running shoe guide.
SIMILAR MODELS / OTHER SHOES TO CONSIDER
On Cloudmonster
MSRP: $170
Cushion: Max
Stability: Forward rolling
Weight: 9.7 oz (men's), 8.11 oz (women's)
Drop: 6 mm
Ideal Use: Long runs
The On Cloudmonster has very different specs than the Cloudsurfer, but since it is a very popular shoe, I wanted to run a comparison of the models. The Cloudmonster is heavier, weighing nearly an ounce more per shoe than the Cloudsurfer. It offers a “forward rolling” road running style, which means it helps propel you forward rather than offering stability. And with a 6 mm drop, it’s more of a mid-drop than a high-drop shoe. The Cloudsurfer is more of a high-drop shoe at 10 mm.
What I found interesting in my own testing was how the Cloudmonster supposedly offers a max cushion, which is more than the Cloudsurfer’s plush cushioning, but when I tested them, they felt less cushiony. This is something I’ll continue observing in my testing, and you can look forward to a full review of the Cloudmonster soon.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Hoka Clifton 9
MSRP: $145
Cushion: Max
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 8.7 oz (men's), 7.3 oz (women's)
Drop: 5 mm
Ideal Use: Daily trainer, active recovery
The Hoka Clifton 9s — which we reviewed in depth here — are beloved as a daily trainer and recovery shoe. They compare to the Cloudsurfer in the sense that their intended running purpose is the same. Both shoes are cushioned, neutral, and weigh close to the same.
The biggest difference is that the Clifton 9’s are a mid-drop shoe at 5 mm, rather than a high-drop shoe like the Cloudsurfer (10 mm). Having tested both shoes extensively, the Cloudsurfers feel “bouncier” and more cushioned than the Hoka Cliftons, but both are solid options. The Hoka Clifton 9s are also about $15 cheaper than the Cloudsurfers if your budget is tight.
For what it's worth, as long as the Hoka Clifton 8s are still around, I personally recommend those over the 9s to most folks (unless you prefer a longer toe box).
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Hoka Bondi 8
Many runners consider choosing between the Cloudsurfer and the Bondi 8, so we wanted to include a comparison here. The Hoka Bondi 8 is a plush, neutral shoe like the Cloudsurfer. The difference is it weighs more – 8.9 oz per shoe to the Cloudsurfer’s 7.2 oz – and it offers a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop. Their price is similar, and both models are popular.
We’re also testing a bunch of other road running shoes in preparation for a more compressive road running guide, so stay tuned for more shoes to consider!
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
HOW WE TESTED
After researching all of On’s road running shoes, we narrowed down the models we wanted to test first based on reviews, popularity, recommendations from fellow competitive runners, and which specs looked most compelling.
To test these shoes, I ran on the streets and paved paths of Denver and Golden, Colorado, as well as on paved paths in Indiana. In both locations, I also tested the shoes on gravel and dirt trails that weren’t too technical. The weather ranged from warm sunny days to chilly and rainy days to frigid and icy/snowy. Individual run lengths ranged from about 20-60 minutes at a time.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US / ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it. She’s recently earned her MFA from the Mile-High MFA program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can read all Becca's Treeline Review stories on her author page.
