The ON Cloudsurfer has come a long way since its earliest versions, which were firm, rigid, and a little harsh underfoot. Things took a dramatic turn in 2023 with the launch of the completely redesigned Cloudsurfer, a shoe that embraced comfort and smooth transitions. Building on that success, ON has now introduced the Cloudsurfer 2, a shoe that keeps the same DNA but makes a few key adjustments to improve durability and ride quality.
Key Specs of the ON Cloudsurfer 2
- Weight: 9.2 oz (Men’s US 9) / 7.8 oz (Women’s US 7.5)
- Drop: 9mm
- Stack Height: 32mm heel / 23mm forefoot
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Ride: Balanced, with a touch of responsiveness
- Midsole: Helion Superfoam with CloudTec Phase design
- Outsole: Thicker, computer-optimized rubber coverage
- Upper: Engineered mesh with padded tongue and heel collar
- Category: Neutral daily trainer
- Best For: Easy runs, recovery days, and everyday training
How the Cloudsurfer Has Evolved
The 2023 Cloudsurfer completely redefined the line by softening the ride and removing ON’s signature Speedboard, which had made earlier models feel stiff and mechanical. With Helion Superfoam and the new CloudTec Phase design, the shoe suddenly offered a smooth, cushioned ride that was light, flexible, and perfect for daily runs.
The Cloudsurfer 2 carries forward those qualities but tweaks the formula for better longevity and a slightly more responsive underfoot feel. It keeps the familiar stack height, foam, and rocker profile while refining details in the upper, midsole, and outsole.
Upper: More Breathable and Structured
The Cloudsurfer 2 gets a re-engineered mesh upper that feels lighter, sturdier, and more breathable than the previous model. It holds the foot securely while still offering enough flexibility for comfort.
Padding around the heel collar remains, giving that step-in plushness many runners appreciated in the last version. The tongue, however, is no longer gusseted. It has more padding and structure, which provides comfort but may not wrap the midfoot as snugly as some prefer.
Fit remains true to size, though the new knit pattern makes the forefoot slightly less roomy. Runners with narrow or average-width feet will likely enjoy the secure feel, while those with wider feet may notice a tighter toe box.
Midsole: A Firmer, More Balanced Cushion
While the original 2023 Cloudsurfer leaned heavily into softness, the Cloudsurfer 2 adds a firmer touch. The Helion Superfoam has been tuned for greater resilience, meaning it compresses less and feels more energetic underfoot.
CloudTec Phase technology is still central to the design, with the pods collapsing in sequence for a smooth heel-to-toe roll. The rocker geometry feels slightly more noticeable this time, encouraging a natural forward motion. The result is a ride that’s soft enough for easy days but with a bit more “pop” than before.
Outsole: Built to Last
Durability was one of the main upgrades in this version. The Cloudsurfer 2 now uses thicker rubber on both the heel and forefoot. This not only boosts traction but also means the shoe should hold up better to higher mileage. The revised pod design also helps prevent the small pebbles that earlier ON models were notorious for trapping.
Cloudsurfer vs. Cloudsurfer 2
- Upper: The original was softer and stretchier, while the new model is more structured and breathable with added durability.
- Midsole: The first version prioritized plush cushioning, whereas the Cloudsurfer 2 offers a firmer, more balanced ride with better energy return.
- Outsole: The new shoe has thicker rubber and improved coverage, making it more durable and grippy.
Pros of the Cloudsurfer 2
- Improved durability thanks to thicker rubber and firmer foam
- Breathable engineered mesh upper with a secure fit
- Smooth transitions from CloudTec Phase geometry
- Lightweight and stylish enough for casual wear
- Eco-conscious design using recycled materials
Cons of the Cloudsurfer 2
- Not as plush as the 2023 model, which some runners loved
- Tongue design lacks gusseting and may feel less secure
- Less suitable for faster-paced workouts or tempo runs
Final Thoughts
The ON Cloudsurfer 2 is a thoughtful evolution of a shoe that already surprised many runners last year. By making the foam firmer and boosting outsole durability, ON has created a daily trainer that feels more balanced and resilient. It may not be as soft as its predecessor, but it delivers a smoother, longer-lasting ride with enough versatility for most everyday runs.
If you’re looking for a dependable, comfortable trainer that transitions seamlessly from recovery runs to casual miles, the Cloudsurfer 2 is worth considering.
