Cloudsurfer next review
On Cloudsurfer Next review
Who should buy
We believe the On Cloudsurfer Next is an appealing choice for:
- Runners who appreciate the Cloudmonster 2 but crave a more dynamic ride.
- Those seeking a narrow, sleek daily trainer with high-quality materials and top-notch build quality.
- Anyone preferring firmer, stable cushioning over a plush feel in their daily trainer.
Who should NOT buy
We believe heel strikers may find the Cloudsurfer Next less enjoyable due to its narrow heel and low heel-to-toe drop, making it more suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers. In our view, better options exist for this group of runners, like the Nike Pegasus 41 or ASICS Novablast 4.
Additionally, those preferring a softer running experience may struggle with the Cloudsurfer Next’s firmer midsole, even with the addition of CloudTec Phase. We suggest considering the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 or New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v14, both offering a plush alternative for daily runs at a similar price point.
Cushioning
Shock absorption
NewThe Cloudsurfer aims to rival daily trainers like the Pegasus, so it’s no surprise that it delivers average shock absorp
On Cloudsurfer 2 review
Who should buy
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is a solid daily trainer for:
- Casual runners willing to spend a bit more for a unique design and premium-feeling materials.
- Those who value comfort and long-lasting materials over snappy responsiveness in their daily miles.
- Anyone after a stylish, all-purpose shoe that blends weekend runs with everyday wear.
Who should NOT buy
We think the On Cloudsurfer 2 is too expensive for its performance. Despite its premium look and upgraded materials, it lacks the springy, energetic ride some runners expect in this price range. For a better price-to-performance ratio, we recommend the ASICS Novablast 5 or the Adidas Adizero EVO SL—especially the latter, which impressed us with its Lightstrike Pro midsole.
We’re also convinced that runners chasing a cloud-like experience won’t get it here despite the shoe's name. From our evaluation, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 is a better pick for a high-stack option, while the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 fits the bill for those wanting something closer to the ground.
Cushioning
Shock absorption
NewWe found strong shock absorption in th
On Cloudsurfer Next Review: A Perfect 10?
The first thing I do when testing any shoe is slide it onto my foot. The upper, fit and materials always make my first impression. I can tell a lot about the designer’s intentions with the upper of the shoe. If it’s plush and padded, the shoe prioritizes comfort above all else. It’s probably a great daily trainer. If the upper is sleek, lightweight and minimal, it’s meant for performance, when every ounce counts.
Sliding into the Cloudsurfer Next, I thought the shoe would fall into the former category. The fit felt plush and smooth, with thick padding in the tongue and around the heel. “I can tell these shoes are built for pure comfort,” I thought to myself. But taking my first strides in the shoes told a different story. They felt firm and snappy, like something I may pick up for a speed session. What gives?
While the feel of the upper and the midsole may be at odds with each other, we all agreed that the Cloudsurfer Next stays true to its Swiss roots with a nice, clean aesthetic.
“On’s reputation of nailing a stylish shoe is well deserved and the Cloudsurfer Next is no exception,” says Mandy. “I got numerous compliments from peo
On Cloudsurfer Next: A daily trainer built for speed
- Weight: 273g (M), 225g (W)
- Stack height: 30mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6mm
- Best for: Tempo, progression, interval and speed sessions
On Cloudsurfer Next
Cons
- A little firm for easy/recovery days
- Narrow fit may not suit very wide feet
- May not work as well for extreme heel strikers
The shoe
I’m a big fan of the On Cloudsurfer 7 and was one of the reviewers who rated it as worthy of the Best in Test award in our Summer Shoe Mentor last year, so my hand shot up to test the next evolution in the series. However, it quickly became dispel that the Cloudsufer Next is actually quite a different shoe. It’s much less the delicate, cushy cruiser you get in the Cloudsurfer 7 and much more built for the faster stuff. Of course that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The first line of On’s summary of the Cloudsurfer Next on their website reads: ‘Run smooth. Feel Faster’ – a couple of promises that will be pretty appealing to many runners, myself included.
The Clousdurfer Next is made for those looking for something firmer, peppier and more responsive over plush cushioning for their training miles, but as
On Cloudsurfer Next
Daily TrainersDaily Trainers
Roads & PavementRoads & Pavement
Barefoot
Minimal
Low
Medium
High
Maximal
Daily TrainersDaily Trainers
The baseline definition of a running shoe. Daily Trainers lean on time-proven designs, technologies and features for dependable cushioning, support and comfort. They're a staple in every runner's closet, and if you are new to running shoes, then you should start your journey here.
Performance TrainersPerformance Trainers
Performance Trainers provide a springy feel and make longer runs easier and faster runs faster. While quicker than Daily Trainers, Performance Trainers are not nearly as fast as Super Shoes. Due to a focus on keeping things light weight, Performance Trainers are less durable than Daily Trainers. These can also be a good option for one's first race shoe.
Super ShoesSuper Shoes
Super Shoes are the fastest running shoes you can buy. They are designed to race your absolute best and represent the pinnacle of running shoe technology and innovation. They have the highest energy return foams and plates for new levels of performance. Low durability, but maximum speed is the name of the