On Cloudsurfer 2

Runner's World (UK) writer Ali Ball assesses the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a polished, more versatile follow-up that trades some of the predecessor’s plush softness for firmer, more responsive cushioning. The review is upbeat but measured: praise centers on improved midsole resilience and a balanced ride that suits tempo efforts and everyday miles, a secure roomy fit, plush (perhaps overly padded) tongue and collar, recycled engineered mesh, strong outsole grip, and attractive styling. Criticisms are modest—runners who loved the Cloudsurfer 7’s plushness or who need extra forgiveness after very heavy efforts may find the 2 a touch too firm for long recovery days, and some may consider the tongue padding excessive. Overall the tone is positive and approving, highlighting useful real-world tests (runs and gym sessions) and practical trade-offs for a premium daily trainer.

Nathaniel Bailey from OutdoorGearLab / GearLab highlights that the On Cloudsurfer 2 fixes stability issues from the prior model but at the cost of the plush, cloud-like cushioning and premium upper that made the original special. The review is mixed-to-negative in tone: praise focuses on improved stability, better outsole traction, and decent walking comfort, while criticisms call out a firmer, less cushioned Helion midsole, degraded upper materials that cause chafing and collapse, increased weight, and loss of the previous model’s distinctive rolling ride. Lab measurements and ~20-mile real-world testing back the claims, and the author recommends several better, cheaper daily trainers instead—only recommending the Cloudsurfer 2 for style-conscious walkers or travel use, not as a primary running shoe.

RunRepeat praises the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a comfort- and durability-focused daily trainer that’s stylish and versatile for runs and everyday wear, but stops short of enthusiasm due to its lack of energetic responsiveness relative to its price. The reviewer highlights clear strengths — premium materials, improved stack and forefoot cushioning versus the prior model, excellent outsole durability, refined rocker-assisted transitions, and thoughtful comfort details like plush heel padding and a thick tongue — backed by lab measurements (stack/forefoot heights, softness, energy-return percentages, grip, torsional stiffness). Criticisms center on firm foam that contradicts the “cloud” promise, unimpressive energy return, a non-gusseted tongue, slightly narrow fit, middling breathability, and a price that outpaces performance; alternatives like the ASICS Novablast 5 and Adidas Adizero EVO SL are suggested for better value or snappier rides. Overall tone is measured praise with restrained disappointment.

RTINGS' David Marquez highlights the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a stable, neutral daily trainer that ultimately disappoints on cushioning and energy return. The review is measured but clearly negative in enthusiasm: testers praise its lateral stability, firm forefoot, and rocker-driven control for short, easy runs, yet repeatedly criticize the Helion foam and CloudTec Phase system for feeling flat, stiff, and prone to bottoming out under sustained or high-impact efforts. Unique insights include detailed test-bench updates, specific stack/drop numbers, and force-dependent behavior—showing the shoe can feel forgiving at very low impacts but becomes harsh and inefficient as forces rise. Overall, the Cloudsurfer 2 may suit casual jogs or runners who prioritize stability and ground feel, but it fails to deliver the protection, responsiveness, or lightness most would want for racing or long-distance training.

GQ’s Tanner Bowden praises the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a high-tech, reliable everyday running shoe that smartly reworks On’s signature design without feeling gimmicky. He highlights the new CloudTec Phase midsole (Helion foam with FEA-generated pass-throughs), improved traction, and a more breathable upper, noting the shoe strikes a grounded, responsive balance—neither marshmallow-soft nor stiffly springy. Bowden praises fit, break-in behavior, and versatility across short runs, tempos, and long distances, but he’s measured in tone: he wanted a touch more spring and softness, and flags a short break-in and slightly heavier outsole as trade-offs. Overall the review is favorable and appreciative, valuing the Cloudsurfer 2’s dependable, refined performance over flashier, more specialized alternatives.

Tom's Guide reviewer Nick Harris-Fry assesses the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a stylish, well-built daily trainer that shines on easy runs but falls short when you push the pace. After 40 miles he praises the shoe’s smooth rocker, firmer Helion foam for improved resilience and durability, and a thicker, more grippy outsole that fixes some quirks of the prior model. He notes a snug toe box, slightly higher weight, and less bounce at faster paces, so it’s not as versatile or lively as rivals like the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or Asics Novablast 5. Unique insights include measured weight and outsole comparisons to the Cloudsurfer 2023 and the real-world wear of an Ivory color in winter. Overall, it’s an attractive, comfortable cruiser that’s ideal for easy miles and casual wear but not the best choice for speedwork or those wanting maximum responsiveness.

Matt Kollat assesses the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a refined, confidently comfortable daily trainer that nudges the franchise forward without dramatic overhaul. He praises the plush but supportive CloudTec Phase midsole and improved heel lockdown, calling the ride smooth with excellent heel-to-toe transition, and highlights a more breathable, better-tongued upper and targeted outsole rubber for durability. Criticisms are measured: the stack is slightly lower and the shoe marginally heavier than the prior model, and the toebox feels a touch too tapered for wider feet, causing pressure over longer runs. Overall the tone is positive and practical—enthusiastic about incremental improvements and style, but pragmatic in advising current owners there’s no urgent need to upgrade.

WearTesters praises the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a refined, more consistent follow-up to last year’s radical redesign—trading some of the original’s gooey softness for a firmer, even ride that picks up speed effortlessly and feels versatile for daily miles. Drew and Annie both applaud the shoe’s craftsmanship, durable outsole, and well-fitting engineered-mesh upper, noting it’s true to size and friendly to wider feet. Their main reservations center on a firmer midsole that may lack the squishy bounce some runners expect at this price, plus unusually generous tongue and heel padding that feels out of character for On. Unique insights include the Cloudsurfer 2’s improved rocker-driven turnover, temperature-sensitive firmness in cold weather, and strong durability, making it a solid choice for runners who prefer a more responsive, reliable daily trainer rather than maximum plushness.

InsideHook’s Tanner Garrity praises the On Cloudsurfer 2 as a plush, everyday trainer that lives up to the brand’s “Soft Wins” pitch. He’s enthusiastic about its superfoam, CloudTec Phase midsole, and balanced drop, calling it “nine ounces of cushiony goodness” and a reliable choice for daily miles, recovery runs, and returning runners—backed by his prior 500-mile experience with the line. He tempers enthusiasm with practical caveats: it’s not suited for trail running or wet conditions, lacks the responsiveness for speedwork (Cloudboom models are better), and offers little support for overpronators. Garrity also frames the shoe within On’s savvy marketing push—appealing to a broader, softer-running audience—while acknowledging the brand’s elite-athlete credibility. Overall, the review reads warmly and approvingly, recommending the Cloudsurfer 2 to most road runners while clearly flagging its performance and stability limits.