On Running Cloudrunner 2 running shoes

The On Running Cloudrunner 2 running shoe is a stable daily running shoe with a wide platform (both the sole and the upper are wide), recommended for runners who prefer running shoes with a slightly stiffer midsole. It has changed a lot from the previous version, with a softer midsole, but is still on the stiffer side. The stability isn’t disturbing or intrusive, so it won’t be noticeable for runners who usually wear neutral running shoes. If you have a narrow foot or prefer running shoes with a softer midsole, the Cloudrunner 2 may not be a good choice for you.

On Running Cloudrunner 2 upper

The On Running Cloudrunner 2 running shoe upper is all about comfort and beauty. While this is subjective and irrelevant to your running, this On Running running shoe also looks very good. The upper material at the toes is a more flexible than average mesh material with very good breathability. The mid part and back are thicker and more cushioned. The tongue is gusseted and padded, which is sufficient for comfort, good closure and lace bite protection. The heel collar is stiff, as is common in stable running shoes, to better lock the foot in the heel area, which is complemented by an external plastic reinforcement that wraps around the heel area, giving more stiffness on both sides. There are waterproof and wider versions of the shoe, but the standard version is also wide. Taking the midsole into account too, the shoe is also specifically designed for overweight or heavy runners with a wider sole. The only drawback is that the thin mesh layer on the toes is not so durable.

On Running Cloudrunner 2 midsole

The On Running Cloudrunner 2 running shoe midsole, like most On Running shoes currently on the market, is made from Helion foam and uses CloudTec technology. However, the Cloudrunner 2 does not use SpeedBoard, which gives the shoe extra dynamics and stability. The previous version has SpeedBoard and another harder material (ZeroGravity), but this has softened the midsole and stability is achieved with a completely different way. The On Cloudrunner 2 is a slightly stable running shoe, you don’t feel a strong sense of stability in it and there is no separate harder foam in the midsole to provide more support to the foot as there is in most stable running shoes. The good stability is achieved by On Running by widening the midsole and giving the foot a stronger, more secure lock in the upper. The foam of the midsole bends slightly over the upper to form a wall, which also improves stability. Although the sole is softer than the previous version and doesn’t include the SpeedBoard, it’s still stiff. If you like running shoes with a stiffer midsole, you’ll love the Cloudrunner 2. The midsole dynamics and energy return are low, but it has very good shock absorption. For longer runs, these two things can be counterproductive, because while the high shock absorption is good for longer distances, the low energy return makes the foot fatigue faster. The high shock absorption of the shoe may be more beneficial for runners with a heavy eight. It may also seem counterintuitive, but despite the stiffness of the midsole, it has very good torsional flexibility, which is a rare pairing. The drop of the midsole is high at 10mm, which benefits runners with weaker calf and ankle muscles, but puts a little more stress on the knee.

On Running Cloudrunner 2 outsole

The On Running Cloudrunner 2 running shoe outsole also has a contradiction. On the one hand, the outsole is made of a slightly stiffer than average rubber, but it still wears a little faster than average. This is not a disadvantage from a durability standpoint because the outsole is thicker than average, so even if it wears faster, it only reduces grip. The good news is that the areas between the “clouds” are narrower and less deep, so stones are less likely to stick to the sole. The outsole partially covers only the midsole, with a cutout in the longitudinal direction, which is good for torsional flexibility. Grip is good despite the stiffer material, mainly due to the deep, dense outsole pattern.

Summary

The On Running Cloudrunner 2 Running Shoe is a moderately stable, daily running shoe that we recommend primarily for slower runs, no longer than a half marathon, when you want a comfortable and nice running shoe with high shock absorption. The midsole is stiff but comfortable and flexible, a good choice for beginners and heavier runners for running, walking and everyday wear. It is also available in a wide version, although the standard version has a wide upper.
It’s changed a lot from the previous version, with a new midsole foam and removed SpeedBoard plate, so it’s softer. The changes have also made it 27 grams lighter, which is a remarkable change, especially in light of the higher and wider midsole.