On Running Cloudsurfer 2 running shoes

The On Running Cloudsurfer 2 running shoe is a daily running shoe with a very comfortable upper that is lightweight at only 263 grams despite its cushioned upper. The low weight is mainly due to the fact that the midsole is not too high and the holes in the midsole further reduce the weight. Thanks to the redesigned CloudTec® Phase technology, the transitions in the shoe are very smooth and fast, which also increases the feeling of comfort. The previous version’s shortcomings have been addressed, but more on that below.
Speaking of the previous version. At On Running, we’re a little confused with the naming, as the previous version of the Cloudsurfer 2 was the Cloudsurfer 7 (so after the 7 comes the 2), plus there was a Cloudsurfer 2 elevated running shoe from On Running back in 2012. To add to the confusion, the Cloudsurfer Next was released in 2024, which everyone thought was a new version of the Cloudsurfer 7.

On Running Cloudsurfer 2 upper

The upper of the On Running Cloudsurfer 2 Running Shoe is made of a dual-layer mesh material that is slightly more breathable than average. The outer layer has large ventilation holes, while the inner layer is a thin insert that starts at the tongue. The tongue of the shoe is well padded, wide and fixed, and locks the foot very comfortably and securely. The heel collar is low, rigid and very cushioned, providing not only comfort but also a secure, good support for the foot. From the first and the last hole of the laces, a reinforced layer runs along the upper, allowing the upper to better fit the foot, practically fitting most foot widths.

On Running Cloudsurfer 2 midsole

The On Running Cloudsurfer 2 running shoe midsole is made of Helion foam, a blend of EVA and TPE foam, so it’s durable, lightweight and versatile, and balanced, meaning it’s halfway between hard and soft. Of course, the Cloudsurfer 2 also features Cloud technology and its advanced version, CloudTec® Phase. As the name suggests, this technology is optimized for the phases between landing and kick-off, meaning the size and angle of the holes in the midsole are optimized for fast and smooth transitions. Those who liked the softness of the previous version may be disappointed with the Cloudsurfer 2 as the midsole is harder and stiffer. For those who didn’t like the previous version for this reason, the good news is that the Cloudsurfer midsole is not only stiffer, but also more stable. The Cloudsurfer 2 midsole is a well-balanced, medium-soft, medium-hard midsole with better stability and shock absorption. The dynamics are not outstanding, but you can run fast in it because of light weight of the midsole which is not very high, but might not be the best choice for longer runs, but it may a good choice till half marathons.

On Running Cloudsurfer 2 Outsole

The On Running Cloudsurfer 2 running shoe outsole doesn’t cover the entire midsole, but it does have a relatively high amount of coverage. The rubber compound of the outsole seems to be a bit stiffer than average, which results in great durability and wear resistance. Despite the fact that the grooves in the outsole are not deep and the rubber compound is not soft, the Cloudsurfer 2 outsole has good grip. The outsole has several transverse grooves and a large longitudinal groove (the latter deep enough to catch small pebbles). The out cuts on the outsole help provide the flexibility what is needed because the midsole has become stiffer.

On Running Cloudsurfer 2 vs Cloudsurfer 7 vs Cloudsurfer Next, what are the differences

The On Running Cloudsurfer 2 has changed a lot from the previous version, the comparison to the previous version is more nuanced by the fact that the Cloudsurfer Next has been released in the meantime, which is closer to the Cloudsurfer 2 than the Cloudsurfer 7.
The uppers of all three shoes are highly cushioned, very comfortable uppers made from premium fabric. All three shoes have CloudTec® Phase technology and no Speedboard, which is a feature of many ON running shoes and gives them dynamics and stability.
The upper of the Cloudsurfer 2 is just as comfortable as its predecessor, but has much better breathability, just like the Cloudsurfer Next.
The midsole of the Cloudsurfer 2 is 6mm thinner with a 1mm lower drop. The size, angle and position of the Cloudtech holes in the midsole have also changed slightly. These have made the Cloudsurfer midsole harder and more stable. If you liked the softness of the Cloudsurfer 7, you may be disappointed with the Cloudsurfer 2, but many people found the Cloudsurfer 7 too soft (myself included). I wonder if the Cloudsurfer 2 won’t be as squeaky after 100 km as the Cloudsurfer 7 or the Cloudeclipse, which also uses CloudTec® Phase technology.
The Cloudsurfer 2’s outsole has been reinforced, covers a larger surface area of the midsole, and has better abrasion resistance, like the Cloudsurfer Next.
As a result of these changes, the Cloudsurfer 2 is 16 grams heavier and weighs closer to the Cloudsurfer Next.

Who and for what kind of runs is the On Running Cloudsurfer 2 running shoe for? Summary

The On Running Cloudsurfer 2 running shoe is a neutral everyday running shoe with a very comfortable upper and a medium firm to medium soft midsole. Thanks to CloudTec® Phase technology, transitions are very fast and smooth. Its comfort makes it a good choice for beginner runners, but also for more advanced runners for their not-too-fast and not-too-long workouts. It has changed a lot compared to the previous version and all its bugs have been fixed. The upper has better breathability, the midsole is no longer too soft, it has better stability, and the outsole has better grip and durability.