On Running Cloudsurfer Next running shoes

The On Running Cloudsurfer Next running shoe is a very comfortable neutral daily running shoe with a soft midsole and cushioned upper. Compared to the previous version (Cloudsurfer 7 running shoe) a lot has been changed to improve the most criticized areas. The upper has improved breathability, the 10mm drop has been reduced to 6mm, the midsole has been made more stable and less soft than its predecessor (the Cloudsurfer 7’s midsole was too soft for many). The outsole is larger, thicker and covers a larger area of the midsole, as the previous outsole was not durable enough and wore out faster than average. The changes have made the shoe slightly heavier, but the good news is that it is cheaper than its predecessor.

On Cloudsurfer Next upper

The upper of the On Running Cloudsurfer Next Running Shoe is all about comfort. Like its predecessor, the upper of the Cloudsurfer Next is padded, but made of a slightly stiffer material. The breathability of the previous version was average, slightly below average, but the Cloudsurfer Next has improved on that. The tongue of the shoe is still very padded, very comfortable and gusseted. The heel collar is moderately stiff and cushioned, but not as padded as its predecessor. The toe box volume has been increased to large, wide and high. The midfoot Helion foam folds over the upper, forming a small wall to better support the foot. Overall, the upper locks the foot very well. As with most On Running shoes, it is important to note that the Cloudsurfer Next is a very good looking shoe. While functionality is the main thing in running shoes, this shoe will definitely get you noticed by other runners 😉

On Cloudsurfer Next midfoot

The On Running Cloudsurfer Next running shoe midsole is made of Helion foam, which is soft, dynamic and lightweight, but this foam is a bit stiffer and denser than the foam used in its predecessor, which is one of the reasons for the increase in weight. The midsole uses the same CloudTec Phase technology as the previous version, which means that the holes or cavities that make up CloudTec are asymmetrical, at different angles. This allows for different effects at different stages of transition, resulting in a much smoother and softer transition. Because the midfoot of the shoe has been lowered, the cavities of the CloudTec Phase are also bit smaller, which makes the midsole of the shoe feel more stable and stiff. Not only has the size of the cavities changed, but so has their angles, which is most noticeable in the forefoot. In the Cloudsurfer Next running shoe, they throw more forward than up. With a significant reduction in midfoot drop from 10mm to 6mm, the Cloudsurfer Next is noticeably easier on the knee than its predecessor. The midsole is stiffer (but still comfortably soft), more stable and slightly more dynamic than its predecessor. The midsole is split in two, which further improves the stability of the shoe by supporting the foot on both sides. The Cloudsurfer Next also do not include a Speedboard plate in the midsole, which makes the torsional flexibility of the shoe very good, it’s rare to find a running shoe with this much flexibility.

On Cloudsurfer Next outsole

The outsole of the On Running Cloudsurfer Next Running Shoe is segmented, made up of three sections, allowing the shoe to remain flexible. The outsole material is a softer rubber compound (harder than the outsole of its predecessor), so traction is very good, even on wet surfaces. Because the previous version was criticized for wearing out faster (I didn’t experience this, but it depends on the runner’s weight and running style), they increased the thickness and width of the outsole. There are also deeper grooves and a denser pattern in the midsole. Overall, the outsole is more durable and provides good traction.

Summary

Overall, the On Running Cloudsurfer Next is a comfortable running shoe with a cushioned upper and a soft, but not too soft, midsole. It has changed a lot from the previous version, with critical points being improved. The midsole is stiffer, more stable and the drop of the shoe has been reduced. The upper is more breathable, but still cushioned and comfortable. The outsole is more durable with good traction. The changes have increased the weight of the shoe by 25 grams (men’s us43) due to the larger outsole and denser midsole foam with smaller CloudTec holes, but we don’t mind because it makes the On Cloudsurfer Next a better running shoe.