On Running
Cloudsurfer 2 Running Shoe - Men's
$159.95
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The Grivet Take
The Cloudsurfer 2 is On's everyday daily trainer, built around the newly tuned CloudTec Phase midsole that delivers a smooth, forward-rolling ride. 35/25 stack with a 10mm drop, the iconic On CloudTec geometry, and a more durable outsole than the v1. Best for daily easy miles, runs up to about 5 miles, and runners who want On's signature ride character. Skip it for long-mileage training; reviewers consistently note the cushion runs firmer than On markets and doesn't hold up well past 5-6 miles.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.3 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.3 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.4 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.4 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
No added support structure
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Standard platform
How it fits
Fits true to size with a standard last. Toe box runs standard width with normal vertical room. Midfoot is normal volume; heel hold is good. Available in Standard (D) only for men's. The engineered upper is breathable and lightweight.
How it feels
Cushion is moderate; CloudTec Phase reads firmer than On's marketing suggests. The CloudTec geometry — On's hollow pod system underfoot — produces a unique forward-rolling feel that's different from traditional foam-only midsoles. The 10mm drop and pronounced forefoot rocker work well for picking up pace. Best at daily easy miles and short tempo work; the platform doesn't have enough cushion for serious long miles.
Quick specs
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 35.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 25.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 10.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 9.0 oz · 255 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 3 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Standard platform
- Midsole
- CloudTec Phase
- Outsole
- rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D
Tech, translated
CloudTec Phase is On's newly tuned CloudTec midsole, used in the Cloudsurfer 2. The hollow Cloud pods compress sequentially through each step, producing the forward-rolling sensation that's distinctive to On shoes. Phase is the brand's iteration designed to deliver more consistent compression than earlier CloudTec versions.
Speedboard rocker is the geometry that drives toe-off. Combined with the CloudTec compression, it gives the Cloudsurfer its signature forward-roll character.
Frequently asked
Does the On Cloudsurfer 2 run true to size?
Yes, the Cloudsurfer 2 fits true to size for most runners. The toe box runs standard width with normal vertical room; midfoot is normal volume; heel hold is good. Available in Standard (D) only for men's.
Is the On Cloudsurfer 2 firm or soft underfoot?
Firmer than On's marketing suggests. CloudTec Phase reads moderate-firm rather than plush; reviewers consistently note the cushion is more consistent than soft. The CloudTec geometry produces a unique forward-rolling feel rather than relying on cushion give for comfort.
Is the On Cloudsurfer 2 good for treadmill running?
Yes for shorter and uptempo treadmill workouts. The rubber outsole grips the belt well, the CloudTec Phase platform is consistent across repeated foot strikes, and the rocker helps maintain pace. For longer easy treadmill miles, a more cushioned daily trainer would be more comfortable past 5-6 miles.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
On Cloudmonster 2
Choose the Cloudsurfer 2 if you want a 9 oz 10mm-drop everyday trainer with CloudTec Phase for daily easy miles up to about 5 miles. Choose the Cloudmonster 2 if you want a 6mm-drop max-cushion long-run shoe with Helion superfoam, the largest CloudTec pods, and a nylon-blend Speedboard.
Compare On Cloudmonster 2 →
On Cloudrunner 2
Choose the Cloudsurfer 2 if you want a more responsive everyday trainer with CloudTec Phase and a pronounced rocker for picking up pace. Choose the Cloudrunner 2 if you want On's moderate-stability daily trainer with cradle-shape geometry and Helion superfoam for runners wanting gentle support.
Compare On Cloudrunner 2 →
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Choose the Cloudsurfer 2 if you want a lighter 9 oz daily trainer with the unique CloudTec Phase forward roll. Choose the Ghost Max 3 if you want max-cushion 39/33 stack with soft DNA LOFT v3 foam and an aggressive Brooks rocker for long-run and recovery days.
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 →
Saucony Ride 19
Choose the Cloudsurfer 2 if you want a 10mm-drop CloudTec Phase rocker ride tuned for daily easy miles and short tempo work. Choose the Ride 19 if you want an 8mm-drop daily neutral with reformulated PWRRUN+ foam, a wider platform, and 2E width availability for long-run capability.
Compare Saucony Ride 19 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
Read the guide