On Running
Cloudsurfer Trail Running Shoe - Men's
$109.95
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The Grivet Take
The Cloudsurfer Trail is On's hybrid road-to-trail shoe with the smooth CloudTec Phase ride of the road Cloudsurfer plus a Missiongrip rubber outsole tuned for mixed terrain. The 31mm balanced stack and 7mm drop deliver moderate cushion with a forward roll; the 275g weight keeps the shoe light enough for fast trail efforts. This is a smooth-trail and mixed-terrain shoe rather than an aggressive technical trail option; runners running mostly road with occasional dirt detours will find this a great single-shoe solution. Cross-shop with the Hoka Challenger 7 for similar road-to-trail brief.
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.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.3 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 for most runners. Toe box runs standard width with a structured trail-protection toe cap. Midfoot is normal width with a soft mesh wrap that holds during lateral movements. Heel hold is excellent. Available in standard (D) only at Grivet for men's. The water-limiting dope-dye upper helps shed light moisture without making the shoe waterproof.
How it feels
Cushion is moderate at 31mm balanced stack with strong CloudTec Phase wave-collapse transitions. Helion superfoam absorbs trail impact well; the rocker rolls the foot through toe-off rather than asking the forefoot to flex over technical terrain. Energy return is solid. Missiongrip outsole grips on mixed terrain and dry rock; the lug pattern sheds debris. The platform is standard width; the ride is smooth-trail capable but not optimized for very technical terrain.
Quick specs
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Surface
- Smooth trail · Mixed terrain · Road to trail
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 32.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 25.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 7.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 9.7 oz · 275 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
- Helion superfoam
- Outsole
- Missiongrip 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 evolved CloudTec architecture: hollow pods are arranged horizontally to collapse in a wave-like motion as the foot transitions from heel to toe. This delivers smoother weight transfer than discrete CloudTec columns.
Helion superfoam is On's named premium midsole foam, lighter and more responsive than standard EVA. In the Cloudsurfer Trail the foam absorbs trail impact while keeping overall weight low.
Missiongrip is On's named trail outsole compound, optimized for grip across mixed terrain and dry rock. The lug pattern is designed to prevent stones from getting stuck.
Frequently asked
Does the On Cloudsurfer Trail run true to size?
The Cloudsurfer Trail runs true to size for most runners. The toe box is standard width with a trail-protective toe cap. Available in standard (D) only at Grivet for men's. Runners between sizes can usually stay with their typical On size.
Is the On Cloudsurfer Trail firm or soft underfoot?
The Cloudsurfer Trail is balanced. The Helion superfoam delivers bounce on landing without going pillowy; the trail-tuned outsole adds firmness through the lugs without firming the foam itself. Runners who want a softer trail shoe should look at the Hoka Challenger 7 instead.
Is the On Cloudsurfer Trail good for road-to-trail running?
Yes. The smooth CloudTec Phase ride works well on pavement transitions while the Missiongrip outsole handles mixed terrain. The 7mm drop and lighter 275g weight keep the shoe agile across both surfaces. This is one of the best road-to-trail hybrid options in the On line for runners who do not want to switch shoes mid-run.
How does the On Cloudsurfer Trail compare to the Hoka Challenger 7?
Both are road-to-trail hybrid daily trainers. The Cloudsurfer Trail has the On CloudTec Phase look and feel with a 31mm stack; the Challenger 7 has more cushion underfoot with a different rocker character. Pick the Cloudsurfer Trail if you have run in On before; pick the Challenger if you want more cushion and the Hoka feel.
Is the On Cloudsurfer Trail good for rocky or technical trails?
The Cloudsurfer Trail handles smooth and mixed terrain well but is not optimized for aggressive technical trails. The Missiongrip outsole grips on dry rock and mixed surfaces; for very technical conditions and aggressive lugs, dedicated trail shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat 6 or Saucony Peregrine 14 are better tools. The Cloudsurfer Trail is the smooth-trail and road-to-trail option.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Hoka Challenger 7
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail for the On look with smooth CloudTec Phase wave-collapse transitions. Choose the Challenger 7 for more cushion underfoot in a versatile road-to-trail Hoka.
Compare Hoka Challenger 7 →
Brooks Cascadia 19
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail for a more road-leaning hybrid with smooth pavement-to-trail transitions. Choose the Cascadia 19 for a do-everything daily trail workhorse with more aggressive trail capability.
Compare Brooks Cascadia 19 →
Saucony Peregrine 14
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail for a softer, more rockered hybrid road-to-trail ride. Choose the Peregrine 14 for a firmer, more race-leaning trail shoe with PWRTRAC traction.
Compare Saucony Peregrine 14 →
Altra Lone Peak 9
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail for the On look with smooth CloudTec Phase wave-collapse transitions. Choose the Lone Peak 9 for Altra's zero-drop platform and foot-shaped toe box on the trail.
Compare Altra Lone Peak 9 →
Buyer's guide
Read our trail running shoes guide
Lugs, rock plates, stack height, and fit for everything from gravel to technical singletrack.
Read the guide