On Running
Cloudsurfer Trail 2 Trail Running Shoe - Men's
$169.95
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The Grivet Take
The Cloudsurfer Trail 2 is On's smooth-to-mixed terrain trail trainer for men, the trail-version cousin of the road Cloudsurfer 2. 30/22 stack with an 8mm drop, CloudTec Phase midsole, and Missiongrip rubber outsole tuned for trail grip. Best for door-to-trail commutes, smooth doubletrack, and runners who want On's distinctive forward-rolling ride on dirt. Skip it for technical scrambling or maximum cushion long days; the Saucony Peregrine 16 or Brooks Cascadia 19 are better picks there.
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 On 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.
How it feels
Cushion is moderate; CloudTec Phase produces On's forward-rolling feel with trail-appropriate firmness. Pronounced rocker drives smooth toe-off. Missiongrip rubber outsole grips reliably on dirt, mixed terrain, and wet conditions; lug depth is moderate, not aggressive.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Smooth trail · Mixed terrain · Technical trail
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 30.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 22.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 8.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 10.2 oz · 289 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
- 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 hollow-pod midsole tuned for the Cloudsurfer line, used here in a trail-appropriate version.
Missiongrip rubber is On's trail-rubber compound, designed for grip on wet rocks, mud, and loose surfaces.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Brooks Cascadia 19
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 if you want On's rocker-driven CloudTec Phase ride at an 8mm drop. Choose the Cascadia 19 if you want DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen foam with an articulated rock plate and TrailTack Green rubber at a 6mm drop.
Compare Brooks Cascadia 19 →
Saucony Peregrine 15
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 if you want a softer rocker-driven 30mm CloudTec Phase platform. Choose the Peregrine 15 if you want PWRTRAC 5mm lugs and a rock plate at a low 4mm drop for serious technical terrain and mud.
Compare Saucony Peregrine 15 →
Hoka Challenger 8
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 if you want CloudTec Phase pods and Missiongrip rubber on technical trail. Choose the Challenger 8 if you want Hoka's compression-molded EVA midsole and a smoother outsole tuned more toward door-to-trail and smooth singletrack.
Compare Hoka Challenger 8 →
Altra Lone Peak 9
Choose the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 if you want a cushioned 8mm-drop rocker-driven trail ride. Choose the Lone Peak 9 if you want Altra's zero-drop platform, FootShape toe box, and MaxTrac with TrailClaw lugs for a flatter, more grounded trail feel.
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