On Running
Cloudsurfer Max Running Shoe – Women's
$179.95
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The Grivet Take
The Cloudsurfer Max is On's softest premium daily trainer with a double-layer CloudTec Phase midsole and Helion superfoam underfoot. The 36mm stack and 6mm drop deliver max cushion with a strong rocker that rolls the foot through toe-off. This is a long-run, recovery-day, and walking shoe for runners who want plush cushion and the On look. The double-layer CloudTec Phase is softer than the regular Cloudsurfer; the platform is wide for stable footfalls at the tall stack. Cross-shop with Hoka Bondi 9 for the more familiar max-cushion alternative.
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.5 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.4 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.2 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
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
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.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Fits true to size for most runners. Toe box runs standard width with normal vertical volume. Midfoot is normal width with the reworked eyestay providing a secure performance wrap. Heel hold is excellent. Available in standard (B) only at Grivet for women's.
How it feels
Cushion is max-stack and soft. The double-layer CloudTec Phase compresses comfortably on landing; Helion superfoam adds a layer of impact absorption that keeps the ride plush without bottoming out. The rocker geometry rolls the foot forward through toe-off; the forefoot itself is stiff rather than flexible, which is intentional for the rocker design. Energy return is modest; this is not a responsive shoe but a comfort-first long-run partner. The platform is wide for stable footfalls at the tall stack height.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 36.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 30.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 6.0 mm
- Weight (women's 8)
- 8.8 oz · 250 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 5 / 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.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- Helion superfoam
- 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.
- B
Tech, translated
CloudTec Phase is On's evolved CloudTec architecture: hollow pods are arranged in a horizontal sequence rather than as discrete columns, allowing the foot to roll through the gait cycle smoothly. The Cloudsurfer Max uses a double layer for extra softness.
Helion superfoam is On's named premium midsole foam, lighter and more responsive than standard EVA. In the Cloudsurfer Max the foam adds a layer of impact absorption beneath the CloudTec Phase pods.
The engineered mesh upper with the reworked eyestay wraps the foot securely while remaining breathable. The 6mm drop pairs with the rocker geometry for smooth transitions.
Frequently asked
Does the On Cloudsurfer Max run true to size?
The Cloudsurfer Max runs true to size for most runners. The toe box is standard width with normal vertical volume; the reworked eyestay wraps the midfoot securely. Available in standard (B) only at Grivet for women's. Runners between sizes can usually stay with their typical On size.
Is the On Cloudsurfer Max firm or soft underfoot?
The Cloudsurfer Max is on the soft side. The double-layer CloudTec Phase compresses comfortably on landing and the Helion superfoam adds impact absorption underneath. Runners who want a firmer max-cushion feel should look at the On Cloudmonster 2 or the Saucony Triumph 22 instead.
Is the On Cloudsurfer Max good for treadmill running?
Yes. The rubber outsole grips treadmill belts reliably and the max-cushion stack absorbs the harder treadmill landing exceptionally well. The strong rocker maintains smooth turnover across longer treadmill sessions. The 245g weight keeps cadence honest even on extended treadmill runs.
How does the On Cloudsurfer Max compare to the Hoka Bondi 9?
Both are max-cushion neutral daily trainers. The Cloudsurfer Max delivers max cushion with the On CloudTec Phase look and feel; the Bondi 9 is the most cushioned of the major shoes with Hoka's signature rocker character. Pick the Cloudsurfer Max if you want a softer plush ride with the On aesthetic; pick the Bondi if you want maximum cushion with Hoka's classic feel.
Is the Cloudsurfer Max good for long runs?
Yes. The 36mm cushion stack and the strong rocker pair well for runners who want max-cushion protection across long efforts. The double-layer CloudTec Phase softens late-run impact when fatigue compromises form. This is one of the better long-run options in the On lineup for runners who prioritize comfort over responsiveness.
Is the Cloudsurfer Max good for walking?
Yes. The 36mm stack with double-layer CloudTec Phase cushion and the strong rocker make the Cloudsurfer Max one of the most comfortable walking options in the On line. The wide platform delivers stable footfalls; the rocker maintains smooth toe-off without asking the forefoot to flex.
What is the difference between the Cloudsurfer Max and the regular Cloudsurfer?
The Cloudsurfer Max has a meaningfully taller stack (36mm versus the regular Cloudsurfer's lower stack) and a double-layer CloudTec Phase midsole; the regular Cloudsurfer is leaner with a single-layer construction. Pick the Max for max cushion and recovery-day comfort; pick the regular Cloudsurfer for a more daily-mileage feel.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
On Cloudmonster 2
Choose the Cloudsurfer Max for the softer max-cushion ride with a smooth rocker roll. Choose the Cloudmonster 2 for a firmer max-cushion ride with more pop through the Speedboard.
Compare On Cloudmonster 2 →
Hoka Bondi 9
Choose the Cloudsurfer Max for max cushion with the On look and CloudTec Phase feel. Choose the Bondi 9 for the most cushioned alternative with Hoka's classic rocker character.
Compare Hoka Bondi 9 →
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Choose the Cloudsurfer Max for a softer ride with a more pronounced rocker. Choose the Ghost Max 3 for a familiar Brooks fit and a more conservatively tuned ride.
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 →
Brooks Glycerin 22
Choose the Cloudsurfer Max for max cushion with the On look and double-layer CloudTec Phase. Choose the Glycerin 22 for Brooks's premium plush daily trainer with the new DNA Tuned midsole and a traditional 10mm drop.
Compare Brooks Glycerin 22 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
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