Make 3 interest-free payments. 
If you run in On running shoes, you might think they feel cushioned, but don’t feel that soft under your feet. While On running shoes vary in cushioning, each one has featured a Speedboard until now. This stiff structure aids propulsion during your runs, but reduces the chances of them feeling soft under your feet. On has released their first running shoes without a Speedboard: the On Cloudsurfer. If you’re wondering, this is technically the On Cloudsurfer 7. However, the number in the model name has been dropped as this is a completely different shoe to the Cloudsurfer 6.
The On Cloudsurfer also features their latest cushioning technology: CloudTec Phase. And yes, there’s plenty to get excited about with this updated midsole. On supplied Run4It with a pair of On Cloudsurfer running shoes to test out and review. Find out if these On running shoes are right for you.
What’s CloudTec Phase?
Let’s start by explaining what CloudTec Phase is. On left nothing to chance with this latest midsole technology. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), On simulated how the midsole would perform. The result? A midsole design that optimises weight transfer from heel to toe. This is called CloudTec Phase.
Please note the Creek/White colourway (pictured above) was used for testing purposes only. The All Black colourway is ranged at Run4It for Autumn/Winter.
If you look at the side of the Cloudsurfer midsole, you’ll notice the cut-outs change in orientation. This unique midsole is a perfect visual of what’s happening to the forces as you roll through the shoe. To put it more eloquently, the computer generated Clouds collapse like dominos when your foot lands.
How does the Cloudsurfer cushioning feel?
You immediately notice the absent Speedboard when you step into the On Cloudsurfer. It feels soft, plush and forgiving under your feet. Which is distinctly different to how other On running shoes typically feel.
I took them out on an easy paced run and included some faster intervals to see how the cushioning responded. They felt very natural under my feet from the start of the run. While it doesn’t feel like you’ve got lots of cushioning under your feet, the midsole feels soft and protective. When I’m talking about the volume of cushioning under my feet, I’m comparing these with high stacked running shoes that feel ultra protective.
Please note the Creek/White colourway (pictured above) was used for testing purposes only. The All Black colourway is ranged at Run4It for Autumn/Winter.
The most stand out feature in the On Cloudsurfer cushioning is how smooth it feels from landing to take-off. This after all is the purpose of CloudTec Phase. Your feet really do feel like they’re moving forward in an extremely fluid manner, which is exactly what you want on easy paced runs. Looking at the shape of the midsole, I was expecting to feel a bit more of a rocker-like sensation, but this didn’t come through on the run. The smoothness of the CloudTec Phase may mask some of that though. If you refer back to the summary of CloudTec Phase, it’s meant to optimise weight transfer from heel to toe. There’s absolutely no doubt this has been achieved.
Please note the Creek/White colourway (pictured above) was used for testing purposes only. The All Black colourway is ranged at Run4It for Autumn/Winter.
When I picked up the pace, the midsole didn’t respond very well. It’s too soft to feel good for faster paced efforts. This is where models such as the On Cloudstratus come into the picture. The Cloudstratus definitely feels firmer than the Cloudsurfer, but responds really well to some steadier to faster paced efforts.
How does the upper fit?
Apart from looking amazing, the Cloudsurfer upper feels very nice. It’s light, padded and breathable. I was a little unsure about the branded label on top of the tongue as it doesn’t add anything functional, but it looks cool. I would definitely recommend picking your normal running shoe size in the On Cloudsurfer as it fits spot on.
In future versions, it would be nice to have a bit more midfoot lock-down. While I don’t think the midfoot will be an issue for anyone, it doesn’t feel as secure as it could around that area.
How can the On Cloudsurfer improve your run?
If you’re looking for soft On running shoes that feel good for everyday runs, the On Cloudsurfer is one of the best options. There's no doubt these are the softest feeling On running shoes. The CloudTec Phase feels incredibly smooth underfoot and is a great progression in On’s midsole technology.
I’ll be using the Cloudsurfer for slow runs and easy aerobic miles. While it would be nicer if they felt a bit better at steadier efforts, running shoes can’t do everything. There are a lot of runners out there who will really enjoy the plush and smooth sensation that these deliver. I would say the Cloudsurfer compares very well to the HOKA Clifton. The Clifton feels slightly more responsive at steadier paces, but overall the underfoot feeling is very similar.
Please note the Creek/White colourway (pictured above) was used for testing purposes only. The All Black colourway is ranged at Run4It for Autumn/Winter.
It’s also amazing how light the Cloudsurfer running shoes are. Weighing just 245 g and 205 g for men’s and women’s respectively. This does feel very nice for 5-10 km runs and recovery miles. My preference for longer runs would be something with a bit more protection though, such as the On Cloudmonster.
Other On options
We’ve already mentioned the Cloudstratus. The Cloustratus is definitely firmer than the Cloudsurfer, but feels better at a wider range of paces. Having said that, you may like the Cloudsurfer for your slower runs and Cloudstratus on days when you want to pick up the pace. If you prefer the ultra propulsive experience, the On Cloudmonster is the best option. We position the Cloudmonster in our Enhanced Energy Experience category because they feel like they’re propelling you forward at a variety of speeds. As mentioned, the Cloudmonster will probably feel the best for long distance runs and marathon training.
