On Cloudrunner 2 review: Mild stability built for daily miles
Weight: 277g (M), 230g (W)
Stack height: 31mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot)
Drop: 10mm
Best for: Easy runs, recovery runs, daily training
On Cloudrunner 2
The shoe
It’s easy to forget that Swiss-born On is a relative newcomer to the world of running shoes, having released its first trainer as recently as 2012. But, while the sportswear brand quickly gained attention for its distinctive design and innovative CloudTec cushioning, the road hasn’t always been smooth. For a long time, On was known for producing shoes that many runners found overly firm and, at times, unrunnable. However, in recent years, the brand has made significant strides. With breakthroughs like the Cloudsurfer, Cloudmonster and the introduction of its LightSpray technology, On has evolved into a serious contender in the running shoe market, winning over athletes and amateur runners alike – myself included.
When the Cloudrunner 2 first landed on my desk, I was intrigued. Aimed at new and casual road runners, it’s something of a rare mild stability shoe, for runners who need a bit of support but don’t necessarily want full-scale stability. A hit or a miss? Let’s get into things.
How does the On Cloudrunner 2 fit?
I've said it before and I’ll say it again: On knows how to create a good-looking running shoe and the Cloudrunner 2 is no exception. It’s sleek, it’s minimalist and even the more colourful designs ooze style without being overly flashy. Top marks here.
In terms of fit, I know some people find On’s sizing somewhat inconsistent, but I’ve never had any issues. I got the Cloudrunner 2 in my regular UK 8.5 and found it runs true to size, with plenty of space in the midfoot and forefoot. In fact, this is a fairly wide shoe overall — it reminds me of the Cloudstratus, which I wore on the fourth day of a 220km ultramarathon because of the roomy fit — so it’s probably not one for narrower feet.
The upper is made from 100% recycled polyester and feels premium and relatively breathable. There’s lots of plush padding around the heel collar and gusseted tongue, although I did find that I needed to tie the laces to the very top eyelets in order to feel securely locked down. I’m not sure whether this is to do with the laces themselves — they’re fairly thin — or the actual upper. Either way, it’s probably another sign for those with narrower feet to steer clear.
What’s it like to run in the On Cloudrunner 2?
The shoe features On’s original CloudTec system, along with its Helion superfoam. There’s no Speedboard in this shoe. The result is a ride that’s not pillowy soft, but not too firm or harsh, either – it just creates this lovely, smooth ride that feels good to run in over a variety of distances. Sure, it’s not super bouncy or particularly high in energy return, and this probably wouldn’t be my first choice for uptempo efforts, but it has still got a nice, moderate amount of cushioning that feels protective enough over longer distances and is light on the foot. In fact, I’d say that the shoe feels taller than its 31mm/21mm stack height would suggest, perhaps due to how your foot sits in the shoe, surrounded by all that plush padding. For eating up cruisey miles – ultimately what this shoe is designed for – the Cloudrunner 2 is bang on.
The stability tech used in the shoe is very subtle. In fact, this could probably pass for a neutral shoe if it weren’t for the heel clip, wider platform and all that cushioning around the heel collar. But, among a sea of neutral daily trainers, I think there’s a place for the Cloudrunner for those seeking a tiny bit of extra support. That said, if you’re a full-on overpronator, you’ll definitely want a shoe with a firmer midsole configuration and traditional pronation control, like the Asics Gel Kayano 31 or the New Balance 860 v14.
The outsole, a durable rubber compound, offers good grip on wet surfaces.
RW verdict
Stylish and comfortable, with a plush mesh upper that punches above its price tag, the Cloudrunner 2 is a good daily trainer that offers a smooth and consistent ride. It’s not mega firm like the Cloudflyer, but it’s not super soft like the Cloudsurfer, either. Ultimately, if you’re after a wide-fitting shoe that can handle easy miles like a pro, this is for you. If you’re looking for a more responsive, versatile ride, however, look elsewhere.
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