On test: On Cloudsurfer Next — a daily trainer built for speed
Weight: 273g (M), 225g (W)
Stack height: 30mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot)
Drop: 6mm
Best for: Tempo, progression, interval and speed sessions
On Cloudsurfer Next
The shoe
I’m a big fan of the On Cloudsurfer 7 and was one of the reviewers who rated it as worthy of the Best in Test award in our Summer Shoe Guide last year, so my hand shot up to test the next evolution in the series. However, it quickly became clear that the Cloudsufer Next is actually quite a different shoe. It’s much less the soft, cushy cruiser you get in the Cloudsurfer 7 and much more built for the faster stuff. Of course that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The first line of On’s summary of the Cloudsurfer Next on their website reads: ‘Run smooth. Feel Faster’ – a couple of promises that will be pretty appealing to many runners, myself included.
The Clousdurfer Next is made for those looking for something firmer, peppier and more responsive over plush cushioning for their training miles, but as it’s still pitched as a daily trainer, it looks to add enough comfort to make sure those daily miles aren’t too punishing. Get all that right and you’ve got a heck of a shoe, but it’s a delicate balance. So how well does the Next deliver?
How does the On Cloudsurfer Next fit?
I’ve tested an awful lot of running shoes working at RW, but I still get a little tingle of anticipation and excitement when opening a new box, and my first impressions of the Clousdsurfer Next certainly added to that. It’s just a great looking shoe. The upper is stripped back and stylish, and the visible pods in the midsole put the Swiss engineering on show, tempting you to take them for a spin.
Over the years, I’ve found On running shoes generally tend to run a little narrow and the Clousdsurfer Next definitely felt that way on step in. That’s intentional – the narrower silhouette is inspired by On’s pinnacle race-day shoes – and even though I have pretty wide feet (the word ‘Hobbit’ may have been used) the fit didn’t cause me any issues on the run. The toe box isn’t the roomiest, but again I had no problems with friction or constriction and, on balance, I was happy with the slimmer shape delivering that more race-like feel.
Although the narrower last and low drop do make it feel a bit ‘racy’, On hasn't sacrificed all comfort for all-out weight-shaving in the upper. Unlike many stripped-to-the-bone race shoes, the Next’s tongue and ankle collar are nicely padded. The tongue feels especially pillowy over its full length, the shoes feel really comfy from the off and you can imagine clocking some big miles in them. The lightweight, engineered woven upper also comes from On’s race-day shoes, and it hugs your feet nicely for a very secure feel. As I’ve found with all On shoes, the build and materials feel really high quality – something that’s been borne out by the durability and continued performance of Ons I’ve tested over long periods.
Lockdown is really good, with the shaping of the heel and ankle collar helping your feet stay firmly in place at the back. Added to that and the secure feel of the upper, the top lace eyelets are set a long way back, giving you the option of really strapping in. With a relatively high instep I find using those final eyelets can be a little uncomfortable on some shoes, but it felt great here, aided by that nicely padded tongue. So, lots to like so far.
What’s it like to run in the On Cloudrunner 2?
The midsole features On’s Cloudtec Phase technology – a computer optimised configuration of the signature pods’ shape, size and alignment which collapses in sequence to soften landings and enhance a seamless weight transfer from heel to toe. It works well, delivering a ride that felt both dynamic and very smooth. I also enjoyed the forefoot rocker which sits very near the front of the shoe and added a more propulsive toe-off. I’m a mid-to-forefoot striker and it seemed to click really well for me, especially at faster paces, though I wonder if the geometry might not be as effective for pronounced heel-strikers.
The midsole pods are combined with On’s Helion ‘Superfoam’, which is there to boost energy return. Don’t expect the kind of propulsive kick you get from a race day super shoe, but there’s plenty of pep there for faster training days. In fact, they are one of those shoes that just seem to encourage you to crank the pace.
Overall, the ride is smooth and responsive but it does feel quite firm, so you may want to rotate something else in for slow/easy/recovery days. Still, the Next does what it sets out to do with aplomb. I was initially a little concerned that the narrower platform would cause stability issues – it’s very different to the wide base of max-cushioned models – but the firmness of the midsole counters that and the ride is actually very stable. And outsole traction was also a firm tick. My first test runs were in very soggy conditions and I quickly felt secure and confident in the grip.
RW verdict
Light and fast, with a race-inspired silhouette and a smooth, stable, dynamic ride, but enough cushioning and comfort to ease the pounding on your body, the Cloudsurfer Next is a great shoe for faster training days. I have it ready for tempo, progression and speedwork. If you want something that emphasises plush, soft cushioning over speed then stick with the Cloudsurfer, but for pacier sessions or those who prefer a firmer ride, this is a winner. And at £140, it’s also really good value for the level of performance and premium quality it delivers.
You Might Also Like
