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HomeRunningOn Cloudsurfer Max Preview | A Total Eclipse

On Cloudsurfer Max Preview | A Total Eclipse


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On like many of the brands is taking on particular shoe name and then doing a spin off of other shoes. We’re seeing that with the Pegasus, Pegasus Plus and Pegasus Premium…similar things in Hoka. Here we now have the On Cloudsurfer Max, so what the heck does this mean and when is it landing?! Let’s talk.A clever pun really makes my day, but until you read the review that headline may not make sense! So let's not beat around the foam, there are some massive changes coming to the Hoka Clifton 10. Some folks are going to love it...a lot of runners might be looking for a different model.I was one of the first running in the original Clifton. Fighting it all the way because it seemed so ridiculous and SO UGLY. But jokes on us because all the shoes are taller and softer than ever!And the changes to the Clifton 10 are going to make both of those true once again. Here’s what we know so far thanks to chatting with the HOKA team and holding the new model at The Running Event (TRE) in Austin.SpecificationsAs soon as we receive them for testing, you’ll get a complete review with any updates to weight or colorways!Heel Drop: 8 mmStack: 42 mmWeight: 9.8 oz men’sAvailable in Wide (and extra wide in men’s)$150Available April 15, 2025Read our current comparison of the Clifton Vs Bondi >>Checkout the current available Clifton models (and possibly stock up if you love it because this will be different!)What’s New and Different in the Hoka Clifton 10The HUGE change here is to the last and the heel drop.Let's start with what the heck it means to change the last. A shoe last is what the entire design is built upon. The shape of the last plays a big role in how the shoe fits, performs, and feels, while also defining its style.The Clifton is getting an entirely NEW last, which generally means the shoe is going to have a different feel and we think it's clearly moving to a different usage.With the expansion of their line to the HOKA Skyflow (which we love for long runs), the Clifton seems to be moving more towards a casual runner shoe or an incredible option for those who are on their feet all day. With the new last you'll find more room in the forefoot and instep, which will appeal to wider feet, but again being on your feet all day they swell so this will increase comfort.Next up to increase comfort, more foam.OF COURSE MORE FOAM. Everyone is still adding foam.The shoe will be a gargantuan 42mm stack height, the goal of which is to provide a better longer last feeling to the shoe. Not only will it have a new last, but a change to the foam. The foam compression should be lessened, giving it a longer lifespan.The result of all that foam? The first ever Hoka shoe with an 8mm heel to toe drop.Part of the Hoka ethos originally was keeping to more minimal 5mm drops, which help the big cushioned shoes feel stable and are often better for helping prevent knee pain while running. So this again, makes us believe the Clifton is moving more towards a walking shoe, casual shoe and not so much a "cornerstone running shoe".That's not bad and most folks won't notice the drop change much.But those of us who have been in the shoe since model 1, well...it's not the same shoe and I think you're going to want to start considering other options.We've reviewed so many, here is where we'd start:Hoka Mach 6 - Absolutely adore the Mach for being that lower drop with cushion, very light and a great running shoe.Hoka Skyflow - This is going to be your super cushioned long run trainer that gets their tech updatesHoka Skyward X - This is their carbon plated shoe for the masses and boy is it fun!Who is This For?It's long been in our lest of best shoes for standing or walking all day and these updates will keep it firmly a top that list.Wide Feet: The new last should improve the room in the forefoot and we love that they do Wide optionsHeavier Runners: These updates should make the Clifton more durable for our taller and heavier runners.Long Runs: Honestly, we have other shoes we'd recommend nowFront of the Pack: Unlikely you'll be putting in miles on this shoeAll right, that’s your Hoka Clifton 10 preview coming in 2025. A whole new last and possibly a whole new future for this shoe.What do you think?Are you excited? Are you feeling a little like, why are you messing with my favorite shoe??Looking for other running shoes??Best Treadmill Running ShoesBest Marathon Training ShoesBest Hoka Trail Running ShoesAltra vs HOKA Running ShoesOther ways to connect with AmandaInstagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinishFacebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinishOn Cloudsurfer Max OverviewLast year I doted on the On Cloudeclipse because it was the first really max cushion (soft) shoe that On Running released. They apparently liked it too, but liked the idea of one line of shoes better. Which is great because now we’re all going to be confused about what’s what.

In fact, here’s what we’ve already reviewed from this line:

  • On Cloudsurfer – we’d consider this a shorter run or casual shoe
  • On Clousurfer Next – similar to the Cloudmonster (beloved), but maybe with a little more pop
  • On Cloudsurefer Trail – comfy road to trail shoe, but not rugged trails
  • On Cloudsurfer Max – this is going to be their long run shoe from the line up

Here’s what we know so far thanks to chatting with the On team and holding the new model at The Running Event (TRE) in Austin.On Cloudsurfer Max Preview

Specifications

As soon as we receive them for testing, you’ll get a complete review with any updates to weight or colorways!

  • Heel Drop: 6 mm
  • Stack: 37 mm
  • Weight: 8.4 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
  • Available in Wide
  • $180
  • Available July 17, 2025

If you don’t want to wait until July, then we highly recommend checking out our On Cloudeclipse review now and we fully anticipate that means it will go on sale which On so rarely does! Here she is, a pretty, max cushioned shoe, which shares the same stack height.
On Cloudeclipse Review

What’s New and Different in the On Cloudsurfer Max

All right, so we’ve already said it’s a replacement/update to the Cloudeclipse. Here’s what that means:

While the shoe is remaining at the same stack height there will be some differences. They’ve removed the speedboard, which for some folks adds a little bit of that ability to pick up the pace in the shoe. Basically it’s the same idea as a carbon plate sandwiched between foams, stiffness plus cushion.

That means this model is going to feel softer and more like a plush ride.

It’s less of a race trainer and more of a long run, gimmie all the cushion kind of option.

They also stacked their signature pods on the lateral side a bit more to again increase that softness, they are leaning ALL THE WAY in to a max cushion shoe. Particularly noticeable as more cushion in the forefoot of this model.On Cloudsurfer Max 2025The tongue looks pretty much the same as the thin on the the Cloudeclipse and not as padded as what the Surfer offers.

So it really is kind of mixing the two and we can’t wait to spend 2025 trying to explain that the same shoe name is being used in a variety of ways by all the brands.

Who is This For?

Get ready for those long runs, this is likely going to be a big choice because the stack isn’t quite as high as other max options, but it’s still a really nice cushioned feel.

  • Wide Feet: Yes, their wide option is truly designed to accommodate a different foot shape.
  • Heavier Runners: While it’s going to feel really great underfoot, we’re not sure about lifespan just yet
  • Long Runs: We loved the Cloudeclipse and think this will do equally well
  • Front of the Pack: A recovery run shoe

All right, that’s your On Cloudsurefer Max preview coming in 2025, a kickstart to changing their line up naming, but a continuation of their cushion progress!

What do you think?

Are you excited? Do you understand the naming??

Looking for other running shoes??

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinishrunning coach

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