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Maybe it’s because I test a lot of shoes, but I’m starting to get confused by all the brands adding a word or an X to a shoe to describe what feels like an entirely different model. Alas here with are with the On Cloudsurfer Next review, so let’s find out what makes it worth the name change!
Over the last 11+ years, I have run in a bunch of On Cloud shoes and always come away with the feeling that what they labeled as “cushioned” was not. That changed with the Cloudmonster and has continued to evolve. In fact, I now recommend the On Cloudsurfer Trail as a go to for those road to trail days because I liked the cushion!
But the Cloudsurfer Next feels like it might be going the other direction and based on the current hype over cushion and stack height, it was unexpected. But perhaps, exactly what some need in a more versatile shoe for half marathon and under.
As you know I’m always honest in my running shoe reviews with what I like, dislike and what might work for you that wasn’t a fit for me! Which is why when someone asks about On Running shoes I’ve always said I think they’re good, but their everyday run shoes didn’t feel great to my foot.
Technically the brand is simply, On. But maybe you, like me, noticed that trying to just search ON or On running never quite got you where you wanted to go, so that’s why you may see them referred to as On, On Running, or On Cloud.
There is no one perfect running shoe for all runners, so I’m going to share my findings. But as always I encourage you to head in to a running store and put them on! Run around the shop and see what you think.
On Cloudsurfer Next Details
Where to start with this review…mostly I’m trying to find ways to compare it to other shoes to help you understand what’s going on with the name! It’s been stated that the Next is here to replace the previous On Cloudgo, but few of you have used that shoe it’s not much of a comparison.
I slipped on the On Cloudmonster, the Cloudsurfer 7, the On Cloudeclipse, the On Cloudsurfer Trail and compared each to the new Cloudsurfer Next trying to figure it out. (Basically my whole closet was in the hallway, husband loved it.)
Here is where I landed…
The On Cloudsurfer Next is similar feel to the On Cloudmonster. It’s got a similar mid-level of cushion, weighs the same and shares the 6mm heel drop (where the Cloudsurfer is softer and 10mm). The Next pods are designed with that forward flow of motion and a bit more rocker, which means this shoe should help you pick up the pace when you want to vs the easy trainer style of the Cloudmonster.
Here you can see a comparison of my Cloudmonster to the Cloudsurfer Next. They often talk about the direction and use of their pods as changing the feel of the shoe, so it’s not just decorative, they really are part of the technology.
In this case that forward lean is supposed to be part of what assists with the forward roll and allows you to enjoy speed in these shoes. Not to be confused with the New Balance Balos which has an actual curve that absolutely propels you forward.
The Next utilizes the same Helion™ superfoam midsole from many newer On shoes which gives you that little bit of responsiveness in the cushion, but is combined with their CloudTec Phase® cushioning. The goal between the two is to create a shoe that’s going to allow you to enjoy the forward roll, some cushion and yet still feel like the shoe can pick up speed.
This is a running shoe for those looking to not have a massive shoe rotation, but a pair that will carry them for miles and work for tempo runs and goal pace miles.
You could easily take these to a 5K to possibly half marathon race day, though they are not what we would now consider a “race shoe” or even a super trainer with a carbon or nylon plate.
I wouldn’t consider these my go to for say 5K specific speed workouts, but that’s also because I’ve got some fun plated shoes and love that extra kick. For runners aiming to do steady state easy runs or tempo runs, from 7:30 and upward I think these are going to feel like a good shoe!
I’d comfortably wear these up to probably 10 to even 13 miles, but I wouldn’t use them for marathon training. You might see faster runners agree, but with just a 30mm stack height this isn’t a max cushion shoe and for many mid to back of the packers, it’s going to lack the cushion that keeps them feeling good.
On Cloudsurfer Next Specs
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 7.9 oz women’s, 9.6 oz men’s
- Stack Height: 30mm
- Neutral runner
- Available in seven colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at On Running and retail stores for $150
Does my review sound mixed?
Maybe it is. I really enjoyed my runs in the Cloudsurfer Next, but because I do have the other On models I feel like I’m more likely to go straight for a cushioned easy shoe or to a speed shoe. If I DIDN’T though, this would be an option for a variety of runs.
Taking photos this time around, I finally realized why so many of you are searching for QC running shoes…that is what it looks like!! I guess because I’ve always known the name, I didn’t particularly think about it.
Who It’s For?
You’ll notice that the look and feel of these is a drastic shift from the original Cloudsurfer which really could transition to a street shoe. Instead, the On Cloudsurfer Next is moving in to the same look and feel as other On race shoes. They want you to know this is a training shoe and it definitely feels more durable.
The outsole is nothing special to write home about. It certainly doesn’t have the Puma Grip or a tread that I’d take on hard trails, but it will protect the cushion and should again help with durability. I do think it could be a little slick on a wet painted line, but haven’t had a chance to test.
On Cloudsurfer Next Fit
In general, On Running shoes are a little more narrow than some brands….until here lately that is. The Cloudmonster 2 was oversized and I’d say the Cloudsurfer Next is now right in the middle. It has a very classic running shoe feel that’s not overly wide or narrow.
It is not a wide toebox, but there’s more room in the midfoot and it should accommodate most folks who don’t seek out a wide running shoe. I always wear the same size in On as I do in other running shoe brands, so the length seems pretty right on from our testing here.
Similarly, the tongue isn’t as paper thin as the Cloudmonster and not as fully cushioned as say the Saucony Triumph.
Maybe that’s the entire personality of this shoe, it’s not quite on one end of the spectrum or the other, it’s riding this line in the middle of cushion, speed, weight, features and function.
Overall, I liked the fit. I didn’t have any issues with rubbing, the laces were long enough to do a heel lock and since it’s not a big plush shoe or a big stack height, it feels really stable. I’d say more of a ground feel than what you might be used to if running in lots of cushioned shoes.
Similar Shoes to the Cloudsurfer Next
I’ve already done some comparisons within the On Running line up, but there are some options from other brands. Again none of these have a plate or a max cushion stack height.
Cloudsurfer Vs Cloudsurfer Next
I love doing shoe comparisons because nothing makes it easier to understand a shoe you haven’t yet tried! As noted, I am a big fan of the Cloudmonster for long runs have gone through a few pairs, so it was where I started with trying to understand the Next and honestly…they are pretty similar.
But what about the Cloudsurfer 7, it’s namesake? They feel like very different shoes. And to be clear they are both going to remain in the line up, so this is not a replacement.
- Cloudsurfer is a softer cushion
- Cloudsurfer next is only 6mm drop, original is 10mm
- Cloudsurfer Next makes the original feel more like a casual shoe in some ways
- Cloudsurfer Next is a heavier shoe
- Cloudsurfer tongue drove me crazy hitting higher up the ankle
- Cloudsurfer looks more like a casual shoe
- Both are good daily trainers, Next will be better for longer miles
On Cloudsurfer Trail
I have done a separate review of this version of the shoe because it had a variety of differences and they were good!
It’s become one of my defacto road to trail shoes because it doesn’t have big lugs, but does have good cushion for both surfaces. Personally, I prefer it over the basic road version and maybe just because the tongue is better!
Carbon Footprint
When brands are working to improve their resources I think it’s important to note because we as runners want a beautiful world and healthy air for running! The Cloudsurfer Next does a few different things to help reduce waste.
One is using up to 30% recycled materials, including plastic. These are the things that you’d never know in using the shoe, but are pretty cool to hear about later!
The tongue, lining and collar lining are all actually 100% recycled polyester!
Interesting Facts About On Running Shoes
On started in 2010 in Switzerland, when yet again another runner thought “I could do this better.”
This time it was three retired professional athletes, who decided there needed to be a shoe that had more firmness to create that bounce off the ground, along with cushion.
On uses CloudTec technology which is what makes their shoe look and feel different.
The pods (or clouds) compress both horizontally and vertically and then rapidly expand, helping to propel you faster off the ground.
And in fact, those clouds are different sizes based on the shoe and the goal for that shoe.
Is it like running on clouds?
No. Not cloudlike in that plush fluffy kind of way.
So for me, no…not at all like a cloud. And that’s not all bad.
In my On Running Shoes Review, I go in to all the reasons that there are benefits to the pod design and why other runners have loved them from the start. So checkout that if you’re curious to learn more.
OK, so that brings us to how they are taking that design and moving forward. Now they are calling it CloudTec Phase that harnesses a “wave technology”. This midsole still uses their Helion™ super foam, but there is a noticeable difference in the way that it will collapse, creating a softness and forward motion.
Drawbacks to On Running Shoes
As noted, every runner has a preference, so there are just a couple of things from my experience.
- They are not ideal for those with high arches or a high mid-foot
- Most On Cloud shoes run narrow, and the toebox is not wide (they have started created specific wide models!)
- Rocks stuck in between the pods make them not ideal on trails or gravel running.
- Not much traction to these shoes, wouldn’t love them in rain
I found the Carbon fiber shoe to run small, but otherwise I have found them to run true to size.
See current colors and pricing on all models >>
All right I hope this On Cloudsurfer Next review gave you some info to help you make a shoe decision! If there’s more you want to see in a review let me know!
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