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Test & review: On Cloudsurfer 2
The first-generation On Cloudsurfer released two years ago won over runners with its extremely comfortable cushioning. But the Swiss brand could be blamed for a number of minor shortcomings, such as squeaking in wet weather. So does this new generation offer simple improvements or a complete overhaul? Find out in this article!
|
DROP |
9 milimeters |
|
WEIGHT |
245 grams |
|
TYPE OF RUNNER |
Leisure to confirmed |
|
SHOE TYPE |
Training |
|
CARBON PLATE |
NO |
|
SELLING PRICE |
170 euros |
|
AVAILABILITY |
CloudTec Phase
Helion foam
Breathable mesh upper
3 reasons to run with the new Cloudsurfer 2 :
Looking for a comfortable model for everyday training?
The comfort of the shoe is excellent, with a slipper-like feel when slipped on. There's no doubt about it, this shoe is ideal for your daily outings, whether jogging or outings with a bit of pace. The softness of the previous version has been replaced by a firmer feel for greater energy and dynamism. So if you loved the softness of the first generation, you may be a little disappointed with the new Cloudsurfer, which is quite firm when you run in it. If, on the other hand, you didn't like it because it lacked stability, that's now well and truly corrected! Other changes, such as the drop, are not particularly noticeable, so there's no need to worry about getting used to it.
Looking for road and trail running:
As mentioned above, this Cloudsurfer 2 is ideal for your daily outings, whether on roads or trails. The sole has been reworked on this new version, enabling you to run on fairly clean trails when you have mixed routes on your outings. Grip is very good, and the shoe's stability keeps you safe. The disadvantage of the previous version was the squeaking of the shoe, which could occur when the ground was wet, but this seems to have been corrected. In any case, on the dozen or so kilometers we covered, in both dry and wet weather, we didn't experience this problem, which was a real flaw before.
Do you like On products or their models?
It's time to take the plunge with this new shoe! The Cloudsurfer is one of the must-have models in the On range. It's suitable for a wide range of runners, from leisure runners to experienced joggers, and from endurance to faster sessions. At €170, the price is certainly high, but within the norm for the Swiss brand.
ON
Cloudsurfer 2
ON
Cloudsurfer 2
2 Points to remember about the new Cloudsurfer 2:
The main differences from the first generation :
Visually, it's hard to see many differences between this Cloudsurfer 2 and its predecessor. From a technical point of view, the drop has been reduced from 10 to 9 millimeters, the mesh has been improved and the heel padding has been accentuated. But to be honest, these improvements are barely noticeable. The point we're going to insist on is the cushioning. The strength of the first model was its softness, unique in the On range, but which was lacking in stability and squeaking on wet roads. Here again, we find firmer cushioning (much firmer, in fact), and therefore much greater stability. So if you loved the softness of the first version, you're likely to be rather disappointed with this new generation...
How does it compare with the competition?
This Cloudsurfer 2 is in the daily training range when you're looking for comfort. In spirit, this model can be compared to a Brooks Ghost 16 or a Saucony Ride 17, for example. The big difference is in price, since this Cloudsurfer is still 15 to 20€ more expensive than its competitors. These competitors include the ASICS Novablast, for example, but with more cushioning, a thicker sole and, above all, more forward rocker. That's what's lacking on this Cloudsurfer, which is quite "flat" overall.
Our shoe rotation tips at On :
Shoe rotation means using two or three different models in your training week.
This is something we recommend if you have a performance-oriented profile and run more than 4 times a week:
Cloudboom Strike (road racing) - Cloudflow 4 (fast training) - Cloudsurfer 2 (endurance) - Cloudmonster Hyper (long outings and tempo)
General opinion on the shoe
This On Cloudsurfer 2 is a very good shoe overall. But it's true that we're still a little disappointed compared to the first version. We loved the comfort and softness of the first-generation shoe, but the sole is much firmer. It's now hard to even really compare it to the Cloudsurfer Next, which was supposed to be a slightly firmer, more dynamic model than the classic Cloudsurfer. Here, we get more comfort but practically the same sensations. So it's a bit of a duplicate in that respect, which is a shame. Otherwise, if you didn't like the first version because of its stability and the fact that it was too soft, this version 2 may well suit you perfectly, since these "faults" (some of them) have been entirely corrected.
Highlights
Weak points
Size : don't change your habits. Refer to the US size if in doubt.
ON
Cloudsurfer 2