On Cloudsurfer Running Shoe Review

Few running shoes have a more recognizable silhouette than the Swiss athletics brand On. With their distinct CloudTec soles, the shoes certainly turn heads, but are they good running shoes? I’ve always been intrigued by On and their unmistakable bubbly soles. I had heard they were comfortable but uncertain how they would stand up as a workout shoe. After wearing the On Cloudsurfers for a few weeks, I can happily confirm that the hype is real.

What is On?

On is a Swiss footwear and athletic apparel company that was founded by Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti in 2010. The company makes a wide range of footwear for various activities, including road running, trail running, hiking, and tennis, as well as lifestyle shoes. In addition to shoes, On also sells workout apparel and accessories in men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes.

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What I like about the On Cloudsurfer running shoes

They’re incredibly comfortable

I generally expect a new pair of running shoes to take at least a couple of days to break in properly, but the On Cloudsurfers felt incredibly comfortable the second I slipped them on.

From heel to toe, the shoe feels designed for luxurious comfort. The area around the ankle is generously padded and feels snug without being overly constrictive, the dual-layer mesh upper is thick and plush, and the CloudTec sole provides the softest of soft landings with each step. They are also incredibly light, so you almost forget you are wearing them.

As far as I can tell, the On Cloudsurfers fit true to size. I usually wear a men's 12.5, and they fit like a glove. The shoes are available in men’s sizes 7-14 and women’s 5-11.

They’re a great pair of running shoes

I run about four times a week, and when I find a pair of running shoes I like, I stick with them. So, as you can imagine, I was a bit anxious about attempting my workout routine in an untested pair of running shoes from a brand I had never worn before. I needn't have worried because the Cloudsurfers turned out to be an excellent exercise companion.

The design of the CloudTec sole creates a degree of cushioning I’ve never experienced before and significantly lessens the shock of each step. Despite the cushioning, the shoes also felt sturdy and supportive, so I never felt like they would give way beneath me.

They’re a compelling blend of form and function

If there’s one thing almost all of us can agree on, it’s that running shoes aren't exactly aesthetically pleasing. Walk into any running shop and you’ll be presented with a wall of shoes clad in bright, clashing colors, a hodgepodge of aggressive textures, and unsubtle branding. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; running shoes are utilitarian products designed to provide enhanced comfort and stability to support the wearer in their physical activity.

The Cloudsurfers buck this trend by offering, to me at least, a good balance of utilitarian functionality and aesthetic appeal. They aren’t likely to replace Air Jordans or the latest New Balance collaboration on any sneakerhead Best Of lists any time soon, but they certainly look better than pretty much any other running shoe on the market currently. As a result, they can perform double duty as your go-to running shoe and a casual everyday sneaker.

What I don’t like about the On Cloudsurfer running shoes

Color options are limited

Considering how fashion-forward they seem, I was surprised by the limited choice of colors for the On Cloudsurfers. There’s a small selection of trims, including Creek (lime-green), Frost (off-white), Black, Flame (peach), and Heather (available in women's sizes only). Fortunately, the available colors are stylish and versatile, but having a bit more choice would be nice.

They can get hot and squeaky

I tested the On Cloudsurfers in early-mid Spring, and on the colder mornings, they were very comfortable. However, as the mercury started rising and the days got hotter, I did notice that the Cloudsurfers weren’t as breathable as my regular running shoes. As a result, they can feel a bit sweaty on warmer days, and I’m curious to see how they manage in the sweltering heat of summer.

I also noticed that in certain conditions, the soles of the shoes were noticeably squeaky. Based on reviewer comments, this is a common complaint about On shoes. The noisiness wasn’t obnoxiously loud, so if you’re working out with headphones, this shouldn’t be an issue, but if you’re easily embarrassed by such things, you may want to steer clear.

They won’t offer sufficient support for certain runners

I tend to underpronate as I walk and run, so I need a fair degree of built-in support in my running shoes. While the Cloudsurfers have a few supportive elements, they are primarily neutral running shoes and, therefore, not ideal for those who over- or under-pronate. They didn’t cause me any noticeable issues during testing, but it’s unlikely that I would commit to using them long-term.

Are the On Cloudsurfer running shoes worth it?

Yes, they’re an elegant and comfortable pair of running shoes.

If you’ve been curious about On shoes, the latest update of the Cloudsurfer is an ideal entry point. The shoes are incredibly comfortable and wearable straight out of the box, offering a pleasant blend of cushioning and support during exercise. They also look good enough to work as casual sneakers.

It’s worth mentioning that at $150, the Cloudsufers aren't cheap, but their price is pretty standard for a good pair of running shoes. If you’re looking for something that will work as a casual shoe, then there are significantly cheaper (and better-looking) options. However, if you plan on using them primarily for your workouts, they make sense as a purchase.

$160 at On