Sometimes to train hard, you have to run soft. Or at least that's the logic behind innovative Swiss running brand ON's latest release. ON, of course, is no stranger to a high stack and foamy midsole, but the new Cloudsurfer Max takes things a step further. Designed to tackle long steady miles in cloud-like comfort, the the Max builds upon the success of the best-selling Cloudsurfer by inflating its proportions to dizzy new heights.
Unveiled as part of the brand’s ongoing Soft Wins campaign, the Cloudsurfer Max incorporates On’s now-familiar CloudTec Phase geometry, layering two rows of collapsible pods underfoot and pairing them with a full bed of Helion foam. It’s a sculptural silhouette, unapologetically high-stacked, with a flowing rocker shape that hints at movement even at rest.
Details speak to its performance focus. ON claims the reworked eyestay offers improved lockdown. A flat-knit collar replaces the traditional tongue for a closer, more sock-like fit. The weight – just over 290g – is kept in check by stripped-back mesh and a simplified outsole. It’s not built for speed, necessarily, but for rhythm. For runners who prize consistency and ease over explosive turnover.
The design language stays within ON’s usual parameters: clean, monochrome, lightly futuristic. Launch colours include soft greys, muted greens, and the brand’s now-signature “Ivory/Honeydew” pairing – the kind of tones more likely to be seen in a concept store than on a starting line.
It will, inevitably, draw comparisons to maximalist rivals. But the Cloudsurfer Max doesn’t feel like a copy. It’s more considered. Less bulk for bulk’s sake. A modern recovery runner with a precise Swiss accent – and a quiet reminder that softness, handled correctly, can still go hard.
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