Swiss performance brand On Running has built its reputation on reinvention. Since launching in 2010 with a radical approach to cushioning – you've probably seen the distinctive CloudTec sole with its trademark 'pods' – the label has continued to fine-tune the formula. Now, it’s taking another step forward with the Cloudsurfer 2 – a refined, reworked iteration of its flagship daily trainer, designed to offer the smoothest, most cushioned ride in On’s road-running lineup.
Launched on February 13, 2025, the Cloudsurfer 2 builds on the success of its predecessor while addressing some of the refinements that runners have come to expect. The original Cloudsurfer was On’s answer to a highly cushioned daily trainer – a shoe designed for short to mid-distance road running that blended comfort, durability, and the brand’s signature tech-first approach. The first model introduced CloudTec Phase, a computer-generated midsole system that allows for a natural and propulsive rolling sensation.
On Cloudsurfer 2: New cushioning tech
With the Cloudsurfer 2, On has doubled down on this idea. The evolved CloudTec Phase now works in tandem with a newly optimised outsole geometry, engineered through extensive computational design. The goal? A smoother transition from heel to toe, more durability underfoot, and an overall feeling of weightlessness that makes this one of the most comfortable trainers On has ever released.
Weight-wise, it’s impressively light for a cushioned daily trainer – 260g (EU M 42) and 230g (EU W 38.5) – while maintaining a substantial 32mm heel stack and 9mm drop, meaning there’s plenty of foam underfoot without straying into the maximalist category. It’s designed for road runners looking for comfort and support on easy miles, but still with enough energy return to keep things feeling responsive.
Moving on up
The updates don’t stop at the sole. The upper has been reworked, now featuring a more breathable engineered mesh, a refined tongue design for better lockdown, and enhanced embroidered detailing that gives it a more premium finish. The combination of technical improvements and aesthetic refinement makes it a step up from its predecessor, reinforcing On’s reputation for balancing function and form.
At $160 USD / £150 GBP / €170 EUR, the Cloudsurfer 2 sits comfortably in the premium everyday trainer category, positioning itself as a competitor to the likes of the Nike Pegasus or Hoka Clifton – but with On’s distinctly Swiss-engineered take on comfort and innovation.
With a growing global audience and a cult-like following among both performance runners and design-conscious sneakerheads, On continues to evolve beyond its roots. And the Cloudsurfer 2 is proof that the brand is still refining and redefining what a daily trainer can be.
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