On Running Cloudsurfer Shoe Review

I have been running with the Cloudsurfer by On Running for a few months now.   On Running is designed by a Swiss engineer creating the CloudTec Cushioning System.  It absorbs 25-30 percent impact force and active push-off for a strong energy return.

Here is my review of the shoe.

How my Cloudsurfer looks after the test runs.

PROS

Lightweight – The Cloudsurfer weights about 10.5 oz which I would consider light for a cushioning shoe.  Having the CloudTec elements on the sole instead a full rubber saves a lot of weight.  It can match a racing flat that is about 9 oz.

Durable – Surprisingly the soles are durable.  My first impression was that the CloudTec elements look thin.  You would thought it can last only a few hundred kilometers.  But my mileage with the shoe has been over 50 kms and they still look ok.  Wear testers reports that they can last up to 600 kms.

These CloudTec elements are surprisingly durable.

Better Footstrike – The sole is designed without a heel.  Instead the CloudTec elements are positioned a bit towards the center thus heel strike is avoided and impact is lessened.  It encourages better running form.

No heels, so no heel strikes.  Not really a zero for me but my heel strikes were minimal.

Good Cushioning – They say that you will feel like you are running on the clouds with the Cloudsurfer.  I find that hard to verify and compare since I never ran on clouds.  But I can say that the cushioning is great with the Cloudsurfer.  The CloudTec elements are really working.  Aside from absorbing vertical forces upon impact, it also absords horinzontal forces.  This gives more protection for the runner compared to other shoes.

Well Engineered – I definitely like the minimal approach to the design.  The airmesh is maximized around the shoe.  The idea of the CloudTec elements is brilliant.

CONS

Stiff – I find the midsole stiff.  I prefer a more flexible shoe since I have problems with my plantar fascia.  My soles would hurt once in a while but nothing significant for me to stop wearing the shoe.  I can run with the Cloudsurfer for 15K without pain so far.

Rocks between the Pods – This can be annoying.  Sometimes the CloudTec elements will be caught up in a rock or an edge of the road or trail.  The big space in the heel can be stuck on some big crack on the road and cause me to go off balance.   A rock can even fit in there.  Because of this, I don’t think the Cloudsurfer to work well on a trail.  Just imagine the mud that it will collect on the shoe.  But if the road is well paved, these Cloudtec elements won’t give you problems.

Your foot can get caught into something with these Cloudtec elements spaced apart.

Summary

The Cloudsurfer by On Running is great for a road shoe.  I would recommend it for runners who wanted a lightweight and well-cushioned shoe.  It’s bouncy Swiss engineered pods provides the soft cushioning and the bouncy return during toe off.  I like how it is designed to improve the foot strike by encouraging midfoot landing rather than the heel.

Cloudsurfer is available in Chris Sports outlets.

Read our feature on the Cloudsurfer by On Running.

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