On Cloudsurfer 2 vs Cloudsurfer Max

Cloudsurfer 2 or Cloudsurfer Max? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want a light, comfortable On for daily runs and daily wear? Get the Cloudsurfer 2.

Want On’s max-cushion comfort for long, easy miles and daily wear? Get the Cloudsurfer Max.

Get the Cloudsurfer 2 if

• You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.3 oz
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (9mm vs 6mm)

Get the Cloudsurfer Max if

• You want more foam underfoot (5mm more at the heel)
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 9mm)
• You need a wide width

On the run

Cloudsurfer 2: Light, durable On comfort. Light and comfortable with a rockered shape that’s better on long runs than before. The foam is firm and not very responsive, so it isn’t built for faster paces.

Cloudsurfer Max: On’s max-stack Cloudsurfer. Well cushioned and fine for long, easy miles, but the ride is firm and low on energy return, so it can feel sluggish and heavy.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Cloudsurfer 2. Runs slightly short, so consider a half size up. Premium materials. Wide available.

Cloudsurfer Max. True to size with premium build quality. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Cloudsurfer 2 · Shop the Cloudsurfer Max · Compare other running shoes