On Cloudrunner 2 Review

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

When it comes to choosing running shoes, it’s a bit like choosing a running coach. Everyone benefits from a different level of support. Some people enjoy gentle guidance, while others thrive on a firmer approach. Everyone’s feet move in different ways, which is why most brands are moving towards a multi-faceted approach to stability.

In the age of new stability technology, companies are developing different levels of support and utilizing alternative forms of technology. Runners can choose from a variety of styles to find the right level of support. The On Cloudrunner 2 offers mild stability for runners who enjoy a structured feel but may not need full-fledged support for their stride.

We tested the On Cloudrunner 2 on recovery runs, interval workouts and treadmill miles. Did it leave us comfortably supported or craving more structure? Read on to find out.

“The Cloudrunner 2’s stability frame was pretty mild, in my opinion,” he says. “The faster I ran, the less structural support I felt on the medial side. This shoe might be better suited for runners who have never worn a stability frame before. Using this model as an introductory pair is a perfect setup thanks to its gentle guidance.”

One thing we could all agree on is how much we appreciated the closed channel outsole, which leaves no room for stray rocks and debris. If you’ve been wearing On running shoes for a while, you’ll know this was an issue in the past.

The firm midsole of the Cloudrunner 2 stands in contrast with its soft, plush upper. Thick padding around the tongue and heel collar envelopes your foot with coziness, and breathable mesh wraps around your midfoot and forefoot to offer a secure fit.

“The heel collar is pleasantly padded and the gusseted tongue is ventilated and doesn’t move around,” says Nate, our wide-footed reviewer. “The engineered mesh upper keeps my feet firmly in place, but there’s also quite a bit of softness to the material. The shoes fit my wide, high-volume feet perfectly.” It’s worth noting that Nate received a wide size (2E for men).

I have medium-width, low volume feet, and I also found the Cloudrunner 2 to feel true to size. I really appreciate all the extra padding around the heel and ankle, as it gives the shoe a luxury feel. Plus, the upper is made with 100% recycled mesh, making it a sustainable option.

The Cloudrunner 2 is available in both standard and wide sizing, so if you really enjoy the feel of the shoe you’ll likely be able to find your perfect fit. Not sure about the width of your feet? Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet to try the shoe on in-person. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.

It’s been two years since we tested the On Cloudrunner, so it’s a little bit foggy in our memories, just like the distant recollections of our old high school coaches.

The Cloudrunner 2 is .6 ounces lighter in the women’s model and over a full ounce lighter in the men’s. Part of this can be attributed to shoe designers using Helion superfoam rather than the Zero-gravity foam used in the original version (even though the Zero-gravity foam was touted as their lightest foam at the time).

On also removed the Speedboard from the Cloudrunner in this latest version, presumably to make it feel softer. The Speedboard, a rigid plate of thermoplastic polymer, provides a touch of responsiveness as you toe off.

On claims the Cloudrunner 2 is softer than the previous versions, and we tested the original version too long ago to truly evaluate that claim. However, if Nate, who typically loves firm shoes, said, “I wouldn’t mind an ounce or two of additional softness,” we know the Cloudrunner 2 is not for soft-seekers!

The On Cloudrunner 2 is On’s mid-level stability shoe, offering a moderate amount of cushioning and support. Both the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 and the New Balance 860 v13 are their own respective brands’ mid-level stability shoe, as well.

But the similarities don’t stop there. All three shoes have similar weights–with the Cloudrunner 2 being the lightest–and similar stack heights. The shoes also have fairly high heel-to-toe drops when compared with current industry trends.

What is heel-to-toe drop and why does it matter?

The biggest differences between the shoes are their varying levels of stability. The Cloudrunner 2 features reinforcements on both the medial and lateral sides of the heel, similar to the GuideRails used in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23. The New Balance 860 v13 uses a firm, dual-density medial post to offer stability, although this may change with the introduction of the v14 coming this summer.

The Cloudrunner 2 is like a running coach that will send you a brief message if you miss a workout, but won’t grill you on why you missed it. It provides a touch of gentle guidance if you need it, but won’t get in the way of your groove if you don’t.

Because of its firm ride, the Cloudrunner 2 is great for runners who enjoy a rigid platform for landings and toe-offs. It’s also a good choice for runners seeking mild stability because, while it offers more support than a neutral running shoe, it doesn’t feel quite as supportive as other stability shoes on the market.

As Spencer said, the Cloudrunner 2 is a great introduction to stability shoes for runners who are used to running in neutral models but are looking for a bit more support.