ON Cloudsurfer 7 Introduction

The problem with using the name “cloud” in all your running shoe names is that people expect the shoes to feel like you’re running on pillowy, soft clouds. On Running shoes of the past have felt nothing like this.

The reason that On shoes have felt so firm is because of their speedboard. The speedboard is essentially a firm plate which increases stability and makes the shoe stiffer so that it feels faster, more snappy. This works well in speed trainers or racers but not in easy-day shoes.

The Cloudsurfer is the first On Running shoe to not feature a speedboard. It’s a new generation of running shoes that doesn’t use their regular CloudTec cushioning system. Instead, it uses CloudTec Phase technology.

The name Cloudsurfer isn’t a new one and this latest version is essentially the Cloudsurfer 7, however, On doesn’t want this new version to be associated with the Cloudsurfers of the past so they’ve dropped the version number and just called it the Cloudsurfer.

Last year, I reviewed the max-cushioned Cloudmonster and while it still didn’t feel like the max-cushioned trainer like it was supposed to, it was the softest On shoe I had tried and it was a big step in the right direction.

The Cloudsurfer is a neutral daily trainer for everyday runs. It’s designed to have plush cushioning for road running.

It weighs 8.6 oz (245 g) for a men’s US9 which is lightweight for a daily trainer and it has a 10 mm drop. It costs $160 which is relatively affordable for an On Running shoe but still very expensive when compared to other daily trainers.

ON Cloudsurfer 7 First Impressions

The first time I tried the Cloudsurfer on, I was surprised how different it felt to any other On trainer. When walking around, there was a plushness underfoot which was missing from previous On shoes.

My first run was a 9 km easy run which I thoroughly enjoyed. Transitions felt smooth because there aren’t any cloud pods on the outsole and the ride felt very unique due to the midsole geometry.

I liked how soft the ride felt and I was impressed with the amount of shock absorption it possessed. The upper was supremely comfortable with no break-in period needed. The ride was totally unique and it didn’t remind me of any other running shoes.

ON Cloudsurfer 7 Upper

The Cloudsurfer is the most comfortable running shoe I’ve ever worn. This has to do with how generously padded the collar and tongue are as well as how smooth the insides of the upper are. It feels like the plush upper of a max-cushioned trainer and it would make an excellent casual walking shoe.

Foot lockdown is amazing without needing to use a runner’s knot and there’s no tongue slide because the tongue is attached to an inner sleeve. You also get reflective On logos on the midfoot and heel.

The upper is heavily padded so it’s a warm shoe and definitely more suited to Winter running or cooler climates. All the padding soaks up sweat during runs and weighs the shoe down.

The midfoot, forefoot and toe box are all very accommodating so it’s suitable for wide feet. The fit is true to size but you need to be careful if you purchase in UK sizing because On shoes convert to a half size bigger than other running shoes (just like NB, Hoka & Adidas) so you should purchase using centimetre sizing to be accurate.

ON Cloudsurfer 7 Sole Unit

The ride of the Cloudsurfer is such a unique one because it compresses really easily when loaded. There are holes carved into the midsole which allow the upper and lower sections of the midsole to come together when you strike the ground. For the first time, an On Running shoe actually feels like you’re on clouds.

The Cloudsurfer feels like a max-cushioned trainer and not a versatile daily trainer because of how plush the underfoot feel is. This is one of the softest trainers on the market and I really enjoy it for recovery and easy runs slower than 6 minutes per kilometre (9:40 per mile). There isn’t any energy return from the midsole foam but it feels very shock absorbing and highly protective.

I use the Cloudsurfer for slow-paced, short-distance runs around 10 km or less. There’s no rocker for extra efficiency and the midsole doesn’t feel energetic so I prefer to not use it for long runs. Versatility is not a strength of the Cloudsurfer because the midsole foam doesn’t rebound very quickly and the forefoot is flexible so it’s not great for anything faster than easy paces.

A big difference between the Cloudsurfer and other On Running shoes is that there are no cloud pods on the outsole of the Cloudsurfer so the result is super smooth transitions which increase the comfort of the ride. The outsole is now full ground contact and it makes the ride more enjoyable, and more stable. The outsole also doesn’t pick up small stones like the other On shoes.

When it comes to durability, I think heavier runners will wear out the cushioning faster than light runners below 70 kilograms. This is because the midsole compresses extremely easily and it will deform under constant heavyweight. So far, I haven’t noticed any loss in cushioning after 80 kilometers but I’m a light runner.

I’ve run in the rain and the grip was acceptable. There is some outsole wear showing on the outer lateral heel midsole foam where there is no rubber coverage so durability is slightly below average because the exposed foam is soft.

ON Cloudsurfer 7 Conclusions

This is the first On Running shoe deserving of the “cloud” name. On’s willingness to embrace change and get rid of their beloved Speedboard has paid off handsomely. The Cloudsurfer is not only the softest and smoothest On Running shoe but it’s also the most fun to run in.

The Cloudsurfer will definitely stay in my rotation because of how plush and comfortable its ride feels. I do feel that On should have marketed the Cloudsurfer as their max-cushioned trainer in place of the Cloudmonster because as an everyday trainer, the Cloudsurfer is just not versatile enough: it’s not a shoe you want to use for uptempo runs. The Cloudmonster on the other hand feels much faster and more dynamic due to its Speedboard.

If you’ve never tried an On shoe and you’re curious about the brand, the Cloudsurfer is the shoe that you should try; it’s innovative, and fun to use and its upper is one of the most comfortable that money can buy.

$160 for the Cloudsurfer is a little bit too expensive for a shoe marketed as a daily trainer. I’d say $140 would be a fairer price because it isn’t very versatile however you pay a premium for the Swiss badge.