Saucony Ride VS Guide: The Winner Is…
Saucony Ride 18 vs. Guide 18: A clear look at how these daily trainers compare, with a goal of helping you decide which one is best for you.
The Cloudsurfer 2 builds on the trusted design of its predecessor, maintaining much of the familiar comfort and fit that fans of the Cloudsurfer line have come to expect with some tweaks to the ride that those very same people may frown upon, while others will appreciate it.
While the upper design remains close to that of the Cloudsurfer 7 (2023), the new Cloudsurfer 2 (2025) shifts its focus slightly by offering a firmer, more stable ride for daily training, reminiscent of the Cloudsurfer Next.
This update is aimed at runners who want a blend of soft cushioning, added responsiveness, and more durability/longevity in the bounciness of the midsole foam, making it a strong option for both long, steady runs and faster efforts – and yes, they’re still the best On Running shoes for daily training.
Now, before I go any further – the astute among you, will have noticed the version downshift from 2023’s Cloudsurfer 7, to this new Cloudsurfer 2 version, for 2025.
Since the release of this new Cloudsurfer 2, On has retroactively renamed the Cloudsurfer 7 to be the Cloudsurfer 1 – as they have now decided that the 2023 version reboot was so different, that the series had to rego a reset.
Confused yet? Yes, I was too – anyway let’s get back to the review.
Key Specifications
- Price: $160 at On.com
- Weight: 9oz / 254g for a US(M) size 9 – my pair
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9mm
- Cushioning: Balanced (Refined CloudTec® Phase cushioning paired with Helion™ superfoam midsole)
- Upper: Breathable mesh for ventilated comfort with updated tongue construction
- Outsole: An updated tread pattern and repositioning of rubber compound improves durability and traction
How They Fit and Feel
The Cloudsurfer 2 fits true to size, offering a secure yet comfortable feel from the moment you lace them up. If you have been running in the Cloudsurfer 7, then these will feel incredibly similar.
The breathable mesh upper and updated tongue construction create a snug fit without feeling constrictive, while the traditional lacing system holds your feet in place throughout your run.
Overall, the feel is consistent with the previous Cloudsurfer model, delivering the familiar support and comfort you expect from On.
What’s Good
One of the key updates made to the Cloudsurfer 2 is its refined cushioning system which moves away from a plush ride, to a more stable, supportive, and balanced ride.
The combination of CloudTec Phase cushioning and Helion superfoam in the midsole delivers a soft landing with a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
This setup, optimized through Finite Element Analysis (FEA), adapts well across different paces and helps keep your stride feeling controlled and efficient over long distances.
In terms of ride quality, the Cloudsurfer 2 now has a firmer and more stable feel compared to the Cloudsurfer 7. This shift in the midsole ‘feel’ gives more response during faster runs, while still retaining enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable over extended periods.
It just doesn’t have that plush feel that it did before – fans of the previous model will find that disappointing. I personally found that this added firmness helps improve responsiveness without making the ride overly rigid but one of the things I loved most about the previous model, and what made it stand out to me was the soft cushioned ride.
The build quality also deserves a mention, starting with the re-engineered upper. It is more breathable, which will help your feet stay cool on warmer days, and the updated tongue contributes to an overall extremely comfortable fit.
Additionally, the use of recycled materials in the embroidered eyelets and overlays is a thoughtful touch that aligns with a growing interest in sustainability.
The outsole offers good durability, and provides great traction, in a variety of conditions, and it you need to do a lot of weaving in and out of people on city streets. The placement of the tread has also been tweaked to ensure better durability around the heel area.
Weighing in at 9oz, the Cloudsurfer 2 is light enough to support an effortless running experience while providing the necessary cushioning and support for varied paces. This balance between weight and performance helps create an overall ride that is both smooth and stable – perfect for a reliable daily trainer.
The Bad
Not every aspect of the Cloudsurfer 2 will suit every runner’s preferences, the move to a firmer midsole, while beneficial for stability, may not appeal if you’re used to (or fell in love with) the softer, more cushioned feel of the Cloudsurfer 7, nd to some degree I feel this shift is a bit of an odd one for On, as they already have two shoes that feel very similar, the Cloudsurfer Next, and the Cloudrunner.
Runners who prefer a very plush landing might need a few sessions to adjust to the slightly increased firmness underfoot.
The design updates, particularly in the upper, are relatively subtle, so if you were hoping for a more noticeable aesthetic overhaul, the Cloudsurfer 2 might feel like a modest evolution rather than a complete reinvention – and I’m totally fine with not changing something that works so well already.
Finally, the price point of $160 places the shoe in a competitive segment; priced slightly higher than competitors like the Saucony Guide 18 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2, but cheaper than the Hoka Bondi 9.
While the build and performance improvements justify the cost for many, it might seem steep for those who are more budget-conscious or are looking for a drastic change from previous models.
On Cloudsurfer 2 (2025) VS Cloudsurfer 7 (2023)
Deciding whether the Cloudsurfer 2 is worth an upgrade for you depends largely on what you value most in a running shoe. If you appreciated the comfortable fit and familiar design of the Cloudsurfer 7 but have been looking for a bit more stability and responsiveness, the Cloudsurfer 2 offers a welcome refinement.
Its firmer ride, closer in feel to the Cloudsurfer Next or Cloudrunner, can be particularly appealing if you run at varied paces or need a shoe that handles faster efforts with a secure feel.
On the other hand, if your primary focus is on maximum cushioning and a softer ride for longer or easier runs, you might miss some of the plushness found in the previous version.
Personally, I found that the added stability in the Cloudsurfer 2 make it a balanced option, especially during runs that demand a bit more responsiveness without sacrificing overall comfort but I did love the more unique feel of the previous version too.
| Specification | Cloudsurfer 7 | Cloudsurfer 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 at On.com | $160 at On.com |
| Weight | 8.2oz (232g) | 9oz (254g) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10mm | 9mm |
| Ride | Plush, soft cushioning with a bouncy, forgiving feel | Firmer, more stable, and responsive—closer in feel to the Cloudsurfer Next |
In short, whether the new version is “better” comes down to your running style and personal preference because the only major difference is the firmness of the ride, everything else including fit and upper support is mostly unchanged.
My Verdict
Overall, the On Cloudsurfer 2 represents a thoughtful evolution in the Cloudsurfer lineup but one that steps away from the plush feel. It builds on the comfortable, well-fitted upper that has been a hallmark of previous models while introducing a firmer midsole that offers increased stability and responsiveness.
If you’re looking for a shoe that offers an effortless running experience with a balanced mix of cushioning, durability, and support, the Cloudsurfer 2 is definitely worth a look.
Its subtle upgrades make it a reliable choice for daily training, even if the design changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary.
👋🏼 Not sure about these but still looking for your next pair of daily trainers? Head over to my Best Daily Trainer Running Shoes roundup. See you on the next review! -Alastair
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