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.
If you’ve ever felt like your running shoes just can’t keep up as you shift from leisurely jogs to picking up the pace, you’re actually not alone! That’s where the On Cloudsurfer Next steps in. It’s more than just an upgrade to the Cloudsurfer 7, it’s a whole new vibe for runners looking for speed without giving up stability or comfort.
Whether you’re a heavier runner craving that solid base (that doesn’t wobble with instability) or just someone aiming to boost your tempo runs, the Cloudsurfer Next might be your ideal match. But will it suit your needs? Stick around to find out!
Key specifications
- Price: $150 at on.com
- Weight: 9.6oz / 272g (Men’s US 9)
- Drop: 6mm (Medium)
- Support: Neutral
- Cushioning: Helion superfoam + CloudTec Phase tech
- Outsole: Rubber with exposed foam sections
- Upper: Breathable engineered woven material
- Best For: Daily training, faster runs, forefoot strikers
- Sizing: True to size, medium to wide width
Fit and feel
From the moment you slip these on, the Cloudsurfer Next offers a true-to-size fit, ideal for those with medium to wide feet. And let’s talk about the lacing system—it’s genius! It has a wide opening, making them easy to slip on, but also accessible for those with wide feet. The eyelets have a slight stretch, giving the shoe flexibility that molds to your foot. A quick, snug fit, and you’re ready to hit the road.
The upper feels light and breathable, hugging your foot without squeezing. The plush tongue and collar are soft, but here’s where things get tricky—the heel counter. It’s stiff and angular, and I experienced some rubbing. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but if you’ve had heel irritation before, this might be a red flag for you.
One thing you should know: the midsole… It’s firm. You’ll need a couple of runs to break it in. But that stiffness? It translates into stability—a big plus for heavier runners or those craving a solid platform.
Performance review
Now, if you’re expecting the same plush ride as the Cloudsurfer 7, you’re in for a bit of a shock. The Cloudsurfer Next feels more like the Cloudrunner, with a firmer, more responsive ride. This shoe shines when you’re pushing the pace.
Forefoot focused design
One of the noteworthy features is its forefoot rocker. It gives you that forward momentum, making it a great fit for forefoot strikers. But if you’re a heel striker? You might notice a firmer landing since the heel rocker is far less pronounced. Coming from the smooth, full-length rocker of the Cloudsurfer 7, this might take some getting used to.
Versatility across paces
I tested the Cloudsurfer Next across a range of speeds—from slower 6-minute kilometers to quick 4:30 intervals. Guess what? This shoe loves speed. The firmer Helion foam feels incredibly responsive during faster efforts. At slower paces, however, heel strikers might find the ride a tad too firm. But even then, the shoe’s stability keeps your form locked in, no matter the pace.
Traction and durability
Traction is another area where the Cloudsurfer Next does very well. With rubber compound on the outsole’s key areas, it grips well during tight turns, and on varied surfaces, including gravel, cobblestones, and wet roads.
The midfoot does feature exposed foam (the white part in the middle), which will wear down quicker over time although it’s positioned in an area of the outsole that should get as much wear. On the plus side, I didn’t notice any major issues with debris getting stuck during gravel runs—a small, but satisfying perk!
Are they worth buying?
At $150 from on.com, the Cloudsurfer Next is priced competitively for a daily trainer built for speed. If you’re a forefoot striker, or just a runner wanting to increase your tempo, this shoe will help you unlock faster runs without losing out on stability. It’s not the soft, cushy ride of the Cloudsurfer 7—but that’s not the point of it. It’s made for runners looking for efficiency, speed, and control.
And if you need a shoe that does double duty? The Cloudsurfer Next can easily transition from your running go-to to your everyday walking shoe. Its firm platform works for both running and all-day comfort.
Final words and call for comments
The On Cloudsurfer Next is an excellent choice for runners who are ready to level up their speed during daily training. While it may not be as plush as some are used to, especially fans of the Cloudsurfer 7, it offers a more responsive, firmer ride that’s perfect for faster efforts. The added stability makes it a great choice for heavier runners or those craving a secure, controlled run.
➡ But what about you? Have you tried the Cloudsurfer Next? How does it compare to your go-to running shoes? Let me know in the comments!
And if you’re looking for more shoe reviews and running tips, don’t forget to subscribe to my Newsletter for the latest updates and check out my YouTube channel for in-depth reviews!
Alternatives to consider
Not quite convinced? Check out my best daily trainers roundup, where I compare other top options. Whether you’re looking for a softer ride or a similar speedy shoe, or just a daily trainer from a different brand, I’ve got you covered.
Ready to take your running to the next level? Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel and never miss a review. And if you enjoyed this breakdown, share it with your running buddies—let’s grow our community of speedsters!
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