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The original Cloudsurfer Trail felt like a quiet win for On. It was simple, smooth, and surprisingly fun to run in across pavement, gravel, and buffed-out singletrack.
Now, the second version arrives with a few smart updates, not revolutionary, but meaningful in ways that make this already versatile shoe even easier to recommend.
The Cloudsurfer Trail 2 isn’t built to conquer alpine ridgelines or muddy scrambles. Instead, it’s here for the flow: park paths, canal towpaths, forest trails, dry gravel, and paved miles that link them together.
If your runs blur the line between city and trailhead, this shoe is probably what you’ve been looking for.
Key specs
- Price: $170 at on.com / £150 at sportsshoes.com (for UK readers)
- Weight: 9.9oz / 281g (Men’s US 9)
- Drop / Stack: 8mm drop, high stack for plush cushioning
- Upper: Breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh with padded collar and tongue
- Midsole: CloudTec Phase® with firmer Helion™ superfoam
- Outsole: Missiongrip™ with updated chevron lug layout
- Extras: Elastic lace stow, rear pull tab, TPU toe bumper for light protection
Fit & comfort: more forgiving, still secure
Fit remains true to size, but thanks to a reworked, wider lacing system and slightly more padded structure, it now feels more adaptable, especially for higher-volume feet.
The midfoot lockdown is solid, and those soft sculpted collars and heel counter adds instant comfort, right out of the box.
One minor quirk: the area where the tongue meets the vamp can feel a little stiff on toe flex, especially if you’re someone who runs more on the forefoot (see photo below).
That softens up quickly with wear, so worth pushing through those first few miles.
Ride & stability: smoother and more confident
Version 2 keeps the soft, springy CloudTec feel, but the midsole’s been made a little firmer and the rocker geometry toned down slightly, resulting in a more grounded, stable feel.
On road and smooth trail, the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 feels composed and confident. That lateral instability I picked up on in V1 is mostly gone, which means you can cruise across uneven ground (think: forest paths or packed gravel) without that wobbly, uncertain feel.
The heavier the runner, the more you’ll notice instability creeping in over uneven terrain, due to the foam compression more in these instances.
If you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker, you’ll appreciate the improved balance between cushioning and control. Heel strikers may still feel a bit of give on rough terrain, but it’s far from problematic.
Grip & durability is a welcome upgrade
The new chevron-shaped lugs do a better job gripping loose dirt, and the Missiongrip rubber feels dependable across road, dry trail, and even wet grass.
No, it’s not Vibram, but for what this shoe is designed for, it performs admirably.
Version 2 bites just enough to keep you feeling more confident when going downhill. But again, these aren’t technical all mountain trail shoes, push them too far and you’ll feel it.
The added TPU toe bumper and abrasion-resistant mesh hold up nicely to the occasional misstep on rocky paths, and the build feels protective without adding unnecessary weight.
This mesh durability does make it less breathable than the previous version, however. That’s great for Fall/Winter sunning, not so much for hot summer days.
Final thoughts
The On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 is a textbook example of a smart update. The shoe still plays to its original strengths; soft cushioning, smooth transitions, hybrid versatility but now feels better tuned for more foot types, more terrain, and more confident running.
If you’re after a shoe that handles easy trails, everyday runs, dog walks, and errand days with equal ease, this one delivers. And while it’s $10 more than the first version, the improvements in grip, fit, and stability make it worth it.
