On Cloudrunner 2 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas
On Cloudrunner 2Price: $149.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.7 oz, 277 g (men's size 9), 8.5 oz, 240 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 39 mm / 29 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Shoe Purpose: Mild Guidance Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Stable Rearfoot, Smooth Transition, Comfortable Wider Fit
Cons: Less Cushioned than Expected
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The On Cloudrunner 2 is a rare mild stability daily trainer. A wide fitting mesh upper sits up top, providing extra room throughout for those who need/want it. A higher stack height of On's Helion foam runs the full length of the sole that provides a relatively firmer ride classic to On running shoes. This is still decently protective but will work best for short to moderate distance daily training runs for those who want mild heel stability thanks to a heel clip and CloudTec design. The On Cloudrunner 2 returns lighter with a newer foam but still stays true to its purpose and roots as a balanced mild stability shoe.
SIMILAR SHOES: Nike Structure 25, Topo Athletic Ultrafly 5
PAST MODEL: On Cloudrunner
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The On Cloudrunner 2 fits me mostly true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The fit is on the wider side throughout and initially felt slightly long. Now that the upper has broken in, the length feels more true to size. The full-length engineered mesh is on the lighter side of moderately thick and has a little stretch up front. The width in the forefoot is wider with a slightly higher volume. This transitions into a lower volume (lower instep) but wider midfoot. The wideness is offset by a medium thickness and extremely well-gusseted tongue. The tongue gusset hugs the foot and provides enough security that combined with tightening down the laces ensures a mostly secure fit. The heel fits wider with a moderate amount of heel collar cushioning. The midfoot lockdown helped keep the foot secure but I did have to tighten the laces to ensure my heels did not slip (I did not have to lace lock the shoe). The inner liner of the shoe is quite comfortable against bare skin with the exception of the toe guard. I have used this shoe for sockless walking extensively, with the only drawback being that a lack of socks makes the shoe feel even more wide. Thus, for most people I would suggest using socks.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
David: The On Cloudmonster 2 fit true to size in my Men's 9.5. The engineered mesh upper is very comfortable on foot and feels very soft the way it lays. There is some slight stretch to it, though it holds its structure well and I had no issues with translation of the foot. The width is normal-to-slightly wide throughout the shoe, though the laces do lock down well and I had no issues with slippage or translation. There is stiff internal heel counter that is also accompanied with an external rail counter medially and laterally that extends the length of the rearfoot into the midfoot. The heel collar is decently plush and pads the internal counter well. The gusseted tongue is padded well and also feels fairly plush. I had no issues with biting from the laces. The shoe does have a decent amount of volume and can accommodate swelling in the foot well. From a comfort standpoint, this is definitely one of my favorite uppers this year.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Somewhat (feels more than it is)
How Flexible is the Shoe: Mildly Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: Somewhat
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a daily trainer for those that want a smooth, balanced ride. Featuring full-length CloudTec elements and Helion foam (EVA and OBC), the ride feels balanced between firm and soft. Classic to On, the ride is a firmer than expected for a 39mm heel stack height but it still feels mostly protective. The weight feels consistent with a daily trainer and feels neither heavy or light. There is a 10mm drop listed but this shoe feels closer to 6-8mm. This may be from how much the sole and CloudTec elements in heel compress, so your footstrike may change how the drop feels. The heel transition is slightly firm but smooth thanks to a decent bevel that is slightly posterior lateral. The split heel also allows the lateral side to compress more, which works well with the heel clip for heel stability. The midfoot is also slightly firm and transitions into a similar forefoot. There is a decent early forefoot rocker that combined with mild to moderate flexibility creates a smooth transition off the front.
On foot, the shoe feels highly flexible up front so those with toe mobility issues may want to approach cautiously. The ride works best for easy-to-moderate daily mileage. I have used this shoe for a workout (progression run) and while it did respond, it is not the fastest shoe out there. It is best for daily miles but is a tad too firm for me to use over long miles. There is plenty of cushioning for all-day wear and this has been an excellent shoe for longer walking and standing for longer periods.
Traction-wise, this shoe works best for road. It can handle some wet road but does best in dry conditions. The durability has been average thanks to the amount of exposed foam on the bottom. I have 30 miles in my pair with fairly average wear in my normal spots, so I expect a normal amount of miles for a daily trainer out of this shoe.
David: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a daily training shoe that gives you mild stability on the run. The shoe uses a gradual rocker profile with a more flexible forefoot up front. The Cloudtec foam provides moderate cushioning, but can feel a bit flat with responsiveness. The 39mm stack height for the heel doesn't fully feel like it lines up with the model, as this definitely feels like a shoe of more moderate cushioning and stack. The mild stability is felt through the heel and is certainly comfortable. There is a decently sized rocker through the heel that gets you moving through some of their guidance features. They have an internal heel counter and an external counter that is rail like along the medial and lateral rearfoot. The midfoot through the forefoot feels a little more traditional in build. The forefoot has decent flexibility to it under load. I actually found myself wanting the shoe to be a bit stiffer through the forefoot.
The midsole does not have that much bounce to it, so I found myself sinking into the forefoot to push off through the forefoot. I wouldn't mind the flexible forefoot if the midsole had more bounce to it, but in its current state I do think a stiffer forefoot would be appreciated. There is also some gentle sole flaring and sidewalls throughout the length of the platform and I do feel that this helps with the stability as well.
The outsole traction underfoot should work pretty well for general uses. I appreciate some of the mild guidance and I enjoyed my time in the Cloudrunner 2, but I do think I would either like a more lively foam or a stiffer forefoot.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a mild stability shoe. This stability comes from the long heel clip, the larger rearfoot sidewall and what appears to be larger clouds on the medial compared to the lateral side. The heel clip is the most obvious and does a great job combined with the large rearfoot sidewalls to provide a centered ride. This does extend into the midfoot, although is most apparent at the posterior midfoot/anterior heel transition. The midfoot sole is not the widest but also not the narrowness, which helps with the transition. The forefoot is wider with mild sidewalls on the medial side that do provide mild centeredness up front. On has made their medial clouds larger than the lateral ones at the heel in prior models like the Cloudflyer (we have not tested v5 yet). This is not super noticeable, but may provide a little lateral guidance along with the slight posterior lateral heel bevel. Regardless, the On Cloudrunner 2 is a definite mild stability shoe for those who need some structure/guidance in the heel and posterior midfoot.
David: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a mild stability training shoe. They accomplish this mostly through the rearfoot. The rearfoot has a stiff internal heel counter that is complimented by an external counter that serves similar to a rail along the medial and lateral rearfoot. This does give you a very secure and stable feeling through that region. There is also some gentle sole flaring through the heel and forefoot that is noticeable. The insole does sit below the height of some gentle sidewalls throughout the length of the platform as well. The upper security was also really good on the Cloudrunner 2. From a mild stability standpoint I feel they did well, especially in the rearfoot.
Thoughts as a DPT: Why Mild Stability?
By Matthew Klein
Like many parts of the stability footwear category, the mild stability roster has decreased. Most of these have been from faster mild stability shoes, which the introduction of the super shoe has facilitated the further decrease in (although we still need a mild stability super racing shoe). What somewhat justifies this is that many moderate stability shoes have dropped to a state between moderate and mild stability due to a shift to more guidance/centeredness-based rather than just medial support/stability. Not all of the models have done this, but some certainly have. The other partial replacement has been the increasing number of stable neutral shoes. As we talk about frequently, these shoes do not have traditional stability measures but are stable thanks to methods like sidewalls, wider soles, etc. More shoes are featuring some of these measures, increasing footwear options for those who can tolerate mild guidance instead of pure medial stability.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: I have enjoyed the ride of the On Cloudrunner 2 as a break from super soft shoes. Despite its taller reported stack height, it does run on the firmer end (which I expect for On). The wider fit and mild stability are unique characteristics that should be maintained in this model given the position it fills well. My major suggestion is to soften the ride slightly (without offsetting the mild stability) to provide more versatility into longer distances.
David: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a good shoe, but I do have some recommendations. My main recommendations fall mostly into the platform and ride of the shoe. The shoe feels like it almost needs to make a choice. The weight is light enough for the shoe to feel lively, but the foam really does not have much rebound to it. Because of that, you tend to sink into the flexible forefoot and have to dig yourself out a little bit. At really easy rhythmic paces that is not an issue, but can be a little fatiguing at faster or longer efforts. I don't mind the foam properties, as it feels consistent for a daily training shoe, but I do think making a stiffer forefoot could help with that sinking feeling when transitioning through toe off. Ironically, the other recommendation would be to look in tweaking the foam some. If the forefoot remains similar in profile, having a more responsive foam could help offset the flexibility and sinking feeling through toe off.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a mild stability daily trainer for those who want a balance ride, a wider fit and heel stability. The upper fits wide throughout with a variable amount of volume, so those need more width will enjoy this shoe most. The stack height is higher but does not feel like it thanks to a ride that is firmer than expected but sits between firm and soft. The heel clip, sidewalls and cloud design make the heel and posterior midfoot stable for those who need both centeredness and mild medial stability. The ride rolls well but is not bouncy. Despite that roll, there still feels like there is some forefoot flexibilty, which combined with the slightly more firm ride make this shoe best for walking, standing and short to moderate distance runs. Those who like a firmer shoe may still be able to use it for longer runs. It is nice that On still has a mild stability (Cloudrunner 2) and mild-to-moderate stability (Cloudflyer) in their line up when so many other brands have dropped their mild stability option. Although shoes need to have a market to sell, having some variety is still helpful as people need a variety of things.
David: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a mild stability training shoe that will work best for someone that has needs for stability in the rearfoot and likes a bit of a firmer shoe. The foam has a very consistent feel to it, though does not have a lot of rebound. Those that like that feeling and need some heel stability will thrive here. I do feel the forefoot is a little more on the flexible side as well when loaded, and so that will also work for someone who normally likes that. The Cloudrunner 2 also does a great job with volume and accommodation of swelling, so those that need a little more space in the shoe will really appreciate that in the Cloudrunner 2.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Wider fit throughout that is comfortable on easy runs, walking and standing. )
Performance: B (Slightly firmer ride best for short to moderate distances and as a daily mileage. )
Stability: A- [Mild Stability] (Rearfoot heel clip, rearfoot sidewalls, forefoot sidewalls and slightly firmer ride provide a mild stability ride mostly in the heel and posterior midfoot)
Value: B+ (Decent value for a mild stability shoe that still looks good)
Personal: B+ (One of my favorite walking shoes. Great shoe to balance out the softer rides out there currently. Would expect to be a bit softer/more responsive, but great rolling ride)
Overall Design: B+
David
Fit: A (Good amount of volume and width, but great lockdown and comfort throughout)
Performance: B- (Good rearfoot stability and mild guidance. Foam is a bit flat and current construction makes it difficult for long runs, but can handle easy daily efforts. Flexible forefoot feels a little inconsistent with the heel.)
Stability: A- [Mild Stability] (Really well executed heel. Forefoot wide with good sole flaring. Midfoot relatively neutral.)
Value: A- (For those the shoe works for, I do think it will last pretty well. It makes for a nice walking shoe as well.)
Personal: B+ (I really enjoy walking and standing in this shoe. Easy rhythmic miles are good for shorter distances, but I do think I'd prefer other shoes for getting my daily mileage and long runs in.)
Overall Design: B/B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DOROn Cloudrunner 2Price: $149.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
One of the best lightweight stability trainers in the market right now. (and one of the few)
An orthopedic shoes for insole users.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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