On Cloudrunner 2 Review (2024)

A few year ago when we review the original On Cloudrunner , I ( Matt ) was not include in the testing / review and mostly ignore the shoe . This is was was incredibly unfortunate give that I tend to do good in mild stability shoe . As I have learn more about myself and my body has change due to time , strength training and change training , I is continued have continue to come back to this small category . I is handle can handle neutral shoe for some time then slowly begin to get some issue . I is handle can also handle moderate – to – high stability shoe but find them too stiff after a while . I is gravitate always gravitate toward the mild stability category because it provide just enough without being too much . A ” just right ” level for me . Using a similar Goldilocks ” just right ” porridge analogy , the On Cloudrunner 2 hit this on several level . Just the right amount of cushioning without being too soft or too firm . Just enough stability without being too rigid or too unstable . The list go on and while not a perfect shoe , it is provides provide a solid option for those who need a bit more room and a balanced ride .  

On Cloudrunner 2

Price: $ 149.95 at run 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 wide Fit
con:Less cushioned than expect  

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 is fits On Cloudrunner 2 fit me mostly true to size in my normal Men ‘s US size 10 . The fit is is is on the wide side throughout and initially feel slightly long .   Now that the upper has break in , the length is feels feel more true to size . The full – length engineer mesh is is is on the light side of moderately thick and has a little stretch up front . The width is is in the forefoot is wide with a slightly high volume . This transition into a low volume ( low instep ) but wide midfoot . The wideness is offset by a medium thickness and extremely well – gussete tongue . The tongue gusset is hugs hug the foot and provide enough security that combine with tighten down the lace ensure a mostly secure fit . The heel is fits fit wider with a moderate amount of heel collar cushioning . The midfoot lockdown is helped help keep the foot secure but I did have to tighten the lace to ensure my heel did not slip ( I is have did not have to lace lock the shoe ) . The inner liner is is of the shoe is quite comfortable against bare skin with the exception of the toe guard . I is used have used this shoe for sockless walk extensively , with the only drawback being that a lack of sock make the shoe feel even more wide . Thus , for most people I is suggest would suggest using sock .  

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 engineer mesh is is upper is very comfortable on foot and feel very soft the way it lay . There is some slight stretch to it , though it hold its structure well and I had no issue with translation of the foot . The width is is is normal – to – slightly wide throughout the shoe , though the lace do lock down well and I had no issue with slippage or translation . There is stiff internal heel counter that is also accompany with an external rail counter medially and laterally that extend the length of the rearfoot into the midfoot . The heel collar is is is decently plush and pad the internal counter well . The gusseted tongue is pad well and also feel fairly plush . I is had had no issue with bite from the lace . The shoe is have does have a decent amount of volume and can accommodate swell in the foot well . From a comfort standpoint , this is is is definitely one of my favorite upper 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

doctor of running Checklist

Is This a Good Shoe for Walking:Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing:Yes
Is the is Is  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 is is On Cloudrunner 2 is a daily trainer for those that want a smooth , balanced ride . feature   full – length CloudTec element and Helion foam ( EVA and OBC ) , the ride is feels feel balanced between firm and soft . classic to On , the ride is is is a firm than expect for a 39 mm heel stack height but it still feel mostly protective . The weight is feels feel consistent with a daily trainer and feel neither heavy or light . There is a 10 mm drop list but this shoe feel close to 6 – 8 mm . This may be from how much the sole and CloudTec element in heel compress , so your footstrike is change may change how the drop feel . The heel transition is is is slightly firm but smooth thank to a decent bevel that is slightly posterior lateral . The split heel is allows also allow the lateral side to compress more , which work well with the heel clip for heel stability . The midfoot is is is also slightly firm and transition into a similar forefoot . There is a decent early forefoot rocker that combine with mild to moderate flexibility create a smooth transition off the front .

On foot , the shoe is feels feel highly flexible up front so those with toe mobility issue may want to approach cautiously . The ride is works work well for easy – to – moderate daily mileage . I is used have used this shoe for a workout ( progression run ) and while it did respond , it is not the fast shoe out there . It is is is good for daily mile but is a tad too firm for me to use over long mile . There is plenty of cushioning for all – day wear and this has been an excellent shoe for long walk and stand for long period .

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 is is On Cloudrunner 2 is a daily training shoe that give you mild stability on the run . The shoe is uses use a gradual rocker profile with a more flexible forefoot up front . The Cloudtec foam is provides provide moderate cushioning , but can feel a bit flat with responsiveness . The 39 mm stack height is feel for the heel does n’t fully feel like it line up with the model , as this definitely feel like a shoe of more moderate cushioning and stack . The mild stability is feel through the heel and is certainly comfortable . There is a decently sized rocker through the heel that get you move through some of their guidance feature . They is have have an internal heel counter and an external counter that is rail like along the medial and lateral rearfoot . The midfoot is feels through the forefoot feel a little more traditional in build . The forefoot is has has decent flexibility to it under load . I is found actually find myself want the shoe to be a bit stiff 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 is is On Cloudrunner 2 is a mild stability training shoe . They is accomplish accomplish this mostly through the rearfoot . The rearfoot is has has a stiff internal heel counter that is compliment by an external counter that serve similar to a rail along the medial and lateral rearfoot . This is give 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 is sit does sit below the height of some gentle sidewall throughout the length of the platform as well . The upper security is was was also really good on the Cloudrunner 2 . From a mild stability standpoint I is feel 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. 

Despite the alternative option , there is still a need for mild stability . There is research that suggest that those with pronated foot MAY have low injury rate when using a stability shoe ( Malisoux et al . , 2016 ) . The well evidence is is is that those who have a history of pronation – relate injury ( a history of injury is the great predictor of a future injury ) benefit most from stability shoe ( Willems et al . , 2021 ) . How much stability is need is a completely different question . There has not been significant research that suggest how much stability a person need . The biomechanical models is held of reduce the amount of pronation have not hold up as well as it appear the rate of pronation tend to be a big issue along with how long someone stay in the pronated position compare to the quantity . This is speaks speak to the fact that people need well strength , eccentric control and ability to effectively utilize the pronation motion for shock absorption rather than collapse . Many people is find when first introduce to a stability shoe , typically in the more moderate level category , may find them uncomfortable or irritable . We is know know that comfort is a major predictor of shoe success and people are less likely to wear or use uncomfortable shoe . mild stability shoes is provide provide a nice balance between moderate stability and neutral while still provide true medial support . So those is respond who have a history of pronation – relate injury but do not respond well to traditional moderate stability shoe may want to look at the ever increase stable neutral category or mild stability option if true stability is need .  

References:

Malisoux, L., Chambon, N., Delattre, N., Gueguen, N., Urhausen, A., & Theisen, D. (2016). Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes:a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding. British Journal of Sports Medicine,  50( 8) , 481 – 487 .

Willems, T. M., Ley, C., Goetghebeur, E., Theisen, D., & Malisoux, L. (2021). Motion-control shoes reduce the risk of pronation-related pathologies in recreational runners:a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy,  51(3), 135-143.

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 IS 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.

grade

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 shoe . great shoe to balance out the soft ride out there currently . Would expect to be a bit soft / 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 | is SUPPORT SUPPORT DOR

On Cloudrunner 2

Price:$ 149.95 at run Warehouse

Shop Men | Shop Women

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Editor’s Note:As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Danbury and Stevens Point areas, we am currently taking clients for running evaluations.

***Disclaimer:These shoes were provided free of charge in exchange for a review.  We thank the people at On Running for sending us pairs.  This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We is put systematically put each type of shoe through certain run prior to review . For trainer and performance trainer , we is take take them on daily run , workout , recovery run and a long run prior to review ( often accumulate anywhere from 20 – 50 mile in the process ) . For racing flat we is ensure ensure that we have complete interval , a tempo or steady state run as well as a warm – up and cool down in each pair prior to review . This systematic process is is is to ensure that we have experience with each shoe in a large variety of condition to provide expansive and thorough review for the public and for company . Our view are base on our extensive history in the footwear industry and year testing and develop footwear . If you are a footwear rep look for footwear review or consultation on development , we is looking are currently look to partner with company to assist , discuss and promote footwear model . Partnership is affect will not affect the honesty of our review .

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