If you’ve spent any time at a local 5k or even just grabbed a latte in a trendy neighborhood lately, you’ve seen the Swiss engineering. Those little "clouds" under the sole are everywhere. But when On announced the On Running Cloudrunner 2, the collective groan from the running community was audible. Why? Because the original Cloudrunner was a bit of a cult classic for people who needed stability without feeling like they were wearing a concrete block. It wasn't perfect, but it worked.
The update had a lot to live up to. Honestly, most brands ruin a good thing by over-engineering the second version. They add too much foam, or they make the upper so tight it cuts off circulation. With the Cloudrunner 2, On took a massive gamble. They swapped out the old Zero-Gravity foam for Helion superfoam. This isn't just marketing fluff; it’s a fundamental shift in how the shoe feels when your foot hits the pavement.
What’s Actually Different This Time?
First off, let’s talk about the midsole. If you used the first version, you remember that slightly firm, "pingy" sensation. It was okay, but after ten miles, it felt a little dead. The On Running Cloudrunner 2 uses a full-length Helion superfoam midsole. It's softer. It’s significantly more responsive. When you press your thumb into the heel, there’s a noticeable "squish" that simply wasn't there before.
But softness can be a trap. If a stability shoe is too soft, your ankle starts wobbling like a jelly bowl. To fix this, On widened the platform. The base of the shoe is broader now, especially through the midfoot. This creates a natural "cradle" for your foot. You aren't being forced into a specific gait by a hard plastic post—which is how old-school stability shoes like the Brooks Adrenaline used to do it—but rather, the shoe's geometry keeps you centered.
The upper got a facelift too. It’s 100% recycled polyester now. That sounds great for the planet, but for your foot, it means a plusher feel. The tongue is thick. Maybe too thick for some? If you like that minimalist, race-day feel, you’re going to hate this. It feels like a luxury sedan for your feet. It’s padded, secure, and—thankfully—the heel collar doesn't dig into your Achilles anymore.
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The Weight Problem
Let’s be real. This isn't a light shoe.
It’s not.
If you’re looking to PR your next mile, look elsewhere. The men’s version sits around 290g. In a world where "super trainers" are getting lighter every year, the Cloudrunner 2 is leaning into its identity as a daily grinder. It’s for the Tuesday morning 4-miler when your legs feel like lead and you just want to get the job done without getting injured.
Who is the On Running Cloudrunner 2 Really For?
Not every runner needs this shoe. If you have a high arch and a perfectly neutral gait, the Cloudrunner 2 might feel like "too much" shoe. It’s designed specifically for the overpronator. You know who you are. Your shoes wear out on the inner edge. Your knees occasionally twinge after a long run.
- Beginners: This is arguably the best entry point into the On ecosystem. It’s forgiving. It’s stable. It looks good enough to wear to the grocery store after your run.
- The "Heavy" Runner: If you’re a larger-framed athlete, you need foam that won't bottom out. The Helion foam holds up under pressure better than the old EVA blends.
- Recovery Days: Even if you usually run in carbon-plated rockets, your feet need a break. This is a solid "slow day" companion.
That Outsole Stone-Trap Issue
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. The "CloudTec" soles are famous for picking up rocks. You’re running along, enjoying the scenery, and suddenly—clack, clack, clack. You’ve got a pebble stuck in your shoe.
On claims they fixed this with the On Running Cloudrunner 2. They redesigned the channel at the bottom to be shallower. Does it work? Mostly. You won't pick up those massive driveway stones as often, but small gravel can still find a home in the flex grooves. It's the price you pay for the aesthetics and the specific cushioning sensation of the clouds. Honestly, it’s a minor annoyance compared to the improved ride, but it’s something to keep in mind if you run on gravel paths frequently.
The Performance Reality: Road Testing
I took these out for a 12-mile block. Usually, stability shoes start to feel heavy around mile 8. The weight starts to "hang" off your foot. Surprisingly, the rocker geometry—that curved shape of the sole—helps a lot here. It encourages a quicker transition from heel to toe.
It’s not a "fast" transition, but it’s smooth.
The grip is also worth a mention. On’s rubber compound has improved. On wet asphalt, I didn't feel that greasy, sliding sensation that plagued earlier models like the Cloudflow. It bites into the road. If you live in a rainy climate like the Pacific Northwest or the UK, this is a massive upgrade.
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Sustainability vs. Durability
On is pushing the eco-friendly angle hard. 100% recycled polyester upper. 30% recycled content overall. It’s a step in the right direction. But does it last?
Usually, recycled materials can be a bit more brittle. However, the mesh on the Cloudrunner 2 feels remarkably dense. I’ve seen reports of the upper lasting well over 400 miles. The weak point is usually the outsole rubber. If you’re a heavy heel striker, you might see some smoothing of the tread by mile 250. It’s standard for the industry, but don't expect these to last a thousand miles.
Comparing the Rivals
How does it stack up against the big players?
If you compare the On Running Cloudrunner 2 to the ASICS Kayano, the Kayano feels softer but more "mushy." The Cloudrunner is firmer and more stable-feeling. Against the Saucony Guide, the On feels more modern and stylish. The Guide is a workhorse, but the Cloudrunner is more versatile for lifestyle wear.
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The real competitor is actually within On’s own lineup: the Cloudflyer. The Cloudflyer is more expensive and offers more "elite" stability. But for 90% of runners, the Cloudrunner 2 is actually the better value. It’s cheaper, it’s more comfortable for casual wear, and the stability is plenty for moderate overpronation.
Common Misconceptions
People think On shoes are all about the "holes" in the sole.
They aren't.
The holes (the Clouds) are designed to compress both vertically and horizontally. This is supposed to reduce shear forces on your joints. Does it actually work better than a solid slab of foam? The science is a bit mixed. Some studies suggest it helps, others say it’s just a different way to achieve the same result. What matters is how it feels to you. If you have knee issues, many runners swear by the "cloud" sensation because it feels less jarring than traditional foam.
Another myth: "You can't run long distances in these."
Total nonsense. While they aren't marathon racers, they are perfectly capable of handling half-marathon training blocks. The stability actually becomes more important as you get tired and your form starts to fall apart.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Run
If you’re considering picking up a pair of the On Running Cloudrunner 2, here is exactly how to get the most out of them:
- Check Your Size: On shoes tend to run a bit narrow in the midfoot. If you have a wide foot, don't just "hope they stretch." Go up a half size or look for the wide version (which they actually offer now).
- Break-In Period: These aren't quite "out-of-the-box" ready for a long run. Give them about 10–15 miles of short walks or easy jogs to let the Helion foam settle and the recycled upper to soften up.
- Lacing Technique: Because the tongue is so thick, use the "runner’s loop" (the extra eyelet at the top) to lock your heel down. This prevents any rubbing and makes the stability features work more effectively.
- Surface Selection: Keep them on the road or light, packed trails. They aren't trail shoes. The "clouds" will get chewed up by sharp rocks, and you'll be digging debris out of the sole every five minutes if you take them on loose scree.
- Monitor Your Gait: Pay attention to how your knees feel. If you find yourself still collapsing inward, you might need a more aggressive stability shoe like the Cloudflyer or a professional orthotic. The Cloudrunner 2 is "stability-lite."
The On Running Cloudrunner 2 isn't a revolution, but it is a very smart evolution. It fixes the harshness of the first version and adds a layer of comfort that makes it one of the most wearable stability shoes on the market right now. It's a solid, dependable partner for the daily grind. Just watch out for those pebbles.