MF Tests: On Cloudsurfer 7

The On Cloudsurfer 7 is the soft and springy trainer we’ve been waiting for and perhaps the company’s best daily trainer yet…

On Cloudsurfer 7

BUY IT NOW:

£150, on-running.com

PROS:

• Light and lively
• Great versatility
• Well-balanced cushioning

CONS:

• A bit narrow across the midfoot
• Squeaks when wet

Speed: 4/5
Stability: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

On says the new Cloudsurfer 7 is built for “everyday training, tempo runs and races from 10km to the marathon”. That’s a pretty ambitious statement but it hits it out of the park with the latest incarnation of its original running shoe. 

This is a light, lively, comfortable, well-balanced daily trainer with enough versatility to handle everything from easy miles up to faster training efforts. It might just be one of On’s best running shoes yet. 

On Cloudsurfer 7 features

That’s because there are big changes to its flagship midsole. CloudTec – those pods on the bottom of On running shoes – has been the signature tech since the brand launched its very first shoe – the original Cloudsurfer). But in recent years it’s earned On shoes a reputation for running too firm for some. 

The max-stack On Cloudmonster addressed that by adding the biggest Cloud pods ever. Now the Cloudsurfer 7 gets in on the act with a very similar big stack of pods from a softer Helion foam but with one major difference. The Cloudsurfer midsole features a brand new CloudTec Phase midsole technology. 

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These newly shaped Cloud elements collapse in sequence like dominos as you move through your transition, to create softer landings and springier toe-offs in a rolling motion. That’s enhanced by a pronounced rocker shape and the removal of On’s Speedboard plate that helps boost the cushioned feeling under foot.  

Up top, you’ve got a soft dual-layer mesh upper that’s thick but breathable enough. It wraps the foot nicely to ensure good step-in comfort with plush but-not-overcooked padding in the heels and tongue. 

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One word of caution: when it comes to fit, this is a narrow shoe. It fits very snug across the top of the midfoot, around the big toe knuckle and the toe box is a little cramped. It loosens off over time but if you’ve got wide feet or like a roomier fit, you may want to consider going half a size up. 

Flip them over and there’s a decent coverage of thin outsole rubber that offers reliable grip and beefs up the durability. 

On Cloudsurfer 7 weight

At 8.4oz / 237g in our test UK men’s 8.5, the On Cloudsurfer 7 is comparatively light for a daily trainer. About the same as popular rival daily trainers like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and the HOKA Mach 5. And a chunk lighter than the On Cloudmonster . 

Testing the On Cloudsurfer for 30-plus miles at a mixture of distances (up to 10 miles) and paces, on roads and some compacted park paths shows this to be a well-balanced shoe with great versatility. There’s a rolling, snappy, responsive and springy ride that’s not too aggressive. They’re noticeably softer than many On shoes with good cushioning that avoids feeling flaccid. The midsole kicks in with return just at the right time for smooth transitions. Stability is good, too, with a reliable platform to run off. 

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The On Cloudsurfer is one of those shoes you want to go back to. It’s compact, light on the foot, agile and nimble with balanced cushioning that’s protective but peppy and a rocker that helps you roll through your stride. 

At £150, it’s a touch pricier than some rivals but has the benefit of great versatility. An ideal choice for easy runs and one that’ll cope with faster efforts, too. It’s the perfect shoe for sticking in your suitcase to take care of all of your running sessions on your travels.