On Cloudrunner 2 Performance Review

On recently released the On Cloudrunner 2, the next iteration of its popular running shoe, and it’s seen some big changes. Will those make it the running shoe that’s right for you? But first, let’s add some context to On’s rising popularity.

Every time we review On Running shoes, we make note of their growing popularity – and with the recent announcement of a partnership with global superstar Zendaya (Chris reviewed the shoe she wore right here), it doesn’t seem like that’ll stop being our first comment every time we write one of these reviews.

After all, how many shoe brands outside of Nike ever get this kind of coverage from an outlet like CNN?
Last year, we told you that the On Cloudboom Echo 3 marked a significant step forward for On’s contention in the realm of serious racing shoes. And the recent On Cloudeclipse signaled new attention to the daily trainer category too. On is on the rise and we’re tracking the company and its products closely. So let’s see how the On Cloudrunner 2 performs.

What is the On Cloudrunner 2?

On describes it as:

The legend, leveled up. With more support, more comfort and more cushioning – for more fun on every run.

Fit

Arune: This is always the toughest category for me with running shoes, as my forefoot seems larger than normal width but also not wide enough to truly need wide fit shoes (especially since my midfoot is relatively normal size).

Luckily, On shoes have tended to be a pretty good match for me and accommodate my Hobbit foot shape.

The On Cloudrunner 2 is no exception, even with the added padding that makes it feel almost like an entirely different shoe than the first iteration due to the lack of heel slippage and added comfort.

I went with a Men’s 9.5, my standard size, and going TTS (true to size) would be my recommendation for anyone with a more voluminous foot like me.

Drew: The On Cloudrunner 2 fits true to size with plenty of room for wide footers. There’s ample padding around the achilles and it’s fairly breathable up front. The comfort all around the foot is on point…but we’ll talk more about that in the next section.

Upper

Arune: From the minute you see the Cloudrunner 2 in person, there’s one word that describes it: premium.

That’s a word that never left my mind as I tested these shoes.

First, let’s talk about the aesthetics – I received the Undyed/Green pair and it is absolutely gorgeous. While the original Cloudrunner could at times look like a sleeker Nike Air Monarch in certain color blocking (which hasn’t kept my black/white pair from being a daily favorite), this new one feels absolutely designed to be not only eye catching in the gym, but also fashionable enough for everything from a trendy brunch spot to a business trip.

The engineered mesh upper does more than look good – it perfectly hugged my feet and allowed them to expand in the brutal Los Angeles heatwave we’re experiencing. All while still being remarkably comfortable.

It’s also a very different feel than the OG, which felt minimal in the construction – the On Cloudrunner 2 feels like a thicker shoe, from the puffier tongue to the padded heel. That doesn’t make it feel like a heavy or cumbersome shoe, but it feels distinctly different than the original – so if you wanted more of the same, this won’t be the one for you.

Now we come to Drew’s favorite part of my reviews.

Drew: How do you always find a reason to complain about laces?

Arune: It’s my secret, Cap – I’m always thinking about laces.

Instead of those incredibly thin flat laces from the OG, the Cloudrunner 2 has more substantial flat laces that don’t feel like they’ll fall apart if you pull on them too much. I find it hard to keep them laced as they seem to slip apart but I’m open to the idea that I never learned to tie laces properly.

One last note – someone at On must be a fan of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers because this colorway looks like a collab with Hasbro designed to pay tribute to the Green Ranger. Those gold laces, the green highlights, and the hints of white (which remind me of Tommy’s stint as the White Ranger) all really make me wanna yell “It’s Morphin Time!”

Drew: What a seamless transition between criticizing laces and extreme nerdery. It’s a long time defining feature of WearTesters so I’m glad any new readers got to experience it.

I did notice the laces’ proclivity to untie so this is a shoe for which you’ll need a trusty double knot. Arune, just google double knot and watch a YouTube video. You’ll get it.

Otherwise, the upper is pure On goodness. Clean, well built, and comfortable in all the right ways. And despite adding quite a bit of foam to pad the interior of the tongue and upper, the design team at On still managed to make the Cloudrunner 2 feel svelte. On consistently produces some of the best uppers in sneakers and it’s the same story with the On Cloudrunner 2.

Midsole/Ride

Arune: Over this year, I’ve lost 30 pounds. I never really updated my profile as I was a bit ashamed at how much mass I’d inadvertently put on – and it has drastically changed my relationship with running shoes.

Going from 240 to 210lbs means all running shoes feel springer and I can run in a variety of them.

That’s all to say that January Arune wouldn’t have had the same experience as June Arune (Editor’s Note: comment below if you want us to start selling an Arune Calendar).

I was curious about the ride given that the OG Cloudrunner felt like a firm, unresponsive ride – which made it very good for walking and standing around, but not a great running shoe.

The changes in the On Cloudrunner 2 are immense – it’s not just the aesthetic that’s changed, it’s the whole ride.

Gone is the speedboard (RIP, baby) and in is a new Helion “superfoam” midsole that has a wonderful bounce to it. I found each stride in this shoe more natural than any On shoe i’ve run in to date and would consider this a relatively fun running shoe for short distances. I noticed leg fatigue setting in after five miles in a way I don’t experience with some of my favorite Asics, Brooks, or New Balance shoes.

Still, the pop from the heel cushioning remains fun after many runs and the On Cloudrunner 2 delivers a comfy ride that’s a huge improvement over the first iteration. With this kind of progress, I think the next Cloudrunner could truly be a top daily trainer.

I’d classify this as a great vacation shoe choice – you’ll be able to get all your hotel gym running needs knocked out, maybe enjoy a run on the beach, and then take these for a comfy walk through any sunny environment. I’m sure some lighter runners might enjoy this as a daily trainer or easy, short day shoe but if you’re looking for the ONE running shoe, this wouldn’t be the one I’d recommend – or at the very least, not the only one I’d recommend someone try out at their local running store.

It’s wonderfully self-aware from On to advertise the “upgraded outsole that won’t trap stones as you run” because that’s always been something the company has taken on the chin, but I can confirm no stones were harmed in the process of testing these shoes.

Drew: I picked up a stone. The channel on the bottom of the On Cloudrunner 2 can still grab a nice sized rock. But, it’s harder to do than before so that’s an improvement.

Largely, I agree with Arune in his assessment and fall somewhere between January Arune and June Arune in my personal assessment. The Cloudrunner 2 is a perfectly serviceable running shoe but there’s no pop, oomph, or fun factor. It just is. So, while yes, it’s a great vacation shoe or theme park shoe, that’s the only time I’d use it to run.

For less money, I can get a running shoe that’s peppy and exciting versus the Cloudrunner 2’s casual appeal and mediocre running experience. You’ll find better running options on our Best Running Shoes list. However, if you’re looking for a casual shoe that can do some running (and more than it used to be able to do), this shoe is going to work well for that use case.

Traction

Arune: I took the On Cloudrunner 2 out in Los Angeles during some cooler mornings and burning hot days, so I wouldn’t call those the most challenging weather for traction.

Also hit a few trails near the LA River and had a solid experience, but as usual Drew can best speak to traction.

Drew: The On Cloudrunner 2’s outsole is solid and reliable. I noticed little if any slippage in wet conditions.

What excites me more about the Cloudrunner 2’s outsole is the rubber coverage and traction pattern. The arrow shaped pattern is both thicker and more substantial in terms of multi-directional coverage than most other On running shoes. I think the Cloudrunner 2 will be among the most durable and reliable On shoes thanks to the extra thickness and density of its traction pattern.

Is the On Cloudrunner 2 worth $150?

Arune: Yes and no.

Like I said above, this isn’t the shoe I’d recommend as your one running shoe – there are loads of equally or lower priced options from Asics (like the Novablast 4) or other brands that are much better suited.

However, if you want a running shoe that will work for your infrequent runs while also being a great daily shoe, this is a winner.

And, honestly, if you think of the On Cloudrunner 2 as a lifestyle shoe with some running benefits, then it’s a fantastic value when compared to something like the New Balance 990 that’s priced at $200.

Drew: As usual, there’s an On tax. As a running shoe alone, the On Cloudrunner 2 is worth $120. But as Arune pointed out, the casual appeal matters to the market price. This shoe is competing with casual lifestyle shoes just as much as it competes with running shoes. That means the price point doesn’t just factor in performance.

Your opinion of the On Cloudrunner 2’s price will depend on how you view the shoe within your wardrobe more than within your running shoe rotation.

On Cloudrunner 2 Summary

Arune: While not the running shoe to rule them all, the On Cloudrunner 2 is a huge step forward and a very fun running shoe that’s an even better lifestyle shoe.

It’s exciting to see how On continues to elevate their running shoe game without sacrificing their signature aesthetics.

Drew: The On Cloudrunner 2 is a vacation or theme park shoe that can perform serviceably as a running shoe when needed. It’s nothing interesting when considered as a running shoe alone, but if you’re going to use it to liven up your casual wear, then it will hit the spot.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 42, 6’6″ 195lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Arune Singh (age 42, 5’11”, 210lbs): Trains daily with functional fitness programming from Deadboys Fitness, founded by Colby “Seth Rollins” Lopez and Josh Gallegos, along with logging 30-40 miles of running per week. He also has a medical history of Sleep Apnea and Myasthenia Gravis, meaning Arune’s focus is on lean muscle mass.

Disclosure

While On did send a pair of the On Cloudrunner 2 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.