On Running Cloudsurfer Max Multi Tester Review: Not the Max We Expected! 4 Comparisons

Stats

Spec Weight: males’s  10.23 oz / 290g US9

Pattern Weights: 

males’s  11.28 oz / 320g US10.5

      ladies’’s 9.7 oz / 275 g US9

Stack Peak:  37 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot 

Platform Width:  80 mm heel /  75 mm midfoot  / 105 mm forefoot US W9

Most comparable sneakers (together with your title subsequent to every)

On Cloud Eclipse (Ben) (Dominique) (Peter)

On Cloud Monster 1 (Ben) (Peter)

Hoka Clifton 10 (Ben)

Brooks Hyperion Max 3 (Peter)

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Ben: It appears as if On has been making an attempt in earnest to draw the eye of dedicated runners of late. The final two iterations of the CloudMonster have been…positive however left many people wanting extra. 

The On Cloudeclipse (RTR Overview) was an absolute revelation. The On popularity for firm-riding sneakers was challenged right here by a shoe that was decidedly spry and enjoyable. Whereas the Swiss firm has exploded all over the world for informal put on, there appears to be one thing lacking in relation to working. 

The On Cloud Surfer Max is supposed to interchange the On Cloud Eclipse. It’s billed as a long term companion and sturdy sidekick to the On CloudSurfer 2 (and, in principle, CloudSurfer Path). The CloudSurfer has certainly been a welcome and fulfilling each day coach, with a comparatively modest stack peak and good power return. 

In comes the CloudSurfer Max which, whereas boasting extra stack than the Surfer, doesn’t compete at 37mm heel / 31mm forefoot with the true max-stack trainers at present on the market, such because the Hoka SkywardX, the Hoka Bondi 9, the Brooks Glycerin Max, the brand new Nike Vomero 18 (not to mention the upcoming Nike Vomero Plus), Contemporary Foam Extra or the Puma MagMax Nitro to call a number of, all of whom have a heel stack peak equal to or higher than 40mm. 

For me, the fast questions are: Would this shoe construct on the success of the Eclipse and will itcompete with different beloved max-stack each day trainers on the market? Let’s see. 

Upon step in, the shoe feels roomy and cozy, with a really beneficiant toe field. I generally discover myself between sizes in relation to On however right here my measurement 9 labored properly. 

The shoe feels secure and vast, however definitely very agency instantly. This apprehensive me. The lacing system is stable and lockdown was by no means an issue. On my first run I discovered the shoe to be definitely very agency, although it softened up considerably as I went. I additionally discovered that it feels much less agency at barely sooner paces. The higher is comparatively breathable and usually properly constructed, as all On sneakers are. 

Zack: I would not say I’m the largest die exhausting fan of On, however I do take pleasure in their merchandise after I get the possibility. I had examined the CloudSurfer and whereas it was a nice experience, it solely did good for me for shorter runs on account of its softness, and contemplating my shortest is often 6 ish miles, I did not get a lot use out of so it grew to become informal/fitness center shoe. 

When it comes to the higher of the Cloudsurfer Max, it’s well-engineered and general a positive a part of the shoe. It provides glorious breathability and a well-padded, however not overly plush, construction that strikes a pleasant steadiness between consolation and efficiency. 

That stated, I’m not personally a fan of knit uppers with gusseted tongues, particularly with a slender foot like mine, because it tends to bunch up within the toe field and create some awkward folding. It doesn’t destroy the match, however it’s one thing I observed each time I put the shoe on. 

Nonetheless, the lockdown is stable, and the higher feels actually good general, simply the minor knit subject to be cautious of.

Peter: On has all the time been on level within the type division and, in my expertise, solely began to make fulfilling trainers with the Cloud Monster after which the wonderful Cloud Eclipse. It took me a minute to know that the CloudSurfer Max is certainly the following model of the Eclipse. Step in is comfy, match is true-to-size and the lacing and tongue assist present a wonderful lockdown. 

The heel collar is considerably extra padded (internally with a ridge alongside the again of the ankle) than within the Eclipse. Surprisingly, even with this thick heel collar, I’m discovering that I’ve some area between the again of my foot and the again of the shoe. The Cloud Eclipse held the again of my foot higher. On my run yesterday I wound up with some (very) small pebbles that had made their method into the again of the shoe. 

The shoe positive factors practically a full ounce  (from 10.76 oz for a M11 within the Eclipse to 11.60 oz for the Surfer Max). Preliminary run impression is that the shoe is a bit agency. Steady, however agency. I’m to see how the shoe opens up over the following few runs although, as a result of it felt softer and extra nimble with every mile on my first run. The opposite variations listed here are the absence of a speedboard and a virtually full size channel underfoot-from entrance to again. 

Dominique: The Cloudeclipse was my favourite On of the a number of I’ve examined over time. Nonetheless, in some unspecified time in the future the squeaking of the Cloudtec Part pods grew to become simply too noticeable and annoying that I retired them, even for strolling. Excellent news! 

No squeaking within the Max on account of its firmer foam and small ridges and texture contained in the Part Tec channels.

I used to be excited for the Cloudsurfer Max because the successor of the Cloudeclipse, but I’m disenchanted by the firmness of the midsole – it’s not the identical “On Clouds” really feel.  The thickness of the midsole seems to be the identical, nonetheless, I observed that the sockliner is thinner within the Cloudsurfer Max whereas there may be diverging data in relation to the stack peak between the 2 (as per rtr evaluate of the Cloudeclipse). 

The match is true to measurement and really comfy.  The design of the shoelace system has been beefed-up compared to the Cloudeclipse, which is an efficient factor.  Not the “dainty” design of the Cloudeclipse, however a sturdier development that enhances the lockdown, which is each comfy and safe. 

Likewise, the collar has been up to date with a knit high edge development versus the standard padded collar and the heel counter is firmer.  Total, the foothold is great.  

Courtney: The renamed Cloudsurfer Max is one among On’s current strikes to vary up its recreation within the working world. On is gaining momentum within the working world with massive athletes breaking massive limitations. Helen Obiri frequently breaks the tape sporting the well-known Cloudboom Strike LS, and innovation appears to be on the forefront on the firm. The Cloudsurfer is an intriguing shoe. I used to be impressed with the geometry of the shoe, however I’ve to confess the only foam midsole even regarded stiff. 

The higher is properly executed and it’s clear that On paid consideration to the small print right here.The higher is fabricated from a single layer engineered mesh which for me was just like ASICS Nimbus and Cumulus which I discovered extraordinarily comfy. There may be sufficient stiffness/struture to carry the foot properly however sufficient stretch on the forefoot to permit the toes to splay. 

The tongue additionally options two padded areas working below the laces to offer much more safety from irritation on the highest of the foot and options gussets to maintain it in place. 

Lay flat laces with the anchors positioned on the skin of the higher moderately than the within present a really {smooth} really feel excessive of the foot. It is a comfy higher, little doubt about it.

Midsole & Platform

Zack: In all honesty, the midsole threw me off at first, however not in a essentially unhealthy method. I went in anticipating the sort of mushy, plush really feel you’d usually affiliate with unique Cloudsurfer, however this model stunned me with a firmer underfoot sensation. 

As soon as I adjusted to this, I discovered myself actually liking it. That firmness truly results in a snappier, extra responsive experience with good influence safety. It jogged my memory a whole lot of the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3, excessive stack, firmer, however nonetheless protecting and properly rockered. It’s not a mushy cruiser, however extra of a secure each day possibility with a little bit of pop, and looks like it should final pretty lengthy. 

Ben: The shoe sits on a comparatively broad and accommodating platform. This shoe will work properly for bigger runners and people with broader toes. As famous, the midsole shouldn’t be overly cushioned, despite the CloudTec Part expertise. The ‘clouds’ merely don’t compress as a lot as one would hope (or not less than I hoped). Heavier runners could compress them extra.

They’re sturdy and maybe interesting aesthetically, however don’t ship a very {smooth} or cushioned experience, for my part. Even with theHelion “superfoam”, considered an EVA/TPE mix and CloudTec Part, the shoe is far more harking back to the Monster 1 and a couple of than it’s of the Eclipse. 

Dominique:  Though there may be some confusion in regards to the stack peak, particularly compared to the Eclipse with On’s spec itemizing 37mm heel / 31mm forefoot for each, the midsole is a lot “max” for me. Nonetheless, I discover it too agency.  

The sockliner is spongy and “ortholite” like, and considerably thinner than the Cloudeclipse’s EVA kind sockliner.  This can be impacting the general stack peak spec, and the texture of the midsole.  The included sockliner is a poor selection for a high-end working shoe that’s already fairly agency.

The midsole is within the “mini” maximal vary with its 37mm / 31mm stack peak, although others on this evaluate appear to vary if it’s a “max” shoe, and this principally compared to different manufacturers whose sneakers measure past 40mm on the heel.  

My subject is with the stiffness of the midsole and the shortage of a luxurious really feel compared to the Eclipse.  I run at slower paces (11:00- 12:00 min miles)  whereas this shoe could also be higher suited to working at sooner tempo because the others do.  As famous by Ben, this shoe reminds extra of the Cloudmonster than the Cloudeclipse whereas I discover the general really feel of the shoe too stiff as I additionally discovered the Cloudmonster 2 . 

Courtney: Though On eliminated their signature Speedboard for a softer extra cushioned experience, I’m undecided I’d decide this as mushy. The Helion EVA foam shouldn’t be fairly as much as par with competitor’s foams in at this time’s market. 

That being stated, I actually loved my shorter length runs within the Cloudsurfer Max. The CloudTec Part encourages the roll ahead and the compression of every sequential pod within the midsole. These runs felt peppy and the firmness helped with a straightforward to reasonable tempo (7:20min/mile-8:30min/mile). 

The geometry helped me roll off the toe rapidly, however there’s a firmness particularly on the forefoot that solely broke in barely. The forefoot rocker and toe spring are sharp making them higher fitted to sooner, shorter distances. You’re feeling compression on the heel with some rebound, however it’s not notably plush or bouncy. 

After taking the Surfer out for a 14 miler at a straightforward effort (7:50-8:10 min/mile), I used to be just a little stunned to search out my physique actually started to harm in these remaining 6 miles. I remembered doing my long term within the Nike Vomero Plus  only a week earlier and noting how easy it felt compared. The comparatively low stack peak compared to different max stack trainers on the market may really feel extra secure, however together with the firmer foam the Surfer sacrifices cushion and safety underfoot. 

Peter: The Helion foam feels firmer than the froth within the Cloud Eclipse. I’d have thought that eradicating the Speedboard would result in a softer experience, however it doesn’t. The froth shouldn’t be overly agency, it’s simply not mushy. As others have identified, this creates a little bit of a commerce off–the Cloudsurfer Max is a bit more environment friendly and snappy than the Eclipse however it loses a few of its {smooth}, mushy cushion. Because the shoe is comparatively heavy I believe I’d favor it to remain softer. 

Outsole

Ben – The outsole of the Surfer Max is fabricated from a strong layer of rubber to offer ample grip on the roads. An extended canal is reduce by way of the underside of the shoe, in principle to scale back weight. Gone too is the plastic Speedboard underfoot of the Eclipse, which added propulsion and pep in different On fashions. In principle the shoe is extra versatile and easygoing now, although I’m undecided I discovered it to be so.

Dominique: Gone is the Speedboard (as all of us famous), which I believed was a plus within the Cloudeclipse, because it added some spring to the shoe. 

Cloudeclipse and its low mounted Speedboard

I’m not but involved in regards to the sturdiness of the rubber as famous by Courtney beneath, though mileage will inform. 

Courtney: Ben describes the outsole properly. I discovered the rubber to be secure and with stable traction over sandy roads which may be slippery. The segmented pads of the outsole present aspect to aspect flex, however the restricted flex grooves give an throughout stiff feeling below foot with the flex level hitting simply firstly of the massive toe. 

After round 25 miles I observed some put on and tear on the black rubber outsole each on the heel and forefoot. 

That is my medial heel and lateral toe, and this is sensible as we see the bevel bias into the medial aspect. Naturally these landings will fall on that space first. With the only real flare fairly pronounced on the ball of the forefoot the shoe then encourages the lateral toe to push off and I may really feel this as my little toes had been delicate after my run. My concern is that maybe my massive toe (positively one among my strongest elements of my foot) shouldn’t be being utilized as a lot because it may. I additionally fear about tearing by way of the not sturdy rubber On has used right here. 

Zack: There’s nothing flashy in regards to the outsole, however that’s not essentially a foul factor. It’s comparatively minimal, with a easy design that grips properly on roads and lightweight paths. The built-in groove by way of the center of the only real helps {smooth} out transitions, which I appreciated. 

One factor to be careful for (which occurred throughout one among my 18 mile lengthy runs): small rocks can get caught within the groove in the event you’re working on gravel or different non-smooth terrain. It’s not a serious flaw, however one thing to pay attention to in case your routes embody these surfaces. 

One in every of my runs was a progressive run in a downpour of rain, and even then I by no means doubted or felt not sure in regards to the traction. So the outsole is a optimistic for me.

Peter: Strong rubber outsole that’s segmented sufficient to maintain it from feeling too stiff and has sufficient protection that I don’t assume there might be any sturdiness points. Grip has been glorious. 

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Ben: The OnCloud Surfer Max replaces the Eclipse and builds off of the success of the Surfer. Whereas it provides extra stack than many sneakers within the On lineup, the Surfer Max is hardly a max-cushioned shoe by at this time’s requirements, when manufacturers are routinely providing 40 mm or extra of stack on the heel. Additionally it is not actually a cushioned shoe because it runs moderately agency. 

Will this shoe nonetheless enchantment to On loyalists? In all probability. It runs – and matches – not completely in contrast to the Eclipse or both iteration of the Monster. It has a very nice higher and good lockdown and can doubtless work for individuals who favor a firmer experience. Whereas I’d have steered the Eclipse as a very nice entry-level On possibility, now I believe I’d counsel the Monster or Monster 2 for these simply stepping into the model. If in search of a bit much less stack and a softer experience, the Surfer 2 additionally will work properly for many runners. I used to be excited in regards to the OnCloud Surfer Max however was left wanting extra.

Ben’s Rating: 8.5/10

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Dominique: I agree with Ben that the Cloudsurfer Max doesn’t really feel like “a very cushioned” shoe. That stated, I personally don’t gravitate towards tremendous maximalist sneakers.  The next grade sockliner may assist with the texture of the midsole, one thing I’m going to attempt down the street.  

I purchased the Cloudeclipse for my mom when she turned 94 and for my cousin, Béatrice, who each reside in Geneva and do an excessive amount of strolling and getting round on foot each day.  They  had been extraordinarily happy with their Cloudeclipse, nonetheless, I might be skipping this version as a present possibility for a future pair.

I by no means utterly retire my On testers as there are all the time loads of causes to put on them, particularly strolling. They maintain properly, higher and outsole, and are all the time in type.  

Dominique’s Rating: 8.5/10

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Courtney:I’d advocate The Cloudsurfer as a center distance, uptempo shoe to simple run shoe and even a pretty shoe to put on round city. I used to be fallacious to assume it might be simple long term possibility because it merely lacks the safety different manufacturers have simply nailed down. 

The higher of the Cloudsurfer is properly executed, and the shoe has glorious match and look. I encountered zero scorching spots all through my testing. 

I believe the Cloudsurfer may gain advantage from softer, extra energetic foam underfoot. I discovered  the hollowed out pods helped me roll ahead, however the Surfer didn’t generate sufficient propulsion over longer efforts as I used to be not in a position to compress the froth and pods sufficient to get the rebound again. This can be on account of my measurement as a smaller framed runner. It could additionally make sense to incorporate a high layer with On’s extra superior PEBA  based mostly Helion HF foam as Nike does efficiently with Zoom X within the Vomero 18, at $155. I believe this model is an efficient begin for the Cloudsurfer Max  and I look ahead to seeing On proceed to make headway with its trainers. 

Total Rating: 8.08 / 10

Experience (50%): 7.5, not max stack, not protecting or responsive sufficient

Match (30%): 9 Good higher

Worth (15%): 7.5 a contact costly for what it may possibly do

Type (5%): 10 they’re engaging and the geometry is progressive

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Zack: The experience is {smooth} and constant, making the Cloudsurfer Max a stable selection for each day runs or lengthy runs. It’s constructed like a normal each day coach, nothing wild, simply dependable and well-balanced. I used it for a lot of of my each day runs and a 18 miles progressive long term, which it surprisingly felt excellent for. Whereas the shoe has sufficient firmness to really feel considerably responsive at uptempo paces, the burden holds it again from actually excelling at something sooner than that. I’d keep on with simple/reasonable efforts, the place the shoe feels finest. Should you’re in search of a snug, responsive, and well-crafted each day coach that leans a bit firmer than anticipated, this one’s price a glance.

Rating: 9/10

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Peter: The Cloudsurfer Max is a stable providing from On. It’s not as versatile or, frankly, enjoyable because the Cloud Eclipse (which it replaces). It’s just a little agency for a max cushion simple day shoe and just a little heavy for sooner paces. This leaves it stranded in no-man’s-land. It’s decently enjoyable to run in and appears terrific. That stated, there are different sneakers I’d pull out first relying on what kind of day I’m seeking to have. Should you like your sneakers just a little firmer you might love the Cloudsurfer Max. 

Peter’s Rating: 8.5/10

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4 Comparisons

On Cloud Eclipse (RTR Overview)

Ben: As famous above, the Eclipse provides extra stack and extra cushion. Moreover, it may possibly now be discovered on sale in lots of locations because it’s being discontinued. I actually loved the Eclipse; it’s doubtless my favourite On shoe ever. The CloudSurfer Max is a modified, tamer model, much less enjoyable, much less responsive and fewer versatile. 

Peter: The Cloudsurfer Max replaces the Cloud Eclipse within the On lineup. So it’s basically the Cloud Eclipse 2–besides that it isn’t! It’s a bit heavier, loses the speedboard, adjustments out the froth and adjustments the heel collar. In the end it winds up being just a little firmer and rather less enjoyable. Total I favor the Eclipse.

On Cloudmonster (RTR Review)

Ben: The Cloudmonster has the same stack peak and whereas nonetheless not overly mushy, runs softer than the CloudSurfer Max.

Peter: The Cloudmonster 1 was extra enjoyable than the Cloudmonster 2 (which obtained a bit firmer). The CloudSurfer Max continues to be a bit extra agency. I favor the OG Cloudmonster to the Cloudsurfer Max, however because you in all probability can’t discover one, you might as properly attempt the Cloudsurfer Max.

Brooks Hyperion Max 3 (RTR Overview)

Peter: Weighing in simply barely lighter at 11.34 oz (vs 11.65) in a males’s US 11, the Hyperion Max is the sleeper max hit of the season for me. Whereas it’s fairly stiff and has a plate, the rocker helps hold it shifting. I discover it to be a way more fluid and fulfilling experience. It lands barely softer than the Cloudsufer Max after which rolls far more easily by way of the gait cycle. Straightforward name for me on this one. 

Nike Vomero Plus (RTR Overview)

Courtney:The Vomero is a lighter shoe at 8.85 oz in comparison with the Cloudsurfer’s 9.59 oz weight. Surprisingly, the Vomero is 7mm greater in stack regardless of its lighter weight, on account of its lighter ZoomX supercritical foam which makes up its total midsole. The Plus has a luxurious and responsive experience, whereas the Cloudsurfer has a firmer experience with extra street really feel. Though you’ll assume the Vomero could be unstable, its tremendous vast platform offers you loads of protection on landings. The outsole sturdiness can be higher on the Vomero with little or no put on even after related testing mileage because the Surfer. 

Thanks for studying our evaluate!

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Tester Profiles

Peter lives in California and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner in addition to a 1:21 half marathoner lately.

Dominique has run for over 45 years, constantly about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and as soon as per week down within the mid 9 minute miles. She races not often, however all the time surprises extra exhausting core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of three:16 in her second marathon which on the time put her on the highest 10 Swiss ladies’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been round Mont Blanc 3 instances, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and accomplished the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mom of two grown kids, each runners put up school, and likewise enjoys nordic and alpine snowboarding, tennis, and gardening.

Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A most cancers survivor, he has run 23 marathons. He holds PRs of three:15 for the marathon and 1:30 for the half. At 46, he nonetheless enjoys pushing himself and mixing his working with supporting quite a lot of causes. Observe him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA 

Zack Dunn: is a university runner at Lewis College. He has been working for 9 years, and centered solely on working after deciding to maneuver on from years of enjoying baseball and wrestling. He races distances between 1500 meters and 10K  whether or not it’s on the observe, the roads, or on cross nation programs. He does most of his coaching on the roads, some coaching on the observe, and infrequently run trails logging anyplace from 70-90 miles per week. His typical coaching consists of simple days, lengthy days, exercises (fartleks, tempos, interval coaching, and so forth.). His typical coaching paces vary from 7’30 a mile on simple days to sub-5 minutes a mile on quick interval days, and with many paces in between. His private bests are 4:18 for 1600m, 8:30 for 3000m, 14:30 for 5K, 24:45 for 8k, and 30:40 for 10k. 

Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a university lacrosse participant turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA together with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and eight. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, successful second place in a time of 1:26. She determined to take working a bit extra severely, becoming a member of Depraved Working Membership and making an attempt some coaching plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. As well as, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She appears ahead to getting some extra power and velocity below her belt this subsequent season, earlier than taking a crack on the marathon once more. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mom to her ladies. 

Samples had been offered at no cost for evaluate functions. No compensation was offered by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought through procuring hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.