If you were intrigued by the On Cloudeclipse but wanted some subtle refinements, the On Cloudsurfer Max is worthy of your attention.
The Cloudsurfer Max is the successor to the Cloudeclipse and takes its place as On’s max-cushion daily trainer; still built for long runs and daily training, but with small updates that tweak the feel and fit.
I’ve been putting miles into the Cloudsurfer Max over the past few weeks, and in this review, I’ll break down exactly what you can expect in terms of ride, fit, and performance, and help you decide if you should go for this one, or the Cloudsurfer 2, the lighter, still soft but more nimble of the two daily trainers.
Key Specifications
- Price: $180 at On.com
- Weight: 10.3 oz (292g) for US Men’s 9
(heavier than the Cloudeclipse, which was about 9.8 oz) and the Cloudsurfer 2 which is 9oz (254g) - Drop: 6mm (37mm heel / 31mm forefoot)
- Upper: New engineered mesh with revamped eyestay, flatter knit collar, and improved tongue construction for a more secure fit.
- Midsole: CloudTec Phase cushioning with Helion™ foam, using a slightly softer formulation compared to the Cloudeclipse but in practice, the underfoot feel is nearly the same after break-in
- Outsole: Rubberized pods and a carved-out midsole geometry designed to reduce weight and improve flexibility. Avoid gravel with these as they can pick up stones.
Sizing and Fit
The Cloudsurfer Max runs true to size, with a roomy fit that should suit medium and slightly wider feet.
On Cloudsurfer Max sizing and fit advice
The updated engineered mesh upper does a nice job hugging the foot without feeling restrictive, and the flatter knit collar makes sliding them on and off easier.
There's also plenty of cushioning around the collars and heel counter, making it just as cloud-like to slip your feet into as before.
Performance Review
During the first few runs the midsole feels firm until it softens up. I’d say it took about 2–3 runs before it settled into the familiar cushioned ride of a CloudTec Phase midsole.
This is something that's very curious for me, because most running shoes advertised as having a soft ride, tend to feel soft out the box but these new releases from On need a break-in period.
Alastair Dixon
While On says the foam blend is softer than the Cloudeclipse, it’s a marginal difference, and in practice, it feels almost identical to the Cloudeclipse: a thick, consistent, max-cushion platform that absorbs impact well over long miles.
See below for a side by side of the two:
On Cloudsurfer Max (left), On Cloudeclipse (right)
This isn’t a shoe that feels snappy or quick but it's not supposed to, it's designed more for long easy mileage.
The rocker shape helps keep transitions smooth, but you do feel the weight of the shoes if you try to pick up the pace. In that sense, it feels more like a Cloudmonster than a Cloudflow, it’s built to protect, not to race.
If you’re a heavier runner or just want maximum protection and stability, the Cloudsurfer Max plays that role beautifully.
Alastair Dixon
The upper is probably the most noticeable improvement.
Engineered mesh closeup (left), new eyestay design (right)
The engineered mesh is still soft, and the reworked eyestays and tongue help reduce pressure from the tongue and laces on top of your foot.
It’s just a bit more refined overall but it is less breathable now, so if you run somewhere hot, you will likely notice this more than others.
Traction is solid for road mileage, and like the Cloudeclipse, the outsole has deeper grooves that can occasionally pick up small stones, if you stray onto gravel surfaces.
Cloudsurfer Max vs. Cloudsurfer 2
On Cloudsurfer Max (left), On Cloudsurfer 2 (right)
If you’re debating between these two, here’s how I see it:
Cloudsurfer Max:
- $180 at On.com
- Max cushioning for long runs and easy days
- Heavier and more protective underfoot
- Smoother transitions at slower paces
- Great for runners who want a forgiving platform and don’t mind extra weight
Cloudsurfer 2:
- $160 at On.com
- Noticeably lighter (9 oz vs. 10.3 oz)
- Slightly firmer, more stable midsole that still feels soft enough once broken in.
- Features more of a rockered geometry
- More nimble and adaptable for daily mileage, including moderate uptempo work. Makes for a great walking and lifestyle shoe too.
- A better choice if you prefer a traditional daily trainer that isn’t overly plush
Personally, if you need a running shoe purely for high-mileage, recovery runs or easy efforts, I’d recommend the Cloudsurfer Max. If, however, you value versatility and a more lively ride, the Cloudsurfer 2 is the stronger pick.
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My Verdict
The Cloudsurfer Max is essentially the Cloudeclipse refined; subtle tweaks to the upper, marginally softer foam, and a familiar max-cushion experience underfoot, once broken in.
If you liked the Cloudeclipse and just wanted small improvements, this is exactly that. If, however, you’re coming from the Cloudsurfer 2, expect a much more cushioned but slower-feeling ride.
It’s a shoe I’d reach for when I want a protective, predictable platform to log relaxed miles without worrying about impact on tired legs.
Just know that the difference in softness is subtle, and this shoe still feels nearly identical to the Cloudeclipse on the run. You can pick up a pair for $180 on July 17 at On.com.
