The On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 builds on what made the original so enjoyable; a light, cushioned ride that handles smooth trails and mixed surfaces with ease but makes a few subtle but welcome updates.
There’s a bit more grip due to a better lug pattern, a more dialled-in fit (especially for voluminous feet), and a firmer midsole that helps dial in stability without killing the overall comfort.
If the first version earned a spot as one of your go-to road-to-trail shoes, this second iteration refines the formula without overcomplicating it. It’s still not the shoe for gnarly mountain missions but for flowing park paths, fire roads, and light gravel, it provides a really enjoyable ride.
Key specifications
- Price: $170 at Dick's Sporting Goods
- Weight: 9.9 oz (281g) for a size US(M)9 - was 9.5oz
- Drop / Stack height: 8mm drop, with a high stack for max cushioning - was 7mm
- Upper: Breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh with padded heel and tongue; wider lacing system for improved lockdown and fit
- Midsole: CloudTec Phase® with Helion™ superfoam — firmer than v1, a bit more stable, still absorbs shock well
- Outsole: Missiongrip™ rubber with updated chevron lug pattern for improved traction
- Extra features: Elastic lace stow loop, Rear finger pull for easy on/off, TPU toe bumper for durability and light protection
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Sizing and fit
Still true to size with a medium fit, but the wider lacing structure makes it more forgiving for higher-volume feet without compromising lockdown for average-width runners.
wider lacing system (left), highly padded collars and heel counter (right)
The collars and heel counter feel super comfortable right out of the box, it's one of those shoes that just feels easy to wear from the first step, for the most part...
If you have a high flex at the toes, you may notice that the upper feels a little stiff, where the bottom of the tongue meets the vamp.
This does soften up very quickly though, so stick with them if you experience the same when taking them for a test walk or run.
Performance review
If you ran in the first Cloudsurfer Trail, the ride here will feel familiar, but slightly more refined, and that's in part due to the reduced rocker geometry, making them more predictable when you step off the roads and onto light trails.
Weight has crept up slightly from the original (now 9.9 oz vs 9.5 oz), but I didn’t notice it out on the trails. The cushioning still makes them feel light and agile.
Alastair Dixon
Breathability is more middle-of-the-road this time, you don’t get quite the same airy mesh that v1 had but the tradeoff is slightly more protection and warmth for cooler fall runs. In summer, they run a little hot.
The ride and stability are where the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 makes its biggest improvement. The somewhat firmer Helion foam gives the shoe a more confident underfoot feel when you move away from the road.
The CloudTec Phase midsole design compresses in a way that smooths out landings, and that translates into less roll or instability, especially on uneven dirt or gravel.
You'll for sure still notice it if you take these on highly technical trails, but that's not what they're designed for, they're not all mountain trail running shoes.
For me, as a midfoot/forefoot striker, the balance between cushioning and control feels more dialed in now. That slight instability I noticed in the original has mostly been resolved, although rearfoot strikers might still experience some give on uneven ground.
Traction also gets a meaningful bump thanks to the new chevron-shaped lugs.
It’s not quite Vibram MegaGrip levels of bite, but the Missiongrip rubber is sticky and consistent across road, grass, gravel, and dry trail.
That muddy run where the original felt a little unsure? This version holds its ground much better, though it still isn’t made for deep mud or off-camber mountain scrambles.
Alastair Dixon
Durability and protection are solid. The extended TPU toe bumper is a nice addition for the occasional rock kick, and the build overall feels trail-appropriate without adding bulk.
Versatility is where this shoe performs so well. It transitions effortlessly between surfaces like road, forest, gravel, and light trails, and doesn’t feel out of place on casual hikes either.
If you’re heading out for an easy mixed-surface run or walk, the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 has you covered.
My verdict
The Cloudsurfer Trail 2 doesn’t push boundaries much beyond V1, and that’s a good thing. It sticks with the comfortable, cushioned formula that made the original so fun, but makes it more stable, slightly grippier, and more inclusive in fit.
At $170, it's $10 more than v1, but I do think the upgrades justify it, especially if you value that soft, smooth CloudTec feel underfoot. It's easily one of my favorite On running shoes, right now.
For days when you want to switch off and just cruise, the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 is an easy pick, and one that I'll be taking on more easy trail days, I'll probably even wear it as a versatile lifestyle shoe this Fall.
