The On Cloudsurfer Max walks a fine line between familiarity and refreshment in On’s growing lineup. If you know On, you know their signature CloudTec cushioning and sleek, clean aesthetic – and this shoe continues that tradition with some interesting tweaks.
While the “Max” label might lead you to expect a super plush ride, the Cloudsurfer Max delivers a balanced, responsive feel that leans more toward quality cushioning than outright marshmallow softness.
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Looks
If you’ve seen or worn On shoes before, you know they’re tough to beat on style. Even folks who aren’t big fans of running in them tend to give props for how good they look. On clearly has an eye for design across their whole range.
The Cloudsurfer Max is no exception, coming in four solid colors that stay earthy and subtle—think blacks, whites, browns, and tans. The “loudest” option is a chill, understated white and green combo (the Ivory/Honeydew colorway) that somehow feels fresh without screaming for attention. Overall, it’s a clean, sharp look that doesn’t go overboard.
Construction and Fit
While you may have heard of some of On’s highly heralded running lines – such as the Cloudmonster and Cloudboom – you may have actually even heard of this shoe before…but in a different name. That is because the Cloudsurfer Max is essentially a more streamlined update of the now-retired Cloudeclipse.
While many brands slap “max” on to signal a cloud-like softness and towering stack height, this shoe plays it a bit differently. It still rocks a decent stack, but at 37mm heel height, it’s modest compared to some of the 40+ mm giants popping up elsewhere. And if you’re expecting a marshmallow-soft plush ride you may not feel that here.
Overall, On’s shoes tend to run on the firmer side – all things considered – which isn’t a bad thing depending on your preference.
The original Cloudsurfer has been one of my all-time favorites—I wore it to the ground—and this Max version keeps that moderate cushion vibe going. Fit-wise, the shoe has a comfortable, reliable feel but does run a little roomy for my taste, which is pretty typical for On. It’s a solid performer without going over the top.
Specs
- Stack Height: 37mm / 31mm
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 10.3 oz (M9)
Upper
On’s upper game continues to impress here. The Cloudsurfer Max’s upper feels lighter and a bit sleeker than the Cloudeclipse’s, with a well-padded heel and a tongue that locks in nicely for a secure fit. The material is breathable and solid without feeling bulky or overly structured.
One quibble, though: the lacing system still uses those fabric loops instead of traditional eyelets. I’ve never been a huge fan of this approach because it can sometimes compromise consistent lockdown. It’s not a dealbreaker—plenty of On shoes use it and do fine—but it’s something I notice every time.
Midsole
One of the biggest changes from the Cloudeclipse to the Cloudsurfer Max is the removal of the external Speedboard (yay!). While I wasn’t wildly bothered by it during my initial Cloudeclipse testing, that board did get pretty annoying on anything but smooth surfaces over time.
Now, with the Speedboard gone, the midsole features Double CloudTec Phase cushioning. This update gives the shoe a noticeably softer and smoother ride than before. Still, it’s not what many would call “max” plushness—more of a well-cushioned but lively experience.
Personally, as a bigger runner (6’2”, 200 lbs), I find that ultra-max shoes often feel like quicksand underfoot—too much compression, little bounce back. This shoe strikes a nice middle ground for me: plenty of cushion without turning into a tiring mush.
Outsole
Not much drama here, which is a good thing. The outsole offers solid coverage and grip with no slipping or wear issues to report. And, I for one am thrilled they ditched the exposed plate on the outsole that was on the Cloudeclipse – thank goodness! It’s not flashy, but it does the job quietly and well.
Overall, the On Cloudsurfer Max balances style and substance in a way that suits runners looking for solid cushioning without surrendering responsiveness or adding excess bulk. It’s not a super soft “feather bed” max shoe, but that’s part of its charm. If you want a dependable, well-built daily trainer with On’s signature sleek aesthetic, this one’s worth a look.
