ON CLOUDSURFER MAX TRAINERS
| Shoe | ON Cloudsurfer Max |
| Category | Max Cushion / Daily Trainer |
| Weight | 294g (UK Size 9) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 12mm |
| Midsole Foam | Helion™ superfoam & CloudTec Phase® |
| Carbon Plate? | No |
| Price | £170 |
PLEASE NOTE: I was gifted the ON Cloudsurfer Max trainers by ON to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.
The ON Cloudsurfer Max is ON’s newest maximum cushioned running shoe, specifically engineered to be the brand’s flagship for plush road miles.
The Cloudsurfer Max aims to deliver ON’s smoothest and softest ride yet, targeting runners wanting a shoe for long, effortless runs.
ON Cloudsurfer Max at a Glance
- Who it is for: Runners looking for a highly cushioned, shock absorbing workhorse for long, slow miles and recovery days. It heavily favors heel strikers.
- The Fit: Exceptionally plush. The step in comfort is brilliant, featuring ample padding throughout the tongue and heel collar, locking the foot down securely.
- The Verdict: A massive step up in comfort for the ON brand. While it requires a brief break-in period and is not built for speed sessions, the dual layer CloudTec Phase® midsole provides an incredibly smooth, forgiving ride similar to a Hoka Bondi.
THE HEEL
The heel is generously stacked, giving the Cloudsurfer Max a commanding presence and plenty of foam underfoot for shock absorption.
Its 12mm heel to toe drop is a modern, balanced choice, ideal for runners seeking a natural feeling footstrike while still benefitting from the security of a high cushioned heel.
The rear of the shoe is engineered to cradle and protect, anchoring your stride and probably suits a heel striker.
INSIDE
Having not worn a ON trainer before, the comfort and quality inside the trainer really impressed me the most.
There is ample padding throughout the tongue and heel collar for a cocoon like feel, and the tongue is built in, cleverly connecting to the upper to keep feet locked in place.
THE UPPERS
The upper construction features a breathable engineered mesh, carefully designed to deliver a secure yet accommodating fit.
Functional embroidery across the forefoot adds extra support without restricting airflow or movement.
THE OUTSOLE
ON has used strategically placed rubber pads for the outsole. These pads are positioned only where needed to withstand abrasion and ensure grip, especially in the wet, while keeping unnecessary weight off the shoe.
The outsole pattern supports the Max’s focus on smoothness and stability on road surfaces rather than technical terrain.
There is a little bit of exposed foam and a groove down the middle of the outsole that did collect the odd small stone but so far they have not worn at all.
THE MIDSOLE
This is where the Max distinguishes itself: a double layer of CloudTec Phase® sits atop ON’s responsive Helion™ superfoam.
The result? A soft and smooth ride. The CloudTec Phase elements are computer optimised to compress sequentially on each step, maximising shock absorption and facilitating a seamless heel to toe transition.
This midsole sets a new standard for ON in terms of both comfort and impact protection.
HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?
My UK size 9 weighed 294g, which is competitive for a maximalist daily trainer, with enough substance to feel stable but not overbuilt or heavy on the run.
DO THEY HAVE A CARBON PLATE?
No, the ON Cloudsurfer Max does not contain a carbon plate.
These are not designed to be a performance shoe but a every day trainer.
HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
RRP is £170.
MATCHING SOCKS
I could not find an exact match but I wanted to keep it on brand so I paired the shoes with the ON Performance Run Mid Sock in Tangerine/Flame colour.
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supreme Shock Absorption: The Helion superfoam and computer-optimized CloudTec Phase layout makes hard tarmac feel incredibly soft. | Break-In Required: Takes roughly 20 miles for the foam and upper to fully break in and feel natural. |
| Luxurious Upper: The padded tongue is cleverly connected to the upper, creating a secure, cocoon-like lockdown. | High Drop (12mm): While great for heel strikers, a 12mm drop can feel a bit steep for dedicated forefoot runners. |
| Surprisingly Light: At 294g, it is highly competitive for a shoe with this much stack height and padding. | Stone Trapping: The groove down the center of the outsole can occasionally pick up small pebbles. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the ON Cloudsurfer Max have a carbon plate? No. The ON Cloudsurfer Max is designed strictly as a daily trainer and recovery shoe. It lacks the carbon "Speedboard" found in ON's race day options, prioritising plush comfort and shock absorption over snappy responsiveness.
Is the ON Cloudsurfer Max good for long runs? Yes, this is exactly what the shoe was engineered to do. The double layer of CloudTec Phase® and Helion™ superfoam provides an incredibly smooth heel to toe transition that takes the impact off your joints during high mileage days.
Does the ON Cloudsurfer Max outsole trap stones? Like many ON shoes, the Cloudsurfer Max does feature a groove down the middle of the outsole that can occasionally pick up small stones if you run on gravel. However, it is much less prone to trapping large rocks than older, traditional CloudTec models.
WOULD I RECOMMEND THEM?
Yes. They did take around 20 miles to break them in, but friends who regularly use ON shoes said this was normal with ON trainers.
To me they felt similar to a Nike Pegasus or Hoka Bondi trainer and are a great workhorse trainer.
WHERE TO BUY
You can buy men's and women's versions of the shoe on the ON website using the link below.
CONCLUSION
These shoes are engineered for long, easy road runs and daily training sessions.
Think recovery miles, comfortable long runs, and high mileage days where shock absorption and comfort are paramount.
They are not designed for speedy sessions or races, and are best suited to runners who prioritise cushioning and smoothness over snap and responsiveness
More Running Shoe Reviews
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the On Cloudsurfer Max, please get in touch.
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