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The On Cloudsurfer 3 is a major update on the Cloudsurfer 2, with a new midsole foam called Surreal and a higher stack height creating a softer ride. The Cloudsurfer 3 combines this new foam with the distinctive CloudTec Phase rocker profile of the other Cloudsurfer shoes, and delivers a smooth, comfortable ride as a result.
It’s not quite as lively and fun as the best cushioned running shoes we’ve tested, but we enjoyed our easy miles in the Cloudsurfer 3 and stands out in the On line-up as a better daily training option than the On Cloudmonster 3 and On Cloudsurfer Max.
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Design & Key Stats
- Price: £150/$160
- Weight: 305g/10.8oz (men’s UK 9 / US 9.5)
- Drop: 8mm
- Upper: Warp knit uppers
- Midsole: Surreal foam with CloudTec Phase rocker
- Outsole: Rubber covering forefoot and heel
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How’s the Fit
Nick, Mike and Kieran tested the Cloudsurfer 3 for our review and all had a good fit in their normal running shoe size. The shoe has a plushly padded upper that delivers a high level of step-in comfort, and although we were concerned by the oddly-shaped padding at the back of the shoe, it didn’t irritate the achilles at all.
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The Run Test: Likes
On promises that the new Surreal midsole foam on the Cloudsurfer 3 is softer, lighter and springier than the Helion foam used on past models, but brands always promise this when launching a new foam, so we had to test this for ourselves.
Fortunately, the Surreal foam did live up to its billing, and while it’s not as explosively springy as some materials, it does have a softer and livelier feel than the midsole on the Cloudsurfer 2, which could feel a little flat in the forefoot on longer runs in particular.
The Cloudsurfer 3 is a more cushioned and comfortable shoe than past versions in general, and although this has resulted in it gaining a bit of weight, the overall change was a positive upgrade for Nick and Kieran, who liked that it delivered comfort without feeling overly soft and squidgy.
Importantly the updates to the midsole haven’t reduced the effectiveness of the CloudTec Phase rocker, which was the signature feature of past Cloudsurfer models. The holes in the midsole collapse into each other and produce a very smooth ride feel at easy and steady paces.
For a high stack shoe, the Cloudsurfer 3 is also quite stable based on our testing, partly because it’s not as soft as some options. The rocker also helps to guide you through your footstrike.
At £150/$160 the Cloudsurfer 3 is also reasonably good value in the inflated max-cushioned shoe market, and compared to other On options like the Cloudmonster line-up it stands out for both its comfortable, smooth ride and lower price tag.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The Cloudsurfer 3 is considerably heaver than past models of the shoe, which do have a nimbler feel as a result. The extra foam does mean that we found the Cloudsurfer 3 didn’t bottom out like the Cloudsurfer 2 could on long runs, but the bulkier design might disappoint fans of previous models.
It’s not the most versatile or lively cushioned shoe out there. While the Surreal midsole foam is pleasantly balanced, it’s not as bouncy as the ZoomX foam used in the Nike Vomero Plus, or the ProGlide+ foam in the Hoka Clifton Pro. Overall Mike in particular felt that the Cloudsurfer 3 didn’t do enough to stand out from other max-cushioned options.
Verdict and Alternatives
Two out of three members of our team felt that the Cloudsurfer 3 is a successful update to the shoe, and as Meatloaf said, that ain’t bad. However, even though we did enjoy clocking up easy miles in the shoe, there are some cushioned daily trainers we’d be picking up ahead of the Cloudsurfer 3.
The Asics Novablast 6 is lighter and livelier, and cheaper too, and hard to top as a great cushioned shoe that will appeal to a wide variety of runners. The Nike Vomero Plus is softer and bouncier, and the Hoka Clifton Pro is another enjoyably rockered cushioned shoe that’s lighter and more versatile than the Cloudsurfer 3.
We do think the Cloudsurfer 3 stands out in the On line-up for its value and the fact that its softer than the brand’s shoes that use its classic CloudTec cushioning, like the Cloudmonster 3. If you don’t might splashing out, however, the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS is a terrific all-rounder that’s very lightweight, cushioned and versatile.