On Running Cloudsurfer 6

And here is the sixth version of the Cloudsurfer. This is one more shoe in the Swiss manufacturer’s fine line-up this one is a separate, historic model. For those who don’t know the history, it all started with a prototype that had a sole made from pieces of garden hose (cut like slices). The runner’s weight compressed them on impact with the ground to provide cushioning and rebound. In 2010, it was the launch of the first On shoe that intrigued the masses: the Cloudsurfer!

So, we tested the On Running Cloudsurfer 6. You find this unusual sensation that this sole provides, which is totally different from anything in the running world. The foot strike is very soft across the entire foot’s surface, the stride is extremely fluid, and you benefit from a lively spring present.

To be honest, when you start walking in these you immediately notice their softness and relative imprecision around the edges of the shoe, you wonder how it will behave when running. Once running, you discover an exciting product that links big-time cushioning comfort without being a passive or inert shoe. It makes you want to surpass yourself, accelerate without ever suffering from the road’s hard surface. It is designed to go fast over medium distances.

We really liked the quality of the sole, which means that you don’t have to run perfectly, it compensates small positioning errors and above all, you feel the rebound effect. Runners who are used to having a very hard ground contact are more skeptical. We liked the way that the On Running Cloudsurfer 6 doesn’t slap the ground: no popping noises like some shoes make with a rigid sole.

We also like its placement precision; this is not a clumsy shoe. On the other hand, its 320g in size 42.5 is quite high even if you don’t notice it when running (there’s good weight distribution). But should you opt for the On Running Cloudsurfer 6 for performance?

When you walk or when you are in a static position, you can feel the “Clouds” underfoot, the famous perforated cushioning. It’s no bother.

The asymmetrical tongue keeps the foot very well supported and doesn’t move. The manufacturing is very neat; design and attention to detail are once again very notable. During a night session, at the front, we realized that the On logos were reflective, a good for safety.

This On Running Cloudsurfer 6, the sixth version of the original shoe, was highly rated by our testers. The unusual sensations from the sole are a mix between softness and bounce. A fun shoe with a superb design and very well finished. Only its weight limits it in terms of pure performance.

"This On Running Cloudsurfer 6, the sixth version of the original shoe, was highly rated by our testers. The unusual sensations from the sole are a mix between softness and bounce. A fun shoe with a superb design and very well finished. Only its weight limits it in terms of pure performance."

Rating

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Foothold
  9
• Cushioning
  9
• Foot strike
  8
• Stride
  8
• Comfort
  8