Why many runners quietly switch, On’s Cloudrunner 2 steadies every stride

On’s Cloudrunner 2 wants to be the everyday training shoe you lace up without thinking about it – stable, cushioned, yet still light on the foot. What does that feel like on the road, and where does the Swiss brand hold back?

Reviewed: ad hoc news B2B & Pro desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-20, 02:04. Details in the imprint.

With the Cloudrunner 2, On puts a training shoe on the road that feels made for the messy middle miles - the ones between tired legs and chasing pace. The upper hugs the foot quietly, the midsole answers with a muted, confident bounce.

How the Cloudrunner 2 feels

Step into the Cloudrunner 2 and the first impression is padding where it matters and calm where it does not. The heel collar stands slightly higher, holding the ankle with a reassuring but not bulky grip.

Underfoot, the midsole blends On’s hollow "Cloud" elements with a continuous foam bed that dampens impact more than older, firmer generations. Landings feel rounded, almost muffled, which tired knees will quietly appreciate on gray Tuesday runs.

Stability without the brick feeling

The shoe targets runners who want guidance but dislike the harsh posts of traditional stability models. A broader base and subtle sidewalls guide the foot without the sensation of being pushed onto rails.

On’s characteristic Speedboard plate is tuned softer here, so transitions feel smooth rather than snappy. It is a shoe that nudges you forward, not one that catapults you and then punishes sloppy form.

Upper, fit, and everyday practicality

The mesh upper of the Cloudrunner 2 aims for a tidy compromise between breathability and structure. The forefoot has enough stretch for longer sessions, while the midfoot overlays keep the foot centered on cambered paths.

Laces run cleanly through well-placed eyelets and stay tied without fuss. Reflective accents remain subtle, more for a quiet safety bonus than for show, so the shoe does not scream "performance" when you walk into the café after a run.

Where the compromises show

That gentle ride comes with a trade-off for speed-hungry runners. At higher paces, the cushioning can feel a touch too forgiving, as if a bit of your push disappears into the foam instead of into the asphalt.

Weight also sits in the solid middle of the training-shoe pack. It is not heavy, but you notice that this is a shoe built to protect and last, not to chase personal bests on race day.

Pricing and availability

The Cloudrunner 2 positions itself as a mid-priced daily trainer in On’s lineup, clearly below the brand’s more aggressive performance and race offerings. That makes it the workhorse option for runners who do most of their mileage in one main pair.

Availability typically starts on On’s own online shop and rolls out to specialist running retailers, with regional colorways and sizes adjusted to demand. In key markets, this model often forms part of the brand’s core, year-round assortment.

What it means for On and its stock

The Cloudrunner 2 may not grab headlines like carbon super shoes, but it fills the volume segment where loyal, repeat customers live. For On, that is exactly the kind of product that supports steady growth rather than just buzz.

Shares of On Holding AG (CH1134540470) trade in New York on the NYSE in US dollars.

Key facts on the Cloudrunner 2

• Product: Cloudrunner 2
• Manufacturer: On Holding AG
• Category: B2B/Pro line
• Launch: Second generation of the Cloudrunner franchise, positioned as an update to On’s everyday stability trainer line.
• RRP / Price: Mid-range running-shoe price segment, typically below On’s carbon race models.
• Availability: On’s official online store and selected specialist running retailers in core markets.
• Target group: Runners seeking a stable, cushioned daily trainer for regular road sessions.
• Highlight / USP: Gentle stability with a soft, protective ride in On’s characteristic Cloud design.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.