On Cloudsurfer Trail Review

Upper

Liz: "I have a wide forefoot and bunions, so overlays laying across the ball of the foot can cause issues for me after a few miles, and I was initially concerned by the sewed structure across the ball of the foot in the Cloudsurfer Trail, especially since the V shape sat directly over my bunions. I was convinced that it was going to cause issues and was ready to pass this shoe on to a narrower-footed tester… but to my surprise, the overlay structure adjusted to accommodate my feet after the first few minutes in the shoe, and I discovered a very comfortable and surprisingly secure fit. I would prefer a bit more midfoot lockdown on super technical terrain, but I took this on a wet and muddy trail run on rocky terrain and loved how quickly the shoe drained while still holding my feet securely."

Midsole

Liz: "The midsole foam of the Cloudsurfer Trail is comfortably soft with a touch of bounce that helps keep you moving forward through your stride. The shoe is flexible and delivers a smooth ride that feels good on pavement and smooth trails. The Cloudsurfer is nimble enough for moderate trails, as well, but the lack of a rock plate, shallow lugs, and high flexibility prevented me from choosing this shoe for more technical trails or longer runs. The Cloudsurfer Trail is a great choice for runners who want a shoe that can easily transition from pavement to smooth single-track and fire roads."

Outsole

Liz: "The outsole was surprisingly grippy on smooth slabs of rock, but the lugs are very shallow and best suited for smoother trails and fire roads over more technical or slippery terrain. Overall, the outsole seems durable, having held up well over the testing period with no signs of abnormal, irregular wear."

Comparable Models

On Cloudsurfer Trail vs. On Cloudvista

Liz: "The On Cloudsurfer Trail and Cloudvista may seem like similar shoes, but both deliver very different rides out on the trail. The softer cushioning and wider base of the Cloudsurfer Trail give the shoe a much smoother and softer feel on smooth trails and make the shoe much better for road-to-trail runs. Meanwhile, the Cloudvista has a firmer ride and a more minimal underfoot feel that is better for runners looking for a strong connection to the trail underfoot. The Cloudvista is a good option for runners who want a very nimble trail shoe, while the Cloudsurfer Trail is a great option for those who want a lightweight and more cushioned ride for cruising on the road and the trails."