The On Cloudsurfer Max: A Dream Ride or a Squeaky Nightmare?

The running shoe world is in the midst of a revolution. A quiet, cushioned, maximalist revolution. The days when 'fast' meant feeling every inch of the road are fading, replaced by a collective yearning for cloud-like comfort and joint-saving protection. This seismic shift has seen brands pivot, innovate, and battle for the title of the ultimate cushioned cruiser.

Into this fiercely competitive arena steps On, the Swiss brand once famous for its distinctively firm and responsive ride. With the launch of the On Cloudsurfer Max, they're not just dipping a toe into the maximalist waters; they're attempting a cannonball. This shoe is their boldest statement yet, a promise of an unprecedentedly soft, impact-devouring experience designed for logging long, effortless miles.

However, with great innovation comes great confusion. The "Cloudsurfer" name, once a single beacon, now represents a whole family of shoes with wildly different designs and purposes. How does the Max fit in? Is it genuinely the king of comfort, or is there a catch?

We’re here to cut through the marketing hype and the technical jargon. This is your definitive guide to the On Cloudsurfer Max. We’ll deconstruct its engineering, compare it to its siblings and rivals, and expose its potential flaws—yes, we’re talking about the infamous squeak. By the end, you'll know if this is the long-run hero you've been waiting for.

Under the Bonnet: What Makes the Cloudsurfer Max Tick?

To truly understand a shoe, you have to look at its DNA. The Cloudsurfer Max is a brand-new beast in On's lineup, engineered from the ground up to be the undisputed champion of cushioning in their collection.

By the Numbers 📊

First, let's get the vital statistics out of the way. These numbers place the Cloudsurfer Max squarely in the maximalist, neutral daily trainer category, built for the road and endless miles.

• Cushioning: Max

• Support: Neutral

• Weight: 292 g (men’s size 8.5) / 245 g (women’s size 6)

• Stack Height: 37 mm (heel) / 31 mm (forefoot)

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm

• Price: Around £160 / $180

• Release Date: July 2025

Now, you might have seen conflicting reports about that heel-to-toe drop, with some retail sites listing it as 12 mm. Let's clear that up. Our inside track from brand representatives at major industry events confirms the 6 mm drop. This is crucial. A 6 mm drop is the modern standard for high-stack cruisers, aligning the Max with its biggest competitors like the Hoka Bondi and signalling On's intent to dominate the contemporary comfort category. The 12 mm figure is likely from outdated preliminary spec sheets. So, rest assured, this shoe is built on a balanced, modern platform designed to accommodate all types of footstrikes.

The Engine Room: Double CloudTec Phase®

The heart of the Cloudsurfer Max is its midsole. This is where the magic (or the science) happens. On has unleashed its latest innovation here: a double layer of CloudTec Phase® cushioning.

So, what on earth is that?

CloudTec Phase® was developed using a sophisticated computer modelling technique called Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Essentially, On's engineers ran thousands of simulations to see how a runner's foot impacts the ground, allowing them to craft midsole elements—the "Clouds"—that collapse in a perfect sequence, like a row of dominoes. This sequential collapse is designed to create an incredibly smooth, rolling transition from the moment your heel touches down to the moment your toe pushes off. On describes the ride as "silky-smooth" and "ultra-soft."

The original Cloudsurfer introduced a single layer of this technology, which was already a massive step away from On's traditionally firm feel. With the Max, they've doubled down, literally. By stacking two layers of this domino-effect cushioning, On's goal is unambiguous: to create the softest, most protective, and most cushioned shoe they have ever made. This is a shoe engineered to pillow every single step.

The End of an Era: Life Without the Speedboard®

For years, one component has defined On running shoes: the Speedboard®. This rigid plastic plate, embedded in the midsole, was designed to provide stability and a snappy, propulsive feel at toe-off. It was the source of On's signature responsive ride.

It was also, for many runners, the source of a ride that felt overly firm, harsh, or even punishing.

In a move that signals a fundamental shift in their design philosophy, the entire modern Cloudsurfer family, including the Max, has ditched the Speedboard®. By removing this artificial stiffening agent, On is putting all its faith in the geometry of the CloudTec Phase® midsole and the properties of its Helion™ foam. This prioritises a more natural, flexible, and forgiving underfoot feel. For a shoe whose sole purpose is maximal comfort on recovery runs and long, slow distances, this isn't just a design choice; it's a necessity.

The Upper: A Cocoon of Comfort

A plush midsole is nothing without an equally comfortable upper. The Cloudsurfer Max wraps the foot in a breathable, engineered mesh designed for both support and airflow. With a built-in knitted tongue and a secure lacing system, the focus is on a "cozy experience." The design also cradles the foot, making it sit inside the midsole's foam sidewalls, which adds a feeling of inherent stability without any intrusive posts or rails.

But will it fit your foot? This is where things get tricky. On has a legacy of producing a narrower, "European" style fit. While some runners with wider feet have found recent models like the standard Cloudsurfer surprisingly accommodating, others have found them far too restrictive. The most telling clue comes from the Cloudsurfer Next model, for which On has introduced a dedicated "Wide" version. This is a clear admission that their standard width doesn't work for everyone.

Therefore, it's highly likely the Cloudsurfer Max will launch with a standard fit that might feel snug. If you have high-volume or genuinely wide feet, approach with caution. That "sit inside" design, while great for security, could feel constricting if the shoe's internal shape is narrow. Our advice? Prioritise trying this one on in person.

A Family Affair: Where Does the Max Fit in On's Confusing Lineup?

On's current naming strategy for the Cloudsurfer range can feel like you need a map and a compass to navigate. The name is now less of a specific model and more of a marketing umbrella for a "smooth ride" philosophy. Let's break down the family to see where the Max truly belongs.

The Cloudsurfer Maze: Max vs. Next vs. Cloudsurfer 2

Think of the "Cloudsurfer" name as a brand, not a single shoe. The three key models are built for very different runners.

• Cloudsurfer 2 (The Daily Driver): This is your plush, soft, and relatively lightweight daily trainer. It has a single layer of CloudTec Phase® and a higher 9 mm drop. It’s perfect for your everyday easy to moderate-paced runs where comfort is key.

• Cloudsurfer Next (The Speedster): This shoe is a different beast entirely. It’s firmer, more responsive, and more stable. With a lower 6 mm drop, it’s designed for faster training like tempo runs and intervals. Crucially, the 'Next' is the successor to the On Cloudgo, not the Cloudsurfer. On has simply rebranded its lightweight performance trainer under the more popular Cloudsurfer banner.

• Cloudsurfer Max (The Ultra Cruiser): This is the brand-new, top-tier model. It takes the CloudTec Phase® concept and amplifies it with a double layer, creating a maximalist limousine with a high stack (37 mm) and a modern 6 mm drop. Its purpose is singular: to provide the most cushioning possible for long, slow, effortless runs.

This makes it crystal clear: don't read a review of the firm and fast 'Next' and think it tells you anything about the soft and slow 'Max'. They share a name, but that's where the similarity ends.

On's Maximalist Shelf: Max vs. Cloudeclipse vs. Cloudmonster

The Cloudsurfer Max doesn't just compete with other brands; it has to carve out its own space on On's own high-cushion shelf, right next to two other popular models.

• On Cloudmonster: This was On's first big splash in the maximalist pool. Defined by its huge, hollow CloudTec pods and a Speedboard, its ride is firm, responsive, and energetic. The Cloudmonster isn't a soft recovery shoe; it’s a high-stack workhorse for long runs where you want to feel some 'pop' and maintain your pace.

• On Cloudeclipse: The Cloudeclipse took the next step, using CloudTec Phase® (without a Speedboard) to create a much softer ride. It’s positioned as a "pillowy and soft" option with fun, bouncy, "trampoline vibes." It’s a direct competitor to other plush cruisers on the market.

• On Cloudsurfer Max: So where does the Max fit? It enters the ring with one clear goal: to be the undisputed king of comfort. By using a double layer of CloudTec Phase®, it aims to take the softness of the Cloudeclipse and turn it up to eleven. Pre-release info repeatedly calls it On's "softest" shoe ever, engineered for a forgiving experience that surpasses all others in pure, unadulterated cushioning. If the Cloudeclipse is soft and bouncy, the Cloudsurfer Max is designed to be the ultimate, ultra-soft cocoon for days when protecting your legs is the only thing that matters.

The Run Down: The Good, The Bad, and The Potentially Squeaky

By blending technical specs with feedback from similar models, we can paint a clear picture of how the Cloudsurfer Max will likely perform on the road.

The Dream: A "Pillowy" Ride ☁️

The Good: The number one reason to buy this shoe is its promise of unparalleled cushioning. The entire design, from the double-decker midsole to the plush upper, is optimised for comfort. It’s built to "pillow every step" and provide a "super soft" feel. Reviews of its single-layer siblings consistently praise their out-of-the-box comfort. The Max is designed to amplify that feeling, setting a new benchmark for plushness within the brand.

The Ride: Smooth Transitions vs. Energy Return 🏃♀️

The Good: The Cloudsurfer Max is engineered for a "silky-smooth" and "effortless" ride. Its exaggerated rocker shape helps you roll forward efficiently, while the sequential collapse of the midsole pods smooths out the entire gait cycle. This is a shoe for zoning out and logging miles with minimal effort, not for chasing PBs.

The Potential Bad: Here's the catch. There's a risk of a disconnect between the marketing of a "soft" ride and the reality of On's Helion™ foam. While the geometry is designed for softness, Helion™ foam itself has a reputation for being on the firmer side compared to competitors' compounds like Nike's ZoomX or New Balance's FuelCell. The Cloudsurfer Next, which also uses this tech, is described by experts as being "noticeably firmer" than the standard Cloudsurfer.

There's a real chance the Cloudsurfer Max, despite its double layers, may deliver a ride that feels more "dampened" and "protective" than truly "pillowy" or "bouncy." It will almost certainly lack the energetic pop needed for faster paces. If you're expecting a trampoline, you might find a memory foam mattress instead.

The Stability: A Secure Base for Neutral Runners

The Good: Despite its towering height, the Cloudsurfer Max should be a remarkably stable shoe for neutral runners. This is a consistent strength in On's recent designs. The firmer nature of the Helion™ foam provides a solid base that won't feel mushy, while the broad platform and the "sit-inside" midsole design cradle your foot, providing a secure, planted feel without needing traditional stability tech.

The Achilles' Heel? Durability and The Infamous "Squeak" 🔊

The Bad: We have to talk about the two biggest elephants in the room when it comes to On's new generation of shoes.

1. Durability Concerns: While On's build quality is excellent, the longevity of its midsole foam has been questioned. Long-term reviewers of the standard Cloudsurfer have noted the foam starts to feel "dead" prematurely, some reporting a significant decline around the 280-310 mile mark. For a premium shoe costing over £150, this raises valid questions about its long-term value.

2. The Squeak: This is the big one. An alarmingly high number of users report a persistent, annoying squeaking sound developing in On models that use CloudTec Phase®, including the Cloudsurfer and Cloudeclipse. This isn't a one-off issue; it appears to be a systemic flaw. The community has even developed DIY fixes, like putting baby powder under the insole or sanding the inside of the pods, which confirms it's a real and recurring problem. The leading theory is that as the glossy interior surfaces of the collapsing pods rub against each other, they create friction and noise, a problem that often starts or worsens after the shoes get wet.

This presents a major risk for the Cloudsurfer Max. As a shoe designed with a double layer of these pods, engineered for maximum compression, it is at an extremely high risk of developing the squeak. The extra movement could even make it worse. For a premium shoe sold on the promise of an effortless, dream-like ride, an embarrassing squeak with every step is a catastrophic failure. This is arguably the single biggest reason to be cautious.

The Main Event: Cloudsurfer Max vs. The Titans of Comfort

The Cloudsurfer Max doesn't exist in a bubble. It's stepping into the ring with some of the most established and beloved shoes on the market.

Battle of the Titans: Cloudsurfer Max vs. Hoka Bondi

This is the headline fight. The Hoka Bondi is the OG maximalist shoe, the industry benchmark for a plush, soft, and protective ride.

• Ride Feel: The Bondi is famously soft. The Cloudsurfer Max aims for this but, due to its firmer Helion™ foam, may feel more "protective-soft" than the "marshmallow-soft" of the Bondi.

• Geometry: Both use prominent rockers for a smooth, rolling transition. It's a battle of Hoka's Meta-Rocker versus On's Double CloudTec Phase®.

• Fit: This is a key difference. Hoka is known for a more accommodating fit, while On's narrower last might be restrictive for some.

• Stability: The Bondi uses a very wide base to stay stable. The Cloudsurfer Max will rely on its firmer foam and cradle-like fit.

A Different Beast: Cloudsurfer Max vs. Brooks Ghost Max

The Brooks Ghost Max is another maximalist option but with a different philosophy.

• Ride Feel: The Ghost Max offers a firm but compliant and highly protective ride. The Cloudsurfer Max is positioned to be significantly softer and more plush.

• Stability: The Ghost Max is a benchmark "stable-neutral" shoe, with a super-wide base making it feel incredibly planted. The Cloudsurfer Max will feel stable, but likely on a narrower, less overtly structured platform.

• Durability: The Ghost Max is a workhorse known for its excellent durability, often lasting well over 400 miles. This is a clear advantage over the On, which has question marks over its midsole lifespan.

The Final Verdict: Is the On Cloudsurfer Max Your Next Long-Run Hero?

The On Cloudsurfer Max is a highly specialised tool. It's the pinnacle of On's new comfort-first philosophy, but it's not for everyone.

Who Should Buy the On Cloudsurfer Max? ✅

This is your shoe if you are:

• A neutral runner whose number one priority is maximum cushioning for long, slow runs and recovery days.

• A runner who loves a smooth, rolling, and highly protective ride and doesn't care about pace or energy return. This is a cruiser, not a racer.

• A fan of premium, modern aesthetics who is willing to pay a premium price.

• A runner with a standard-to-narrow foot who has had success with On's fit before.

Who Should Steer Clear? ❌

You might want to look elsewhere if you are:

• The Budget-Conscious Runner: At around £160, combined with potential durability issues, the long-term value is a real concern.

• The Stability-Needing Runner: While stable for a neutral shoe, it has no features to control overpronation.

• The Wide-Footed Runner: On's narrower fit is a major risk factor. You absolutely must try this on before buying.

• The Noise-Averse Runner: The very high probability of the "On Squeak" developing makes this a risky buy for anyone who would be driven mad by noisy footwear.

• The Performance-Oriented Runner: This shoe is not built for speed. If you want a versatile all-rounder, this isn't it.

The On Cloudsurfer Max is a bold, exciting, and beautiful-looking shoe. It has the potential to deliver one of the smoothest and most comfortable rides on the market. However, its success hinges on two things: whether the ride is genuinely "ultra-soft" and, crucially, whether On has finally fixed the squeak.

It's a high-risk, high-reward proposition. It's a shoe for the runner who is willing to gamble on the promise of supreme comfort, fully aware that the dream ride might just come with an annoying soundtrack.