On Cloudflow 2.0 Review Analysis (2022)
Last update: April 2024
The On Cloudflow 2.0 is a good Swiss-engineered lightweight road running shoe.
The Consensus
A few noteworthy qualities of the Cloudflow 2.0 include its Helion super foam midsole, which promotes a snappy ride and a consistently smooth ride with its well-cushioned padding—perfect for ensuring optimal comfort on shorter runs. Additionally, the toe box is an ideal width for accommodating a range of foot sizes, from narrow to wide. It is purportedly quite airy due to its breathable upper mesh material. Runners remarked it was a clear step up from the original Cloudflow design.
The outsole of the 2.0 has been updated, offering improved traction for a better grip on wet roads. Runners who tried the Cloudflow 2.0 reported a few of the shoe’s disadvantages, including a lack of support, faulty outsole design (rocks and debris lodge easily in the grooves), and even stated that the shoe’s design caused some abrasions after running longer distances. However, for short-term use, training sessions, and short to moderate races, the 2.0 did not disappoint, offering runners a speed advantage, breathable fabric, and enhanced comfort with its Helion midsole padding.
The On Cloudflow 2.0 may be a bit pricier than its performance warrants. The promise of superior quality due to the Swiss design of the shoe doesn’t seem to materialize in the Cloudflow 2.0.
On a scale of 1-10, we rank this running shoe an 8.7 for its overall positive feedback and enhanced technology from the original Cloudflow design. However, runners looking for long-wear shoes that will persevere on trails and longer distances should consider other options.
- Good comfort
- Lightweight shoe
- Responsive ride
- Snug fit, good foot lockdown
- Appealing design
- The outsole quickly shows traces of wear
- The design of the sole with its “Clouds” tends to retain small stones and gravel
Technologies
Outsole
- For starters, On Cloudflow 2.0’s outsole is equipped with Cloudtec. This On’s flagship technology translates that takes the form of 18 honeycomb-shaped elements called “clouds”. They are covered with a layer of rubber to make them more abrasion-resitant. This set-up aims to provide a comfortable ride by improving the platform’s cushioning. Also, the outsole offers great traction on urban roads when it rains. On Running also mentioned that they improved the design of the tread to address customers’ feedback. Indeed, many runners noted that small rocks easily got stuck in the Clouds on the first version.
- Moreover, Speedboard technology also equips the outsole of this road model. It’s a firm layer that aims to balance evenly the pressure on the platform for greater comfort.
Midsole
- The midsole features the Helion cushioning technology. It’s a new generation “superfoam” launched by On Running in 2020 that is lightweight and naturally springy. It offers a good balance between firmness and softness and works in tandem with Speedboard. It also absorbs impacts during the run for optimal comfort.
Upper
- The upper of the On Cloudflow 2.0 uses a Swiss-engineered mesh that is designed to hold the foot effectively during training for ideal comfort. Besides, it is equipped with perforations to let your foot breathe and thus prevent it from getting too hot during the effort when the speed increases.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel stack height | 22 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 16 mm |
| Features | Lightweight |
| Weight (men) | 235 g/8.3 oz |
| Weight (women) | 198 g/7 oz |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Athletes | Roger Federer |
Technologies
| Outsole | Cloudtec, Speedboard |
| Midsole | Helion |
| Upper | Swiss-engineered mesh |
Reference: On Running
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This road shoe uses a standard sizing system. Runners who tried it confirm that it matched their regular size. However, if this is your first pair of On, visit the store to make sure you select the most comfortable size.
This shoe is a neutral pronation model. Thus, it is designed to adapt to all athletes independently from your pronation type. It does not display any specific help to avoid supination or excessive pronation. Let’s remind here that stability shoes are not more efficient than neutral shoes to avoid injuries anyway. Therefore, we recommend that you choose your shoes based on their comfort as this is the most important criterion, whether you overpronate or not.
To our knowledge, only one study so far has observed the link between weight, sole thickness, and risk of injury. According to the results of this study, minimalist footwear may increase the risk of injury for athletes weighing more than 71 kg/157 lbs. The Cloudflow 2.0 has a medium stack height and should, therefore, be suitable regardless of your weight.
This road shoe is ideally suited for different types of distances and training. However, runners found the Cloudflow especially suited for short to moderate distances with its moderately thick sole (22 mm under the heel). However, there are no contraindications for the marathon or half marathon. If you can do long workouts comfortably with these shoes, you should not wear them during your race. As usual, comfort is king!
I’ve had two pairs of the regular Clouds that I logged several miles in. The Cloudflow is definitely more cushioned and seems a bit more durable. I do have an issue with my heels slipping in the Cloudflows which has not subsided even as the shoe breaks in, so sadly, I will be unable to continue running in these shoes. The sole design does tend to catch/lodge small objects (gravel, acorns, etc.) and that can be annoying. Ons also don’t seem to be as durable as some other brands of running shoes I’ve owned.
+ PROS: Very comfortable Lightweight Attractive shoe
– CONS: Heel slippage (no issues with regular Clouds) Sole design traps debris Durability issues, wears out quickly