Published October 9, 2026

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Updated October 9, 2026

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When On burst onto the running scene in 2010 with its Cloudsurfer, the unusual-looking sneakers were almost impossible to mistake for anything else. Thanks to their signature hollowed-out soles, the Swiss company’s shoes offered a radically different approach to cushioning.

As it eventually garnered legendary status in the industry, On has continued to refine its signature CloudTec technology while expanding its catalog to include everything from high-performance racing shoes to lifestyle-friendly sneakers. 

That’s where the Cloudsurfer Next comes in.

Originally debuting in 2024, the Cloudsurfer Next takes inspiration from On’s elite racing footwear but packages it into something built for a specific type of runner. 

The silhouette is designed for those who want a performance-oriented shoe without committing to a dedicated racing model. Compared to the standard Cloudsurfer, the Next sports a more aggressive build, featuring a pronounced forefoot rocker designed for smoother, more powerful toe-offs.

Underfoot, the sneaker utilizes On’s CloudTec Phase system, which replaces the brand’s traditional independent Cloud pods with angled cavities that compress sequentially as your foot rolls forward. Paired with Helion superfoam, it’s much firmer and springier than the plush Cloudsurfer 3.

Meanwhile, the lightweight engineered woven upper takes cues from On’s race-day models. A padded tongue helps keep your foot secure and strategically placed rubber outsole sections provide grip and durability.

The stack height drops from 32mm in the standard Cloudsurfer 3 to 30mm, which is still rather tall. However, the overall heel drop decreases from 10mm to just 6mm.

Perhaps most impressively, the shoe accomplishes all this without venturing into premium racing-shoe territory. Originally priced at $150, the Cloudsurfer Next is now on sale for as low as $95 as On likely readies for its replacement.

About the Author: Ethan Brehm is an associate editor at Gear Patrol writing about footwear, watches, spirits, EDC and more. When he’s not shopping for his next G-Shock, he spends his time watching movies and planning a future road trip with his family. He firmly believes CDs sound better than vinyl.

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