I’ve been running in the new On Cloudsurfer 3 — here are 4 things I like (and 2 I don’t)

(Image credit: Future) I love a good rocker on a running shoe, and the On Cloudsurfer line’s signature feature has always been its CloudTec Phase cushioning, where holes in the midsole collapse into eachother like dominoes to roll you from heel to toe as you run.The On Cloudsurfer 2 is a lightweight daily trainer, while the On Cloudsurfer Max is a more cushioned but firmer shoe. The new On Cloudsurfer 3 splits the difference between these shoes, and based on my early testing, I think it could be the best Cloudsurfer yet.I’ve been able to do a couple of runs in the On Cloudsurfer 3 ahead of its launch, and it’s impressed me on both. The shoe uses a new foam in the midsole called Surreal and delivers a soft, smooth ride that helps the miles tick by enjoyably.Here’s what you need to know about On’s latest running shoe, including my early likes and dislikes. On Cloudsurfer 3: Price and availability The On Cloudsurfer 3 launched on 15 September 2026, and my first like about the shoe is that it hasn’t risen in price compared with the Cloudsurfer 2. It costs $160 in the U.S. and £150 in the U.K., making it one of the cheaper cushioned shoes in On’s line-up.Like #1: It’s more cushioned than past models (Image credit: Future)The Cloudsurfer 3 feels like a softer shoe with more cushioning underfoot than past models, especially under the forefoot.On say that the new Surreal superfoam deepens compression by 15.5% compared with the Helion foam used on the Cloudsurfer 2, and I could feel the extra depth in the midsole on my runs and how much the new shoe absorbed the impact of running.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.I found that the Cloudsurfer 2 could sometimes "bottom out" and feel a bit flat by the end of runs, but I haven’t had that feeling from the Cloudsurfer 3 at all so far.The Cloudsurfer Max was marketed as an incredibly soft shoe when it came out, but I actually found it pretty firm — the Cloudsurfer 3 delivers on its promise of softness.Like #2: The ride is impressively smooth at a variety of paces (Image credit: Future)Soft shoes are great, but not if you end up stuck in that soft foam and feeling like you have to push through it to keep running, which does occasionally happen with max-cushioned shoes in my experience.This is where the CloudTec Phase rocker comes into play with the Cloudsurfer 3, because it helps move you through the midsole onto your toes smoothly, so you don’t lose momentum while enjoying the impact-absorbing benefits of the cushioning.I used the On Cloudsurfer 3 for a progression run, moving from an easy to a steady pace, and was able to clip along at sub-6min/mile pace comfortably in the shoe, despite the fact that it’s not all that light.Like #3: There’s more spring off the toes (Image credit: Future)The main criticism I’ve had with past Cloudsurfer shoes is that the Helion foam in the midsole isn’t all that springy. The shoes have a smooth ride and a lightweight feel, but don’t deliver much energy return off the toes.The Surreal foam in the Cloudsurfer 3’s midsole is a definite improvement on that front. I noticed a lot more bounce from the shoe, especially at faster paces.That extra energy from the forefoot is also clear during longer runs in the shoe, when the previous models would start to feel a bit flat. Like #4: The outsole grip is better (Image credit: Future)I did a short run wearing the On Cloudsurfer 2 on one foot and the On Cloudsurfer 3 on the other, and along with differences in the ride feel, I also noted that the outsole on the new shoe gripped a little better on damp sidewalks.While I didn’t have any real problems with the grip of the Cloudsurfer 2 when I tested it out, any improvement in this area is always welcome in a cushioned daily trainer you’re going to use in all conditions.Dislike #1: It’s heavier than the Cloudsurfer 3 (Image credit: Future)The new Surreal foam used in the Cloudsurfer 3 is lighter than the Helion material used in past models, according to On, but the overall weight of the shoe has gone up considerably.My US men’s size 9.5 weighs 10.8oz compared to 9.4oz for the Cloudsurfer 2 in the same size, likely because the shoe has more outsole coverage and more cushioning in the midsole, as well as a wider base.This isn’t a big problem for me, because the Cloudsurfer 3 doesn’t feel heavy or cumbersome on the run thanks to its rockered ride, but it’s quite a noticeable change from the Cloudsurfer 2, and big fans of the older shoe might not take to the larger design.Dislike #2: It’s not as versatile as some daily trainers (Image credit: Future)While I enjoyed using the Cloudsurfer 3 at easy, steady paces, it’s not a shoe I think will handle speed sessions all that well. That’s not really its job to be fair — it’s a cushioned shoe for comfortable cruising — but there are some terrific daily trainers that do offer more versatility.The Asics Novablast 6 immediately springs to mind as a max-cushioned shoe that’s lighter and a bit livelier at fast paces than the Cloudsurfer 3, while the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is an incredibly light daily trainer that I found comfortable for long, easy runs and that can also handle speedwork well.I think the Cloudsurfer 3 is competitive with other cushioned shoes in its category, like the Saucony Triumph 24 and Hoka Clifton Pro, but those looking for more of an all-rounder will be better served by a shoe like the Novablast 6. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. More from Tom's GuideHow long do running shoes actually last? I asked an expert who makes them, and they gave me a great tip for recognizing when your shoes are doneRheon running shorts are being used by top road, track and trail runners — I spoke to an expert to find out more about the techI tested shoes from 5 up-and-coming running brands — here are the ones worth your money Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 and became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 25min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.Nick is an established expert in the fitness area and along with writing for many publications, including Live Science, Expert Reviews, Wareable, Coach and Get Sweat Go, he has been quoted on The Guardian and The Independent.