On Cloudvista 2 review

We believe the On Cloudvista 2 is an intriguing option for trail runners seeking something distinct:

• It's perfect for runners in cold climates who value a high-quality shoe that provides warmth and durability on the trails.
• Serves well for those who enjoy a firm midsole feel and plan to stick to easy trails without technical challenges.
• Combines On’s signature craftsmanship with a well-constructed, durable outsole and comes at a reasonable price for this brand.

We think the Cloudvista 2 isn’t the best choice for runners with wide feet, as its snug upper can feel restrictive during longer runs. In our experience, shoes like the Altra Olympus 6 or Nike Zegama 2 provide more accommodating fits for those needing extra space.

Additionally, we believe the firm ride of the Cloudvista 2 may deter runners who prefer a softer underfoot experience. For those seeking plush cushioning, we recommend the Hoka Speedgoat 6 for a moderate feel or the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 for pure softness.

At 31.7 mm in the heel, the Cloudvista 2 continues its predecessor’s legacy and, surprisingly, features even a slightly lower stack height—a unique evolution in a market filled with ever-taller designs.

The forefoot provides a solid 25.7 mm of cushioning, making it a comfortable choice for long-distance runs.

We found this cushioning essential, especially since the shoe lacks a rock plate and no longer includes On's Speedboard plate—offering enough ground separation for safety on rough trails.

On states that this shoe has a 6.0-mm drop, and our lab analysis confirmed it exactly. We believe this consistency highlights On as one of the top brands for manufacturing quality!

The Cloudvista 2 features the classic combo found in On’s mid-tier running shoes—Helion foam paired with CloudTec geometry. This setup delivers a moderately-firm ride, accompanied by the distinctive feel of the cloud-like gaps in the midsole.

In our experience, this 29.3-HA, firmer-than-expected foam might surprise newcomers to the brand. We think that On could improve the feel by making it slightly softer, though for fans of firm-like-steel foams, the Helion compound will continue to be a long-standing favorite.

The Helion foam from On combines EVA with Olefin Co-Polymers, creating a cold-resistant blend designed for improved performance in chilly conditions. We tested the foam by placing it in the freezer for 20 minutes, and through new measurements, we discovered it only became 22.2% firmer—a clear sign of its cold-adaptive nature.

The insole is impressively thin at 2.1 mm—over half the average thickness. In our view, this was a surprising discovery and one of the factors contributing to the shoe’s firm feel.

If you’re looking for a rockered trail running shoe, the Cloudvista 2 is one of the most curved models we’ve tested for mountain running—but it comes with some unavoidable trade-offs.

While this rockered sole works well for heel strikers and creates a dynamic ride on flat terrain, it reduces performance on technical trails and downhills, where the running experience feels less stable.

Through our evaluation, we discovered that this shoe provides limited interior space for wider feet, with the widest part of the toebox measuring only 96.3 mm in our lab tests—a compact design focused on precision. On the other hand, vertical room was sufficient and caused no problems.

In our opinion, this narrow-fit toebox may not suit runners with wide feet, but it provides a key benefit—its snug design enhances control on tight corners and twisted terrain.

We think the toebox could benefit from a bit more space around the ball of the foot, but the big toe region tells a different story. Measuring 78.0 mm, it shows a standard taper, though it feels slightly wider than it appears because of the previous measurement.

One of the benefits of having firm foam underfoot is its naturally stable feel compared to softer options. In our experience, the Cloudvista adds trail-ready stability with features like its guidance-enhancing central groove, which helps center the foot during runs, especially for midfoot strikers.

Another major reason this shoe feels highly stable is its impressive torsional rigidity, even without the Speedboard plate. We found it so stiff that we rated it a 4/5!

The heel counter closely resembles those found in On’s road running daily trainers, like the Cloudflyer 4, earning a 3/5 score. It’s neither extremely firm nor overly flexible, it just strikes a balanced feel.

Moving to the midsole, we discovered a forefoot that is wider than expected. On usually designs narrow platforms, relying on their firm foams to reduce the need for a broader landing base. However, the Cloudvista 2 measures 116.8 mm, which is wider than the average.

In our view, this wider-than-average design, combined with the shoe's rockered geometry, enhances its appeal for midfoot strikers.

Although the curved heel might suggest this shoe is designed for heel strikers, we believe the 84.6 mm width in that area and 6-mm drop indicate that, again, it’s primarily aimed at midfoot strikers. However, neutral-landing heel strikers can also find it suitable.

The Cloudvista 2 isn’t just for running—it performs well for short, medium, and long-distance hikes without any issues. In our experience, its flexible build ensures comfort for hiking, scoring just 22.1N in our 90-degree bend test!

The new upper of the Cloudvista 2 results in a slight weight increase compared to its predecessor. The previous model weighed 10.1 oz/285g, while the second edition we tested here in the lab came in at 10.3 oz/292g. While this minor difference is unlikely to be noticeable, it’s not exactly great news.

One of the standout features of the first-generation Cloudvista was its exceptional breathability, making it perfect for hot summer days. However, this came with trade-offs like poor upper durability and less insulation during harsh winter runs. With version 2, On has taken the opposite approach in both areas.

In terms of ventilation, we found it quite limited and rated it a 2/5. While this isn’t catastrophic for trail shoes, it may even appeal to those who enjoy cold-weather adventures. Still, for warmer climates, the lack of airflow might be a drawback.

We used a light to examine the upper’s construction, focusing on its thicker and thinner sections. Surprisingly, the design gave the impression of high ventilation potential, but that’s not the reality.

Under the microscope, the full picture emerged—there are essentially no proper ventilation holes apart from naturally formed, mini-sized gaps.

The material itself is really unique and visually stunning under magnification, making it one of the most intriguing uppers we’ve inspected.

Finally, a hands-on review revealed the classic On craftsmanship—clean finishes, no glue marks, and excellent heel padding. However, the tongue’s lack of cushioning raises concerns, as it compromises comfort during day-long journeys.

The upper of the Cloudvista 2 looks solidly durable at first glance, but we tested it with the Dremel to be sure.

After evaluating the wear, we rated it a 3/5, which we found satisfactory. And it's also important to note that the toe cap, reinforced with a thick TPU overlay, provides excellent protection in the most wear-prone area of the shoe.

Unfortunately, the Dremel caused significant damage to the heel padding, resulting in a below-average 1/5 score. Runners who tend to wear holes in this area should stay cautious or even dismiss the Cloudvista 2!

At 86.1 HC, the MissionGrip rubber is quite hard—typical for trail running shoes, which are nearly always firmer than their road-running counterparts.

In terms of durability, we tested the MissionGrip rubber and found it performed well against our Dremel—there was only 0.9 mm of damage after lifting the tool, which we believe is a solid result for wear and tear. In our view, this durable compound should hold up even for runners who occasionally mix in road miles with their regular trail runs.

The outsole has a thickness of 2.0 mm, which aligns well with the average and provides sufficient protection against sharp rocks and other potential hazards.

The Cloudvista 2 features 3.1-mm square and L-shaped lugs, designed for easy to moderate terrain under dry conditions. In our experience, they handle light mud reasonably well but aren’t suited for more demanding surfaces.

We observed a considerable amount of exposed midsole, particularly around the midfoot and heel. However, it’s less noticeable in this model since On used a uniform color across all sections of the outsole.

We’re accustomed to seeing sky-high prices in many On running shoes, but the Cloudvista 2 comes at a refreshingly reasonable cost for what it offers—exceptional build quality and premium materials. It’s likely one of the best-value On shoes we’ve tested in a long time!

Not all trail shoes feature reflective elements, so we think On deserves praise for incorporating multiple ones into the Cloudvista 2. It’s a smart detail that enhances safety during low-light runs or hikes.

True to On’s signature style, the reflective elements are their logo, which looks rad. This thoughtful addition not only boosts visibility but also showcases the brand’s identity in a bold yet functional way. In our view, more brands should take inspiration from this approach.

Some users have voiced frustration with the paper-thin tongue of the first-gen Cloudvista, particularly those who prefer cinching down the laces tightly for long runs. To address this, On added a small foam layer to the tongue—but what’s the strategy here?

Instead of placing the foam at the lacing area—like ASICS did with the Novablast 5—On chose to position it in the lower section below the elastic strap area, leaving the top of the tongue astonishingly thin at just 1.3 mm. In our view, this design leaves the instep vulnerable, resulting in the worst of both worlds—added weight without enhanced comfort.

The tongue is fully gusseted—precisely what we expected and wanted in a trail shoe. During our runs, we found that the gusseting, crafted from soft, flexible fabric, not only ensures a debris-free fit but also enhances lockdown for a more secure and comfortable ride.

Unlike most trail running shoes, the On Cloudvista 2 lacks a heel tab. However, the collar's padding wraps around the heel, providing a convenient grip point.

Oh, and there’s the Swiss flag, as with every On shoe. However, despite its Swiss engineering, it’s actually made in Vietnam—though you won’t find a Vietnam flag on it, of course.

We easily removed the insole of the Cloudvista 2, and instead of showcasing the top, we chose to highlight the underside as it’s remarkably eye-catching!

On designers could have opted for a straightforward lacing system with punched eyelets, but they went bold with the Cloudvista 2. The design features a sequence of eyelets from top to bottom, with one unique feature—a displaced lace loop integrated into an elastic strap, ensuring the laces stay securely in place during your adventures.