Our verdict

The Cloudnova 2 borrows the brand's progressive running shoe technologies to create an even more enjoyable shoe for casual wear. And it works! We loved the comfort and reliable support that this shoe provides for long hours of walking and standing. Not to mention that we also adore the look of this On sneaker and the fact that it contains sustainable materials (which makes us feel even better). But the Swiss footwear comes with a price and we are not sure if the Cloudnova 2 offers enough to back up that above-average cost.

Pros

  • Excellent cushioning for all-day wear
  • Great stability for a neutral shoe
  • Wide and steady platform
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Thick and wear-resistant outsole
  • Good breathability
  • Sustainable materials

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Upper materials lack durability for the price
  • Somewhat overpriced

Audience verdict

94
Superb!

Who should buy

We believe that the On Cloudnova 2 can be a great match for you if:

  • you need a stylish and comfortable sneaker to wear all day long in many different scenarios - from the office to the grocery store
  • you love futuristic and techy shoe silhouettes

On Cloudnova 2 review

Who should NOT buy

The Cloudnova 2 comes with a rather hefty price tag which, in our opinion, is not 100% justified by everything the shoe has to offer.

We found that the Cloudnova Form 2 is a nearly identical silhouette but with a different upper fabric. It is simpler in design and is not made of recycled materials.

Another more affordable alternative from On would be the Cloudeasy. It has less cushioning but is insanely light.

On Cloudnova 2 lab test

Breathability

Visually, the Cloudnova 2's upper design is hardly different from the first version. When we took the shoe out of the box, we even thought that we had purchased the same shoe twice! The only clear difference is the presence of perforations on the tongue of the v2.

But once we pumped smoke through the Cloudnova 2's toebox, we could see a notable step-up in its ventilation capacity. Enough to bump up the shoe's breathability score to 4 out of 5! Almost summer-ready.

On Cloudnova 2 Breathability microscope test

According to On, the upper mesh in this Cloudnova is inspired by the fabric on the Cloudboom Echo 3 running shoe. But we could never tell that just by looking at both materials through our microscope.

On Cloudnova 2 vs On Cloudboom Echo 3 engineered mesh
On Cloudnova 2 vs. On Cloudboom Echo 3

The pattern? Maybe. But definitely not the threads. The Cloudnova 2 looks like a sweater compared to Cloudboom. But it is a soft and airy sweater.

On Cloudnova 2 Breathability perforated insole

Even though it is not part of the upper, the shoe's perforated insole is worth mentioning. It lightly contributes to the heat dissipation underfoot.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

A dismaying lack of upper durability for the price is a common tendency we see among shoes from On. Their mesh uppers consistently get lower-than-average scores in our durability tests and the Cloudnova 2 follows the trend.

It took less than 12 seconds of sandpaper exposure to leave a notable hole in the Cloudnova 2's toebox mesh.

On Cloudnova 2 Toebox durability test

Seeing much smaller damage on other walking shoes that went through the 5K RPM Dremel test, we couldn't rate this On shoe's toebox durability any higher than 3 out of 5.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Our expectations remained low for the shoe's inner lining durability.

The textile couldn't even resist the drill for 4 seconds without getting scuffed! It's kind of ridiculous to see that a Skechers shoe that costs £100 less was barely affected at all!

On Cloudnova 2 Heel padding durability comparison
On Cloudnova 2 vs. Skechers Summits
Test results
Cloudnova 2 3
Average 2.3
Compared to 30 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Thankfully, the rubber outsole of this On shoe shows pretty good signs of longevity.

On Cloudnova 2 Outsole hardness

We are looking at a solid black rubber that returned a harder-than-average reading of 81.9 C on our durometer.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 81.9 HC
Average 77.6 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
50.1 HC
Outsole hardness
92.0 HC

Outsole durability

Applying sandpaper to the shoe's rubber at 10K RPM speed for as long as 22 seconds also gave us hopeful results.

The dent on the Cloudnova 2's outsole showed only 1.1 mm which is slightly shallower than the average.

On Cloudnova 2 Outsole durability test
Test results
Cloudnova 2 1.1 mm
Average 1.4 mm
Compared to 30 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

According to our calliper, the outsole thickness of this On shoe is also on par with the average at 3.1 mm.

On Cloudnova 2 Outsole thickness
Test results
Cloudnova 2 3.1 mm
Average 3.0 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
7.0 mm

Weight

Even though the Cloudnova 2 doesn't look particularly bulky, it clocked in a surprising number of 11.3 oz (320g) on the scale! That is in a men's US size 9.

On Cloudnova 2 Weight

This is by far the heaviest On walking shoe we've tested in the lab and it is over an ounce heavier than the average walking shoe as well.

Not to say that we were dragged down by the Cloudnova 2 but we did feel the shoe's presence a bit more.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 11.29 oz (320g)
Average 9.98 oz (283g)
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
6.17 oz (175g)
Weight
14.25 oz (404g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

We found the Cloudnova 2 to be a moderately cushioned walking shoe with a heel stack of 33.1 mm.

On Cloudnova 2 Heel stack

This is on par with the average of walking shoes offering enough underfoot comfort and support for long hours of walking and standing.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 33.1 mm
Average 32.1 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
11.2 mm
Heel stack
45.7 mm

Forefoot stack

The Cloudnova 2's ball-of-foot cushioning also comes in at an average of 20.7 mm. A perfect balance of impact protection and ground feel.

On Cloudnova 2 Forefoot stack

Test results
Cloudnova 2 20.7 mm
Average 21.6 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
5.5 mm
Forefoot stack
31.2 mm

Drop

In its official specs for the Cloudnova 2, On lists 14 mm as the shoe's heel-to-toe drop.

On Cloudnova 2 Drop

Our own measurements returned a pretty close reading of 12.4 mm which confirmed the shoe's drastic heel elevation above the toes.

We should note, however, that the nature of the Cloudtec cushioning (large apertures throughout the midsole) makes the shoe's effective drop slightly lower than stated because of the compression.

But even with that our heels remained sufficiently raised in the Cloudnova 2 putting our feet in a nice and ergonomic position that supported the heels and the Achilles during a full day of walking and standing.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 12.4 mm
Average 10.5 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.3 mm
Drop
21.4 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

While the Cloudnova 2's midsole foam is slightly on the firm side, the compression of the Cloudtec apertures makes the underfoot experience feel softer. That's the primary source of the shoe's impact protection.

The material in question is the brand's Zero-Gravity foam which we first saw in the Cloud 5 walking shoe. All we know about it from the official information is that it is the company's more sustainable type of foam.

On Cloudnova 2 Midsole softness

A Shore A durometer reading of 27.9 HA confirmed that it is a firmer type of foam indeed.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 27.9 HA
Average 26.1 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 36 walking shoes
Number of shoes
7.8 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.4 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Keep in mind though that leaving the Cloudnova 2 in a chilly basement overnight will make the midsole even firmer.

On Cloudnova 2 Difference in midsole softness in cold

To test the shoe's performance in chilly weather, we kept it in the freezer for 20 minutes and then repeated the durometer measurements.

The foam firmed up by 29.6% as its HA reading went up from 27.9 HA to 36.1 HA. So a bit of warming up will be necessary.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 29.6%
Average 31.1%
Compared to 36 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

A padded insole is one of the components that adds softness to the shoe's underfoot experience. We measured its thickness at 4.7 mm in the heel - a pleasant little buffer.

On Cloudnova 2 Insole thickness
Test results
Cloudnova 2 4.7 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
3.5 mm
Insole thickness
16.9 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

If you are someone with neutral pronation and no excessive inward rolling of the foot, you are going to feel sufficiently stable in the Cloudnova 2.

As our lateral stability test above shows, the shoe offers essential side-to-side control of the foot and ankle.

The brand's official specs mention a stabilised heel pillow in the Cloudnova 2 but this doesn't imply proper stability for flat feet and overpronation. However, we did find its platform a bit steadier compared to other On shoes primarily because it has a flatter (no heel bevel) and wider shape.

On Cloudnova 2 outsole

Torsional rigidity

A nylon blend Speedboard is embedded into the Cloudnova 2's midsole for added rigidity and support. It makes the shoe harder to twist and thus less likely to roll over as you walk.

Assessing its torsional rigidity on a 1-5 scale, we gave it an in-between score of 3. The shoe still has some flex to it for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

On Cloudnova 2 medial side

The raised sidewalls of the Clounova 2's midsole also play a part in adding firmer support where it's most needed - in the midfoot.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

At the back, the Speedboard transitions into an external heel clip which gives the shoe a touch of rearfoot support and a firmer heel hold.

That heel clip is actually the stiffest part at the back of the Cloudnova 2. Otherwise, the shoe's heel counter is rather floppy.

We rated its stiffness with a very low score of 2 out of 5.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 2
Average 2.3
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

What gives the Cloudnova 2 a real edge in the stability department is its impressively broad midsole.

On Cloudnova 2 Midsole width in the forefoot

Our calliper measured 120.8 mm in the widest part of its forefoot which is almost a centimetre wider than average! And it's only a couple of millimetres away from the chunky Hoka walking shoes.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 120.8 mm
Average 111.9 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
98.8 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.1 mm

Midsole width - heel

We also recorded a considerable width of 97.0 mm in the widest area of the heel. It makes the Cloudnova 2 the widest On walking shoe we've tested along with its more stable counterpart, the Cloudnova Form 2.

On Cloudnova 2 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Cloudnova 2 97.0 mm
Average 90.3 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
75.6 mm
Midsole width - heel
104.0 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

The nylon Speedboard did not seem to affect the Cloudnova 2's flexibility all that much.

Measuring the amount of force it takes to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle, we got a standard reading of 22.7N. This is about as much as it takes to bend an average walking shoe.

But the Speedboard offers a different kind of benefit - energy return. It made our walks feel a bit more charged adding a pleasant pep to the step.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 22.7N
Average 20.3N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1.1N
Stiffness
52.7N

Stiffness in cold (%)

Checking the shoe's flexibility in low temperatures, we didn't find any deviation from the average numbers either.

On Cloudnova 2 Difference in stiffness in cold

After 20 minutes in the freezer, the Cloudnova 2 stiffened up by 26.8% which is even less compared to the average.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 26.8%
Average 46%
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
139%

Size and fit

Toebox width - widest part

The Cloudnova 2 treated us to an accommodating toebox and a true-to-size fit.

On Cloudnova 2 Toebox width at the widest part

Measuring its forefoot dimensions, we got 101.5 mm in the widest part of the toebox. This is exactly the width we would expect in a D-medium men's US size 9 shoe.

On Cloudnova 2 fit

The toebox may seem very spacious from the top but keep in mind that the extended midsole flanges make it visually bigger.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 101.5 mm
Average 99.2 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width - widest part
110.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The rounded toe shape also makes the Cloudnova 2 feel quite roomy. Our calliper showed a slightly wider-than-average reading of 80.5 mm in the area of the big toe.

On Cloudnova 2 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Cloudnova 2 80.5 mm
Average 78.6 mm
Compared to 32 walking shoes
Number of shoes
73.7 mm
Toebox width - big toe
94.3 mm

Comfort

Tongue padding

The Cloudnova 2 keeps it light with the in-shoe padding and is only generous with foam around the collar.

Its tongue is barely padded showing only 4.2 mm on our calliper.

On Cloudnova 2 Tongue padding

As a matter of personal preference, this is neither goor nor bad. Just a heads-up about the shoe's more minimal upper setup.

Test results
Cloudnova 2 4.2 mm
Average 5.2 mm
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.3 mm
Tongue padding
13.4 mm

Heel tab

There are no pull tabs or finger loops on the Cloudnova 2 but you can rely on the extended heel collar and the tip of the tongue to pull the shoe on.

On Cloudnova 2 Heel tab
Test results
Cloudnova 2 None

Removable insole

The shoe's insole is lightly glued to the strobel but it is fairly easy to remove.

On Cloudnova 2 Removable insole
Test results
Cloudnova 2 Yes

Price

While we've come to expect an above-average price tag from the Swiss brand, we still don't think that the Cloudnova 2 offers something truly special to justify the higher cost.

On Cloudnova 2 Price

Sure, it is a comfortable and stylish sneaker but it may be worth waiting for a discount to achieve real value for money. And if you don't feel like waiting, check out its slightly cheaper counterpart - the Cloudnova Form 2. The two shoes look so similar, it can be tricky to tell them apart! 

Test results
Cloudnova 2 $160
Compared to 37 walking shoes
Number of shoes
£60
Price
£180

Misc

Reflective elements

No reflective elements have been detected on the Cloudnova Form.

On Cloudnova 2 Reflective elements
Test results
Cloudnova 2 No

Sustainable materials

We appreciate the fact that On cares about its environmental impact and incorporates more and more sustainable materials into its products.

According to the specs, the Cloudnova 2 employs recycled polyester in the following parts of the upper: 95% vamp, 100% quarter, and 80% tongue. Also, 8 out of 12 colorways were made with dope-dying (a colouring process that uses 90% less water).

On Cloudnova 2 cloudtec

The shoe's Zero-Gravity midsole foam is 50% bio-attributed and causes 20% less CO2e emissions than standard EVA.

Not to mention that the shoe itself comes in a 100% recycled paper box.