Just because you run doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re up on running shoe innovation. In recent years, there have been notable improvements in propulsion and efficiency, thanks to additions like carbon-fiber plates, smart sensors, and midsoles that promise high energy return. What’s more important than these buzzy words is: How do the shoes feel?
After all, you can have footwear designed by rocket scientists, but if you’re uncomfortable with every step, your run will be a slog, no matter the distance. You want your shoe to make the ride feel soft, which is why the On Cloudsurfer 3 stands out over so many others.
On running shoes have always been distinguished by their trademark hollow pods— the “clouds” that are specifically engineered to help create a softer underfoot experience and give the brand its unmistakable look. In the Cloudsurfer 3, On’s CloudTec Phase™ allows those pods to compress in sequence, helping absorb impact and create a smoother transition from heel to toe. This isn’t just another update to On’s running shoe line. With breakthrough Swiss engineering working beneath every step, the Cloudsurfer 3 delivers the brand’s softest ride yet.
A Smooth, Versatile Ride
An option for everyday and recovery runs as well as longer training sessions, the Cloudsurfer 3 combines CloudTec® Phase with On’s brand-new SurrealTM Superfoam. According to the brand’s internal testing, the pairing provides 15.5 percent deeper compression—and therefore more impact absorption—than the superfoam alone. The result is a softer landing that can help daily miles feel easier on the legs, particularly over long distances.
According to the same internal testing, the Cloudsurfer 3 is also predicted to deliver a 9.9 percent improvement in smooth-ride sensation. That figure reflects the way the reimagined CloudTec® Phase orientation enhances the rolling motion of the foot, helping each step flow more naturally into the next from landing to toe-off.
CloudTec® Phase with SurrealTM Superfoam provides 15.5 percent deeper compression—and therefore more impact absorption—than the superfoam alone.
You’re also getting a newly engineered mesh upper in the Cloudsurfer 3, which provides a secure fit that adapts to your foot while still offering breathability and support. That breathability helps keep heat and moisture from building up, reducing the conditions that can lead to chafing, blisters, and hot spots.
Even the cushioning around the collar and tongue has been updated, so you get a cloud-like feel as soon as you slip them on. It doesn’t hurt that the Cloudsurfer 3 looks cool, too.
Together, these innovations give runners what they want from an everyday shoe: a natural feel, reliable performance, and lasting comfort. The result is a smoother ride, whether you’re going long or heading out for a quick training run.
Why Comfort Matters
That softer feel is a big deal, considering a 2025 study found that runners who perceived their shoes as more cushioned had a lower risk of running-related injury. When a shoe feels right, you’re less likely to think about every step—or adjust the way you’re moving to compensate for discomfort. That allows you to settle into your natural stride and focus on the run itself.
Enjoyment is a major factor, too. Wearing a shoe like the Cloudsurfer 3, with its focus on cushioning, responsiveness, and comfort, can be key to unlocking your best run yet—and enjoying yourself along the way. When that happens, even a hard run can feel softer, mile after mile.
Cloudsurfer 3 gives runners what they want from an everyday shoe.
Elizabeth Millard is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, fitness, and food.