Best running shoes for men in 2025, tested by an expert

As On shoes so often do, the Cloudsurfer Next catches the eye with a smart design. The feel, however, is less forgiving. The frame is notably rigid, so slipping them on does not have the comforting softness offered by some brands. They feel secure and well structured, but the ride is flatter and less responsive than I have come to expect from On. The promised “cloud-like” sensation isn’t there.

There were positives. The curved sole, known as a rocker, helps roll the foot forward and gives a strong push-off from the toes. On winter mornings, I also appreciated the rubber grip pads on the outsole, which provided reliable traction on wet pavements and even on frosted patches. For steady, cold-weather training, they make a safe option.

But there may be a case for sticking with On’s Cloudeclipse shoes from last year. The Cloudeclipse featured a “Speedboard,” a stiff plate inside the shoe that improved acceleration and made transitions between walking, jogging and sprinting seamless.

In testing, that model excelled on hills, driving the runner upwards and cushioning well on the descent. The Cloudsurfer Next, by contrast, laboured on climbs, so much so that those sections felt exhausting, only to send me flying downhill at a pace that verged on uncontrollable.

One strength in the Cloudsurfer’s favour is sizing accuracy. Unlike the Cloudeclipse, which ran small, the Cloudsurfer Next fits true to size.

Key specifications

• Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
• Weight: 273g
• Men’s sizes available: 7-17