The Cloudrock is the original hiking boot in On's outdoor collection—and recently updated with the On Cloudrock 2. It's a "speed hiking boot" or "fast packing boot" built for fast hikers with light packs or casual hikers. To be honest, I was originally skeptical of the Cloudrock. But I liked it more than I expected when I first reviewed it between 2020 and 2021. Even so, I dinged it for some durability issues—issues that On potentially addressed with the updated Cloudrock 2. For 2025, I've updated my On Cloudrock review to the Cloudrock 2 to help you decide if it might fit your feet and match your hiking style.
Testing the On Cloudrock 2 at Petroglyph National Monument outside Albuquerque
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On Cloudrock Review
My On Cloudrock review builds upon my previous 300 miles of personal experience in the original Cloudrock hiking boot. In spring of 2025, I picked up the On Cloudrock 2 and put it through some easy to moderate test hikes in New Mexico to see if this updated version addressed any of my earlier concerns. The short answer? The Cloudrock 2 has improved upon the OG. As always, my reviews are 100% independent—not sponsored posts—and based on both my extensive hiking experience and my experience as an outdoor industry professional. Here are my first-hand thoughts on the On Cloudrock 2's support, weight, comfort, fit, weather protection, traction, and overall value.
Testing the On Cloudrock on Pennsylvania's Midstate Trail
Support
This is a "fast packing" boot or hiking sneaker, not a traditional hiking boot. So you shouldn't expect the support of a mid-duty hiking boot like the Oboz Bridger or a backpacking boot like the Lowa Renegade. Still, Cloudrocks offer moderate foot and ankle support—a step up from hiking shoes, trail running shoes, and cross trainers.
My test hikes included some gnarly terrain, such as the notorious rocky Mid-State Trail (pictured on the left). Still, my messed up feet and ankles felt pretty stable—and fairly fresh—at the end of the 11-mile Moss-Hanne trail in PA's Black Moshannon State Park and the 15-mile Ironstone Trail in Rothrock State Forest. There's some support here for hikers, thanks to a stiff speedboard under the midsole and ankle collars that are a little taller than some lightweight hiking boots I've reviewed. Overall, though, this boot's a better match for milder terrain.
My On Cloudrock 2 (size 12.5) weigh less than my On Cloudrock (size 12)
Weight
The On Cloudrock 2 now qualifies as a lightweight hiking boot based on my most recent testing. When I first reviewed the Cloudrock, I called it a cross between a lightweight and midweight hiking boot. However, the Cloudrock 2 weighs several ounces less than the original Cloudrock. My men's size 12.5 weighs about 2 lbs 4 oz—similar to three of the best lightweight hiking boots in my size, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid, Hoka Anacapa Mid, and Topo Trailventure 2. Here's another case where the On Cloudrock 2 improved upon the original On Cloudrock by cutting a little more weight.
Comfort
Like On trail running shoes, Cloudrock hiking boots are built on hollow, Cloud-Tec pods that compress for soft landings and springy energy return. That's what's supposed to give the feeling of "running ON clouds"—or, in this case, hiking ON clouds.
The Cloudrock delivers a cushy feel on the trail. I noticed that cloud-like landing on rocky ridgelines and packed gravel forest service roads. It's not a "max cushion" boot, like the Hoka Kaha 2, but its soles certainly act like shocks or struts for your hiking feet.
Overall, comfort is this boot's best selling point. It's comfortable enough to wear everyday. In fact, the Cloudrock's biggest fans seem to be people who wear it as a super-cushioned work boot or plush "trail to town" shoe for everyday wear.
Fit
When I first tested and reviewed the Cloudrock in 2020, it had a standard but roomy fit with extra space in the toes. Based on my customers' comments and returns, however, On seemingly switched to a less roomy fit a few years back, so I sized up a full size for my 2025 pair. Unfortunately, that was too much. My best advice is to assume these boots fit true to size, which means most people should size up a 1/2 size from their everyday shoe size.
Weather Protection
Overall, weather resistance was one of the weaker categories in my original On Cloudrock review. Back in 2020 and 2021, I found that the waterproofing worked well for awhile but seemingly wore out around 150 miles. At that mileage, my boots started taking on water pretty easily in puddles and mud—and then dried slowly. It was difficult to clean the synthetic uppers, and reapplying a durable water repellent did not change their water repellency. Breathability-wise, the Cloudrock also wore warmer than my other waterproof hiking boots.
With New Mexico in the middle of a drought, I couldn't truly field test the On Cloudrock 2's waterproofing in 2025. Instead, I submerged my boots in standing water for an hour to test for any leaks. My insoles were 100% dry after this test. I did detect some moisture inside the boots, but it appears this water wicked in through the ankle collars, which are above the waterproof membrane. I'll update this review if I can document any changes in this boot's waterproofing and breathability in 2025 and beyond.
Traction
In my personal experience, the Cloudrocks' traction is fine for easy to moderate hikes. Overall, the lug pattern profiles best for casual use and well-maintained trails. However, this boot also has a decent heel brake and a deeper groove in the heel for better braking on steep descents. I like this tread better on rock than in mud. The soft, shallow lugs have plenty of surface area to create enough friction to grip to rocks.
Importantly, the new Cloudrock 2 has completely covered the bottom of the boot with a rubber outsole. This potentially solved the problem of small rocks and gravel wrecking the exposed foam between the Cloudtec pods.
Durability and Value
EXPENSIVE
My 2020-2021 review of the On Cloudrock unearthed several durability oncerns. As noted above, my boots' waterproofing did not hold up (which is why I quit wearing them). On's lightweight shoelaces also snapped on steeper terrain, and the Mission Grip rubber wore off the outsoles, thanks to Pennsylvania's rocky terrain. However, the On Cloudrock 2 seems to have improved durability. The shoelaces no longer suck, and the outsoles provide more protection for the soft foam underfoot.
The On Cloudrock 2 retails for $220—down from its original MSRP of $230. That's in line with another premium hiking sneaker, the adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2 ($220), but higher than most of my picks for the best lightweight hiking boots.
You can click on these links to check available sizes and colors:
Men's On Cloudrock
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Women's On Cloudrock 2
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Overall Review: On Cloudrock
The On Cloudrock is more of a niche hiking boot— not a classic, midweight hiking boot. Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons from this On Cloudrock review:
Should you buy the On Cloudrock 2:
The On Cloudrock 2 rocks the comfort factor—it may be a worthwhile comfort splurge for urban hikers, casual hikers, and people who work on their feet. Since the Cloudrock 2 is lighter than the original, it's also viable as speed-hiking or fast-packing boot on well-maintained trails. That being said, traditional hikers should probably pass on the Cloudrock and browse my list of the best hiking boots for something more supportive, rugged, and durable. Still, the Cloudrock is a capable an comfortable hiking boot that makes my list of the best hiking sneakers based on this first-hand review.
Best Fit
standard fit
Best Match
casual hikers, urban hikers, work/casual/outdoor lifestyle
Are you ready to rock the On Cloudrock 2?
My On Cloudrock 2 review should help you figure out if On's flagship fast-packing boot is a good fit for your feet and a good match for your hikes. It's not the best match for my hiking style. However, I can see why many other hikers get stoked about On's sick looks and cloud-like cushioning. I liked the On Cloudrock more than I expected—and the On Cloudrock 2 is clearly a better boot.
Are you looking to pick up a pair of the new On Cloudrock 2 hiking boots? If this post helped you decide, please consider purchasing them through the affiliate links above. The doesn't cost you anything, but the retailer may share a small percentage of the sale with Hiking Feet. Those commissions aren't much, but they pay my bills, cover the costs of the hiking boots and shoes I review, and give me a little back for the unpaid hours I've devoted to creating free and independent content to help others buy the best hiking boots, shoes, and trail runners for their hikes.
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