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 in 2020. 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 2 Review
My On Cloudrock 2 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.
My On Cloudrock 2 (size 12.5) weigh less than my On Cloudrock (size 12)
Weight
And the Cloudrock 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.
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. And 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.
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 it certainly acts like shocks or struts for your hiking feet. Overall, comfort is this boot's best selling point.
Fit
When I first tested and reviewed the Cloudrock in 2020, it had a standard but roomy fit with extra space in the toes. To the best of my knowledge, however, On switched to a more standard (less roomy) fit a few years back—based on my customers' comments and returns. Given my moderately wide feet, I sized up a full size for my 2025 pair, which is a little too big for me. My best advice is to assume these boots fit true to size, which means most people should size up a 1/2 size.
Weather Protection
In the beginning, On's DWR impressed, and the waterproof membrane worked well. I sloshed down several soggy singletracks and stream-side trails in Pennsylvania with relatively dry feet. However, the performance slowly but steadily degraded as the miles piled up.
My Cloudrock's waterproof membrane seemingly wore out around 150 trail miles. 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. The problem seemed to be the waterproof membrane. Breathability-wise, the Cloudrock also wore warmer than my other waterproof hiking boots.
Overall, this was one of the weaker categories in my On Cloudrock review. I haven't tested the Cloudrock 2 long enough to know if this has changed.
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 trail. 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 solved the problem of small rocks and gravel wrecking the exposed foam between the Cloudtec pods.
Durability and Value
EXPENSIVE
An honest review of the On Cloudrock needs to acknowledge durability concerns. My Coudrocks held up well over the first 100 miles. But they were pretty beat up by 200 miles— and retired around 300 miles. That makes them more like a trail runner than a hiking boot in durability. 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 ($230), but higher than most of my picks for the best lightweight hiking boots
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Here are current prices. You can click on these links to check available sizes and colors:
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:
Overall Recommendation:
Overall, the On Cloudrock 2 is a lightweight hiking boot with a fresh look. The Cloudrock 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 probably want to pass on the Cloudrock and browse my other suggestions for the best hiking boots. Still, the Cloudrock is a capable hiking boot and 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?
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 better.
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 (or any other footwear) 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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