Women's Cloudsurfer Max

One layer of CloudTec Phase against two. The Cloudsurfer 2 weighs 225 g, has a 9 mm drop and On rate its cushioning Medium. The Max weighs 262 g, drops to 6 mm and is rated High. Both are neutral, both use the same sequenced pod geometry, and both roll through the footstrike rather than landing on it. Choose the 2 if you want light and lively for daily miles; choose the Max if you want protection for longer or slower runs, or if you simply prefer more shoe underfoot.

It is On's newer pod geometry, computer-optimised so the pods collapse in sequence from heel to toe as your foot rolls through, rather than compressing together. You feel it as one continuous motion instead of a distinct landing and push-off. Doubled up as it is here, it gives depth without the disconnected feeling a tall stack can have - which is also why On rate the stability Medium-High on a shoe they class as neutral.

Both are double-stacked cushioned neutral shoes with a 6 mm drop, so the choice is about feel. The Cloudstratus uses two layers of the original CloudTec with a Speedboard between them, which gives a plush landing and a distinct forward push. The Cloudsurfer Max uses two layers of CloudTec Phase and no Speedboard, so it is smoother and more continuous but less propulsive. The Cloudstratus is the more structured; the Max is the more rolling.

Take your usual running size. The mesh upper is light and has some give, and the next-generation eyestays spread lace pressure rather than concentrating it, so the fit is forgiving across the instep. If you need more room across the forefoot, On make this shoe in a Wide fitting too.

Yes, and a lot of people do. On list walking and treadmill alongside road running for this shoe. The deep cushioning and the rolling pod geometry suit walking pace well, and the rubber outsole handles pavement and a treadmill belt equally. If all-day standing is the main job rather than distance, this is one of the better choices in On's range.