Last Sunday, I decided to put the much-hyped On Cloudnova 2 walking shoes to a real-world test. Not in a sterile lab or on a treadmill, but outdoors, where shoes are meant to be worn. My testing grounds? The lush and sprawling Madhavaram Botanical Garden in Chennai, a tranquil sanctuary filled with winding trails, shaded paths, gravel walkways, and plenty of uneven terrain. Perfect for evaluating a walking shoe’s performance across diverse conditions.
I spent almost six hours walking, standing, and exploring every corner of the garden. From shaded banyan groves to sunlit cactus patches, the Cloudnova 2 had to keep up with my steps, and believe me, there were thousands. Here’s how it performed under the canopy of trees and the Chennai sun.
First Impressions: Style Meets Tech
Straight out of the box, the On Cloudnova 2 impresses with a futuristic silhouette. The upper is sleek and minimal, crafted from sustainable mesh materials. The design is quietly aggressive, fitting for a sneaker that aims to merge performance with urban flair. I opted for the Glacier/Black colorway, which looked clean yet commanding against the green foliage of Madhavaram.
Lacing up was easy due to the traditional lace closure, and the padded collar offered a snug but not suffocating fit. Despite the lack of a heel tab, slipping into the shoe was intuitive.
Walking through the front gates of the botanical garden, I already felt the difference in the cushioning. But more on that in the next section.
Cushioning and Comfort: A Cloud Underfoot
The first thing you’ll notice when walking in the Cloudnova 2 is the cushioning. It’s balanced but not overly plush. Unlike some walking shoes that feel like marshmallows, the Cloudnova 2 offers a firm-yet-giving platform that makes long walks comfortable without making you sink into the sole.
The Zero-Gravity foam used in the midsole is moderately soft with a measured durometer of 27.9 HA. What’s notable is how the unique Cloudtec elements throughout the midsole compress on impact to provide a cushioned, cloud-like ride. The 12.4 mm drop also keeps the heel elevated, making standing and walking feel ergonomic.
Even on the gravel trails of Madhavaram, where ground feel is usually compromised, the Cloudnova 2 maintained excellent shock absorption. After three hours, I didn’t feel any fatigue in my heels or arches.
Technical Specifications:
To keep things accurate, we use only the official On’s website for technical details.
| Feature | On Cloudnova 2 Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.3 oz (320g) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 12.4 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 33.1 mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | 20.7 mm |
| Midsole Material | Zero-Gravity Foam |
| Midsole Softness | 27.9 HA |
| Outsole Hardness | 81.9 HC |
| Breathability Score | 4/5 |
| Torsional Rigidity | 3/5 |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | 2/5 |
| Traction Coefficient | 0.44 |
| Insole Thickness | 4.7 mm |
| Toebox Width | 73.7 mm |
| Forefoot Width | 120.8 mm |
| Heel Width | 97.0 mm |
Breathability and Upper Material: Chennai Heat Approved
One of the most critical aspects of a walking shoe for Indian climates is breathability. Chennai is hot and humid year-round, and even in the relatively cooler microclimate of Madhavaram Botanical Garden, your feet can get sweaty.
Luckily, the Cloudnova 2 held up well. The mesh upper, inspired by the Cloudboom Echo 3, offered sufficient airflow. I could literally feel the air circulating with every step. My feet remained dry throughout, even after walking in direct sunlight for hours.
There’s also a perforated insole that contributes to underfoot ventilation. While it’s a subtle feature, it makes a difference over long periods of wear.
Traction and Grip: From Gravel to Grass
Madhavaram Botanical Garden offers an unusual variety of surface textures for a city park. I walked on gravel, compacted dirt, grassy lawns, concrete pathways, and even a few muddy patches near the lotus pond.
The Cloudnova 2’s outsole, with a traction coefficient of 0.44, gave me confident footing on all of these surfaces. The rubber compound is not overly sticky, which can sometimes attract debris, but it grips well enough to prevent slips.
I even tested a few quick direction changes near the bamboo garden, and the shoe held firm. There was no lateral instability, which is impressive for a neutral walking shoe.
Stability and Support: Surprisingly Sturdy
Despite being designed for neutral pronation, the Cloudnova 2 offers a surprisingly stable ride. One contributing factor is the broad platform. With a forefoot width of 120.8 mm and a heel width of 97.0 mm, the shoe provides a wide base that keeps your foot centered.
The embedded Speedboard adds torsional rigidity and supports smooth heel-to-toe transitions. Even on slightly inclined trails, common in the garden’s hilly sections, I felt secure.
If you suffer from mild arch fatigue or spend long hours on your feet, this shoe offers enough support to keep discomfort at bay.
Weight and Flexibility: A Trade-off Worth Considering
At 320 grams, the Cloudnova 2 is heavier than the average walking shoe. Initially, I noticed the weight, especially during the first few kilometers. But as I got used to the rhythm and feel, the weight became less of an issue.
What helps offset the weight is the shoe’s flexibility. It bends just enough to feel natural, with a flexibility score of 14.3N, which is in line with most walking shoes. It’s not stiff like a stability trainer but not floppy either.
So yes, it’s heavier, but for the cushioning and support you get, it’s a reasonable trade-off.
Durability: Room for Improvement
One area where the Cloudnova 2 falls short is upper durability. After my walk, I noticed minor fraying on the mesh near the toebox. While this didn’t affect performance, it’s not ideal for a shoe that costs north of ₹18,000.
The heel padding also showed signs of early wear. After one day, there was slight scuffing visible, which doesn’t inspire long-term confidence. Thankfully, the outsole is a different story. It showed zero signs of wear and barely collected any dust or debris.
If you’re someone who prefers to rotate shoes or wear them primarily for light walking, this may not be a dealbreaker. But for hardcore daily users, this could be a concern.
Sustainability: A Step in the Right Direction
Kudos to On for incorporating sustainable materials. The upper mesh contains recycled polyester, and the midsole foam is 50% bio-attributed. Additionally, 8 of the 12 colorways use dope-dyed yarns that reduce water usage by 90%.
The packaging is also fully recyclable. While this doesn’t directly impact performance, it’s a thoughtful gesture that adds value in today’s eco-conscious world.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Splurge?
The On Cloudnova 2 is not just another pretty walking shoe. It’s a tech-infused, comfort-oriented sneaker that performs well in real-world conditions, like those found in Chennai’s Madhavaram Botanical Garden. From cushioning and breathability to traction and lateral stability, it checks most of the boxes.
Is it perfect? No. The upper durability and weight might raise eyebrows, especially given the price tag. But if your priorities are all-day comfort, sustainability, and a modern aesthetic, the Cloudnova 2 might just be your sole-mate.
For casual urban explorers, nurses, teachers, or anyone who’s on their feet all day, this shoe offers premium features in a stylish package. Just make sure you don’t drag your toes too hard, or your wallet might complain.
