When it comes to reviewing walking shoes, I prefer to take them out of the lab and into the real world, a place where uneven paths, weather elements, and long hours on foot really put a shoe to the test. That’s why I chose the Anandbag Botanical Garden as my testing ground for the On Cloudnova Form 2. Nestled in lush greenery and crisscrossed with gravel, paved, and cobblestone paths, the garden offers a microcosm of urban and natural terrain. It’s the perfect place to gauge comfort, durability, and performance.
Before diving into how the shoe performed, let’s take a look at what the Cloudnova Form 2 brings to the table.
Technical Specifications
Technical info is taken directly from On’s official website to ensure it’s correct.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.3 oz / 292g |
| Drop | 13.1 mm |
| Heel Stack | 32.9 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 19.8 mm |
| Midsole Softness | 30.3 HA |
| Breathability Score | 5/5 |
| Torsional Rigidity | 3/5 |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | 3/5 |
| Outsole Durability (Wear) | 1.0 mm loss (after abrasion test) |
| Flexibility (30° bend) | 12.8N |
| Insole Thickness | 4.5 mm |
| Outsole Hardness | 83.5 HC |
| Reflective Elements | None |
| Tongue Type | Fully gusseted |
| Price | ₹15,940 |
First Impressions: A Breath of Fresh Air
Straight out of the box, the On Cloudnova Form 2 is a visual treat. The mesh upper radiates minimalism while hinting at high functionality. When I slipped them on at the Anandbag Botanical Garden gate, the first thing I felt was how breathable they were. The early morning humidity was already setting in, but my feet stayed remarkably cool.
The shoe fit true to size for me. The toebox was moderately wide and offered enough wiggle room without feeling loose. This was important because Anandbag’s paths are a mix of tight corners and open walkways, requiring both agility and comfort.
Walking Through Anandbag: Surface Transitions and Stability
As I started walking along the cobbled entrance path, I immediately noticed the stability of the Cloudnova Form 2. Despite lacking traditional stability features, the broad base and supportive heel structure did a fantastic job of keeping my gait neutral. My ankles were well-contained, thanks in part to the semi-flexible heel counter and the fully gusseted tongue.
The transition from cobblestone to gravel was seamless. The slightly firm midsole, measured at 30.3 HA, offered just enough give to absorb impact without feeling squishy. There’s a fine line between plush and unstable, and On seems to have nailed that balance.
The Long Haul: Comfort During Prolonged Use
By the time I hit the third loop around the garden, I had clocked close to 7 kilometers. Usually, I’d begin to feel some fatigue in the arches or minor heel discomfort, especially if the midsole softened too much or the upper started to irritate. But with the Cloudnova Form 2, my feet felt fresh.
This is largely due to the CloudTec cushioning system paired with a nylon Speedboard. The Speedboard added a subtle springiness that made transitions feel peppy without being jarring. At 54.5% energy return, this shoe doesn’t just cushion your foot; it actively supports your next step.
Breathability: A Summer Savior
If Anandbag Botanical Garden’s lush foliage and vibrant flora weren’t enough to raise the temperature, the relentless sun surely was. But here’s where the Cloudnova Form 2 truly excels. Its mesh upper isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s a ventilation powerhouse.
The light test and smoke test done in the lab are one thing, but real-world performance is another. I could literally feel the breeze through the shoe. Even when I stopped at the greenhouse area, which is notoriously muggy, my feet remained dry and cool. For summer walks or travel to warm destinations, this shoe is a no-brainer.
Grip and Traction: Wet Grass vs. Dry Pavement
Anandbag’s central pond area tends to be damp in the morning. As I took a detour onto the grassy section, I was curious to see how the rubber outsole, with its updated CloudTec design, would handle the moisture. Despite not having a full-length rubber outsole, the heel and forefoot pods provided good grip.
The shoe scored 0.40 on the friction test, below average, but more than adequate for most city paths. I never slipped, even on slightly muddy patches. On dry pavement and garden tiles, the grip was excellent.
Flexibility and Fit: Adaptive Yet Supportive
One of the big wins for the Cloudnova Form 2 is its flexibility. At 12.8N of force to flex 30 degrees, it’s right in the sweet spot. This meant my feet moved naturally with each step, especially on the uneven terrain of the garden.
Despite the flexible forefoot, the shoe never felt flimsy. The torsional rigidity (3/5) and heel counter stiffness (3/5) balanced things out nicely. I felt supported during turns, on slopes, and even during short uphill walks.
The fully gusseted tongue deserves a shoutout too. While it added a bit of weight, it contributed hugely to foot containment. Whether I was walking briskly or pausing to take photos, my foot stayed centered and secure.
Durability Check: The Anandbag Challenge
Walking around Anandbag isn’t exactly a harsh test of durability, but it provides a solid baseline. Over three days of testing, I clocked over 20 kilometers in these shoes. Despite the dust, moisture, and occasional scuffing against tree roots or rough stones, the Cloudnova Form 2 emerged relatively unscathed.
The toebox and heel padding both scored 3/5 in durability tests, and I can see why. They aren’t invincible, but they’re more than adequate for urban use. The outsole, with its 83.5 HC hardness and only 1.0 mm wear after lab testing, is built to last.
Downsides: Let’s Get Real
No shoe is perfect, and the Cloudnova Form 2 has a few drawbacks. First, it’s heavier than its predecessor. At 292g, it’s not a featherweight. That said, the added weight didn’t bother me during real-world use. But for people who prioritize ultra-light footwear, this might be a deal-breaker.
Second, the lack of reflective elements is disappointing. Walking back to the parking lot around dusk, I realized this shoe doesn’t offer much in low-light visibility. For city walkers or night commuters, this could be a concern.
Lastly, the tongue padding is thin, just 2.9 mm. If you tend to tie your laces tight, prepare for potential lace bite. I didn’t experience any discomfort, but it’s worth noting for those with sensitive insteps.
Final Verdict: Anandbag Approved
After putting the On Cloudnova Form 2 through its paces at the Anandbag Botanical Garden, I can confidently say this shoe isn’t just hype. It’s a thoughtfully engineered walking shoe designed for real-world use. Whether you’re walking to work, exploring a new city, or taking a mindful stroll through a botanical garden, it delivers on comfort, breathability, and support.
It may not be the lightest or flashiest shoe out there, but it’s a workhorse that makes you forget you’ve been on your feet all day. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
If you’re in the market for a breathable, supportive, and aesthetically clean walking shoe, the On Cloudnova Form 2 deserves a serious look. And if you ever find yourself in Anandbag Botanical Garden, wearing these shoes, of course, don’t be surprised if your feet start thanking you after the first few steps.
