On Cloudsurfer Max vs On Cloudsurfer 3:
Which to Choose

The clearest difference is underfoot height and feel. The Cloudsurfer 3 stacks 45 mm at the heel and 37 mm at the forefoot, while the Cloudsurfer Max is noticeably lower at 37 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot — both at 8 mm drop, so the "Max" is actually the slimmer platform of the pair. The foams reinforce that gap: the Max rides on Helion EVA/OBC, which is firm, controlled and grounded (it has the look of a max-cushion shoe without the squish), whereas the Cloudsurfer 3 uses On's newer supercritical "Surreal" foam, measurably softer and more responsive than Helion, giving a plush, slightly springy ride that rewards a relaxed cruising rhythm. That shows up in the ratings — the Cloudsurfer 3 scores higher on cushioning (6/6 vs 5/6) and responsiveness (4/6 vs 3/6), while the Max scores higher on stability (4/6 vs 3/6) because its firmer, lower, wider pod platform stays planted where the taller, softer 3 can feel a touch vague as the pace lifts. Both are substantial shoes that sit in the heavier daily-trainer range (around 290–300 g), and neither is a speed tool — each runs out of pop near 5:00 min/km, with no plate to snap you through faster efforts. The practical split is range and temperament: the Max's firmer, more stable platform is happy stretching from easy miles through 10K, half and up to the marathon, while the softer, taller Cloudsurfer 3 is at its best on easy-to-moderate aerobic cruising and tops out comfortably at the half.