New Balance SC Trainer v3 vs On Cloudsurfer Max v1
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
On Cloudsurfer Max v1
A rocker-driven daily trainer that delivers smooth transitions and adequate cushioning for long runs, though it runs firmer than max-cushion marketing suggests and feels better suited to steady paces than easy miles or speed work.
New Balance SC Trainer v3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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A more stable, stiffer, less-bouncy super trainer than v2 — better suited for uptempo training and marathon racing for average runners than for easy days, with great durability and improved guidance, but a finicky tapered toebox.
Ride:Carbon plate sits very high/close to the foot, making the ride feel oddly firm on landing with late-stage bounce. Took 20-30 miles to break in. Best for uptempo runs and uptempo long runs, not easy days.
Fit:Toebox tapers quickly and feels short — Matt strongly recommends going half a size up; midfoot has classic New Balance extra volume; heel counter is fairly stiff but well-rounded.
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A fantastic long-run cruiser that loses some of v2's pop in exchange for stability — recommended at the US $180 price, but the UK £230 pricing makes it nearly impossible for Ben to recommend over a Vaporfly 3 or Endorphin Pro at the same number.
Ride:Less pop than v2 but a lot more stability. Excellent dependable cruiser at easy through marathon paces; not responsive enough for 5K/10K paces.
Fit:True to size — Ben mistakenly went half size down (UK 11.5) and regretted it; Phantom Fit upper is breathable, gusseted tongue, generous heel padding.
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A great long-run trainer and clear upgrade over v2 — Kofuzi loves the new geometry and that the rubber nubbin under the plate is gone, but feels v3 lost some of v1's quirky character and is a touch bland.
Ride:PEBA/EVA blend feels firmer than expected; balanced cushion and bounce that shines at upper-easy to moderate efforts; weight (~9.9oz on his scale) makes it less ideal for fast workouts.
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Ed's pick of the four super-trainers compared if he had to race — softer and more propulsive than the Superblast 2 or Deviate Nitro 3, more fun and natural-rocking than the Cielo X1 at faster paces. UK pricing is the only major knock.
Ride:Softest, most compressive midsole of the four super-trainers compared; getting better with each run; feels propulsive — Ed would race in this over a Superblast 2.
On Cloudsurfer Max v1 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , neutral stability .
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The Cloudsurfer Max successfully straddles high cushion and performance feel, making it a better long-run option than the Cloudmonster for runners who want to push pace rather than just log easy miles. The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the fit, smoothness, and quieter ride compared to older On models.
Ride:Soft and cushioned with a performancy feel; smoother and quieter than older On models; not overly marshmallowy — retains enough firmness to push pace on long runs
Fit:Runs wider than expected; reviewer needed to go up a half size in length, though width was adequate even in original size
In their words: "had to go up a half size" · "fits nice and wide" · "Not overly marshmallowy cushy"
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The Cloudsurfer Max is a firmer, larger version of the Cloud Eclipse that brings more brand consistency to On's lineup but loses the dynamic softness that made the Eclipse special; Kofuzi prefers the Cloud Eclipse and recommends finding old stock at a discount.
Ride:Firmer than expected for a max-cushion shoe; peps up at faster paces thanks to medial geometry but lacks the dynamism and softness of its predecessor the Cloud Eclipse
Fit:Comfortable engineered mesh upper with knit tongue and padded heel collar
In their words: "It's just a lot more firm" · "A bit firm, a bit tall" · "max cushion shoe in the lineup"
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A good but hefty rocker daily trainer that fails to deliver the max cushioning its marketing promises; hard to recommend given the high price and more versatile, softer, cheaper competition.
Ride:Firmer than marketed; not a soft max-cushion shoe; smooth rocker transitions work best at in-between/marathon paces, not great for easy runs or speed work
Fit:Roomy but snug; stitched lace eyelet detail hit toe knuckle and could be a pressure point; consider half size up for very long runs
In their words: "soft but not spongy" · "It's quite a snug fit" · "a bit too heavy for real speed work"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the New Balance SC Trainer v3 if
- Versatile long runs and racing for runners who want softness, plate, and durability over a fragile super-shoe. — EDDBUD
- Mid-pack runners training for half/full marathons who want a comfortable, dependable, plated long-run trainer over an all-out lightweight racer. — Ben Parkes
- Uptempo runs, marathon-pace long runs, and a forgiving, durable marathon racer for runners who find the SC Elite v4 too aggressive. — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a stable, plated long-run/uptempo trainer with smooth rocker rather than a flexible, bouncier max-cushion cruiser. — Doctors of Running
- Long-distance training and marathon running for masses-of-runners who want plate stability with a soft, wide platform — middle ground for runners who can't get on with very narrow racers like the Vaporfly. — EDDBUD
- Long easy runs, progression long runs, and long runs with marathon-pace miles for runners who want a stable, plated trainer. — Kofuzi
Consider the On Cloudsurfer Max v1 if
- Saturday long runs for runners who like On's brand feel and prefer a firmer, taller daily trainer — Kofuzi
- Runners who want a high-cushion long-run shoe that still feels runnable and allows some pace pushing mid-run — Run Moore
- Runners who want a rocker daily trainer for marathon-pace and steady runs, not those seeking plush max cushioning — The Run Testers
- Easy and long-distance running for neutral runners who prefer a smooth, non-pillowy ride — The Run Testers