The On Cloudmonster is back for its third iteration, and for fans of the Cloudmonster series, this is an improvement across the board from the previous model. Launching March 5th at $190, the Cloudmonster 3 arrives with a completely re-engineered upper and a new triple-layer Cloudtec configuration that’s the core of the series. Specs land at 35mm heel, 29mm forefoot (6mm drop), and a weight of 309g.
Initially, I was not sold at all when putting these on. They are firm, especially straight out of the box. But as I’ve piled on the miles and had the chance to test them head-to-head with other trainers using STRYD power pods, I’ve grown more and more fond of this pair. While not the most versatile or snappy ride, let’s take a look at why this shoe has made its way into my rotation in recent weeks.
Upper and Fit of the On Cloudmonster 3
What works for me
After many were not a fan of the upper and fit of the Cloudmonster 2, On has completely redesigned the fit with a brand new upper. The heel is generously padded without being overkill, the midfoot lockdown is secure thanks to a fully gusseted tongue, and there’s plenty of room in the toe box for splaying. It feels like the shoe and mesh upper is locking down your foot, while still having lots of material for comfort.
On the topic of materials, as is not always the case for ON, it feels like a premium upper with materials used consciously bing a bit higher end, especially in the tongue and heel collar. There is some use of basic mesh material across the upper, but in terms of breathability I did not find any issues, so I think this is actually a good conscious choice. I found that the Cloudmonster 3, which featured a recycled upper, actually was too rough and caused some rubbing issues, so sometimes the basic materials do the job well.
What doesn’t work for me
As is often the case with ON, I do find the shoe fits long, almost a half size long for my feet. If you’re between sizes, I’d probably suggest going down rather than up. I had a bit of extra room in the toebox that, combined with my normal size, made the fit feel slightly loose until I really locked down the laces. While it fit long, I did enjoy the extra room in the toebox for my wide feet, so perhaps it is down to personal preference.
One other thing to note is the laces. They are very basic, nothing crazy to write home about, but I did find they came undone quite frequently while running. This especially in wet conditions where there is not much grip on the laces. I think a textured lace could have been nice, especially for its premium pricepoint. This is an issue I have had across all On laces, not just this product.
Midsole and Ride of the On Cloudmonster 3
What works for me
This is where my perspective evolved most dramatically. Initially, I found the Cloudmonster 3 very firm initially, much firmer than I’d hoped. But as I ran in them more, I started to really enjoy the geometry of the Cloudtec, with a firmer foam that loosens up with time. Not only does the foam soften, the geometry also seems to be a bit less rigid as you use them, helping to absorb impact quite well.
I actually tested them head-to-head against a pair of Hoka Mach 7s using STRYD pods, and the data surprised me. At the same pace and power output, my cadence was actually lower in the Cloudmonster 3, and I did feel like my stride had opened up. It felt like the Cloudmonster was promoting a bit of a longer, more bouncy stride and less so focusing on quick turnover. I saw this in the data too with a bit of a higher ground contact time, and greater shock absorption. Check out the youtube video on Meta Endurance for the full head to head.
The triple-layer Cloudtec configuration actually feels purposeful. Unlike the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper where the Cloudtec sometimes feels symbolic, here the geometry works with the foam to create a ride that’s stable yet dynamic. There’s a nice stability thanks to the firmer foam and generous width through the midfoot, making it a nice shock absorbing ride for daily miles.
What doesn’t work for me
That said, this is not a nimble shoe. Push it to faster paces and it starts to feel clunky and overly firm. The weight (309g) becomes noticeable when you’re trying to turn over quickly. When comparing against lighter shoes, I saw my gait being less controlled implying it’s harder to control the foot path at speed, and it definitely doesn’t promote the quick, snappy turnover I want for faster sessions.I also suspect this shoe will work better for heavier runners who can compress the foam more effectively. As a lighter runner, I had to work a bit to get the midsole to reveal its best self.
Maybe not really a negative, but the stack height also feels taller than the listed 35mm. I wonder how On measures their stack, because these look and feel like they have more underfoot than the specs suggest.
Outsole of the On Cloudmonster 3
Grip and Traction
This is an area where I part ways with some of the early impressions from Alex’s YouTube review. The outsole coverage is generous on the protruding clouds and the rubber compound is adequate. However, I wouldn’t call it a standout. It’s fine on dry roads, fine in the rain I tested, but it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as something like Continental rubber or other better compounds. It’s generic and does the job, but it’s not a feature I’d highlight.
Durability
Durability is a bit of a mixed bag. I find the durability and build of the shoe to be very premium, but there are a few areas that don’t quite live up to the premium price tag for me. The upper mesh does not have a huge amount of supportive material at the toe box, which is an area I have had rips before with On shoes that have similar mesh uppers. The outsole does have quite a generous amount of rubber, but I foresee disproportionate wear on the exposed foam parts for sure. But that said my pair right now only has about 50-60k in them, so there’s probably a bit more testing before I can make a super accurate report on this.
Conclusion
Value for Money
At $190, the Cloudmonster 3 lands in a tricky spot. For an On shoe, the price is actually reasonable, they’ve held it below that $200 psychological barrier. Furthermore, it’s a durable shoe. Although, when compared to the market, it’s a bit harder to justify this pricepoint.
The Nike Vomero Plus offers a similar daily trainer experience, for less much money, with softer foam and comparable versatility. Even for the Hyper version, you pay $30 more for a much more exciting and dynamic shoe, making it a bit of a disproportionate price point. For me, the Cloudmonster 3 is actually overpriced, there’s no real “wow” technology that can justify this pricepoint, especially when the market has much more exciting offers.
Fitting it Into a Shoe Rotation
For me this is a daily easy running shoe. It can be used for longer efforts but probably better for heavier athletes who compress the foam a bit more. I would not take this any faster than steady pace, as it does not provide a snappy sensation or particularly fast ride. It’s not the most versatile offer. That said, it’s a really nice shoe for those that like a bit of a firmer, more rigid, but still shock absorbing ride.
Final Verdict
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a shoe that has genuinely grown on me. Initially firm and unremarkable, it’s revealed itself through data and head-to-head testing as a surprisingly effective daily trainer. It opens your stride, absorbs impact well, and reduces muscle load compared to some competitors.
The pricepoint is a bit out of touch and it is definitely not the greatest shoe on the market for what it does. But, I have enjoyed using it and will continue to use it in the coming weeks/months. Be cautious of the fit being a bit long and don’t expect a snappy super trainer feel from the Cloudmonster 3. For what it’s designed to do, it does well.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
On Cloudmonster 3 vs. On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper
The Cloudmonster 3 actually utilises the Cloudtec geometry more effectively than the Hyper. In the Hyper, the Cloudtec feels a bit forced, that it is there for looks rather than function. Here, it works with the foam to create a more cohesive ride. The Hyper is snappier and better for faster paces, but the base model is more versatile for daily mileage and feels a bit more purposeful in its design.
On Cloudmonster 3 vs. HOKA Mach 7
Head-to-head with STRYD data, the Cloudmonster 3 actually showed better impact absorption and lower cadence at the same pace and power. Cloudmonster was soft and absorptive while the Mach 7 was snappy and lighter. Check out the youtube review for a better head to head.
On Cloudmonster 3 vs. Nike Vomero Plus
The Vomero Plus is softer, bouncier, and cheaper. It’s the better value play if you want maximum comfort. But the Cloudmonster 3 will last longer, maintain its structural integrity better over high mileage, and offer more stability for runners who need it. Two different approaches to the daily trainer category; choose based on whether you prioritise softness or durability.
