The On Cloudmonster has quickly become one of the most talked-about running shoes among athletes, casual runners, and fitness enthusiasts. Designed for runners who crave maximum cushioning without sacrificing energy return, the Cloudmonster stands out as a bold evolution in modern running footwear. With its oversized midsole, aggressive rocker shape, and signature CloudTec® technology, this shoe represents a new chapter in comfort-driven performance.
What Is the On Cloudmonster?
The On Cloudmonster is a high-stack, max-cushion running shoe developed by On, a Swiss performance footwear brand known for innovation and minimalist design. Unlike traditional lightweight trainers, the Cloudmonster is built to deliver a soft yet powerful ride that feels energetic rather than mushy.
This shoe is engineered to handle long runs, daily training, and recovery days while still offering enough responsiveness to keep runs exciting.
Design Philosophy Behind the Cloudmonster
The Cloudmonster was created with a single goal in mind: maximum cushioning with maximum bounce.
Instead of designing a shoe that feels slow or overly soft, On focused on combining three core elements:
- Large CloudTec® pods for impact absorption
- Helion™ superfoam for energy return
- A pronounced rocker for forward momentum
The result is a shoe that feels plush underfoot but still propels you forward with every step.
Upper Construction and Breathability
Lightweight Yet Secure Upper
The upper of the On Cloudmonster is crafted from a breathable engineered mesh that balances flexibility and structure. It adapts well to foot movement without feeling sloppy or overly restrictive.
Key upper features include:
- Soft, padded tongue for comfort
- Reinforced eyelets for lockdown
- Structured heel counter for stability
- Seamless construction to reduce irritation
Fit and Lockdown
The Cloudmonster offers a true-to-size fit for most runners. The toe box provides moderate room—enough for natural toe splay without feeling overly wide. This makes it suitable for long-distance runs where foot swelling is common.
The heel and midfoot feel secure, thanks to strategic padding and well-placed overlays that prevent unwanted movement during runs.
Midsole Technology: The Heart of the Cloudmonster
CloudTec® Cushioning System
The defining feature of the Cloudmonster is its largest CloudTec® pods ever. These hollow pods compress individually upon impact, absorbing shock while adapting to your running stride.
Unlike traditional foam cushioning, CloudTec® provides:
- Targeted impact absorption
- Smooth transitions
- Reduced joint stress
Helion™ Superfoam
Inside the CloudTec® structure lies Helion™ foam, a responsive and durable compound designed to perform in various temperatures. It prevents the shoe from feeling sluggish, even with its substantial stack height.
Helion™ foam offers:
- Soft landings
- Strong rebound
- Long-lasting resilience
Speedboard® for Propulsion
The Cloudmonster also features a Speedboard® plate embedded in the midsole. This plate works with the rocker shape to convert vertical impact into forward motion, creating a rolling sensation that feels efficient and fast.
Ride Experience and Performance
Running Feel
The ride of the Cloudmonster can best be described as:
- Bouncy
- Smooth
- Protective
Despite its size, the shoe does not feel clunky. The rocker geometry encourages a natural stride, especially for midfoot and forefoot runners.
Best Use Scenarios
The On Cloudmonster performs exceptionally well for:
- Daily training runs
- Long-distance runs
- Easy and recovery runs
- Runners seeking joint protection
While it is not a race shoe, it can comfortably handle moderate tempo runs due to its responsive midsole.
Outsole and Traction
The outsole of the Cloudmonster features strategically placed rubber pads designed to enhance grip while minimizing weight.
Traction Performance
- Performs well on dry roads
- Reliable grip on light wet surfaces
- Designed primarily for road running
The exposed CloudTec® pods also contribute to flexibility, allowing the shoe to adapt naturally to different foot strikes.
Durability and Longevity
One of the standout aspects of the Cloudmonster is its durability. The Helion™ foam resists compression over time, meaning the shoe maintains its bounce even after many miles.
Expected lifespan:
- 400–500 miles for most runners
- Upper maintains shape well
- Outsole rubber resists excessive wear
This makes the Cloudmonster a solid investment for runners looking for a long-lasting daily trainer.
Weight and Stack Height
Although the Cloudmonster has a high stack height, it remains relatively lightweight for its category.
- Feels lighter on foot than it looks
- Balanced weight distribution
- No excessive bulk during runs
The elevated midsole provides excellent protection without creating instability, even for runners new to max-cushion shoes.
Stability and Support
Despite not being a dedicated stability shoe, the Cloudmonster offers inherent stability through:
- Wide base
- Structured heel
- Rocker geometry
Neutral runners will find it stable, and even mild overpronators may feel supported due to the shoe’s broad platform.
Who Should Wear the On Cloudmonster?
Ideal For:
- Neutral runners
- Long-distance runners
- Heavier runners seeking cushioning
- Runners recovering from injury
- Daily training use
Not Ideal For:
- Track workouts
- Speed racing
- Minimalist shoe fans
If comfort and energy return are your priorities, the Cloudmonster is an excellent choice.
Style and Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond performance, the Cloudmonster boasts a modern, bold design that reflects its name. The oversized sole, clean branding, and sleek colorways make it visually appealing both on and off the road.
Many runners appreciate that it transitions well into casual wear, making it a versatile lifestyle option.
Comparison With Traditional Cushioned Shoes
Unlike traditional max-cushion shoes that rely solely on soft foam, the Cloudmonster stands apart due to:
- Mechanical cushioning via CloudTec®
- Propulsive Speedboard®
- Rocker-based efficiency
This combination results in a shoe that feels alive rather than dull.
Final Verdict: Is the On Cloudmonster Worth It?
The On Cloudmonster delivers exactly what it promises—monster cushioning with surprising energy return. It successfully blends comfort, performance, and durability into a single package that caters to a wide range of runners.
If you are looking for a shoe that protects your legs on long runs while still feeling responsive and fun, the Cloudmonster is a strong contender in the max-cushion category.
Overall Rating:
- Comfort: ★★★★★
- Cushioning: ★★★★★
- Responsiveness: ★★★★☆
- Durability: ★★★★☆
- Value: ★★★★☆
Conclusion
The On Cloudmonster represents a bold step forward in running shoe design. By combining oversized cushioning with intelligent propulsion technology, it redefines what a max-cushion shoe can feel like. Whether you’re logging high mileage or simply want a comfortable, energetic daily trainer, the Cloudmonster delivers a unique running experience that stands out in a crowded market.
For runners who value innovation, comfort, and performance in equal measure, the On Cloudmonster is more than just a shoe—it’s a statement.
