On Cloudmonster Running Shoes Review
An in-depth review of the On Cloudmonster shoe for road runners
The Speedboard midsole in the On Cloudmonster encourages forward motion with each stride.
Home > Gear Reviews > Footwear
March 1st, 2024
OUR VERDICT
On, the Swiss road running company that recently burst in popularity in the US, boasts an extensive repertoire of road running shoes. After first testing the On Cloudsurfer–a plush road shoe that shines as a daily training and active recovery shoe–we decided to test one of the most popular models for everyday training runs, the men's and women's On Cloudmonster.
The On Cloudmonster, like the Cloudsurfer, blew me away with its comfort and cushion. This is thanks to their proprietary CloudTec cushioning and Helion superfoam outsole, both of which absorb impact and support your foot’s specific movements. The Cloudmonster also offers a rejuvenating level of responsiveness–energy return with each step–with its Speedboard midsole technology. While every running shoe brand boasts its unique cushioning and technologies, the On midsole and outsole technology feels several steps ahead of the game in this realm.
All that technology together produces a shoe designed to support, cushion, and propel you through runs. Specifically, the Cloudmonster shines on long runs, though we found it to serve us well as a daily trainer and on most workouts, like tempos and fartleks. While this shoe isn’t designed specifically for races or speedy track workouts, it does offer a versatile range of capabilities that make it a smart shoe for most running activities.
Since my arthritis diagnosis, I haven’t been able to train at the high mileage, intense, competitive level I used to. However, I can speak as a former D1 athlete, marathoner, and ultramarathoner, as well as from the perspective of a coach. I ran in these shoes on neighborhood runs and walks, as well as on paved paths in the Colorado foothills. They’ve seen puddles, ice, and snow. I even ran a short workout in them. We also brought on Curtis Dartsch to test from a men’s and wide foot perspective.
On wowed me with the Cloudmonster. As an arthritic runner, the cushiony Cloudsurfer is my “everything” shoe; but if I were still training competitively or reaching for big running-related goals, the more responsive Cloudmonster would be my “everything but the track workouts and races'' shoe.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
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SPECS
Cushion: Max
Stability: Forward-rolling
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm): 6 mm
Stack Height: 34 mm (heel), 28 mm (toe)
Upper: 100% recycled polyester
Midsole: CloudTec and Speedboard
Outsole: Helion™ superfoam
Weight (pair): 1 lb 3.4 oz (men’s), 1 lb 0.2 oz (women’s)
The author running in the On Cloudmonsters in the Colorado foothills.
BEST FOR
The On Cloudmonster road running shoes are advertised as an everyday training shoe or recreational running shoe. We agree with this assessment, and would argue it’s appropriate for most workouts, like tempos, fartleks, and long runs. Personally, I did a short fartlek with short, quick-paced intervals and had no issues with turnover; the “max” level of cushioning didn’t impede the responsiveness required of a workout shoe.
We recently tested the On Cloudsurfer (review here), and while that shoe is described as “plush” (one level of cushion below “max”), we’d argue the On Cloudmonster is more responsive and less cushioned than the Cloudsurfer. Where the Cloudsurfer shines as a recovery run shoe, the Cloudmonster shines as a daily trainer.
At the end of the day, both are comfortable and well-suited as a road shoe for most runners. The Cloudmonster has a heel-to-toe drop of 6mm, making it a mid-drop, which may be a better entry shoe than the Cloudsurfer (10 mm drop) for folks just getting into running.
COMPARISON TABLE OF SIMILAR MODELS
Men's
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT (ONE SHOE) | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudmonster | $170 | Max | Forward rolling | 9.7 oz | 6 mm | Long runs |
| On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 8.6 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
| On Cloudflyer | $170 | Plush | Stable | 10.6 oz | 10 mm | Road |
| On Cloudstratus | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 10.7 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer |
| On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 10.8 oz | 6 mm | Recovery, long runs |
Women's
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudmonster | $170 | Max | Forward rolling | 8.11 oz | 6 mm | Long runs |
| On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 7.2 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
| On Cloudflyer | $170 | Plush | Stable | 9 oz | 9 mm | Road |
| On Cloudstratus | $180 | Plush | Forward rolling | 8.8 oz | 6 mm | Daily trainer |
| On Cloudeclipse | $180 | Max | Neutral | 8.5 oz | 6 mm | Recovery, long runs |
WHAT WE LIKED
Forward-rolling midsole design allows for quicker turnover
Nice cushioning for level of responsiveness
On technology (Helion foam, CloudTec, Speedboard)
Versatile use (daily training, long runs, most workouts)
Durable material and construction
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
Doesn’t feel like a “max” cushion shoe
Not available in wide sizes
Spaces on bottom of sole are large enough for rocks to get stuck in
WHO IS ON?
On is a running apparel company based in Switzerland. The company has gained popularity in the US recently, popping up on the feet of runners and folks who like the sleek, casual design of the shoes. Due to its blossoming popularity, we’ve found ourselves as intrigued as everyone else by this brand. With so many of their road running shoes on the market, we wanted to tackle the overwhelm of choice by testing some of their most popular shoes and comparing them.
The On Cloudmonster has a high stack height and maximum cushion.
Details
Fit
These shoes fit true to size. While the uppers of the Cloudmonster are less cushioned than the Cloudsurfer, the fit is still comfortable and it’s less snug, which folks with higher foot volume may appreciate. Another noticeable aspect of the fit is the forward-rolling “rocker” feel from the Speedboard midsole, similar to HOKA’s MetaRocker technology.
Between the high level of cushion and the forward-rolling Speedboard technology, you will feel both ready for quick turnover and comfortable upon impact.
The midsole of the On Cloudmonster are made with CloudTec and Speedboard for energy return.
Midsole and Cushioning
On CloudTec
CloudTec is On’s midsole cushioning system, designed to absorb impact and reduce strain on the body while adapting to the feet’s unique movements. CloudTec compresses to cushion where you need it most. While On doesn’t disclose the specific materials that construct CloudTec, it’s a similar concept to EVA material in other shoes.
Helion Superfoam
Helion is On’s superfoam. The construction is a mix of rigid and flexible materials to form a lightweight performance outsole that adds cushion. This is comparable to the “super foam” found in many road running shoes today, a shoe tech fad born from Nike’s PEBA (polyether block amide) super foam racing shoes. Today, any shoe company sponsoring professional runners will utilize a similar technology, as it’s practically required anymore in order to remain competitive in the running world.
On Speedboard
Speedboard is On’s proprietary midsole technology that adapts to individual runners’ needs. It is essentially a plate that bends and flexes with your foot movements to help harness your moment and propel you forward, and it fits in the midsole of the shoes that are intended to be more responsive.
Level of cushioning compared to other road shoes
The Cloudmonster is listed as a “max” cushion shoe, which is the highest level of cushioning you can get from On. However, when wearing them side-by-side with the On Cloudsurfer–described as “plush,” one level of cushion lower than max–the Cloudmonster felt less cushioned. For comparison, the Hoka Clifton 9 is a max cushion shoe and feels somewhere between the Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster.
The Cloudmonster weighs more than the Cloudsurfer and may very well contain more cushioned materials, but in practice it did not feel more cushioned. Nevertheless, this is a highly cushioned shoe compared to most road running shoes.
Impact absorption and energy return
The Helion superfoam and max cushion absorb significant impact with each step, and the Speedboard technology in the midsole offers excellent energy return. In other words, this shoe both reduces the impact of your feet hitting the pavement while also harnessing that energy and propelling you forward.
Comfort
The On Cloudmonster is overall a highly comfortable shoe. While the upper isn’t as cushioned as the Cloudsurfer, this shoe offers a high level of cushion in the midsole. The forward-rolling construction of the midsole is comfortable for running in that your body will take less effort to move forward than without that technology. However, if you’re looking to do a slower activity like casual walking, you’d probably be more comfortable in a shoe like the Cloudsurfer or the HOKA Cliftons.
Stability and Support
If you think of the spectrum of stability as beginning with “stable” (meaning extra support is added in the shoe), then moving to “neutral” (utilizes your natural movements), then “forward-rolling” (encourages forward movement), and ending with “race” shoes (maximum forward propulsion), the Cloudmonster is a forward-rolling shoe. In other words, it’s not as responsive as the shoes you would race in, but it offers more energy return than a neutral shoe, like the Cloudsurfer.
This level of energy return is achieved by both the Speedboard midsole and the Helion superfoam outsole.
The Cloudtec cushion, then, is what allows the feet to feel both cushioned and supported, as it is designed to absorb impact.
Ride
Due to the forward-rolling design described above, the ride feels smooth. In my testing, I felt like I was being gently nudged forward. This is similar to HOKA’s MetaRocker technology.
This design is great for daily runs, long runs, and faster-paced workouts. I wouldn’t recommend these as a recovery run shoe if you’re looking specifically for that, as the Speedboard encourages a faster pace, but if recovery runs only make up a small portion of your training these will still work for that. If you are looking for recovery running shoes, take a look at our Best Recovery Shoes guide, where we highlight both the On Cloudsurfer and the Hoka Cliftons.
The On Cloudmonster’s outsole is constructed with the brand’s proprietary Helion superfoam.
Outsole, Grip, and Traction
The outsole is constructed with On’s Helion superfoam. The grip and traction is appropriate and average for a road running shoe. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for much trail running and I’d be careful on icy surfaces. While I wouldn’t typically wear microspikes while on the roads, if you’re looking to run non-technical, icy trails in these shoes, you could certainly fit microspikes like the Kahtoola Exospikes on these shoes. To learn more about winter traction, read our guide to the Best Winter Traction Devices.
Like with the Cloudsurfer, there’s an oblong divet on the bottom of the shoe and some folks report small rocks getting stuck in there.
The author running in the On Cloudmonster on a path with occasional snow and ice patches.
Versatility
The Cloudmonster is a versatile road running shoe because it works well for daily mileage runs, easy jogs, and most workouts (tempos, fartleks). I wouldn’t recommend them for speed workouts if you can afford to add racing flats or something similar to your wardrobe. However, if you’re only looking to purchase one pair of shoes and track workouts are not a priority, the Cloudmonster will serve you well.
Responsiveness
Due to the Speedboard midsole, the Cloudmonster encourages a forward-rolling motion with each stride. This creates a feeling of responsiveness without sacrificing cushion, which makes it great for long runs and harder efforts.
Warmth
Like most road running shoes, the Cloudmonster prioritizes breathability, which means these are not going to protect you from extreme cold. If you want a quality road running shoe and are worried about cold weather, we recommend wearing a pair of merino wool socks, like these Darn Tough Micro Crew running socks. We also offer more running sock recommendations in our Best Running Socks guide.
Break-In Time
Due to the high level of cushion and the fact this is a mid-drop (6 mm) shoe, the break-in time was very quick. It only took me a couple runs to adjust to this from the Cloudsurfer, which I had been running in prior to this.
Upper and Breathability
The upper is made from a breathable 100% recycled polyester. The tongue is gusseted and stays in place, and the laces are thin.
Durability and Longevity
The materials and technology in the Cloudmonster are all high quality, so this shoe is highly durable. After 5 hours on the roads–in rain, sun, and snow–they hardly look used, and may be the most durable road running shoes I’ve ever worn. If anything drastic changes as we continue testing, we’ll update this; however, media and customer reviews also report excellent durability in the On Cloudmonster.
On Cloudmonster is a road running shoe designed to tackle daily training runs, long runs, and most workouts.
Price and Value
The Cloudmonster costs $170. While this is an average cost for an On running shoe, it’s on the expensive end for most road running shoes on the market. We understand this may not fit many budgets, but if it does, the shoe tech and the durable materials and construction all make this worth the money.
We compare similar models below, but here’s a brief value comparison: The HOKA Mach 5 will offer lighter-weight responsiveness with a little less cushioned support for $30 less. The HOKA Clifton 9 will provide similar cushion but less responsiveness for $25 less. The On Cloudstratus–which we haven’t tested yet–has similar specs and costs $10 more.
Basically, you’re paying for some quality shoe technology. If this fits your budget, it’s worth the money. But if you can’t, you can find shoes offering similar elements at a more market-level price.
Sustainability/Ethical Company
The total recycled material of this shoe is about 35%. While that number could be higher, we do appreciate On’s level of transparency, as they break down the amount of recycled material for each part of the shoe, as well as where the supplier is located (Vietnam).
On is also working toward cutting out fossil fuel usage. Their CleanCloud technology, for example, captures carbon emissions and uses them to create their materials. You can learn more about On’s sustainability efforts here.
The Helion superfoam outsole of the On Cloudmonster provides lightweight cushion.
Features
Volume
The volume of these shoes feels average–the uppers don’t have excess cushioning to make it feel more snug like the Cloudsurfer does. Unfortunately, the Cloudmonster is not available in wide sizes, which we’d like to see improved. The only shoes they seem to have available in wide sizes on their website at this time are Cloudgo, Cloudrunner, and Cloudflyer 4.
Weight
The Cloudmonster runs about the middle of the pack in weight– the women’s weigh barely over a pound for the pair, and men’s weigh 1 lb 3.4 oz. This makes break-in time relatively easy for folks just getting into running, or transitioning from slightly heavier or slightly lighter shoes.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
This is a 6 mm drop shoe. The heel stack is 34 mm and the forefoot is 28 mm. As a mid-drop shoe, this makes break-in time easy for folks who are transitioning from low, high, or another mid-drop shoe.
Laces/Lockdown
The laces are thin. There is no lockdown feature, but I had no issues with laces getting in the way.
Reflective Material
The Cloudmonster is not a reflective shoe. If you plan to run in the dark, we wrote a guide on how to stay safe– check out Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark to learn more.
Style and design
Currently, the women’s shoes come in nine colorways and the men’s come in 11 colorways. On seems to prefer a sleek, minimalist design over the flashier designs of brands like HOKA and Nike. The style and design seem to at least be part of what has caused the recent jump in popularity of this brand.
The upper is 100% recycled polyester, the tongue is gusseted, and the laces are long and thin.
SHOULD I BUY THE ON CLOUDMONSTER?
If you can budget $170 for this shoe, I highly recommend it. The quality of the material, the durable construction, and all the On technology combine to make this an all-around excellent road running shoe. It shines brightest on long runs, and operates well as a daily trainer and for most workouts.
Outside of the hefty price tag on On shoes, my only other hesitation is in recommending this shoe to folks just getting into running, and/or who are running simply as a means of movement and not to train for a race. In those cases, I’d be more inclined to recommend a neutral shoe that also offers cushion, like the On Cloudsurfer of the HOKA Clifton. Both cost less and encourage a more natural gait rather than a forward-rolling on.
However, anyone training on the roads who is able to afford a $170 shoe will not be disappointed in the quality, comfort, and ride of the On Cloudmonster.
SIMILAR MODELS / OTHER SHOES TO CONSIDER
On Cloudstratus
Cushion: Plush
Stability: Forward rolling
Weight: 10.7 oz (men's), 8.8 oz (women's)
Drop: 6 mm
Ideal Use: Daily trainer
The On Cloudstratus is a plush, forward-rolling, mid-drop road running shoe that weighs about 0.7 oz more than the Cloudmonster. Based on the specs alone, it seems like this shoe will offer slightly less cushion and feel heavier on your feet. That weight penalty comes with the benefit of “double” CloudTec, “proven to keep legs feeling fresh.”
The Cloudstratus costs $10 more than the Cloudmonster. It’s On’s bestseller and appears to be the company’s pride and joy, so we’re excited to test this one soon.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
On Cloudeclipse
Cushion: Max
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 10.8 oz (men's), 8.5 oz (women's)
Drop: 6 mm
Ideal Use: Recovery, long runs
While the Cloudeclipse is a neutral stability shoe rather than a forward-rolling shoe, it is a max cushion like the Cloudmonster. Both shoes also are mid-drop at 6 mm and weigh nearly the same (the Cloudeclipse weighs about 0.4 oz more per shoe). The Cloudeclipse costs $180 to the Cloudmonster’s $170 price tag.
In short, the biggest difference is in the level of stability. When it comes to the reality of how they actually feel while running in them, we’ll update you soon with a full review of the Cloudeclipse.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Hoka Mach 5
Cushion: Moderate
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 8.2 oz (men's), 6.8 oz (women's)
Drop: 5 mm
Ideal Use: Daily training, races
The Hoka Mach 5 is a lightweight road running shoe designed for daily training runs and races. At only 6.8 oz per women’s shoe to the Cloudmonster’s 8.1 oz per shoe, the difference is noticeable. The Mach 5 is a mid-drop, neutral shoe with much less cushion than the Cloudmonster in order to make it more responsive. The midsole is made from a firm material with the intent of better push-off–this is essentially the same objective as the Speedboard midsole in the On Cloudmonster. The Mach 5 costs $30 less than the Cloudmonster.
We’ve begun testing this shoe for a compressive road running shoe guide, and look forward to sharing more on the Hoka Mach 5 soon.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Hoka Clifton 9
Cushion: Max
Stability: Neutral
Weight: 8.7 oz (men's), 7.3 oz (women's)
Drop: 5 mm
Ideal Use: Daily trainer, active recovery
The Hoka Clifton 9s–which we reviewed in depth here–are beloved as a daily trainer and recovery shoe. They compare to the Cloudmonster in that they are both highly cushioned, mid-drop shoes. However, the Cloudmonster’s forward-motion encourages a faster running pace than the Hoka Cliftons. The Cloudmonsters are intended for long runs and quicker paces than the Cliftons, as the Cliftons are best for active recovery. Nevertheless, both work as daily trainers.
The Hoka Clifton 9s are also about $25 cheaper than the Cloudmonsters, if your budget is tight. Plus, as long as the Hoka Clifton 8s are still around, I recommend those over the 9s to most runners (unless you prefer a longer toe box) as they are more comfortable and likely even less expensive.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
HOW WE TESTED
After researching all of On’s road running shoes–reading reviews, asking other runners, and hours perusing their website–I narrowed down the models I wanted to test first. Based on reviews, popularity, recommendations from fellow competitive runners, and which specs looked most compelling, the On Cloudmonster made the cut.
To test these shoes, I ran on the streets and paved paths of Denver and Golden, Colorado. I tested these shoes on roads and paths that were wet, dry, icy, and snowy. The weather ranged from warm and sunny days, to chilly and rainy days, to bitter cold and icy/snowy. I also tested these shoes by running errands in them around the city.
In an effort to be inclusive–and because I am running with a physical disability–I am not tracking my mileage these days, but I am tracking time. So far, I’ve put over 5 hours in the shoes and will continue tracking on more time as I test these alongside other On shoes. Run lengths ranged from about 20-60 minutes at a time.
Fortunately, as a long-time running and coach, I have worn an alarming number of road running shoes. I can use my experience and knowledge to assess a shoe’s qualities pretty quickly, a skill that I’m glad is still coming in handy.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US / ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it. She’s recently earned her MFA from the Mile-High MFA program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado. You can read all of Becca's articles on her author page.
