The release of the original Cloudmonster felt like a turning point for On. Up until then, the brand had certainly built a following, but the Cloudmonster was the first model that truly signaled On’s arrival as a serious performance running company. It wasn’t just a good-looking shoe with distinctive styling — it actually ran well. For many runners, that launch marked the moment On moved beyond being viewed primarily as a lifestyle brand and stepped fully into the performance conversation.
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The Cloudmonster 2 continued that momentum, though not without debate in running circles. While it refined the foam and platform, there were still plenty of runners who swore by the feel of the original.
Now, On is back with the Cloudmonster 3 — and we’ve been putting it through its paces.
Looks:
I rarely find fault with the aesthetics of On shoes — perhaps influenced by the fact that I’m firmly in the early-40s dad demographic, right alongside the growing number of people my age wearing On footwear everywhere from school pickup to the coffee shop. Heck, I’m one of them.
Visually, the Cloudmonster 3 — at least in our review pair — leans into a more scaled-back, casual aesthetic. The original version made a statement with bold purple (though to be fair, it eventually came in more than two dozen colorways). The Cloudmonster 2 felt slightly more dialed in with white and orange accents.
The Cloudmonster 3, this time around, arrives in a very accessible gray with subtle neon blue lettering along the side. It’s clean, wearable, and easy to see crossing over from daily miles to everyday wear. The inclusion of speckled laces adds a thoughtful design touch without pushing things too loud.
Another solid visual execution from On.
Construction:
It feels like the Cloudmonster 3 is aiming to be the best of both worlds — the love child of its two predecessors. If the original was celebrated for its propulsion and energetic responsiveness, and the Cloudmonster 2 leaned more into added cushioning and comfort, this third iteration appears to be On’s attempt to blend those identities into a single, more complete package.
Specs:
- Weight: 10.8 oz (M9);
- Stack: 35mm / 29mm
- Drop: 6mm
Upper:
The upper sees some noticeable updates in version 3. It’s been streamlined compared to previous iterations and, from memory, fits more naturally and securely than either of its predecessors. There’s less excess material and a more dialed-in feel overall.
Breathability has also improved. The engineered mesh allows for solid airflow without feeling thin or fragile, striking a nice balance between structure and ventilation. On seems to have simplified things here — and the result is a cleaner, more comfortable wrap around the foot.
Although the tongue lacks extensive cushioning (which isn’t necessarily essential), the heel counters that by offering a secure hold with its cushioning. It’s a really comfortable and pretty stable ride.
Midsole:
On keeps the midsole specs relatively the same in version 3, sticking with a 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot stack. It’s almost funny that a shoe called the “Monster” now sits in what feels like the middle of the pack in today’s max-cushion landscape. With several brands pushing north of 40mm, 35mm no longer feels outrageous — it feels… normal.
The construction remains familiar as well, featuring a triple layer of CloudTec paired with Helion superfoam. The goal continues to be that signature On combination of impact absorption and controlled rebound — cushioning without turning overly soft or mushy.
I think, in general, On shoes – despite their “cloud” references generally feel a little firmer overall and that’s still probably the case here. It’s not jarring or uncomfortable, just a bit more rigidity that many runners probably expect coming into On running shoes.
Outsole:
On’s outsole design will probably always spark conversation. The open CloudTec cavities give their shoes their unmistakable look, but they can also create the perception that grip might be compromised compared to a more traditional slab of rubber.
In practice, that concern is largely overblown. For everyday running — roads, bike paths, light gravel connectors — the traction is more than adequate. The rubber coverage is strategically placed in high-wear areas, and unless you’re trying to corner like you’re in a criterium race, the outsole holds its own just fine.
There’s nothing overly aggressive or trail-ready about it, but that’s not the intent. For daily miles in typical conditions, it performs reliably and without drama — which, honestly, is exactly what most runners need.
Overall Impression:
Overall, this is a bit of a return to form for the Cloudmonster. It may not have the same appeal as the OG version had, but it definitely feels like a more well-put together shoe that the previous version. It’s a bit on the pricier side – $190 – but its a good shoe that provides an approachable ride…and looks good doing it.
