On Cloudmonster 3 review
On’s biggest daily trainer, rebuilt with three layers of CloudTec and a new upper: firmer than it looks, steady underfoot, and happiest at an easy pace.
- Drop
- 6 mm
- Heel stack
- 40 mm
- Forefoot
- 34 mm
- Weight
- 295 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- Other
Our verdict
Big, firm and steady.
The Cloudmonster 3 is a tall, rockered daily trainer whose cushioning feels firm and structured rather than soft. It suits runners who land mid-foot or further forward, like a steady platform and spend their week at easy paces, and it suits walkers just as well.
Strong points
- Stable, structured platform for a max-stack shoe
- New padded tongue ends the pressure on the top of the foot felt in the Cloudmonster 2
- Smooth forward roll from an early forefoot rocker
- Comfortable for walking and long hours standing
Weak points
- Firm ride: not the shoe if you want soft cushioning
- Heavy and awkward once the pace rises
- Sizing debated: some testers found it long
- Mediocre breathability in RunRepeat’s lab test
Who it fits
- You land mid-foot or further forward
- You want a stable, firm max-stack shoe
- You are a heavier runner
- You run easy and walk a lot
Who should skip it
- You land hard on your heel
- You want soft and bouncy
- You want one shoe for faster days
- You dislike rocker soles or have a high instep
Shoe profile
Where the Cloudmonster 3 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue, and what changed from the Cloudmonster 2.
| Axis | Cloudmonster 3 | Cloudmonster 2 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 64 | 17 | +47 |
| Lightness | 16 | 13 | +3 |
| Stability | 30 | 30 | = |
| Drop | 20 | 20 | = |
| Response | 6 | 20 | −14 |
Fig. 1 · How to read it. Each axis runs from 0 at the centre to 100 at the edge. Cushioning, lightness and drop are the shoe’s rank in the catalogue from listed figures; stability and response are scored from the support type, the plate, the rocker and the intended use. The dotted grey line is the catalogue median. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Where it sits in the catalogue
Weight295 g, heavier than 84% of shoes
Drop6 mm, lower than 59% of shoes
Heel stack40 mm, higher than 64% of shoes
Forefoot stack34 mm, higher than 69% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 5 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Tall, but firm underfoot. Three layers of CloudTec pods in Helion foam feel firm, protective rather than sinking, and the heel pods compress more over the miles.
Neutral, with a steady base. Neutral and stable for its height, with a torsionally stiff midsole. Late inward rollers may feel some forefoot instability.
A roll, not a spring. An early rocker and a stiff sole roll you forward at easy pace. It is not a spring, and the weight shows when you push.
Tall, but firm underfoot. The midsole now uses three layers of smaller CloudTec elements in Helion foam, with On’s Speedboard kept between them. The stack height is tall, yet the feel is firm: RunRepeat measured the foam at 49.9 AC, and reviewers describe protection rather than sink.
Doctors of Running noticed that the heel elements compress more than the forefoot ones. That gives a lower drop feel than the spec, which matters for how you land.
RunRepeat’s shock absorption test points the same way: strong under the forefoot, but below what you would expect from a max-stack shoe at the heel, because the hollow CloudTec pods cushion less than solid foam of the same height.
Neutral, with a steady base. It is a neutral shoe with good stability for its height. Doctors of Running notes a torsionally stiff midsole and a wide medial flare under the forefoot, and Believe in the Run’s heavier tester found it very stable. Runner’s World Germany adds that runners who roll in late in the stride may feel some forefoot instability.
A roll, not a spring. An early forefoot rocker and a stiff sole (RunRepeat measured 20.5 N in its flex test) move you forward smoothly at easy pace. Push harder and the weight shows: RunRepeat found little bounce, and testers keep it away from fast sessions.
Read more
Tall, but firm underfoot. The midsole now uses three layers of smaller CloudTec elements in Helion foam, with On’s Speedboard kept between them. The stack height is tall, yet the feel is firm: RunRepeat measured the foam at 49.9 AC, and reviewers describe protection rather than sink.
Doctors of Running noticed that the heel elements compress more than the forefoot ones. That gives a lower drop feel than the spec, which matters for how you land.
RunRepeat’s shock absorption test points the same way: strong under the forefoot, but below what you would expect from a max-stack shoe at the heel, because the hollow CloudTec pods cushion less than solid foam of the same height.
Neutral, with a steady base. It is a neutral shoe with good stability for its height. Doctors of Running notes a torsionally stiff midsole and a wide medial flare under the forefoot, and Believe in the Run’s heavier tester found it very stable. Runner’s World Germany adds that runners who roll in late in the stride may feel some forefoot instability.
A roll, not a spring. An early forefoot rocker and a stiff sole (RunRepeat measured 20.5 N in its flex test) move you forward smoothly at easy pace. Push harder and the weight shows: RunRepeat found little bounce, and testers keep it away from fast sessions.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Made for it | Its natural pace as a daily trainer. Runnea places it at easy to moderate efforts. | Doctors of Running, Runnea |
| Long runs | Made for it | Stable and protective on long, steady runs, provided you get on with a firm ride. | Believe in the Run, Runnea |
| Recovery runs | Made for it | Doctors of Running rate it well for recovery runs. | Doctors of Running |
| Walking | Made for it | One of its strongest uses according to Doctors of Running and RunRepeat. | RunRepeat, Doctors of Running |
| Tempo | Not for it | Weight and firmness work against it at faster paces. | RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, Runnea |
Source: Doctors of Running, Runnea, Believe in the Run, RunRepeat
What the tests say
Published reviews agree on the character of the shoe: firm, steady, rockered and made for easy miles. They disagree on how it fits.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RunRepeat | Lab | Positive | RunRepeat scores it 82 out of 100, in its Great band, finding it true to size with a medium fit, narrower than version 2. | Read |
| Doctors of Running | Review | Mixed | Doctors of Running gives B plus: a solid daily trainer with an improved upper and fit, but a firmer, less responsive ride than earlier versions. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Mixed | Believe in the Run puts it in its B tier for a firmer daily trainer, but prefers the Hyper version for a more fun ride. | Read |
| Runnea | Review | Positive | Runnea recommends it for daily training at comfortable paces, with cushioning that evolves with the kilometres, but finds it cumbersome at speed. | Read |
They agree
- Firm, not plushRunRepeat’s durometer reading, Believe in the Run and Doctors of Running all describe a firm, resilient ride rather than soft cushioning.
- A stable max-stack shoeBelieve in the Run, Runner’s World Germany and Doctors of Running all point to a stable platform, with mild medial guidance at the forefoot according to Doctors of Running.
- A better upper than version 2RunRepeat measured far more tongue padding, and Doctors of Running and Runnea both report that the lace pressure of the Cloudmonster 2 is gone.
- Not for speedRunRepeat, Doctors of Running and Runnea all keep it to easy and moderate efforts because of its weight and firmness.
They split
- LengthRunRepeat and Doctors of Running call it true to size. Believe in the Run’s tester felt lost in the half size up he wears in another On model, and Runnea says it runs a little long.
- Width and volumeRunRepeat measured a narrower toe box than the Cloudmonster 2, and Runner’s World Germany found it snugger. Doctors of Running and Running Warehouse describe a forefoot on the roomy side.
How it’s built
A redesigned engineered mesh upper with a padded, semi-gusseted tongue sits on a full-length Helion foam midsole shaped into three layers of CloudTec pods around a TPU Speedboard plate, with rubber on the main contact zones.
A redesigned engineered mesh upper with a padded, semi-gusseted tongue, a full-length Helion foam midsole shaped into three layers of CloudTec pods around a TPU Speedboard, and rubber on the main contact zones.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperEngineered mesh | Breathability 2 / 5 |
| 2 | Tongue | 5.3 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 4 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsoleHelion foam, triple-layer CloudTec | 49.9 AC |
| 5 | PlateSpeedboard | – |
| 6 | Insole | 4.4 mm |
| 7 | Outsole | 3.2 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 40 mm heel, 34 mm forefoot; measured: 3.2 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Running Warehouse, RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run.
Upper. On redesigned the engineered mesh for this version. Testers find it comfortable and well finished, with a slight stretch, but RunRepeat rated its breathability 2 out of 5: there are no visible ventilation holes, so it suits cool days better than hot ones.
Tongue. Padded and semi-gusseted. RunRepeat measured 5.3 mm of padding against 1.5 mm on the Cloudmonster 2, and an elastic band on the lacing keeps the loose ends tucked away.
Heel. A very structured heel counter, rated 4 out of 5 for stiffness by RunRepeat, with generous padding around the collar. Doctors of Running notes a well placed heel bevel on the outside edge and mild sidewalls at the heel and midfoot that keep the foot on the platform.
Midsole. Full-length Helion foam, now shaped into three layers of smaller hollow CloudTec pods. RunRepeat measured the foam at 49.9 on the Asker C scale, among the firmest readings in its lab, and Doctors of Running found that the heel pods compress more than the forefoot ones as the miles add up.
Plate. On keeps the TPU Speedboard from the Cloudmonster 2. RunRepeat sees it keeping the shoe a little more responsive without extra stiffness, though with the firm foam the sole stays rigid: 20.5 N in its flex test.
Insole. A basic, removable EVA insole, 4.4 mm thick according to RunRepeat. Doctors of Running finds the footbed thin and warns that a thick orthotic will take up more room than the shoe allows.
Outsole. The outsole design keeps ten large pods separated by a central channel and four cross grooves, with rubber on the main contact zones and reinforced foam elsewhere. RunRepeat measured 3.2 mm of rubber. Doctors of Running found the traction good on dry and wet roads and even on dirt trails, but gravel and mud can get stuck between the pods.
Read more
A redesigned engineered mesh upper with a padded, semi-gusseted tongue sits on a full-length Helion foam midsole shaped into three layers of CloudTec pods around a TPU Speedboard plate, with rubber on the main contact zones.
1. Upper. On redesigned the engineered mesh for this version. Testers find it comfortable and well finished, with a slight stretch, but RunRepeat rated its breathability 2 out of 5: there are no visible ventilation holes, so it suits cool days better than hot ones.
2. Tongue. Padded and semi-gusseted. RunRepeat measured 5.3 mm of padding against 1.5 mm on the Cloudmonster 2, and an elastic band on the lacing keeps the loose ends tucked away.
3. Heel. A very structured heel counter, rated 4 out of 5 for stiffness by RunRepeat, with generous padding around the collar. Doctors of Running notes a well placed heel bevel on the outside edge and mild sidewalls at the heel and midfoot that keep the foot on the platform.
4. Midsole. Full-length Helion foam, now shaped into three layers of smaller hollow CloudTec pods. RunRepeat measured the foam at 49.9 on the Asker C scale, among the firmest readings in its lab, and Doctors of Running found that the heel pods compress more than the forefoot ones as the miles add up.
5. Plate. On keeps the TPU Speedboard from the Cloudmonster 2. RunRepeat sees it keeping the shoe a little more responsive without extra stiffness, though with the firm foam the sole stays rigid: 20.5 N in its flex test.
6. Insole. A basic, removable EVA insole, 4.4 mm thick according to RunRepeat. Doctors of Running finds the footbed thin and warns that a thick orthotic will take up more room than the shoe allows.
7. Outsole. The outsole design keeps ten large pods separated by a central channel and four cross grooves, with rubber on the main contact zones and reinforced foam elsewhere. RunRepeat measured 3.2 mm of rubber. Doctors of Running found the traction good on dry and wet roads and even on dirt trails, but gravel and mud can get stuck between the pods.
Durability. Durability is mixed. The outsole held up well, with 0.7 mm of wear in RunRepeat’s abrasion test and only slight wear after 30 miles for Doctors of Running, and the heel padding scored 5 out of 5. The toe box mesh scored 1 out of 5, the lowest possible result.
Durability. Durability is mixed. The outsole held up well, with 0.7 mm of wear in RunRepeat’s abrasion test and only slight wear after 30 miles for Doctors of Running, and the heel padding scored 5 out of 5. The toe box mesh scored 1 out of 5, the lowest possible result.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, mm
Drop, mm
Weight (men’s), g
| Spec | Listed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Drop |
|
|
| Heel stack |
|
|
| Forefoot stack |
|
|
| Weight, US M9 |
|
|
| Support |
| – |
| Plate |
| – |
| Surface |
| – |
| Release year |
| – |
Fig. 4 · Listed vs measured. Bars start at zero. Sources: Running Warehouse, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, RunRepeat.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Energy return (heel) |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
|
| Traction coefficient |
|
| Breathability |
|
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Toe box width |
|
| Toe box height |
|
| Outsole thickness |
|
| Insole thickness |
|
| Tongue thickness |
|
| Flex force |
|
Sizing and fit
Most lab and expert testers say true to size, but two sources found it long: try your usual size and a half size down if you can.
Length
Mixed reports
Widths
standard and wide
Toe room
Opinions on toe room split. RunRepeat measured a toe box narrower than on version 2 and Runner’s World Germany felt a snugger fit, while Doctors of Running found a little extra forefoot volume and Runnea called the toe box generous.
RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, Runnea, Runner’s World Germany
Full sizing notes from testers
RunRepeat and Doctors of Running call the Cloudmonster 3 true to size. Believe in the Run’s tester found the shoe far too roomy in the half size up that fits him in another On model, and Runnea advises dropping half a size if you are between two.
Width splits opinion too. RunRepeat measured the toe box at 71.0 mm, below its lab average and narrower than the 74.5 mm of the Cloudmonster 2, and Runner’s World Germany felt a snugger fit, while Doctors of Running and Running Warehouse still describe a roomy forefoot.
RunRepeat lists men’s narrow, normal and wide versions, and women’s normal and wide. Running Warehouse only shows the standard D width, so check what is available where you are.
RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse, Runnea, Runner’s World Germany
Vs Cloudmonster 2
A new midsole and a new upper. The 3 gets back some of the rocker of the first Cloudmonster and fixes the lace pressure of the 2, with a closer fit.
| Cloudmonster 3 | Cloudmonster 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | 34.5 mm |
| Forefoot | 34 mm | 29 mm |
| Weight | 295 g | 300 g |
Keep the Cloudmonster 2 if your feet are wide and you liked its roomier toe box, or if its tongue never bothered you. Move to the 3 if lace pressure was an issue, if you want more stability and a more rockered ride, or if your foot sat loose in the 2.
Listed figures. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Version history: Cloudmonster 2 to Cloudmonster 3
Three layers of CloudTec. Smaller CloudTec elements stacked in three layers replace the large cut-outs, for a smoother roll and a more lively toe-off according to Runner’s World Germany. (Running Warehouse, Runner’s World Germany)
Rocker restored. Runnea reports that the sole brings back the rolling feel of the first generation, which the Cloudmonster 2 had flattened. (Runnea)
A new upper and tongue. RunRepeat measured 5.3 mm of tongue padding against 1.5 mm before, and Doctors of Running report the lace bite of the 2 is gone. (RunRepeat, Doctors of Running)
A closer fit. RunRepeat measured a narrower toe box than on the Cloudmonster 2, and Runner’s World Germany found the fit snugger overall. (RunRepeat, Runner’s World Germany)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Cloudmonster 3 does not do.
| On Cloudmonster 3 |  On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper |  ASICS Novablast 5 |  New Balance 1080 v15 |  Hoka Bondi 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | Lighter | Softer | Softer | More cushion |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | 46 mm | 41.5 mm | 40 mm | 43 mm |
| Weight | 295 g | 253 g | 252 g | 261 g | 297 g |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
Is the On Cloudmonster 3 true to size?
It depends who you ask. RunRepeat and Doctors of Running found the Cloudmonster 3 true to size. Believe in the Run’s tester found it long, and Runnea suggests half a size down if you are between two. Try your usual size and a half size down before choosing.
What is the difference between the Cloudmonster 2 and Cloudmonster 3?
The Cloudmonster 3 has three layers of smaller CloudTec elements, a restored rocker, a padded tongue that removes the lace pressure of the 2 and a closer fit: RunRepeat measured a toe box 3.5 mm narrower.
What is the stack height of the Cloudmonster 3?
Sources disagree. Running Warehouse lists 40 mm at the heel and 34 mm at the forefoot, while Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run give 35 mm and 29 mm. RunRepeat measured 38.6 mm and 32.2 mm. All agree on a 6 mm drop.
How much does the On Cloudmonster 3 weigh?
Running Warehouse lists 295 g (10.4 oz) for a men’s US 9, and RunRepeat weighed its pair at about 300 g. In our catalogue it ranks 136th lightest of the 149 neutral road shoes weighed in that same reference size, which is part of why reviewers keep it to easy paces.
Is the Cloudmonster 3 good for heavy runners?
Reviewers lean yes. Runnea considers the foam better suited to heavier runners because it works under more load, and Believe in the Run’s heavier tester found it very stable. Neither is a lab test, and the firm ride will not suit everyone.
Is the Cloudmonster 3 good for heel strikers?
With caution. Doctors of Running found that the heel compresses more than the forefoot, which can lower the felt drop and load the calf and Achilles of heel strikers. Mid-foot strikers are more likely to enjoy the rocker.
Can you run fast in the On Cloudmonster 3?
Not really. RunRepeat, Doctors of Running and Runnea all keep it to easy and moderate paces. For faster sessions, the lighter Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is the version reviewers prefer.
Sources
- RunRepeat, On Cloudmonster 3 lab review. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Doctors of Running, On Cloudmonster 3 Review (David Salas, Matt Klein, March 2026). Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, On Cloudmonster 3 Review (March 2026). Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Running Warehouse, On Cloudmonster 3 Men’s Shoes. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Runnea, On Cloudmonster 3. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Runner’s World Germany, On Cloudmonster 3 (April 2026). Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-11). Accessed Oct 11, 2026.
- on.com · Drop, Weight, US M9, Support, Plate, and Release year, listed
- cat: Strideprint catalogue, 395 shoes
How we review. We read published tests, brand and retailer pages and lab measurements, cross-check the figures and flag where they disagree. We did not test this shoe ourselves. Last updated October 12, 2026.