On Cloudmonster 3 review: 100 km of long-distance running put to the test

At On, there was clearly a before and after the Cloudmonster. Launched in 2022, the first version put the young Swiss brand firmly in the spotlight. With its distinctive silhouette and “clouds” built into the cushioning, On had created a shoe that stood out from the crowd. The Cloudmonster’s success was also visible off the roads. It is just as likely to be spotted on the street as on a running route, embraced by a whole generation of lifestyle sneaker enthusiasts.

After a second version that divided opinion, particularly when it came to fit, this third iteration had plenty to prove. The goal was clear: deliver a high-quality daily trainer while addressing the previous shortcomings. On paper and on the road, On seems to have found the right balance with a new CloudTec midsole construction, a completely redesigned upper and an outsole built to last.

Testing conditions

➜ Clément: In the middle of preparing for my next spring marathon, I ran just over 100 kilometres in the Cloudmonster 3, mainly on the road. I used it mostly for easy aerobic runs, with a few faster sections and some strides to see how it responded.

➜ Emma: With the cross-country and road seasons meeting in the middle, I also ran around 100 kilometres in the Cloudmonster 3, on asphalt and trails. I wore it for a range of sessions, from easy runs to more uptempo efforts, including a few threshold intervals. The aim was to test it day in, day out and at different paces.

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

Fit and comfort

➜ Clément: This was one of the most anticipated aspects, and On got it right. From the first few strides, it’s clear that the fit has been carefully refined. The shoe is comfortable and well balanced. I took my usual size and the fit was spot on. The foot is held securely. There is just enough room in the toe box without the loose, disconnected feel you sometimes get from overly wide models (I have a fairly narrow foot). The thin, well-integrated tongue disappears once the shoe is on, while the lacing does its job perfectly, securing the foot without creating pressure points. Around the heel, the fit is reassuringly secure, with a firm structure. Over 100 kilometres, I had no rubbing, blisters or other discomfort.

➜ Emma: I was immediately surprised by how securely the shoe held my foot. The fit is very comfortable and the ankle is nicely wrapped. While other models can rub beneath the malleolus, the Cloudmonster 3 caused no issues thanks to its carefully finished construction. The heel counter is reinforced without being overly rigid. Even with a narrow foot, there was no unwanted movement or rubbing. The toes are not squeezed at the front. The lacing adjusts precisely and stays put, while the very thin tongue creates no pressure points. Put it on, forget it’s there: that’s what I liked from the first run, and still appreciated after 100 kilometres.

Performance

➜ Clément: The Cloudmonster 3 delivers a distinctive ride that stays true to On’s DNA. Underfoot, you get a firm yet protective feel, with cushioning that absorbs impact without ever becoming too soft. The triple layer of CloudTec does exactly what it is supposed to. This feels like a shoe built to last and handle plenty of mileage. I also liked the way it transitions through the stride. The rocker is pronounced and naturally guides the foot forward.

The nylon Speedboard adds some structure, but the shoe’s snap remains moderate. It responds well at steady, comfortably hard paces, but lacks the punch for track sessions. That is not necessarily a criticism, because the Cloudmonster 3 is primarily a shoe for everyday miles.

➜ Emma: The first few strides took me by surprise and I wasn’t immediately convinced. The cushioning, built around a dual layer of Helion Hyperfoam, felt firm and stiff. After trying it on, I had expected a softer ride. I changed my mind after several runs, especially once I picked up the pace.

The On comes alive when the pace increases. I noticed it particularly at half-marathon pace, around 3:35–3:40/km. The pronounced rocker rolls the foot forward, the sense of stiffness fades and the shoe does not collapse under load. This is where the Cloudmonster 3’s potential really becomes apparent. The nylon Speedboard delivers a useful energy return and welcome liveliness.

That said, I found it less suited to faster work such as VO₂ max intervals. It is not as responsive as the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, but that is not its primary role.

Stability

➜ Clément: Stability is another area where the shoe succeeds. Despite its substantial amount of foam, the Cloudmonster 3 feels very secure. The platform is wide enough for the foot and the shoe remains stable even when your legs are heavy. It is a reassuring model that supports your movement without ever making you feel as though you are fighting the shoe. I particularly enjoyed it on recovery runs, when I was already cooked from the day before.

➜ Emma: Stability is one of its strengths. Although its geometry gives it a substantial appearance, the shoe feels reassuringly secure. The platform locks the foot in place and prevents it from sliding around. To complete the test, I also took it onto trails. The Cloudmonster 3 remained stable, confirming its versatility.

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

Durability

➜ Clément: After 100 kilometres, the shoe is still in excellent condition. The outsole protects the foam very well, and the “clouds” show no sign of premature wear. Everything suggests that the Cloudmonster 3 can go the distance, probably reaching the upper end of the usual range for this category (800–900 km). This is a shoe built to last, and you can feel it.

➜ Emma: This version is clearly built to last. The outsole barely looks touched after around 100 kilometres. The foam has not compressed and the “clouds” have not changed. The ride feels the same as it did at the start. There is no doubt that this is a highly durable model, capable of handling a great many miles.

Breathability

➜ Clément: The mesh is a major improvement over the somewhat disappointing version 2. Lightweight, well ventilated and comfortable, it does an excellent job of moving heat away from the foot. Even on longer runs, my feet never overheated. The materials feel genuinely high quality, well above what we usually see on a daily trainer.

➜ Emma: As with the 3 Hyper, the mesh offers excellent breathability, perhaps some of the best on the market. The foot stays perfectly ventilated, even during runs lasting an hour and a half. It is another strength of the shoe and reinforces On’s premium positioning.

Weight: a pleasant surprise

➜ Clément: At 295 grams, the Cloudmonster 3 is not the lightest shoe on the market. Out on the road, however, that is not really an issue. The rocker and geometry compensate well, and the shoe remains enjoyable to run in. It confirms the shoe’s purpose: it is designed to be run often and for a long time, not necessarily fast.

➜ Emma: The shoe does not stand out for its low weight. Yet it feels very different on the foot and quickly fades into the background thanks to the ride it delivers. Since the Cloudmonster 3 is intended for easy and moderate-paced runs, weight is not its main selling point. Its biggest strengths are its durability and its ability to handle everyday mileage.

Compared with the competition

➜ Clément: Compared with an ASICS Nimbus, the Cloudmonster 3 is firmer and more structured, with a more pronounced rocker. Against a HOKA Bondi, it is a little more dynamic and versatile. Ultimately, it is an interesting alternative for runners who want comfort, style and durability without ending up in a shoe that feels too soft.

➜ Emma: The Cloudmonster 3 is stiffer than other models on the market, such as the Nike Vomero 18 and New Balance 1080v15. On’s distinctive outsole, with the “clouds” that have become its signature, is unusual and unique. The On is nevertheless more dynamic than some of the other daily trainers offered by its rivals. Its styling and finish, including the mesh and reinforcements, place it in the premium segment alongside the other major running brands. For style-conscious runners, the shoe can easily double as sportswear.

© Marathons.com / Emma Bert

Value for money

➜ Clément: At €200, the Cloudmonster 3 sits firmly at the upper end of the market, in keeping with On’s positioning. The build quality, design, comfort and durability may justify the price… or they may not. At this price, some runners will expect a little more speed. Especially when the Saucony Endorphin Azura costs €160.

➜ Emma: At €200, it is one of the most expensive daily trainers on the market. That is a deliberate choice from On, but it puts the shoe out of reach for some runners. More affordable alternatives are available, even if the Cloudmonster 3’s finishing quality is often better than that of its competitors.

Final verdict

➜ Clément: I really enjoyed running in the Cloudmonster 3. It is a safe bet. It does exactly what you expect and it is very comfortable. After a very good version 1 and a slightly disappointing version 2, this is probably the best iteration yet. It is aimed above all at runners looking for a reliable, comfortable and stable shoe for everyday runs. A shoe you can rack up the miles in without overthinking it. Personally, it is exactly the kind of model I like to pull on when I just want to run, with no particular pace goal.

➜ Emma: I liked the way the Cloudmonster 3 performs, although less so at slower paces. It will suit runners looking for a comfortable, stable shoe for building mileage, with smooth transitions and a secure fit. Lighter runners or those looking for more flexibility at easy paces may find it a little firm, especially on very relaxed outings. This version strikes a good balance between comfort, stability and durability, with enough liveliness to vary the intensity of your training.

I liked being able to string together the miles at a range of intensities. It works as a versatile daily trainer, equally capable on easy runs and more active sessions. For me, it is a reliable option in a rotation, particularly for those sessions when you are unsure which shoe to choose, from steady easy runs to hill workouts.

Who is it for?

✔ Runners who rack up the miles
✔ Those looking for comfort and protection
✔ Runners who prefer a firm cushioned ride
✔ Runners who want a lifestyle-inspired shoe for everyday walking

✔ Find the On Cloudmonster 3 on the official website on.com for €200.