On Cloudmonster 3 review

After testing the Cloudmonster 3 in the lab and taking it out for some runs, we believe that it’s:

• A great pick for runners who enjoyed the first two versions and want a similar ride with small refinements.
• Ideal for those who prefer a firm feel underfoot and are willing to pay extra for premium design and build quality.
• A strong option for runners looking for a max-stack daily trainer that can also work for casual wear... if the style fits your taste!

We think the Cloudmonster 3 is not the best choice for runners chasing strong performance or value, as its high price and heavy build make it hard to justify. Based on our lab data, the ASICS Novablast 5 or Saucony Endorphin Azura deliver a more responsive, lighter ride at a lower cost.

We also do not recommend it for those who want a plush ride. We found in the lab that its firm ride can be a deal-breaker for many of you. For a softer feel, the New Balance 1080 v15 or Adidas Supernova Rise 3 are much better picks.

Shock absorption is a mixed bag, as the forefoot performs strongly at 119 SA and outperforms most shoes, but the heel (123 SA) falls short of what some runners may expect from a maximalist design. The unique CloudTec midsole and Helion foam come with certain compromises.

The Cloudmonster 3 keeps the same Helion foam, so we weren’t expecting any real improvement or a standout result here. This has long been one of the weakest areas of the Cloudmonster considering its price, and it remains unchanged until On updates the compound. Maybe in version 4?

We measured 58.7% in the heel and 56.8% in the forefoot. These figures fall below most running shoes in this premium daily trainer category, which will likely disappoint runners looking for real performance gains.

Everyone expects the Cloudmonster to have a high stack height, and On delivers. We measured 38.6 mm in the heel. However, as we found before in our shock absorption test, the CloudTec cavities make it less cushioned than other shoes with similar height.

The forefoot sits well above the average running shoe, easily exceeding 30 mm and reaching 32.2 mm. As a result, the Cloudmonster 3 feels more cushioned up front than at the rear compared to a regular daily trainer.

Unlike many brands, On is usually very accurate when it comes to matching the stated drop with real measurements. They state 6 mm for the Cloudmonster 3.

This time we recorded just a 0.4 mm difference, which is extremely low, and the expected moderate drop remains, confirmed by our 6.4 mm result.

To enjoy the Cloudmonster 3, you need to be comfortable with a firm feel underfoot. The Helion foam measured a very high 49.9 HA in our Asker C durometer, placing it among the firmest readings we’ve recorded in the lab.

It’s true that the CloudTec system adds some compression, which helps soften the ride a little bit. Still, make no mistake, this remains a firm ride.

The original Cloudmonster helped popularise the rocker design, and version 3 keeps that same rolling sensation underfoot.

The forefoot rises more than 5 cm, creating a very aggressive geometry clearly visible in the profile, while the heel shows a moderate bevel and a noticeable flare that supports smoother landings.

On sticks with a TPU Speedboard plate, so there are no changes here. Some expected it to be removed, but the brand clearly plays it safe by keeping this proven design.

This decision fits the shoe, as it avoids adding more stiffness while still providing a bit of extra responsiveness, which is much needed in the Cloudmonster 3.

While the Speedboard and Helion foam remain unchanged, the CloudTec system has been updated. On continues to rely on this technology, now introducing a new three-layer setup of hollow pods that takes it a step further from the previous two versions of the Cloudmonster.

The fit of the Cloudmonster 3 changes slightly compared to its predecessor, feeling less roomy overall.

In our first measurement, we recorded 94.3 mm, which aligns with the average but is noticeably narrower than the 98.5 mm we found in version 2.

We took a second measurement in the toebox area and recorded 71.0 mm, which is below the average and also narrower than the 74.5 mm we measured in version 2.

Keep this in mind if you’re planning to upgrade and found the previous model to be a perfect fit... or go for the wide size if it's available in your country.

Vertical space in the toebox remains mostly unchanged, as we measured 25.4 mm.

This leans toward a more secure fit but shouldn’t feel restrictive, especially thanks to the comfortable upper.

We tested the Cloudmonster 3 using the SATRA TM144 method and recorded a solid 0.51 score.

This sits within the standard range for road running shoes, offering reliable grip on both dry and wet concrete, but it also feels a bit low for a shoe at this high price point. Shouldn’t a premium price also deliver premium grip?

The outsole keeps the familiar On layout, with ten large pods separated by a central longitudinal channel and four transverse grooves. Rubber covers the main contact zones, while the remaining areas rely on reinforced foam.

The On Cloudmonster 3 feels very rigid, driven by its firm Helion foam and Speedboard plate. On tries to offset this with outsole grooves and the midsole design, but at 20.5N in our test, this shoe doesn't feel flexible at all.

While most running shoes are getting lighter, the Cloudmonster 3 once again gains weight compared to its predecessor. The increase is 3%, which is barely noticeable, but still disappointing, and it goes against the current trend.

At 10.6 oz or 301g, this is a heavy shoe by today’s standards. For instance, the Mizuno Neo Zen 2 offers more stack and comes in at only 8.4 oz or 237g.

Another familiar trait of the Cloudmonster series is the limited ventilation, and we found that it remains unchanged in version 3.

We rated the upper a 2 out of 5 for airflow again, making it better suited for colder conditions than hot days. In summer, sock choice becomes especially important.

The upper lacks visible ventilation holes, which traps warm air inside the shoe, something clearly noticeable in our footage.

Under the microscope, the engineered mesh shows solid quality and a very comfortable feel, which is what we expect from On. However, it still doesn’t provide any real advantage in breathability.

Build quality remains strong, with premium materials and generous heel padding. Still, we would have liked more airflow to push this upper closer to a 3 or 4 and make it more suitable year-round.

The On Cloudmonster 3 is a neutral shoe that delivers a stable ride thanks to its plate, firm foam, and stiff midsole.

It doesn’t rely on a wide footprint and only uses subtle sidewalls, but it still feels secure for neutral runners and can also work for those with very mild pronation who prefer a less bulky platform.

Thanks to the large outsole cutouts, the On Cloudmonster 3 shows some flexibility and scored 4/5 in our test. That said, it still feels like a rigid daily trainer.

The heel counter is very structured (4/5) and doesn’t collapse at all. It works well for this shoe, adding needed stability at the rear, while the plush padding helps prevent any discomfort.

One of the most polarising aspects of the Cloudmonster 3 is its midsole width. It sits around average at 113.7 mm, but this is a max-stack shoe, and models in this category are usually much wider to improve stability.

So it's clear that On takes a different approach, keeping the dimensions closer to a regular daily trainer while relying on firmer foam and a stiff structure. It won’t suit everyone, but runners who dislike overly wide platforms may really enjoy it.

The heel feels agile while running, measuring just 90.2 mm in our lab. It’s not as narrow as some super shoes, but for a daily trainer, it leans toward a more compact design.

It’s not unusual for a very comfortable upper to sacrifice durability, and that’s exactly what we found in the Cloudmonster 3, which earned the lowest possible score of 1 out of 5 in our abrasion test.

Fortunately for future buyers of the Cloudmonster 3, the heel padding performed much better, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 in our test.

Outsole durability is solid as well. After using the Dremel and measuring the damage with our tyre tread gauge, we recorded just 0.7 mm of wear.

On played it safe by adding 3.2 mm of rubber, which may be more than this shoe really needs given its already high weight. However, for runners who prioritize durability, it’s an ideal choice.

Some parts of this shoe feel premium, but the insole is quite basic, with a standard 4.4 mm thickness and simple EVA foam.

The insole of the Cloudmonster 3 can be removed easily without any issues.

Helion is based on EVA but blended with olefin, which improves its performance in cold conditions. We found it became only 10% firmer after 20 minutes in the freezer.

This shoe shows how reflective elements can benefit everyone. You gain extra visibility and safety at night, while On gets added exposure with the brand logo reflecting on both sides.

We first checked the updated lacing system, which distributes pressure very well and includes a trail-inspired elastic band that keeps the laces tucked. More road shoes should include one, right?

As for the tongue, On made a risky move with the previous Cloudmonster by using an extremely thin design, but they clearly stepped back from that approach this time. Comfort has improved significantly, with 5.3 mm of padding compared to just 1.5 mm before, something noticeable especially during long runs or even for everyday use.

The tongue is well executed with a semi-gusseted design that prevents unwanted movement and helps secure the fit, exactly what we expect from a premium-priced shoe.

The heel design is unmistakably On, featuring a clean and refined look.

The price of the Cloudmonster 3 is clearly not for every wallet. From a pure performance standpoint, it’s hard to justify what you’re paying here, especially when many cheaper options deliver better energy return and lower weight.

However, if you value On’s standout design and premium build quality, the story changes completely, and the appeal becomes much stronger despite the cost.