On CloudMonster 3 Review | The Upgrade That Does Not Mess With a Good Thing
The much-anticipated latest addition to the Cloudmonster line is here, and On promises a leveled-up experience with more cushioning and responsiveness. Our review of the On Cloudmonster 3.
This should be welcome news for those who loved the original Cloudmonster but found the Cloudmonster 2 lacking.
Long time readers know the original Cloudmonster has been one of our most recommended shoes. Coach Amanda has worn then down enough to replace multiple pairs, which says a lot when we are talking about someone we receives new shoes weekly to test!
One of the long time criticisms we had for On was how firm their shoes felt. The Cloudmonster was the first to start changing that feeling and has continued with many of their other newer models. That being said, it’s not a pillow like many max cushioned shoes and it turns out that might just be part of what keeps runners coming back.
- Wide Feet: Available in wide widths, the regular is decent through the mid-foot and improved toebox.
- Heavier Runners: Solid option with more foam providing better cushion without impacting stability.
- Long Runs: Not a super plush feel but plenty of cushion for longer runs.
- Front of the Pack: Not a super speedy shoe, but does have good energy return for a daily trainer.
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a moderately cushioned shoe that will hold up over longer miles, while allowing you to pick up the pace. It’s going to be a shoe that the middle of the pack could easily race in for longer distances.
On Cloudmonster 3 Overview
The first thing Cloudmonster fans are likely to notice is the triple layer of Cloudtec foam, which accounts for the additional 5mm of stack height over the original. The really detailed will also notice a slight shift in the structure of the pods to help with a little softeness and forward motion.
Does it suddenly feel wildly different? Coach Amanda has run in every model and says this one feels amazing, but isn’t going to make you wonder what happened to the Cloudmonster you’ve loved for years.
One of the best changes with the cushion is actually under the forefoot. It feels softer and provides a better landing, which we didn’t even realize we wanted until we got it! The cushion is just a little softer, but without taking away the ability to push off. Where some max cushioned trainers can end up feeling great on the legs, but like you’re working harder to maintain the pace that’s not the case here.
Technically at 35mm we no longer consider this a max cushioned running shoe. And that’s where the confusion comes in for some runners, this really falls in the moderate cushioned category now and thus is right on in terms of not being too soft or plush.
The Cloudmonster 3 also retains the rocker shape and propulsive Speedboard to help keep you rolling forward. Neither of these feels as dramatic as you’d find in a race day carbon plated shoe, but they nonetheless keep the shoe feeling responsive rather than flat.
As noted below, we found our easy pace naturally picked up in these without extra effort.
The engineered knit upper is entirely new, which is a good thing since the upper on the Cloudmonster 2 was very clearly NOT a hit with many runners. That loose baggy fit is no more.
The tongue has also been updated somewhat, with an elastic band across the top to provide better lockdown as well as a place to tuck in your laces if you’d like them more secure.
On Cloudmonster 3 Specs
- Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 8.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 35 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in 10 Colors
- Available in regular and wide widths
- Available on.com for $190
The additional layer of Cloudtec foam adds just a little more weight as compared to previous Cloudmonsters, but the extra 5mm of cushioning seems to be worth it. And at the general easy run pace or even marathon pace, the slight change in weight is unlikely to be noticed.
As always On never disappoints with style.
Quick Take
Pros
- More secure upper
- Good energy return for max cushion
- Stable feeling drop
Cons
- Low and stiff heel collar
- Cushioning is not as plush
On Cloudmonster 3 Fit
Fans of the original Cloudmonster who were unimpressed by the second version will be pleased to know that the fit of the upper seems to have been vastly improved. The upper on the Cloudmonster 3 fits snugly with none of the “baggy pants” feeling of the 2.
The tongue is still thin and on the shorter side, but was plenty comfortable even with laces cinched down tight. As noted before, the elastic band on top helps with the snug fit and gusseting on the sides ensures it doesn’t slide out of place.
The laces are plenty long enough for any special lacing you may need. And while the forefoot is by no means super wide, there is still plenty of room for the toes.
Coach Laura: My one initial complaint upon trying them on and walking around was that the heel collar was low and rather stiff, pressing uncomfortably against my Achilles.
Even with high socks on, I was concerned I might wind up with blisters. I’m pleased to report, however, that once I picked up speed I didn’t notice any rubbing. In fact, I thought about the heel collar very little while actually running.
Coach Amanda: I didn’t have any heel fit issues. I’m usually the first to notice those things, so it might be that I’m used to running in a lot of On shoes already.
On Cloudmonster 3 Feel
Coach Laura was less than impressed by how these felt for about the first ½ mile. These do not have the kind of soft, plush cushioning you might expect looking at the higher stack of Cloudtec foam. The initial feel is definitely more a stiff, firm cushioning than soft.
And I think that’s a common feeling. If you haven’t run in previous models and expect this to be like a Saucony Triumph you’ll be disappointed. It has less cushion and an entirely different purpose.
But again that overly soft feeling is becoming a problem for a lot of runners who are starting to have ankle issues from stability or realizing they might like a shoe for the long run, but not race day. The Cloudmonster 3 is trying to give you that single shoe option.
However, the further she went, the softer they began to feel. It’s possible this is due to the shoe feeling a little better when you get out of the warm up, needing a little break in or perhaps just adjusting to what she thought was supposed to be super soft and then finding it was actually plenty of cushion.
We can’t say the rocker shape has a huge propulsion effect, but these did have good energy return. Our legs naturally wanted to move faster with relative ease. In fact, I’d say my easy pace dropped about 10 seconds without any thought.
The 6mm drop helps keep these feeling stable on the ground and while cornering despite the higher stack. Also helpful for those with knee or IT band issues.
Worth noting – Coach Laura realized toward the end of my first run in these that my partially-replaced knee had absolutely zero complaints.
Similar Shoes to the On Cloudmonster 3
Looking for another moderate cushioned shoe? Here’s our comparisons from other lines:
- Nike Pegasus 41 – Similar moderate cushion, but 10mm drop and narrow fit
- Saucony Kinvara 16 – A little lighter weight, slightly softer, good up to the half marathon for most runners
- Hoka Mach 6 – Slightly wider fit, slightly softer, keeping that low profile and lightweight feel
So, did the Cloudmonster 3 change Coach Laura’s mind about On shoes? Much to her great surprise, these will end up in rotation. They won’t be go-to shoe when looking for a softer ride, particularly for longer runs, but they will definitely see more action for shorter everyday easy runs for that more responsive feel.
Coach Amanda is already using these for up to 8 miles in her own injury recovery and enjoying them. Losing some of the overt softeness of the shoes with 40mm+ stack heights has made her hips and knees feel way better, probably because they aren’t working so hard. Can’t wait to test them out with longer and longer runs all summer.
Our Verdict
On Cloudmonster 3 is a stellar moderate cushioned running shoe with great durability that will allow the middle of the pack to have an option that goes from training to race day. It’s not the softest cushioned trainer, but that’s what allows you to pick up the pace and not lose energy to the foam.
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