I was excited to try the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper. When I first heard that On Running was doing a “Lightspray” upper on the Cloudmonster Hyper, I wasn’t sure what that meant in real life. The brand has never been shy about pushing tech forward, so I was excited to see what they had in mind. I had seen a few different images of the shoe but none really compared to the real life version.
Out of the box, the first thing you notice is how minimal the upper feels. It looks almost airbrushed onto the midsole. There are no bulky overlays or traditional stitched panels. It feels light in hand, especially for something with this much stack underfoot. When I first went to put the shoe on my foot, I could not get it on. I thought I might have the wrong size but it just fits more narrow and tight than other versions. Once the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper is actually on my foot, it did feel comfortable. The Lightspray material does not stretch at all. That’s fine, but you will be surprised of how tight it feels at first.
On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper FAQ
Is the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper good for long runs?
The 37 mm stack with Helion HF foam gives enough protection for long runs, but it doesn’t feel mushy late in the run. If you prefer a plush running shoe, it may feel a bit firm. I’ve used and liked it in long runs though.
Is the Cloudmonster Hyper a carbon plated shoe?
No. The On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper does not have a carbon plate. It relies on foam and rocker geometry for turnover rather than a stiff plate. That makes it feel more natural and less aggressive than most super shoes. For runners who don’t love the rigid sensation of plated racers, this is a strong alternative for workouts and even longer races.
How does the Lightspray upper fit?
This is the biggest question I’ve gotten. The Lightspray upper fits snug and structured. It doesn’t stretch much, and it doesn’t have much padding. The midfoot feels secure, and the forefoot runs standard width. If you have wide or high-volume feet, it may feel restrictive. If you prefer a performance fit, it does that well.
Is the On Cloudmonster Hyper worth $220?
If you’re using it as a high-mileage performance trainer, yes.
It’s light for its stack height, durable so far, and versatile enough to handle long runs and faster efforts. If you just want a soft daily trainer for easy miles, there are cheaper options.
Now, let’s get into an honest On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper shoe review.
Quick Facts
- Weight: 7.7 oz men’s, 6.3 oz women’s
- Stack height: 37 mm heel, 31 mm forefoot
- Drop: 6 mm
- Price: $220
- Intended use: high performance trainer, long runs, uptempo efforts
On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper Upper
The Lightspray upper is the headline here. Instead of a traditional engineered mesh, On uses a sprayed-on material that wraps the foot in a single layer. It feels almost like a thin synthetic shell. No real padding to speak of beyond the tongue and heel collar. It is probably the most minimalist upper I’ve ever tried. I get nervous that I may rip it, but it does seem pretty secure that that should not be an issue.
In heat, it breathes better than I expected. I’ve worn it on 80 degree desert mornings, and while it’s not the most airy upper I’ve ever used, it didn’t turn into a swamp either. It does not stretch much, though.
I can’t emphasize that if you have a high volume foot or prefer a plush wrap, this will feel minimal. In running shoes I wear between a womens size 10-11 wide and I’ve found the size 11 to fit the best in the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper. If you have wider feet, you need to go up a half size, but you may just also struggle with the Lightspray material.
On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper Ride
The Cloudmonster Hyper uses Helion HF foam, which is On’s higher performance compound. It feels noticeably livelier than the standard Cloudmonster. If you go into the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper thinking it’s just a Cloudmonster, you will be surprised. The Hyper compresses and returns quickly, especially at faster paces. It’s designed to run faster and won’t feel as good if you are running easy.
Since it’s based from the original Cloudmonster, you are going to get that cushion but it won’t sink down or feel as mushy. The rocker geometry in the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper works with the foam to create a propelling sensation. There’s no plate in this shoe…The responsiveness comes from the foam and geometry, not a rigid insert.
Outsole
Classic On pods are still here, though refined. The rubber coverage is decent in high wear areas. On dry pavement and light gravel, grip has been good.
Sand is always tricky where I live because desert sand finds its way into every groove. The outsole does collect some debris between the pods, including rocks. I wouldn’t take this on technical trails but for standard daily terrain, it’s fine. I have a love-hate with On pods. I like the technology and it’s awesome, but I hate that they collect rocks so I hear a clink clink clink often.
As far as durability, my On shoes have always lasted 300-400 and I don’t expect this to be any different. Some may worry about the upper durability but I do not.
Where does the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper fit into my rotation?
In my rotation, it fits as a long run and workout hybrid. It’s the shoe I grab when I want one pair to cover a 14 mile run with some moderate efforts thrown in. It overlaps a bit with plated super trainers, but without a plate, it does feel more natural. It goes well with the Cloudmonster as a daily trainer.
Who Should Buy the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper
- Runners who want a lightweight max stack trainer that can handle workouts.
- People who don’t love overly soft foam and prefer something responsive and controlled.
- Anyone curious about the next step in upper construction and willing to try something different.
Who Should Not Buy the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper
- If you want plush cushioning above all else, this will feel too firm.
- If you have a wide or high volume foot, the upper may feel restrictive.
- If you’re expecting a budget daily trainer, the $220 price tag is hard to justify just for easy miles.
On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper Conclusion
I’ve really enjoyed running in the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper. The upper is fun and the ride is fun. I still question whether Lightspray is something every runner needs. A traditional engineered mesh would probably work just fine but make no mistake the shoe is fun and sometimes you want and need that.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Reebok Floatzig Tread, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, On Cloudboom Max
Long Runs: On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper, Topo Specter 2, adidas Prime Strung X3,
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: ASICS Metaspeed Ray, Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the On Lightspray Cloudmonster Hyper?
What is your favorite running shoe?