I was excxited to try the On Cloudmonster 3. I’ve been a big of the Cloudmonster since it first debuted and I usually have some form of Cloudmonster in my daily rotation and this year On has decided to debut 3: The Cloudmonster 3, Cloudmonster Hyper, and LightSpray Cloudmonster Hyper.
On Cloudmonster 3: 5 Questions Runners Are Asking
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a max-cushioned daily trainer designed for easy runs, long runs, and everyday mileage. It has a firmer ride than many runners expect, but the rocker geometry helps keep it smooth and runnable. If you’re looking for a protective daily trainer rather than a soft or speed-focused shoe, the Cloudmonster 3 fits that role well.
Is the On Cloudmonster 3 good for daily running?
Yes. The On Cloudmonster 3 is designed as a max-cushioned daily trainer and works well for everyday mileage, recovery runs, and long runs. If you want a reliable shoe for daily training, the Cloudmonster 3 fits that role well.
Is the On Cloudmonster 3 soft?
Not really. Many runners expect the On Cloudmonster 3 to feel extremely soft because of the large CloudTec pods, but the ride is actually on the firmer side. It’s cushioned, just not in a sink-in marshmallow way. The firmer feel helps the shoe stay stable and smooth, especially on longer runs. The rocker geometry and Speedboard also help move the run along without feeling overly mushy. If you prefer soft, plush running shoes, the Cloudmonster 3 may feel firmer than expected.
Can you run fast in the On Cloudmonster 3?
You can, but that’s not really the purpose of the On Cloudmonster 3. The shoe performs best at easy and steady paces. It works well for daily mileage and long runs but doesn’t have the responsiveness most runners want for speed workouts. If you want a faster On running shoe, something like the Cloudmonster Hyper will be a better choice. For most runners, the Cloudmonster 3 will be a daily mileage shoe.
Does the On Cloudmonster 3 run narrow?
Many On running shoes run narrow, but the On Cloudmonster 3 fits slightly wider than most models in the lineup. That doesn’t make it a wide shoe, but it doesn’t feel overly restrictive either. If On shoes have felt too narrow before, the Cloudmonster 3 may fit better.
How durable is the On Cloudmonster 3?
The On Cloudmonster 3 uses a compressed rubber outsole that holds up well over time. Like many On shoes, the pods can pick up small rocks while running, which has been a common quirk with the brand. That said, I’ve rarely had durability issues with On shoes. Most runners should get 350–400 miles out of the Cloudmonster 3, which is typical for a max-cushioned daily trainer.
Quick facts
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Weight: 295g (men’s), 240g (women’s)
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Stack: 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot
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Drop: 6mm
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Price: $190
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Positioning: max-cushion daily trainer
On Cloudmonster 3 Upper
The On Cloudmonster 3 uses an engineered mesh upper. It’s breathable, fits pretty well, and doesn’t irratiate my feet. What more do you really need? In daily trainer I want a shoe that feels comfortable before the run and beyond…I want it to feel good at mile 1, 10, 20, 30…whatever. The On Cloudmonster 3 does just that.
If you’ve ever tried the On, you know they usually fit on the more narrow side. The On Cloudmonster 3 is one of the wider fitting On running shoes. Is it wide? No, but it does fit on the wider side.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a womens size 10-11 wide and I’ve found the womens size 11 to fit the best. It’s one of the most comfortable running On running shoes I’ve tried and I haven’t had any issues with the fit…really what more do you need in a daily trainer?
On Cloudmonster 3 Ride
The Cloudmonster 3 is firmer than people expect, but the rocker is more effective than v2, and that combination is what makes it feel smoother and more runnable. A lot of people found previous versions to feel clunky and hard to “run fast” but that isn’t the issue here.
The Speedboard (nylon blend, not carbon) adds a bit of longitudinal stiffness, which can reduce that “bendy forefoot” feeling and make the rocker feel snappier, especially at steady pace.
In short, the On Cloudmonster 3 is a max cushioned shoe, but it’s not a marshmellow. You are going to get some responsiveness but not enough to classify it as a super trainer or even a trainer I would pick up the pace in. It’s purpose is to run easy and it does a good job at that.
Outsole
On describes a compressed rubber outsole. It’s not bad but my forever gripe with On running shoes is when you are running, they will pick up rocks. You’ll hear a clink clink clink from the rock stuck in the pod. That’s the nature of most of their shoes. But it does handle traction and even on flat desert trails.
As far as durability, I’ve never had an issue with On running shoes durability and I think these will last a good 400 miles.
Where does the On Cloudmonster 3 fit into my rotation?
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a great daily run and max cushioned trainer. It’s awesome if you are looking for a daily trainer that can handle the rigors of daily training without your body feeling too beat up. If you’re looking for a soft mushy shoe, that’s not it but it’s a nice firm option,
On Cloudmonster 3 Conclusion
If you want a daily trainer that makes long road miles feel good, the On Cloudmonster 3 is a great option. If you’re buying it hoping it feels like a super shoe with training wheels, I’d lower expectations…likely the Lightspray On Cloudmonster Hyper or Hyper will be better options for you.
Who should buy the Cloudmonster 3
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Runners who want a max cushion daily trainer
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Anyone who’s fine paying premium trainer pricing for a shoe that will hold its shape over higher mileage.
Who should not buy the On Cloudmonster 3
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If you want a soft, sink-in ride
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You’re looking for a cheap option
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: 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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Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite daily trainer?
Have you tried the On Cloudmonster?