On Cloudmonster 3 Review: Third Time’s the Charm?

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

The On Cloudmonster wowed us with its original debut in March of 2022. Chunky, asymmetrical CloudTec pods cushioned every stride, making the Cloudmonster a massive departure from what we were used to. Not only was the shoe much more cushioned than any On running shoe we had ever tried, but it simply felt fun to run in!

The Cloudmonster 2 broke our hearts a little bit with an ill-fitting upper and a flat-feeling midsole. We waited with bated breath to try the Cloudmonster 3, which On promised would be better than the previous iteration. Wear tester Kate — who loved her original pair of Cloudmonsters so much she wore them into the ground — marked the date on her calendar and anxiously checked her doorstep for that long-awaited package from On.

Is the third time the charm for this beloved monster? Read on to find out.

Another thing the Cloudmonster 3 can handle? Slick, wet conditions. Tom got a firsthand look at this during the recent winter storms in upstate New York.

“The outsole has a little more bite in the tread compared to some other road shoes I’ve run in recently — which has been a welcomed surprise while running in snow, slush and ice the past few weeks!” he says.

If you were victimized by a poorly fitting Cloudmonster 2, this is the section of our review you’ve likely been waiting for. On has updated the fit of the Cloudmonster 3, and we feel like we have our old friend back.

“I loved the original Cloudmonster, but the second edition didn’t fit me quite right. And I am thrilled to say that the third time’s the charm!” Kate says.

My usual 6.5 fit true to size on me, with a snug heel and midfoot and slightly spacious toebox. A sleek, engineered mesh material offers breathability and support while remaining relatively lightweight. The heel collar and tongue offer just enough padding for comfort, without adding any bulk.

“There’s something very satisfying about stepping into these — my foot glides right in like a glove and then locks into place,” says Tom. “I like the sturdier feel of the upper material compared to some stretchy and soft uppers on other models. It feels light and airy while doing a nice job of securing my foot in place with minimal side-to-side movement. I think the Cloudmonster 3 runs a tad longer than a few other On shoes I’ve tried recently, so if you're in between sizes, it could be worth trying on both first to find what works best for you.”

Not sure about the shape, width or size of your feet? Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height. You can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there!

If you’ve read this far, you know that we consider the Cloudmonster 3 to be a major upgrade from the Cloudmonster 2. It fits much better and delivers that fun, lively sensation we fell in love with the first time around.

“I loved the original Cloudmonster, and I am so happy that this one feels like the original that I was such a big fan of,” says Kate.

The fit of the Cloudmonster 2 was definitely an issue, and it’s hard to say whether or not the midsole feeling flat was a result of different materials or a symptom of the shoe just not fitting quite right. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed the original version of the Cloudmonster and were disappointed with the 2, you’ll likely enjoy the 3.

We took a look at some comparable models to see how the Cloudmonster 3 stacks up. Here’s what we found:

The On Cloudmonster 3, ASICS Novablast 5 and Brooks Glycerin Max 2 all deliver springy rides with ample cushioning underfoot. They all achieve this in different ways, On using their CloudTec cushioning system with a nylon Speedboard, ASICS with their bouncy FF BLAST MAX midsole foam and Brooks with their nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned cushioning.

If I had to rank them from firmest to softest, I’d put the Novablast at the softest end of the spectrum, with the Glycerin Max 2 following closely behind. The Cloudmonster 3 delivers a much firmer, rigid experience, which a lot of runners may prefer for faster paces but not necessarily easier recovery runs.

The On Cloudmonster 3’s firm ride has come up a few times in this review, but in case you missed it, this is not a shoe for the soft-and-squishy cushion lovers!

“The Cloudmonster 3 is a great do-it-all shoe for all levels of runners,” Tom says. “Even non-runners will appreciate its all-day comfort for walking and standing on your feet for long hours.”

Kate agreed, noting that the Cloudmonster 3 is one of the few shoes she finds comfortable for both running and walking. Of course, running shoes can be used for walking, but many runners have different preferences for the two activities. We’re happy to report that the Cloudmonster 3 feels great for both!

“I think the Cloudmonster is a fantastic trainer for people who like a firmly cushioned shoe with a rocker shape and a dynamic ride,” says Kate. “It’s nice and cushioned without being so tall that you think you’ll turn an ankle. And it’s peppy no matter the pace you’re running. From a style perspective, it also has a unique, fun look. I think this will be a winner for a lot of people!”