I wanted the On Cloudmonster 3 to be the On shoe that finally converted me. Not the lifestyle-shoe-with-running-ambitions thing. A real daily trainer. Something I could take on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, hear that weird On click-click underfoot, and think: okay, they got me.
After 70 logged miles in my test pair, plus lab measurements, my answer is messy. The Cloudmonster 3 is the best serious running shoe I’ve tested from On. It is also not the best max-cushion daily trainer I would recommend to most runners. Both things can be true. Annoying, I know.
This On Cloudmonster 3 Review is based on a men’s US 11 test pair, my 182 lb frame, road and boardwalk mileage, treadmill runs, and one Forsythe Refuge gravel mistake that reminded me why On pods and loose stones are still not friends.
Quick Verdict: Is the On Cloudmonster 3 Worth It?
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a firm, stable max-cushion trainer with a strange but useful ride. It is worth it for On-curious runners who want protection, a rolling Speedboard feel, and a shoe that does not mush out under body weight. It is not my top pick if you want simple, soft, traditional daily-trainer comfort.
| Category | Score | What I found |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 6/10 | Interesting, protective, but less refined than the best max-cushion trainers |
| Cushioning | 7/10 | Tall, bouncy, protective, not pillowy |
| Ride smoothness | 6/10 | Fun when the pods click; awkward on gravel and tight turns |
| Stability | 8/10 | Wide base, rigid platform, low wobble for a neutral shoe |
| Fit | 7/10 | Half-size-up worked for me; midfoot stays snug |
| Durability | 7/10 | Good at 70 miles, but pod compression is worth watching |
| Value | 6/10 | On fans will enjoy it; everyone else should compare first |
Bottom line: The Cloudmonster 3 is On finally making a real max-cushion running shoe. I still prefer the HOKA Bondi 9, HOKA Clifton, and several traditional daily trainers for most runners, but this is the first On shoe I would not immediately talk someone out of buying.
On Cloudmonster 3 Specs and Lab Data
The Cloudmonster 3 measures like a tall, moderately soft, rigid max-cushion trainer. On claims a 6mm drop and a 10.4 oz men’s sample weight; my lab pair came in at 10.51 oz with a 5.7mm measured drop. Close enough.
| Spec | Claimed / listed | NextGait lab result | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10.4 oz / 295g | 10.51 oz / 298g | Heavy-ish for On, normal for max cushion |
| Stack height | 38mm heel / 32mm forefoot | 37.8mm heel / 32.1mm forefoot | Tall enough to feel protective |
| Drop | 6mm | 5.7mm | Moderate drop with a strong rocker |
| Midsole | Helion HF Superfoam | 20 HA heel durometer | Softer by lab reading than the ride feels |
| Cold durometer | Not listed | 23 HA | Only 15% firmer in cold conditions |
| Flexibility | Speedboard / CloudTec | 41.5N bend force | Rigid enough to force the roll |
| Torsional rigidity | Not listed | 4/5 | Stable platform, not twisty |
| Heel counter | Not listed | 3/5 | Secure without feeling like a brace |
| Toe box width | Standard width | 99.8mm widest / 77.0mm big toe | Fine for medium feet, not true wide |
| Outsole | Rubber coverage | 2.8mm / 73 HC | Adequate rubber, not a tank |
| Breathability | Engineered upper | 4/5 | Good for warm boardwalk miles |
Runner’s World also described the Cloudmonster 3 as firm for a max-cushion shoe and noted the smaller pod layout gives a smoother transition than older versions. That matched my road runs, but only on clean pavement. Once rocks get involved, the old On problem starts tapping you on the shoulder. Source: Runner’s World Cloudmonster 3 review.
How I Tested the On Cloudmonster 3
I tested the Cloudmonster 3 over 70 miles across boardwalk, asphalt, treadmill, and light gravel. My test pair was men’s US 11 because On tends to run snug for my 10.5 foot, and I wanted enough toe room for longer runs.
- Tester: Ken, 5’10, 182 lb, mild overpronator, heel-to-midfoot striker.
- Routes: Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ventnor promenade, Brigantine roads, treadmill, and Forsythe Refuge gravel.
- Paces: Recovery at 9:30-10:30/mi, easy at 9:00-9:30/mi, steady at 8:15-8:45/mi, short fartlek pickups near tempo effort.
- Best run: A fartlek where the pods compressed cleanly and the Speedboard made pace changes more fun than expected.
- Worst run: Forsythe Refuge gravel. I stopped twice to dig pebbles out of the pods. Classic On behavior.
- Context: I compared it against my own miles in the best cushioned running shoes category and my current daily-trainer rotation.
Full disclosure: my first instinct with On is skepticism. I wanted to love the Cloudflyer 4 in 2023, but after 190 miles it still felt more interesting than good. The Cloudmonster 3 is a big step forward. It just has not erased the pod weirdness entirely.
Ride Feel: Tall, Clicky, Bouncy, and Weirdly Fun
The Cloudmonster 3 ride feels tall and bouncy at first, then firmer once you settle in. You land on the CloudTec pods, they compress, and the Speedboard snaps you into the next step. It is not a normal foam experience.
My first run was a 5-miler on the Boardwalk in 65F weather with a light breeze. First thought: these are tall. Second thought: there is actual cushioning here. Third thought: why does my shoe sound like a tiny plastic mechanism doing office work?
Once the rhythm clicks, the Cloudmonster 3 is fun at easy and steady pace. The shoe rolls more than it flexes. That helps if you like a guided transition. It does not help if you want a soft, natural, disappearing daily trainer.
| Run type | Pace tested | Ride result | My take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery runs | 9:30-10:30/mi | Protective but a little mechanical | Good, not cozy |
| Easy runs | 9:00-9:30/mi | Best range for the shoe | The roll starts to make sense |
| Steady long runs | 8:15-8:45/mi | Snappy and stable | Surprisingly enjoyable |
| Fartlek pickups | Short tempo surges | Responsive, but not light | Fun in small doses |
| Track work | Not ideal | Too tall and complex | Use a lighter shoe |
| Gravel | Bad idea | Pods catch debris | Nope |
Fit, Sizing, and Upper
The Cloudmonster 3 fit is snug through the midfoot, secure in the heel, and safest half-size up for me. I wear 10.5 US in many brands, but my test pair was 11 US. That was the right call.
The upper is structured without feeling harsh. Heel lockdown is good. The padded collar does its job. The midfoot is snug, though, and if your foot is high-volume or wide, I would not buy this blind. On still does not feel as roomy as Brooks, HOKA, or New Balance on my foot.
| Foot type | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow foot | True to size likely works | Midfoot hold is easy to dial |
| Medium foot | Consider normal size or half-size up | Depends on toe-room preference |
| Wide foot | Try before buying | No true wide feel in my pair |
| High-volume foot | Be careful | Midfoot can feel snug |
| Heel slippage issues | Good option | Heel collar and upper hold well |
For wider feet, I would look at my flat feet running shoe guide or broader best running shoes list before forcing the Cloudmonster 3 to work.
Speedboard and Rocker: Helpful or Too Rigid?
The Speedboard makes the Cloudmonster 3 roll smoothly, but it also makes the shoe feel mechanical. The platform is stiff, the torsional rigidity is high, and the shoe wants to guide your foot forward whether you asked or not.
At steady pace, that is a feature. The shoe almost nudges you into the next stride, and I could hold 8:30-ish pace without the shoe feeling dead. At slower walking pace, the firmness is more noticeable. At faster tempo pace, the weight and tall build start making themselves known.
If you want a lighter workout shoe, this is not it. For faster days, I would rather use a tempo trainer from my treadmill shoe guide or something more flexible for intervals. For actual speed work programming, see interval training for runners.
Stability: Better Than Most Neutral Max-Cushion Shoes
The Cloudmonster 3 is a neutral shoe, but its wide base and rigid platform feel stable. It does not use a medial post or classic stability system. Still, my mild overpronation stayed calmer than expected on longer easy runs.
The lab numbers support the feel: 4/5 torsional rigidity, a wide forefoot platform, and a moderately firm heel counter. The shoe does not collapse inward much under my 182 lb frame. That is the good part. The tradeoff is that the ride can feel controlled rather than relaxed.
If you need real stability, I would still point you toward something like the ASICS Gel-Kayano or Brooks Adrenaline GTS. For stable-neutral max cushion, the Cloudmonster 3 is more interesting.
Outsole, Durability, and the Rock-Trapping Problem
The outsole looks fine after 70 miles, but the CloudTec pods still hate loose gravel. Road durability is good so far. Gravel usability is not. My Forsythe Refuge run made that painfully clear.
At 70 miles, the pods show some compression but no alarming breakdown. The outsole rubber is adequate. Boardwalk and road traction were solid, including damp planks. The problem is not road grip. It is debris. Small rocks can still lodge in the pods, and stopping mid-run to claw pebbles out of a $190-ish shoe is not my idea of premium fun.
| Surface | Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry pavement | Good | Smoothest and most useful surface |
| Wooden boardwalk | Good | Stable, protective, nice roll |
| Wet boardwalk | Good | Better grip than older On shoes I have tested |
| Treadmill | Good | Works for easy miles, not my speed pick |
| Packed gravel | Poor | Pebbles find the pods |
| Trail | Skip it | This is not a trail shoe |
For wet-road context, see my guide to running in the rain. For retirement timing, use when to replace running shoes instead of pretending outsole rubber lasts forever.
Cloudmonster 3 vs Bondi 9, Novablast 5, and 1080
The Cloudmonster 3 is more unique than its rivals, but unique does not always mean better. Against the best daily trainers, it wins on personality and loses on simplicity.
| Shoe | Ride | Best for | My verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Cloudmonster 3 | Tall, pod-based, rolling | On fans, stable-neutral cruising | Most interesting, not most refined |
| HOKA Bondi 9 | Simple, protective, cushioned | Recovery and easy long runs | More comfortable and reliable |
| ASICS Novablast 5 | Bouncier and smoother | Daily runs with fun pop | Better overall daily trainer |
| New Balance 1080v13 | Traditional soft daily ride | Comfort-focused mileage | Smoother underfoot |
| On Cloudflyer 4 | Older pod-stability feel | On curiosity | Cloudmonster is much better for running |
| On Cloud 6 | Lifestyle-adjacent | Walking and casual wear | Cloudmonster is the real running shoe |
That is why my Cloudmonster 3 verdict is not a simple yes/no. If you love On and want their most serious cushioned trainer, this is the one. If you just want the best cushioned running shoe for the money, compare it against heavy runner shoes, knee pain shoes, and my On Cloud 6 review first.
Who Should Buy the On Cloudmonster 3?
Buy the Cloudmonster 3 if you want a stable, protective On shoe for easy and steady miles. Skip it if you want a soft, simple, lightweight trainer or if your routes include gravel.
| Runner | Buy or skip? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| On fans wanting real cushioning | Buy | This is On’s most convincing running trainer in my testing |
| Medium-width neutral runners | Buy | Fit and platform work well |
| Mild overpronators | Maybe | Stable-neutral feel, but not a true stability shoe |
| Heavy runners | Maybe | Protective ride, but compare Bondi/Nimbus-type options |
| Wide-foot runners | Try first | Midfoot is snug |
| Speed-focused runners | Skip | Too tall and heavy for track days |
| Trail or gravel runners | Skip | Pods catch debris |
| Runners wanting plush softness | Skip | The ride is bouncy but not pillow-soft |
Beginner runners can use it, but I would not make it the default first shoe. My beginner running shoes, men’s running shoes, and women’s running shoes guides have safer broad picks.
Pros and Cons
The Cloudmonster 3 is protective, stable, and more fun than older On shoes, but still overcomplicated. I respect it more than I love it.
| What I like | What I do not love |
|---|---|
| Finally feels like a serious On running shoe | Still catches debris in the pods |
| Stable for a neutral max-cushion trainer | Not as smooth as traditional foam shoes |
| Fun rolling sensation at steady pace | Too tall and heavy for speed work |
| Good heel lockdown | Midfoot may feel snug |
| Lab-measured drop and weight match claims closely | Expensive for a 6/10 shoe in my rotation |
| Better than Cloudflyer 4 for actual running | I still prefer Bondi, Novablast, and 1080 for most runners |
Best Shoe Rotation With the Cloudmonster 3
The Cloudmonster 3 works best as an easy-day and steady-long-run shoe in a rotation. Pair it with a lighter trainer for speed and a softer shoe for recovery if your budget allows.
| Run type | Use Cloudmonster 3? | Better partner shoe type |
|---|---|---|
| Easy run | Yes | Use Cloudmonster 3 |
| Steady long run | Yes | Use Cloudmonster 3 if you like the roll |
| Recovery run | Maybe | Softer max-cushion shoe |
| Tempo run | Maybe | Lighter tempo trainer |
| Intervals | No | Flexible or plated speed trainer |
| Treadmill | Yes for easy | Lighter shoe for fast treadmill reps |
| Rainy pavement | Yes | Avoid gravel after storms |
I would rotate it with a smoother daily trainer and something quicker for workouts. My own training philosophy is simple: different shoes load your legs differently, and that can help if you do not use it as an excuse to buy fourteen pairs. For recovery planning, read recovery and rest days.
FAQ
Is the On Cloudmonster 3 good for running?
Yes, the On Cloudmonster 3 is good for easy running, steady long runs, and runners who like a stable rockered ride. It is not my first choice for speed workouts or gravel routes.
Does the On Cloudmonster 3 run true to size?
The Cloudmonster 3 runs snug for me, and I went half a size up from my usual 10.5 to men’s US 11. Medium feet may be fine true to size, but wide feet should try it on first.
Is the On Cloudmonster 3 soft?
The Cloudmonster 3 is cushioned but not traditionally soft. The lab durometer is moderate, but the Speedboard and pod geometry make the ride feel firmer and more mechanical than a plush trainer.
Is the Cloudmonster 3 good for long runs?
Yes, the Cloudmonster 3 works well for long runs on clean pavement if you like a rolling, stable ride. I would not choose it for gravel or technical paths.
Is the On Cloudmonster 3 a stability shoe?
No, it is a neutral shoe. That said, the wide base, rigid Speedboard feel, and tall platform make it more stable than many neutral max-cushion trainers.
How durable is the Cloudmonster 3?
At 70 miles, my pair showed normal pod compression and no major outsole failure. I would watch the CloudTec pods over time because the design is more complex than a normal slab of foam.
Is the Cloudmonster 3 good for walking?
Yes, it can work well for walking if you like a rockered, cushioned feel. Some runners may find it firm at walking pace compared with softer max-cushion shoes.
Can heavy runners use the Cloudmonster 3?
Yes, heavier runners can use the Cloudmonster 3 because the platform feels stable and protective. I still recommend comparing it with Bondi-style and Nimbus-style max cushion shoes.
Is the Cloudmonster 3 better than the Bondi 9?
No, not for most runners. The Cloudmonster 3 is more unique and more mechanical; the Bondi 9 is simpler, smoother, and easier to recommend for pure comfort.
Should I buy the On Cloudmonster 3?
Buy it if you specifically want an On max-cushion shoe with a stable rolling ride. Skip it if you want soft, simple, lightweight, or gravel-friendly daily training.
Final Verdict
The On Cloudmonster 3 is On’s best serious cushioned runner, but it is still a niche pick. I like the shoe. I do not love it. And at this price, love matters.
For clean pavement, easy miles, and runners who enjoy the CloudTec/Speedboard feel, the Cloudmonster 3 finally makes On feel legitimate as a max-cushion running brand. For everyone else, the safer picks are still smoother, simpler daily trainers. The Cloudmonster 3 is not a bad shoe. It is a weird shoe that works best for runners who want exactly this kind of weird.
NextGait may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. That never changes my testing notes, rankings, or whether I call a shoe weird in public. Full disclosure.
About Ken
I am Ken, the runner behind NextGait. I have logged 12,500+ miles, tested 63 running shoes, and race-tested shoes from 5Ks to marathons and one 50K. I am 5’10, 182 lb, mildly overpronate, and do most of my testing around Atlantic City, Brigantine, and the Pine Barrens.
My reviews use real training miles, lab measurements, shoe-mileage logs, and enough bad route choices to keep me humble. I buy or test shoes like a normal runner, then say the quiet part out loud. Read more about me