On Cloudmonster by On Holding AG - maximal cushioning for long runs

On Cloudmonster is the shoe you notice the moment you step onto a wet city sidewalk and feel the soft, high-stack foam compress under your weight. The towering Cloud elements look like hollowed-out marshmallows, and designer Olivier Bernhard says they were built to make daily miles feel less harsh.

Cushioning-focused training shoe

The Cloudmonster is a neutral road running shoe designed as a high-cushion trainer for everyday runs and longer distances rather than an all-out racing shoe. Oversized CloudTec pods in the midsole deliver a plush landing, while a forefoot rocker aims to keep the stride rolling smoothly. On combines these elements with a Helion superfoam midsole compound to balance softness and rebound underfoot.

According to On, the shoe sits in its Swiss brand’s lineup as an option for runners who want a noticeably cushioned ride but still appreciate a responsive feel rather than a pure pillow-style shoe. Independent reviewers at Believe in the Run describe the Cloudmonster as one of On’s "bounciest" trainers, highlighting how its exaggerated Cloud geometry differs from more conservative models like the Cloudswift and Cloudflow.

Design, stack height and feel

Slip your foot into the Cloudmonster and the first impression is the elevated stance: stack height around 30 mm in the heel and roughly 26 mm in the forefoot gives a pronounced, cushioned platform, with a 6 mm drop that suits midfoot strikers. The midsole’s visible Cloud pods are larger and more open than on many other On models, which helps the shoe compress more deeply on impact.

On pairs this structured cushioning with what it calls a "Speedboard", a semi-rigid plate embedded above the Clouds that is meant to guide the foot through transition and add some snap when pushing off. Runner’s World testers noted that this combination can feel energetic despite the high level of foam, making the shoe suitable for steady tempo runs as well as recovery days. On Cloudmonster also uses a rocker geometry that gently tips the runner forward, supporting a rolling stride without feeling unstable.

Upper, fit and daily usability

The upper uses engineered mesh with zones of differing density to provide breathability over the toes and more structured support around the midfoot. When you run in warm conditions, you can feel air moving through the forefoot, while the slightly reinforced eyestay keeps laces from cutting into the instep. A moderately padded tongue and heel collar aim to keep pressure points low, especially for runners logging frequent mileage.

Reviewers report that fit runs true to size for most, with a medium-width platform that should accommodate many foot shapes but may feel tight for very wide feet. A molded heel counter helps lock the rearfoot in place, and the lacing system allows micro-adjustments without needing to overtighten. On’s Swiss design language is visible in the minimalist branding and clean lines, a style that appeals to runners who also want a shoe that can pass in casual settings.

Materials and sustainability aspects

On states that the Cloudmonster uses partially recycled materials, particularly in the upper, though the brand does not position it as a flagship eco model. According to On’s sustainability communications, the company is gradually increasing recycled content in its footwear range, focusing on polyester and polyamide components. The Helion foam itself is a proprietary blend designed for durability and consistent performance across temperature ranges.

The rubber outsole features strategically placed pads at high-abrasion zones, with gaps between the Cloud pods to save weight and maintain flexibility. On warns that very small stones can occasionally become lodged in the central channel of the sole, a characteristic shared with several of its CloudTec designs, though reviewers mention this is more of an occasional nuisance than a major flaw.

Position in the On lineup

On CEO Martin Hoffmann has described the brand’s cushioned trainers as a growing pillar of its performance portfolio, addressing demand from runners who want comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. The Cloudmonster sits above models like the Cloudrunner and Cloudgo in perceived cushioning, while remaining distinct from more race-oriented shoes such as the Cloudboom Echo. This gives On a better spread across use cases, from everyday mileage to marathon preparation.

On’s official product page lists Cloudmonster as best suited for road running, everyday speed and long-distance training runs, with recommended usage ranging from easy jogs to uptempo sessions. The model complements the lighter Cloudsurfer, which uses a different computer-optimized midsole structure, and allows retailers to offer a clearly different underfoot feel within the same brand wall.

Pricing, availability and target runners

On sells the Cloudmonster at a recommended retail price of around 170 USD in the United States and approximately 170 EUR in European markets, placing it in the upper mid-price segment for premium running shoes. The shoe is available through On’s own online store, various sports retailers and specialist running shops in multiple colorways for men and women.

On Cloudmonster targets runners who prioritize cushioning but still enjoy a lively ride, especially those logging frequent medium to long runs on the road. It can work as a single main shoe for many recreational runners or as a complementary long-run option alongside a lighter tempo or race shoe. For heavier runners or those coming back from minor niggles, the extra foam underfoot offers psychological and mechanical comfort.

Context, category impact and stock

Within On Holding AG’s portfolio, cushioned road trainers like the Cloudmonster sit in the lifestyle-adjacent performance segment, drawing interest from both dedicated runners and style-conscious consumers. The large Cloud pods and distinctive silhouette make the shoe visually recognizable on the street, supporting On’s broader brand presence beyond specialist channels. This cushioned trainer category contributes meaningfully to On’s footwear revenue as the brand expands internationally, and On Holding AG stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange in US dollars.