On Cloudmonster 2 Review
Published: March 7, 2024
The On Cloudmonster 2 Delivers Beastly CloudTec Protection
Likes
- Springy ride with increased protection
- Versatile for daily training and faster paces
- On's signature style looks amazing on foot
Dislikes
- Upper may be too roomy for some
- Midsole could be softer
- Heel collar causes minor irritation
What's New
The On Cloudmonster burst onto the scene last year and immediately made a statement, looking great and performing even better, which was a big step in the evolution of On's running shoes. Now, version two of this max-cushioned daily trainer is ready to delight with its meticulously crafted updates and smashing good looks. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Cloudmonster 2 introduces a new dual-density midsole that features a reformulated Helion foam that promises a responsive and comfortable underfoot experience. This innovative design caters to runners seeking a slightly firmer yet protective ride, making it a dependable shoe for a variety of paces and distances.
Highlighting the Cloudmonster 2 update is the shoe's enhanced stability, which On achieved by combining a firmer midsole foam with a wider base that provides a balanced platform for runners to enjoy over a variety of runs. Along with enhanced stability, the redesigned rockered midsole ensures smooth transitions and efficient forward propulsion, making the Cloudmonster 2 suitable for daily training, long runs, and even the occasional uptempo effort.
The shoe's spacious toe box adds an extra layer of appeal to this monster, accommodating different foot shapes, especially those of the wider variety. With durability in mind, the filled-in midfoot gap contributes to a more robust build, ensuring the Cloudmonster 2 is ready to tackle countless miles on roads and even a mild fire road if you dare. Regardless of how you choose to run in it, the Cloudmonster 2 promises to be a reliable daily companion that will deliver a well-rounded running experience.
The Bottom Line
In the realm of running shoes, the On Cloudmonster 2 emerges as a solid choice for everything daily training thanks to its balance of attributes. The upper, albeit roomier, received mixed opinions from our Running Warehouse team, and while the breathable engineered mesh and updated eyelet system contribute to a lightweight and comfortable on-foot feel, the overall more spacious fit prompted concerns about securing a snug lockdown. Despite this, the Cloudmonster 2's upper delivers a comfortable on-foot experience during extended training runs.
Venturing into the midsole, the Cloudmonster 2 undergoes significant changes that elicit both praise and criticism from the RW crew. The additional 3 mm of foam and a new forefoot insert create a softer and more protective feel, catering to those who want underfoot protection without excess softness. While the midsole excels in providing necessary protection during long runs, our testers were left wanting in terms of performance, especially given the shoe's reputation and price tag. Back on the positive side, the unique midsole always felt stable and offered a surprisingly snappy return, allowing our testers to enjoy uptempo efforts over longer distances. Despite not achieving the "wow" factor that our testers were hoping for, our team praised the midsole for its balance and versatility, making the Cloudmonster 2 a reliable companion for a whole heap of training runs.
The Cloudmonster 2's outsole exhibits commendable traction and durability on various terrains, from pavement to fire roads. Its moderate rubber coverage resists wear, and our testers are confident in its ability to endure the rigors of daily training. The shoe fulfills its role as a protective and durable running companion, ensuring a consistent and reliable ride across different surfaces.
The Cloudmonster 2 caters to runners seeking a highly cushioned shoe with a firmer, springier ride. The rockered shape and stable platform contribute to smooth and efficient strides, particularly at faster paces. Despite concerns about the increased weight due to the elevated stack height, the shoe retains a light and comfortable feel, which was especially appreciated on long runs. While our testers had some critiques about the updates to the upper and the lack of a wow factor from the midsole, the Cloudmonster 2 stands tall as a highly capable and versatile training option, especially for the runner familiar with On running shoes.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.6 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.1 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 37 mm (Heel), 31 mm (Forefoot) | 6 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | Might want to size down .5 size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Jon: "To start things off, I must mention that this shoe fits very big for me, and it is probably the biggest size 11 running shoe I have ever put on. For that reason, it is hard to say whether the upper is too accommodating or if it has more to do with the fact that the shoe felt at least a half size too big. With that caveat, the upper was very spacious, and I had to cinch the laces very tight to obtain a secure fit. Additionally, the heel collar rubbed my left ankle bone just a bit throughout testing. Thankfully, it was not a major issue and didn't prevent me from getting my testing miles, but it was still not ideal, especially for a shoe that is designed to eat up most of your weekly miles. On a more positive note, the upper material feels nice on foot and is very breathable. To my surprise, I also enjoyed the shoe's thinner tongue design, which is not always the case for me."
Liz: "I typically love On's upper designs, but I have mixed feelings about the upper of the Cloudmonster 2. The upper is designed with a thin and breathable engineered mesh with an updated eyelet system for the laces. The fit is now roomier throughout, which is what divides me on this update. While I had no issues with fit and appreciated the roomy design, I felt that my foot was never 100% locked down. That said, I was able to take this shoe for a few long runs in my marathon training cycle, and where I usually have issues with pressure points after 10-plus miles, I had happy feet throughout all my long runs."
Midsole
Jon: "The midsole felt good, but I have to say, I was a little disappointed. Considering how popular the first version was and the shoe's higher price tag, I expected the midsole to stand out in some type of special way, but I did not find it to feel overwhelmingly exciting. It was not particularly bouncy and was not plush underfoot despite all the foam in the midsole. The best feature for me was the nylon-blended Speedboard. It added a great level of stability and kept my form in line when I was running on tired legs. I used the Coudmonster 2 mostly for my easy runs, so I cannot speak to how it feels during faster workouts, but it did deliver a nice little snap when I did a few miles at my current marathon pace (7:30)."
Liz: "The midsole of the Cloudmonster 2 is where we see the biggest changes from version one to two. The shoe has received 3 mm more stack in the midsole and has a new foam insert in the forefoot, which provides a softer and more protective overall feel. While this shoe does not deliver sink-in softness, it has the protection needed for long runs. Furthermore, the Cloudmonster 2 was surprisingly responsive and springy when picking up the pace."
Outsole
Jon: "I had no issues with the Cloudmonster 2's outsole grip during my testing runs. However, I did most of my testing miles on smooth paved roads, so I did not exactly put the outsole through the ringer. The outsole has held up well, and I am not worried about the shoe's ability to last for miles."
Liz: "The Cloudmonster 2 has a moderate amount of rubber coverage on the outsole, which has shown no signs of wear throughout the testing period. I ran most of my miles transitioning from pavement to fire roads and back again, and I was happy with the shoe's traction and durability."
Comparable Shoes
On Cloudmonster 2 vs. On Cloudmonster
Liz: "I enjoyed the changes made to this shoe and feel that On did a wonderful job of improving the model without losing the elements that runners enjoyed about version one. The Cloudmonster 2 maintains the springy feel of its predecessor and has a very similar ride, but the extra protection underfoot and the touch of extra softness are both appreciated updates. I found version two to have a roomier fit as well, but those with narrower feet may prefer the lockdown provided by version one."
On Cloudmonster 2 vs. On Cloudstratus 3
Liz: "These shoes have the same stack height but deliver very different rides. In my opinion, the On Cloudmonster 2 feels best at faster paces and is a great option for those who want a protective yet fast-feeling shoe for longer uptempo runs. The Cloudstratus 3 feels softer and more comfortable when paired with daily training and slower runs. The Cloudstratus 3's comfort also translates into the upper, and I think that the Cloudstratus 3 is better feeling and better looking for daily wear."
On Cloudmonster 2 vs. Saucony Kinvara Pro
Jon: "Another comparable shoe that comes to mind is the Saucony Kinvara Pro. Like the Cloudmonster 2, the Kinvara Pro is a premium daily trainer that has the versatility to take on various types of runs. That said, these two shoes differ dramatically in terms of performance due to differences in the midsole setup. The Kinvara Pro has a higher stack of foam underfoot, including a layer of one of the best midsole foams on the market, PWRRUN PB. Not to mention that the Kinvara Pro also has an embedded carbon plate in the midsole. Those features give it an edge over the Cloudmonster 2, in my opinion, as they create a more cushioned, more responsive, and more efficient underfoot experience."
Individual Thoughts
JonOverall Score: 7.5/10
Overall, the issue I have with the On Cloudmonster 2 is not necessarily anything specific to the Cloudmonster 2. I am fortunate enough that I get to test a lot of shoes, and the more shoes I run in, the harder it is for each shoe to stand out. In the case of the Cloudmonster 2, there just was not anything that particularly stood out while on the run. There was no wow factor. Yes, the midsole felt good, and yes, it was protective with a somewhat responsive ride. Furthermore, thanks to On's signature embedded Speedboard design, the Cloudmonster 2 was also very stable.
I am sure fans of version one will appreciate the upgrades, as there are some notable improvements. That said, if you are not already partial to On running shoes, then there are quite a few options within the premium daily trainer category that I would recommend checking out. That is just my opinion though, and if you are an On loyalist or a runner interested in checking out this stylish and innovative brand, then the Cloudmonster 2 is a great option for daily training runs.
LizOverall Score: 7.5/10
As a runner who wants underfoot protection but does not enjoy overly soft or mushy shoes, the On Cloudmonster 2 is right up my alley. Like the previous version, this shoe has a cushioned yet springy ride that feels good at a variety of paces. While the Cloudmonster 2 still leans on the firm side when compared to other max-cushion shoes, it does not feel harsh underfoot, providing a balanced underfoot experience that has no issue adapting to pace. The foam is not particularly bouncy, but there is a springiness to the midsole that is especially noticeable at faster paces when compressing the CloudTec Pods in the midsole. This works with the rockered midsole shape and Speedboard plate to propel the wearer forward through their stride smoothly and efficiently. I also appreciated how stable this shoe felt, especially given the high stack height. The firmer foam and wide base of version two help to keep the wearer feeling balanced while also allowing the shoe to feel more nimble underfoot.
While many runners may have issues with the additional weight of the updated Cloudmonster, the shoe did not feel heavy on foot, and I appreciated the extra protection provided by the higher stacked midsole, especially on long runs.
My biggest complaint with the Cloudmonster 2 is the volume of the upper. The material felt baggy through the midfoot, and I never felt like I got a very secure lockdown. That said, I appreciated the extra room in the toe box and never had issues with hot spots or discomfort in this shoe. So, while I am complaining about the upper, I never had any problems with it, and in the end, I found it to be very comfortable.
If you are looking for a highly cushioned shoe with a firmer, springier ride, then the On Cloudmonster 2 is a model to consider. There are probably better options for dedicated uptempo runs and softer options for longer, easier runs, but if you want one shoe that can work for most of your daily runs, or you need a highly cushioned shoe that feels more stable underfoot, then the On Cloudmonster 2 is a reliable option.
On Men's Cloudmonster
The On Cloudmonster is a highly cushioned running shoe that features the brand's largest cloud elements in order to provide maximum comfort during your everyday runs.
On Women's Cloudmonster
The On Cloudmonster is a highly cushioned running shoe that features the brand's largest cloud elements in order to provide maximum comfort during your everyday runs.
