On Cloudmonster Review: Are These Max-Cushion Shoes Really Worth the Hype?

You know that moment a few miles into a run when your legs start to feel like they’re arguing with you? The sidewalk feels harder, every footstrike echoes up your shins, and you start negotiating with yourself about cutting the route short. Thats the silent tax of impact  and most shoes either cushion it away or steal your energy with every step.

Enter the On Cloudmonster, a maximalist-looking running shoe that promises something almost contradictory: huge cushioning that still feels light, responsive, and fun. Its Ons boldest daily trainer yet, and its quickly become one of the brands most talked-about models among runners, walkers, and casual wearers alike.

Meet the On Cloudmonster: Big Clouds, Bigger Energy

The On Cloudmonster is Ons max-cushion road shoe, built around oversized "Cloud" pods and a tall slab of Helion foam underfoot. If youve tried other On shoes and thought, "Cool tech, but too firm," this is the model that tries to flip that narrative.

Ons goal with the Cloudmonster is simple: give you that big, soft, protective ride you expect from max-cushion shoes like the Nike Invincible or New Balance 1080  but with a snappier, more forward-rolling feel that doesnt leave you stuck in the mud on tempo days.

Why this specific model?

There are a lot of cushioned trainers out there right now. So why are people gravitating to the Cloudmonster specifically?

• It finally feels soft (for an On). Earlier On models were often criticized on Reddit and forums for being too firm. The Cloudmonster uses a thicker stack of Helion foam and exaggerated Cloud pods to deliver noticeably more underfoot softness, especially in the heel.
• Rocker + Speedboard = Rolls you forward. The shoe combines a pronounced rocker shape with Ons rigid Speedboard plate. That isnt a carbon racer plate; its a thermoplastic insert that stabilizes the foam and helps you transition smoothly from heel to toe. Translation: your stride feels more guided, less effortful.
• Max cushion without max bulk. Many runners report that, despite the massive stack, the Cloudmonster doesnt feel like a heavy tank on foot. It has a roomy yet secure upper and a relatively nimble feel for easy runs, long runs, and even some light uptempo work.
• All-day comfort factor. A not-so-secret use case: people who buy these for running often end up wearing them for commuting, travel, or standing at work. The plush platform and responsive foam make it a favorite "all-day shoe" on Reddit threads.

In practical terms, this means the Cloudmonster shines for:

• Easy and recovery runs
• Long runs where you want protection but dont want to feel sluggish
• High-mileage training blocks where impact management really matters
• Daily wear if youre on your feet a lot

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
Max-stack Helion superfoam midsole with oversized Cloud pods	Delivers a soft, cushioned feel that reduces impact on joints while still feeling bouncy and energetic.
Pronounced rocker geometry + integrated Speedboard	Helps roll you forward smoothly for less effort per stride, ideal for long and easy runs.
Neutral road running design	Best suited for runners without heavy overpronation who want a natural, cushioned ride.
Breathable engineered mesh upper	Keeps feet secure yet comfortable, with good ventilation for warm conditions and longer efforts.
Durable rubber outsole coverage	Provides reliable grip and helps the shoe handle high-mileage training without wearing out quickly.
Distinctive, bold design aesthetics	Looks striking on the run and pairs easily with casual outfits for lifestyle wear.
Available in multiple colorways on Ons official site	Lets you match your style  from understated neutrals to loud, high-visibility options.

What Users Are Saying

Scan through Reddit threads and running forums about the Cloudmonster and a clear pattern emerges.

The love:

• Cushion + fun ride. Many runners say its the first On shoe that truly feels like a max-cushion trainer, with several posts calling it "surprisingly fun" and "way bouncier than expected." People praise how fresh their legs feel after long runs.
• Comfort for miles  and for work. Nurses, retail workers, and frequent travelers pop up in discussions saying they bought it for running and kept it for standing and walking shifts. The underfoot comfort is a recurring highlight.
• Style factor. Even non-runners are picking it up for its bold silhouette. Multiple users mention getting compliments and questions like, "What shoes are those?"

The criticism:

• Fit quirks. Some users report the shoe runs slightly long or that the midfoot can feel a bit snug depending on foot shape. Trying true-to-size vs. half-size down is a common discussion point.
• Not a race-day rocket. While responsive, the Cloudmonster isnt meant to replace carbon-plated super shoes. Faster runners on Reddit view it more as a cushioned daily trainer than a PR machine.
• Price. The premium price point compared to some traditional trainers makes a few runners hesitate, especially those who burn through shoes quickly.

Overall sentiment: if you want a plush, protective shoe that feels distinct from the typical squishy foam brigade, most users say the Cloudmonster delivers on its promise.

Alternatives vs. On Cloudmonster

The max-cushion category is crowded right now, and the Cloudmonster has some very serious competition.

• Hoka Bondi: The Bondi is arguably the king of pillowy-soft daily trainers. It generally feels softer and more "marshmallowy" than the Cloudmonster, but also less energetic. If you want pure plush and dont care about bounce, Bondi wins. If you want cushion plus some snap, Cloudmonster takes the edge.
• Nike Invincible Run: Nikes ZoomX Invincible is extremely soft and bouncy with a very wide platform for stability. Some runners find it almost too wild or unstable at times. The Cloudmonster feels more controlled and a bit firmer underfoot, with a smoother rocker transition.
• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080: A very versatile daily trainer, softer and more traditional-feeling than the Cloudmonster. The 1080 is a great "do-it-all" shoe. The Cloudmonster, by contrast, feels more specialized: big-cushion, high-fun-factor rides that stand out visually and underfoot.
• Other On models (e.g., Cloudsurfer, Cloudrunner): If youre already in the On ecosystem, the Cloudmonster is the brands max-cushion outlier. The Cloudsurfer offers a smoother, lighter ride with less stack, while the Cloudrunner leans more supportive. For maximum impact protection and the most dramatic "On" feel, the Cloudmonster sits at the top of the comfort ladder.

Viewed against the field, the Cloudmonsters main differentiator is its combination of firm-ish On DNA with genuinely big cushioning and a rockered, rolling stride. It doesnt try to be the squishiest shoe; it wants to be the most fun On shoe to log big miles in.

Who is the On Cloudmonster for?

Youll likely appreciate the Cloudmonster if:

• You want a max-cushion shoe for easy and long runs but dont love ultra-soft, unstable foams.
• You like a rocker that helps move you forward with less effort.
• You value design and want a shoe that looks as bold as it feels.
• You need something that can double as a comfortable all-day, on-your-feet shoe.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You are a heavy overpronator needing strong stability features and posting.
• You prefer very low, minimal shoes or firm, traditional trainers.
• Your priority is pure race-day speed with carbon plates and ultra-light builds.

Final Verdict

The On Cloudmonster feels like a statement from On Holding AG (ISIN: CH1134540470): the Swiss brand best known for sleek, slightly firm everyday trainers is fully committing to the max-cushion era  but on its own terms.

If youre tired of finishing runs feeling beaten up, or youre curious about max-cushion shoes but dont want to sink into a soft pillow, the Cloudmonster sits right in that sweet spot. Its cushioned enough to protect, responsive enough to stay fun, and stylish enough that youll probably reach for it even when youre not running.

No shoe is perfect. Fit can be quirky, and its not a magic bullet for speed. But as a high-mileage daily trainer and all-day comfort shoe, the Cloudmonster is one of the most compelling options in Ons lineup  and a standout in the current wave of big-stack, big-fun footwear.

If your legs have been begging for mercy on longer efforts, this might be your sign: lace up the On Cloudmonster, lean into that rocker, and see how far you can go when your shoes feel like theyre finally working with you instead of against you.