On Cloudmonster 3 Review: Max Cushioning Without the Mush
On Cloudmonster 3 combines max cushioning with a firm, responsive ride that protects legs on long runs without feeling soft or sluggish.A redesigned midsole with smaller CloudTec pods improves flexibility, smooths transitions, and makes toe-off feel quicker than prior versions.
The updated upper offers better forefoot comfort and more secure midfoot and heel lockdown, refining fit without changing the shoe’s structured feel.Firm Cushioning That Works for Long RunsIn the past few weeks, On has debuted three new versions of the Cloudmonster: the Cloudmonster 3, Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, and Lightspray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper. I’ve had the chance to run in all of them, and my favorite has been the base model, the Cloudmonster 3. This iteration levels up the previous models by giving runners a combination of ample cushioning and a surprisingly firm ride with an improved upper.This balance between the snappy ride and comfy footing is what I appreciate most about the shoe. It effectively absorbs the impact of long runs without feeling overly soft and sluggish, or giving me that uncomfortable “running on a mattress” sensation. Instead, the firmness keeps the ride controlled and responsive.During several long runs—ranging from 9 to 16 miles—the Cloudmonster 3 maintained this balance pretty dang well. My legs never felt worn out, and the midsole didn’t collapse into softness. Instead, the cushioning remained structured, protecting my legs while still encouraging forward momentum. I often finished long runs feeling like I could keep going strong, which is not always the case with highly cushioned trainers. In fact, after my first long run in these shoes, I reached out to Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, begging to write this review.Midsole Changes Create a Smoother RideOne of the most noticeable updates in this model is the midsole design. Previous Cloudmonster versions feature large cutouts in the midsole, but the Cloudmonster 3 utilizes three rows of smaller cells. Although this change may seem subtle, it significantly affects the shoe’s performance. The smaller pods allow the foam between them to flex more easily, creating a smoother transition through each stride.The result of this is a ride that feels snappy without sacrificing softness or adding weight. You still benefit from the protective stack that characterizes the Cloudmonster line, but the shoe feels more fluid underfoot. The toe-off feels quicker, and the midsole doesn’t seem as rigid as in earlier versions.Upper Fit Feels More Dialed InThe upper has also improved, particularly in the forefoot area. Previous iterations of this shoe could feel slightly bulky while also being too snug. The Cloudmonster 3 refines both the shape and structure. The mesh is more accommodating while securely holding the foot in place. The gusseted tongue helps anchor the midfoot, and the heel collar provides comfortable structure without unnecessary padding.Dengate noted that the heel and midfoot feel more secure in this version, thanks to the gusseted tongue, which aligns with my experience. Lockdown feels stable without requiring overly tight lacing. Some testers have reported that the toebox can make the shoe feel a little long, but the general consensus is that the shoe fits true-to-size.Still Firm—Not PlushRunners who expect a soft ride from a max-cushioned shoe may be surprised by the firmness underfoot. Dengate mentioned that the Cloudmonster 3 initially felt quite stiff, similar to previous versions. However, he also observed that the foam seems to break in over time, shifting the perception from expecting softness to appreciating responsiveness, which ultimately made the ride more enjoyable.For me, I was a fan out of the box. I vacillate between wanting a plush, cushy shoe like the Diadora Atomo Star, and something more firm, like this model. When I know I need to hit up a more technical or uneven surface, I’m choosing this shoe every time. The firmness keeps me feeling stable.This description captures the essence of the Cloudmonster 3 well. It isn’t designed to be a plush recovery shoe. Instead, it delivers cushioning that feels purposeful and stable, prioritizing efficiency over softness.Dengate even put the shoe to the test during a steep, technical run up Jangsan Mountain in Busan, South Korea. While the Cloudmonster 3 isn’t a trail shoe, he noted that the firm foam and the outsole edges provided surprising grip and stability on rocks and uneven terrain. This same firmness helps the shoe stay controlled during long road runs.The Wrap-UpOverall, the Cloudmonster 3 feels like a refinement rather than a complete overhaul. The new foam configuration adds flexibility and snap, the upper improves fit and comfort—especially in the forefoot—and the ride maintains the distinctive firm cushioning that defines this line.For runners seeking a max-cushioned trainer that remains structured and responsive, the Cloudmonster 3 continues to impress.Shop Men’sShop Women’s
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