On Cloudmonster 3 Review
By Matthew Klein
On Cloudmonster 3Price: $189.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.4 oz, 295 g (men's size 9), 8.5 oz, 240 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot (not including insole)
Drop: 6 mm
Shoe Purpose: Daily Trainer
Pros: Comfortable secure fit, smooth forefoot transitions, rolling/rockered ride
Cons: Less Responsive than prior versions, inconsistent cloud compression creates negative drop feeling for some people
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a firmly cushioned shoe for those who want a smooth, rockered ride with a secure fit for easy runs or all-day walking/standing. A new mesh upper and padded tongue provide a slightly wider, secure and comfortable fit. The new triple-layered Cloudtec midsole provides a firmer but cushioned underfoot feel. This works with a rockered ride that smoothly transitions during easier walking and running efforts. The On Cloudmonster solidifies its place as a comfortable daily trainer that those using it for running miles or walking/work will enjoy.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Bondi 9, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
PAST MODEL: On Cloudmonster 2
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The On Cloudmonster 3 fits me true to size in my normal US men's size 10. The upper slightly wider in width with a little extra volume in the forefoot, a slightly snug midfoot and a slightly wider heel. The upper mesh is comfortable with mild breathability. The toe box is more rounded but not quite anatomic. The upper mesh has slight stretch, so those wanting a tiny bit of wiggle room This continues into a contrasting slightly snug and lower volume midfoot. The tongue is well gusseted and strategically padded. This fit and tongue easily locks in the midfoot and I did not have to tighten the laces much to get a secure fit. This does make the instep lower, so this may not work for those with high insteps. The heel fits normal in width with moderate heel collar padding. There is a moderately stiff counter in the rearfoot although it is rounded and the padding runs the full height of the heel. Those with irritable haglund deformities or insertional Achilles tendinopathy may have some trouble but it has only bothered me a little. With the lower volume and slightly snug midfoot, I have had no security issues.
This is a running shoe meant for forward motion (not side to side) but the upper has stayed mostly locked in even while turning at easy paces. I have found mild sliding with attempting to turn while running faster with the slightly wider fit. In general, it is a solid fit that is also comfortable for all-day wear. The mild stretch to the upper does make this a great 9-to-5 option. My only caution is for those with extremely high volume or wide feet, for which the wide version may work better.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Hoka Gaviota 6, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Saucony Azura, Salomon Aero Glide 3
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 3, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mildly
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Moderate
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The On Cloudmonster 3 is a higher stack height, firmer, rockered daily training shoe. The midsole is full-length Helion with a triple layer of Cloudtec. Contrary to prior Cloudmonsters, the Cloudmonster 3 has a firmer and more rockered ride. After some miles, the heel clouds begin to compress but the forefoot clouds do not. This creates a firmer, pod-like feeling in the forefoot while the heel has a slightly firm and mild bounce to it. This seems to accentuate the rocker, which feels significant due to a well placed posterolateral heel bevel and an early forefoot rocker. The heel transition is smooth and with the more compressive heel clouds, the drop feels lower than the listed 6mm. The forefoot feels firmer and podded as mentioned but the mild flexibility and early rocker create an equally smooth toe off. This flexibility has increased enough that those with toe mobility deficits (hallux rigidus) will not find enough stiffness but those wanting mild flexibility will do well.
Despite the firmer ride, the transitions work best during easier efforts. This has been a favorite walking and standing shoe due to easy transitions and a more stable feel at walking paces. During running, the midsole rolls well but does not react quickly. I have been able to pick up the pace slightly in this shoe, but anything quicker than an up tempo efforts feels awkward. These are far better for easier runs or longer runs if you want a firmer rolling ride. Attempting to do strides and faster efforts feels awkward and should be kept for the Hyper/Hyper LS. Surprisingly, the new outsole material has solid durability and traction. I have 30 miles on my pair and there is only a tiny bit of abrasion. The outsole pieces grip the road well on both dry and wet road. I would normally keep this shoe off trail, but the podded outsole design actually digs into trail well and has been fine on dirt. I would caution against running on gravel or mud as that can get stuck in the clouds.
Additional Note: Despite being a daily training shoe with a slightly, the insole is quite thin. Attempting to use an orthotic here may be difficult, given the footbed doesn't sit that low and an orthotic will take up far more room than I think this shoe is designed for. So if you choose to add an orthotic, it should be thin or you should utilize one at your own risk.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The On Cloudmonster 3 is a neutral shoe with mild guidance elements in the forefoot. Although the midsole is torsionally stiff, the slightly narrower width of the heel and midfoot keep that area mostly neutral. There are mild sidewalls in the heel/midfoot on both sides of the foot that help keep the foot on the platform. These are noticeable during walking, but during running I find myself pronating more over the narrowed medial side. The forefoot is quite stable due to the wide, flared platform up front. There is a large amount of medial flare at the forefoot, which has felt good as someone with medial stability needs up front. Therefore, this shoe will be best for those with neutral needs in the heel and midfoot and medial guidance needs in the forefoot.
Thoughts as a DPT: Dynamic drop and Midsole Compliance
By Matthew Klein
Heel-toe drop (or heel drop) is the difference in height in the shoe between the heel and forefoot. A lower heel drop puts the foot in a more level position, requiring more range of motion from the ankle and great work from the calf muscles. A higher heel drop puts the foot in a more pointed position, requiring less range of motion from the ankle, less work from the calf but more work from the knee and hip and more range of motion from the knee and hip. This is a commonly reported measure in running shoes but is often inaccurate given that it only reports the static, unweighted heel drop of a shoe. The compliance or softness of a shoe, combined with other factors, can dramatically change the heel drop when the shoe is loaded, ie during running when body weight is going through it or even in standing. This makes this number more dynamic, especially given the fact that it changes throughout the gait cycle.
The On Cloudmonster 3 is an excellent example of this. Although a 6mm heel drop is listed, it feels far lower than that. Part of the reason is that I am a heel striker, so I compress the rear portion of the shoe first before the front, creating a lower drop at the initial contact and loading response phase of gait (landing). As I transition into the forefoot, the firmer forefoot pods do not compress, keeping me in a lower or even negative drop until I actively transition into toe off. This has put a significant stretch/strain into my calf and Achilles tendon. Some people who like low drop shoes may like this, while others, like myself, who have trouble with extremely low drop shoes (they currently still irritate my improving Achilles tendinopathy), may struggle. Those who are forefoot strikers may notice this less compared to heel strikers, but given that 79-86% of runners are heel strikers even during efforts, this will impact most runners out there. This is something consumers need to be aware of, as how they land and how the shoe is designed will change the static reported heel-drop.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: After the rough upper of version 2, I have enjoyed the new Cloudmonster 3. The upper is way better and it has a more clear place as an easy running/walking shoe along with its faster Hyper/Hyper LS. The heel bevel is in a solid spot and while I wish it was more stable, this is a neutral trainer (and the Hypers are actually really good at being stable neutral). My major suggestion is make sure the clouds are compressing uniformly throughout the shoe. As mentioned above, the forefoot clouds do not compress much compared to the heel ones, which creates a negative drop sensation for me unless I get on my forefoot. This may cause excessive calf/Achilles strain for some people. Luckily, this is slightly offset by the rocker, but the forefoot pods need to compress more.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The On Cloudmonster 3 is a great shoe for those who want a slightly wider fit, a firmer/rockered ride and a lower drop. The fit will work best for those with normal width to slightly wider feet, while those with extremely wide feet will find the wide version better. The ride will work best for those who want a firmer, slightly bouncy heel and a firmer, pod-like forefoot. The stability will work best for those with neutral heel/midfoot mechanics and want medial guidance / lateral bias in the forefoot. Those individuals who may find this shoe does not work for them include those with narrow feet, those wanting soft underfoot cushioning, those wanting a light/highly responsive ride and those who do not do well with rockered soles. While the price is a little steep, the improved fit, durability and run/walk versatility of this shoe make this a solid choice for those who still like the firmer rockered ride On is known for with by far the best upper of the series. This is now truly a daily trainer and now truly complements the Hyper versions without overstepping.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: A- (Comfortable, slightly wider fit that is easy to secure. Lower volume in midfoot)
Performance: B+ (Firmer, rockered ride. Lower drop feeling from more compressive heel clouds compared to less compressive, podular feeling forefoot clouds. Best for easier runs and walks. Can handle all day wear)
Stability: B+ (Neutral Heel/Midfoot with medial forefoot flare that creates medial guidance)
Value: B (Expensive but improved fit and traction may be worth it for some)
Personal: B (I love this shoe for walking, but far prefer the Hyper for running. A bit firmer than I would hope for a "maximal" shoe but the rocker is nice at easy paces. I cannot wish for this to be more responsive and I just match better with the Hyper)
Overall Design: B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DOROn Cloudmonster 3Price: $189.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
Mizuno's cushioned trainer.
A well-priced cushion trainer.
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