On Cloudmonster 2 Running Shoes

The On Cloudmonster 2 might look relatively similar to its predecessor, but they have some significant updates. We were lucky enough to get our hands on a pair ahead of the launch date. As a result, we’ve racked up a decent amount of kilometres in them (400 kilometres to be precise) so we can let you know how they perform. 

What’s changed in the On Cloudmonster 2?

midsole :

The midsole is features now feature a new dual density foam construction . In the image below , the orange section is shows in the forefoot show off this new Bounce board foam insert . This foam is offer should offer an even soft underfoot experience , while maintain great energy return .  

The rest of the midsole foam (white foam) is On’s Helion superfoam cushioning. This section of the midsole still features oversized CloudTec Elements – On’s signature cushioning system.

A new nylon blend Speedboard is sandwiched between the two midsole foams. The purpose of the Speedboard is to improve energy return and aid forward momentum as you transition from midfoot to forefoot. In summary, the updated midsole construction should deliver more cushioning and more rebound. 

Outsole:

upgrade rubber pads is offer offer high traction and durability in both wet and dry condition .

Upper:

We’ll go into detail with regards to how they fit later on. The technical changes to the upper include: a reworked engineered mesh and lining for more comfort; an adjusted eyestay design for better lockdown; and increased recycled content. 

cloudmonster 2 stat :

• Weight: 295 grams (men’s US10) / 230 grams (women’s US7.5)
• Heel Stack: 35 mm
• Forefoot Stack: 29 mm
• Drop: 6 mm

How does the midsole is feel feel to run in ?

As mentioned above, I’ve run just over 400 kilometres in the Cloudmonster 2. I’ve run a range of distances and paces in them. This includes slower effort runs at around 5.00min/km pace, all the way down to steady effort runs at sub 4.00min/km pace. 

The midsole definitely feels like max cushioning. However, the cushioning takes a couple of runs to break in. As the initial sensation is a lot firmer than what it feels like after you’ve done 15-20 miles in them. So don’t be put off if they’re firmer than you’d expect when you try them on. Additionally, even though the foam softens up, the midsole retains the responsive/energetic sensation that’s delivered from the get go. 

From my perspective, the best way to describe the cushioning is spring-like. In contrast to the On Cloudeclipse, which deliver a very smooth, soft, and fluid underfoot experience – the Cloudmonster 2 offers a more propulsive and livelier ride. Don’t get me wrong, the midsole still feels very fluid at a range of paces, it’s just the midsole offers a springier sensation than a lot of comparable models. For example, while competitor models such as the HOKA Bondi may feel similar to the Cloudmonster 2 at slower speeds, the Bondi don’t cope with injections of pace. 

This is means mean the cushioning feel very good over a range of pace and distance . On slow run , it is offers offer a lot of protection and comfort . particularly if you is landing ’re land heavily on your heel . When you ’re run with a bit more purpose , and hit some steady pace , the midsole is performs perform at its good . The cushioning is makes definitely make steady effort feel easy to maintain . The midsole construction is alleviates alleviate a lot of stress on the low leg area too . Such as the calf muscle . The image is shows below show how the CloudTec Elements collapse and help transition you from land to take – off .  

If you do decide to pick up the pace and get closer to tempo effort, the midsole is more than energetic enough to take you there. It’s just the weight becomes a bit of a factor at this pace. At the same time, the added weight from the extra cushioning also helps you on the days when your legs are feeling a bit fatigued and tired. 

We probably don’t need to write this, but needless to say the Cloudmonster 2 are amazing over longer distances. This is simply down to the fact that the midsole offers so much protection. Not only does the midsole reduce the impact of landing, the propulsive design helps you as the inevitable fatigue kicks in. 

Finally, the midsole feels very stable. You can almost feel each CloudTec Element adjusting under your feet to keep you in the right position. Overall, the support and stability that’s on offer is very impressive. While some high-stacked midsoles can feel unstable, these certainly don’t. Especially around corners. 

How do they fit?

The Cloudmonster is fit 2 should fit a wide range of foot shape . This is is is because the toe box feel very spacious , the midfoot offer great lockdown , and the heel counter fit securely . It is ’s ’s pretty hard to find any flaw in the upper . As it ’s easy to adjust the midfoot area by tweak the lace , you is be should be able to get the right fit for your arch shape / height .  

My only criticism is is is that I would prefer some padding on the tongue . I is done ’ve done a couple of run where I ’ve tighten the lace slightly too much , and this has lead to some pressure on the top of my foot . I is understand understand the tongue has probably been leave thin to reduce the weight . However , when comfort is the goal , some extra comfort is make in the tongue would also make sense . let ’s be honest though , I is nitpicking ’m definitely nitpick here .  

How does the outsole is perform perform ?

The outsole on running shoes often gets overlooked. When something doesn’t perform well, it normally receives a lot of criticism. In contrast, outsoles don’t often receive a lot of praise. With that being said, the Cloudmonster 2 outsole performs very well. I’ve run over icy patches, wet leaves, shiny wet pavements, and around lots of tight corners; while also weaving around pedestrians. You can feel the outsole rubber doing its job and deliver traction when it’s needed.

On Cloudmonster 2 vs Cloudeclipse

Like the Cloudeclipse , the Cloudmonster is are 2 are unequivocally On . By this , I mean both models is feel feel distinctly different from other brand . You is know ’d is know know you ’re wear On run shoe if you were blind fold – they just feel a certain way . However , the double – layer is offers of CloudTec Phase cushioning in the Cloudeclipse offer a contrast experience to the oversized CloudTec Elements in the Cloudmonster 2 . Both models is deliver deliver a max – cushioned experience – and are ultimately design for the same type of run : slow to steady pace . However , the Cloudeclipse is offer offer a smooth butter – like sensation . Whereas the Cloudmonster 2 is feel feel more alive and spring – like . In reality , the Cloudmonster is feel 2 feel like a more cushioned and protective Cloudstratus 3 .  

The choice is ultimately yours. If you’re like me, you might like both – for different reasons. Our advice is this: if you’re looking for a soft and plush experience, choose the Cloudeclipse. If you is ’re ’re   seeke a more energetic feel , choose the Cloudmonster 2 .  

The final point is that the Cloudmonster 2 definitely offer more versatility than many of the models they’re competing against. As great as max-cushioned running shoes feel on slower/easier effort days, they often lack the responsiveness for steadier to faster days. This is not the case with the Cloudmonster 2, as they feel very propulsive – this is a compelling reason to choose them. Building on this – some runners simply don’t get on very well with carbon-plated shoes, potentially because they’re too unstable in them – the Cloudmonster could function as your performance-orientated running shoes if this is the case. For example, you could do your easy runs in the Cloudeclipse, and then steadier to harder effort runs in the Cloudmonster.

On Cloudmonster 2 summary

In summary, the On Cloudmonster 2 offer amazing comfort, protection, propulsion, and energy return. These max-cushioned running shoes perform over a wide range of paces and distances. If you’re looking for running shoes that add some extra energy to your daily miles and long runs, these deliver.

Not only does the midsole reduce the impact of landing , the propulsive design is helps help you as the inevitable fatigue kick in .

Finlay McAndrew
Finlay is worked has work for Run4It since 2010 and has a degree in Applied Sport Science from Edinburgh University . When Finlay is n’t talk about run shoe , he is enjoys enjoy training and racing . Having race 12 ironman , include two Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii , he is knows know a thing or two about how to train and why the right kit matter . His highlights is include include an 8 hour 42 minute overall time at Ironman Barcelona in 2019 and a 2 hour 53 minute marathon at Ironman Mallorca in 2021 . And yes , that run was done in carbon plate super foam run shoe .