On Cloudmonster by On Holding - cushioned daily trainer for long miles
Published on 07/14/2026 at 17:27 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
On Cloudmonster hits the pavement with soft, hollow pods underfoot that feel like stepping onto a firm rubberized track after rain, slightly springy, never mushy. In Zürich, On co-founder and executive co-chair Caspar Coppetti describes it as their "fun maximalist trainer" built for everyday miles.
Max-cushion concept for daily use
On positions the Cloudmonster as a max-cushion road running shoe for neutral runners who want more foam underfoot without a sluggish ride. The shoe sits in the high-stack daily trainer segment, competing with big-cushion models from other brands but keeping On’s signature CloudTec geometry.
The midsole uses On’s Helion superfoam, a proprietary EVA-based blend engineered to stay responsive in a wide range of temperatures and over many training cycles. According to On’s official product description, Helion is poured into large CloudTec pods to combine impact protection and a rolling forward motion.
On Cloudmonster in the broader On portfolio
See how the On Cloudmonster fits into On Holding AG’s running shoe range and revenue mix, and track how new models influence the valuation of the company on the market.
Stack height, drop and ride feel
Independent reviewers describe the Cloudmonster as having a stack height around 30 mm in the heel and roughly 26 mm in the forefoot, translating to a 4 mm drop. On itself does not list the exact millimeter values on its retail page, but confirms a low drop for a more natural stance.
The rocker-shaped forefoot, combined with the big CloudTec elements, is designed to roll the runner forward in a smooth transition. Reviewers at RunRepeat and Believe in the Run highlight a noticeable forefoot rocker that encourages a midfoot strike and gives the shoe a fun, bouncy character on easy and moderate-pace runs.
Upper construction and fit
From above, the Cloudmonster looks less dramatic than its sole suggests: a relatively clean engineered mesh upper with structural overlays around the lacing and midfoot. On uses recycled polyester in parts of the upper, continuing its move towards higher recycled material content in running footwear.
Runners report a medium-width fit with a slightly generous toe box, more forgiving than some of On’s earlier, narrower models. There is enough room for mild foot swelling on long runs, while the internal heel counter and padded collar aim to keep the rearfoot locked without hotspots.
Weight and use case in training
On lists the Cloudmonster at approximately 275 g in a men’s US size 8.5, and around 230 g for a women’s US 7, which puts it in the mid-weight range for max-cushion trainers. Several specialist reviewers who measured their own pairs report similar weights.
That weight makes the shoe more of a daily trainer than a race-day option. On’s marketing material explicitly positions it for long, steady runs and recovery days, while still being able to handle some uptempo segments because of the responsive Helion foam. Serious marathoners might use it for high-mileage training blocks rather than pursuit of personal bests.
CloudTec pods and Speedboard plate
The Cloudmonster’s defining visual feature is the oversized CloudTec pods carved out of the midsole, almost like rows of hollow columns under the foot. When landing, these pods compress and then rebound, aiming to reduce peak impact force and return some energy.
Inside the midsole, On embeds a thermoplastic Speedboard plate that runs from midfoot to forefoot. On says this plate controls the flex pattern and turns the vertical forces from the landing into a directed forward motion. Runners often describe this as a "rolling" feel rather than a stiff plated sensation.
Outsole rubber and durability expectations
Underneath, the Cloudmonster features strategically placed rubber patches across the heel and forefoot, leaving sections of exposed Helion foam between the pods. This approach saves weight but raises questions about long-term durability, particularly for heavier runners or those who run regularly on rough asphalt.
Reviewers who logged more than 150 to 200 km in the Cloudmonster report visible wear on the exposed midsole areas but no dramatic breakdown of cushioning or structural failure. The rubber coverage on the heel seems sufficient for most heel strikers, and grip in wet conditions is generally rated as secure on typical road surfaces.
Design language and visual impact
Visually, the Cloudmonster leans into On’s evolving design language. The side profile is dominated by the thick midsole and deep voids between pods, making the shoe recognizably On from several meters away. The upper tends to stay relatively restrained, often in muted colors with contrasting midsole tones.
Colorways at launch included variations like Frost/Surf, Acai/Lavender and Black/White, with additional limited editions rolling out over time. The brand alternates more expressive palettes with safe, monochrome options, targeting both dedicated runners and lifestyle buyers who wear On shoes casually in cities and offices.
Launch timing and price positioning
The Cloudmonster was introduced by On in the first half of 2022, expanding its road running portfolio beyond models like the Cloudflow and Cloudstratus. It arrived as running brands globally intensified their focus on max-cushion daily trainers, reflecting demand for comfort in high-mileage phases and everyday wear.
On’s official online store lists the Cloudmonster at a price point of around 169.95 EUR for the European market and approximately 169.99 USD for the US market at launch. That places the shoe in a premium bracket, close to comparable models from other international brands, and above typical entry-level trainers.
Target group: neutral runners and On fans
On frames the Cloudmonster for neutral runners who appreciate a cushioned ride but still want a somewhat firm, responsive feel rather than a plush, marshmallow-like sensation. The low drop and rocker design cater to runners experimenting with midfoot striking or looking for a more "forward-tipping" ride without going minimal.
At the same time, the pronounced sole silhouette clearly speaks to On’s growing lifestyle audience in markets like Germany, Switzerland, the US and Japan. In interviews, On CEO Martin Hoffmann has emphasized the brand’s strategy of building crossover shoes that perform for running yet look distinctive with jeans or casual trousers.
On’s broader road shoe lineup
Within On’s road running portfolio, the Cloudmonster sits alongside models such as the Cloudrunner, Cloudstratus, Cloudflow and Cloudsurfer. The Cloudrunner leans towards stability and support, the Cloudstratus towards longer distances with dual-layer CloudTec, while the Cloudsurfer uses computer-optimized Cloud elements for a different ride feel.
This variety allows On retailers to steer customers into specific models based on gait and usage patterns. A runner seeking maximum impact protection and a playful ride is more likely to end up in the Cloudmonster than in the lighter Cloudflow, which is better suited to tempo runs and races.
Market reception and reviews
Specialist review sites have generally rated the Cloudmonster positively, highlighting its cushioning volume and surprising energy return. Some testers mention that the shoe feels more engaging than typical "pillowy" maximal trainers because the Helion foam remains relatively firm, especially in cooler temperatures.
Criticism often focuses on the high stack and geometry making the shoe feel a bit bulky on tight corners or uneven surfaces. Runners with very narrow feet also sometimes report needing to cinch the laces significantly to achieve a snug midfoot, though the heel lock is widely considered solid.
Environmental aspects and materials
On has made sustainability a recurrent theme in its communication, and the Cloudmonster follows that trajectory with recycled polyester in the upper and a focus on durable materials. The company’s broader sustainability reports mention goals around increasing recycled content and exploring circular models like subscription-based shoe services, though those are not directly tied to the Cloudmonster yet.
Foam-based running shoes remain a challenge for complete recyclability, and On acknowledges that current models, including the Cloudmonster, are not fully circular products. Nonetheless, the push towards longer-lasting cushioning and stronger uppers arguably reduces the frequency of replacement, which can moderate resource use per kilometer run.
Availability across regions
The Cloudmonster is available through On’s own web shop and authorized retail partners across Europe, North America and several Asian markets, including Japan. Major sporting goods chains and independent running stores carry the model, though colorway availability can vary by region.
In Germany and Switzerland, On has a strong presence in specialty running shops and department stores. In the US, distribution includes On’s ecommerce channel along with select national retailers. On’s investor material often highlights the expansion of its direct-to-consumer business as a margin driver, and shoes like the Cloudmonster play directly into that channel strategy.
Role in On’s business model
On Holding AG’s filings and investor presentations show that footwear remains the core revenue driver, with performance running shoes forming a significant portion of sales. Max-cushion models like the Cloudmonster help On capture runners who previously preferred high-stack shoes from other brands.
The company’s strategy, as articulated by co-CEO Marc Maurer, revolves around innovating midsole technology and expanding category coverage, from performance running to tennis, outdoor and lifestyle. The Cloudmonster contributes to that by solidifying On’s credibility in the cushioned daily trainer category, complementing more specialized models and athlete partnerships.
Stock context and investor view
For retail investors, the Cloudmonster is one of several products underpinning On’s growth narrative: higher average selling prices, expanding distribution and a more diversified portfolio across running, training and tennis. Shoes like this can support gross margin resilience if production costs are well managed.
On Holding AG stock, listed on the New York Stock Exchange as an American depositary share, reflects the market’s expectations for how well products like the Cloudmonster will maintain demand and brand momentum over multiple seasons.
Key facts: On Cloudmonster
- Product: On Cloudmonster
- Manufacturer: On Holding AG
- Category: Novelty/Launch (max-cushion road running shoe)
- Market launch: First half of 2022
- MSRP / Price: Approx. 169.95 EUR / 169.99 USD
- Availability: On web shop and selected retailers in Europe, North America and Asia
- Target group: Neutral runners seeking high cushioning and a responsive ride for daily training
- Highlight / USP: Oversized CloudTec pods with Helion superfoam for a bouncy yet controlled rocker ride
Disclaimer regarding our articles: No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Information on prices, companies, and markets is provided without guarantee; changes are possible at any time. Stock market transactions can lead to substantial losses. Our articles are created and reviewed in whole or in part automatically with the support of AI.
