When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn a commission.
This On Cloudmonster review is part of our 2022 SELF Certified Sneaker Awards, where the shoe won Best Responsive Sneaker. You can see the rest of our award winners here.
I put off buying new running shoes for a very long time because, honestly, I don’t like to buy new products when I have something that works, even if it’s very clearly in its last life. In this case, that meant I was running in very old Nike shoes where the grip was almost nonexistent. So when I got the chance to test out the On Cloudmonster ($170, on-running.com) running shoes, I jumped on it. And to say I was impressed is an understatement.
The Swiss sportswear brand is known for its high-performing, cushioned running shoes. Its On Classics collection includes sneakers such as the Cloudventure, Cloudflow, Cloudbloom, Cloudstratus (which we named the best lightweight cushion sneaker last year), and, most recently, the Cloudmonster. According to On, the Cloudmonster is the brand's first maximalist shoe, which they describe as having max cushioning and max color, as well as providing max “fun on your run.”
The vibrant color and the thick sole are probably the first things you'll notice about the Cloudmonster. Its hallmark hexagonal “cloud” tube design in the midsole is meant to absorb impact. The sole makes the shoe appear a bit bulky and heavy, but my first impression when I put them on was that they felt super lightweight (8.11 ounces to be exact). Most impressive, however, is the springy feel when walking or running (more on that below).
I don’t run frequently, but I've always enjoyed jogging a few miles on the weekend. So I'm reclaiming the label and calling myself a runner. I tested the On Cloudmonster running shoes during a few of those weekend runs, about four miles of distance, as well as when walking and running errands.
My runs and walks are mostly on roads and sidewalks, but I also get some grass by Liberty State Park near where I live. I've been using the Cloudmonster since the spring, and I've racked up some serious miles since then. Below is my experience wearing the Cloudmonster. I evaluated it based on SELF's expert-recommended sneaker buying guide.
The shoes run small. I'm normally a size 6.5, but I tested a size 7, and they still felt a bit tight overall. It wasn't a concern when I was running or walking because I still had a good half inch of toe room, but if you like having more wiggle room or are wearing very thick running socks, I would recommend going up a full size. Plus, as our sneaker buying guide recommends, running and walking shoes should have a half inch of extra toe space. Aside from the fit-related issue, these shoes felt great for both running and leisure.
Our experts suggest buying sneakers that mimic the shape of your feet so that they feel like an “extension of your foot.” I have an arched foot, my toes are on the longer side, and I like to wear wider shoes. The Cloudmonsters are chunky at the bottom but light and slim on the side. They're not so narrow that my foot felt squished, but again, because they run small, they really hugged my feet.
When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn a commission.
My feet were immediately comfortable when I put on the Cloudmonsters, and I didn’t feel like I needed to break them in. The CloudTech midsole construction combined with the rocker shape is what makes these sneakers stand out. First, the rubber midsole can really absorb impact. When I ran in them, I was impressed by the shock absorption and realized how much of a difference it made from my worn-out Nike shoes. Second, the 6-mm heel-to-toe drop combined with its cushioning system really helps propels you forward when running. That bouncy feeling makes it hard to stand still (in a good way) and reminds me of trampoline-like moon shoes.
I felt like I was able to run with an extra boost, and I never thought about knee pain or blisters while wearing them. All in all, these are light, cushioned shoes that will support your arch and absorb impact with each stride you take.
During my runs, I didn't experience any blisters, shin splints, or knee pain. Afterward, apart from feeling a little sore, I felt ready to go on another run. When I ran on flat sidewalks and roads, the shoes had a plush feel. When I ran on grass (or uneven terrain), I was scared that the height of the sole would make me feel unstable; but because it felt like an extension of my foot, and because the Helion foam bounces back up, my run went smoothly and I felt supported.
On has a 30-day return policy for full refunds and exchanges. You just fill out the return form and the company takes care of return shipping. Note that only products in original conditioning and packaging will be accepted, meaning you can’t take these for a test run (like you can with some of the other brands we tested) before making a decision.
I thoroughly enjoyed wearing these shoes, and they've become my new go-to running shoes. I didn't think I would get excited about running shoes, but there's so much to appreciate about them, including the bouncy feel, the 30% recycled material, and, of course, the responsiveness. I've been recommending them to all my friends, with the caveat that the style choices are limited. There are only three available color options: black, acai lavender, and glacier meadow. That being said, they make an excellent pair of running and walking shoes.
When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn a commission.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
© 2022 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices