Our Comprehensive Review of the On Cloudmonster 3 (2026)
In just two years, the Cloudmonster line has gained impressive popularity. The design has helped, but the shoes' quality has played a major role.
On is doubling down on it and now sells three versions:
- Cloudmonster 3
- Cloudmonster 3 Hyper (with more cushioning)
- Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS (premium LightSpray technology –> even lighter than the standard Hyper)
This review focuses on the standard version, the most popular and most anticipated model after a two-year wait. Do the changes make it worth upgrading? Is this shoe a good fit for your profile and goals?
That's what we'll find out in this comprehensive review.
Why should you trust me?
With a personal best of 2:38 in the marathon and a substantial weekly training volume, I test a lot of running shoes, and it feeds straight back into my own training.
I put the On Cloudmonster 3 through its paces during various types of workouts to evaluate its comfort and how it feels while running. I also consulted with other runners of different skill levels to validate my impressions and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many people as possible.
Our verdict
A good shoe with plenty of cushioning and excellent versatility for training.
- 286 g (42)
- 35 mm (heel), 29 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6 mm
- Training, all distances
This new Cloudmonster 3 retains the same construction, featuring a 35 mm heel height, Helion foam, and a nylon Speedboard plate. The main change to the sole is its geometry, with the addition of a layer of CloudTec.
I found the feel at impact to be very balanced, just like on the V2, that is, neither too firm nor too soft. The plate also contributes to satisfactory stability.
Shock absorption is excellent for racking up the miles, and the responsiveness makes the shoe highly versatile. The new mesh upper offers excellent comfort and improved breathability. Outsole rubber is strategically placed for excellent traction.
Overall, the On Cloudmonster 3 doesn't offer any major changes compared to the v2, and it's a shame the design isn't more modern. It remains a reliable choice for daily training.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption for long distances
- Very comfortable, breathable shoe
- Versatility for all training scenarios
- More stable
- Reliable Traction
Cons
- High weight and feels fairly firm
- Fit issues for some runners
- Not very modern design (and not many changes overall)
Comfortable cushioning for long-distance running
The midsole of the On Cloudmonster 3 still features dual-density Helion technology, which is firm in the heel and softer under the forefoot.
It is a blend of EVA and OBC (Olefin Block Copolymers), essentially, an improved version of EVA. However, it doesn’t match the performance level of the latest-generation foams (made of Peba or A-TPU), I’ll come back to this point.
The famous Clouds (the honeycomb-shaped structures under the sole that helped On stand out with an instantly recognizable design) from the Cloudtec geometry are back. They are engineered to compress horizontally and vertically in sequence. On the Cloudmonster 3.
I don't think it affects shock absorption, but the ride feels smoother.
With a heel height of 35 mm and a forefoot height of 29 mm, the cushioning is substantial and provides excellent protection.
It's worth noting that these are the brand's official dimensions. Visually, it looks like it's larger. Some websites list it as 38 mm, which seems more consistent.
So there are no limits in terms of distance or weight, whether in training or during racing. You’ll be able to push yourself without any trouble on long runs (even for heavier runners).
The ride feels very well balanced between firmness and softness. The plushness is counterbalanced by the nylon plate, which provides just the right amount of stiffness for a comfortable and safe ride.
Finally, the 6-mm drop is low. This is typical for the brand, but it may take some getting used to for those who aren't accustomed to it.
High weight and aging foam
The weight is fairly stable at 286 g for size 42. While this is still on the high side, intended to provide responsiveness, it’s significantly higher than that of many competing models (even the 1080 v15 now weighs just 244 g!).
Furthermore, as mentioned above, the foam isn't among the best in terms of bounce.
Energy return is still good, but it doesn't measure up to other shoes in the same category.
Still, I found the ride to be quite light and airy. The rocker is more pronounced, the glide is smoother, and the roll-through is more pronounced. So I’d say it offers satisfactory responsiveness, which should be enough for many athletes.
A naturally stable model of stability
This model is designed for neutral runners.
The plate and the outsole rubber's grip give the shoe a naturally stable ride and a secure roll-through.
A new, more breathable upper
The new mesh upper has been completely redesigned. This makes sense, since it was the main target of criticism in the previous version.
Breathability is improved thanks to targeted areas with micro-perforations, even though the inner lining limits airflow. On the other hand, it offers good protection in cold weather.
The comfort is premium, with a very pleasant, soft feel and plenty of padding. You can keep it on your foot for hours on end.
The gusseted tongue moves smoothly with the foot and doesn't slip, even on narrow feet. The three-cord lacing system provides excellent foot lockdown.
The heel counter at the back is well-designed and provides good support for that area. Finally, there are reflective elements, and the insole is removable.
The upper is, therefore, a big win.
A (finally) decent size
The Cloudmonster 3 is very slightly shorter than the v2, which finally brings the length back to a standard size.
However, there is less space in the midfoot, which should be a better fit for narrow feet, although some people still say they had too much room in the fit.
Our tip: If you're unsure, try them on before buying, or go half a size smaller if your feet often feel loose in running shoes.
Reliable traction
The Clouds feature small outsole rubber pads in strategic locations that provide excellent traction. The grip is very good, even on wet roads.
The sole is quite flexible despite the plate (it isn't stiff).
The Cloudmonster 3 is designed to prevent pebbles from getting stuck in the sole. This means you can venture out on standard, non-technical trails, like gravel and dry dirt.
A versatile model, but one that's challenging for beginners
Two years ago, the Cloudmonster 2 stood out as a towering behemoth, but it has since been overtaken by the trend toward maximalism and now seems fairly standard compared to other similar models in Asics' Blast line.
In any case, shock absorption is excellent, and there are no limitations in terms of use or running style: from easy runs for recovery to long runs, even heavier runners will have sufficient protection.
The main limitation concerns beginners: while not the most extreme, the Cloudmonster 3 is still demanding, with a high stack, a strong forward roll, and a low drop.
As mentioned, there is a slight disappointment regarding the underperforming sole and the high weight: the responsiveness doesn't measure up to other, more technically advanced models.
As a result, the Cloudmonster 3 won't be suitable for pure speed workouts, even though its propulsion is still sufficient for tempo workouts.
The same goes for racing: there are similar models that perform much better, but this is still a good model even without a carbon plate.
Comparisons
An expensive model
There is no premature wear on the upper, and the sole, which is fairly dense, retains its properties well over time. The outsole rubber also offers good durability.
Durability is therefore standard (at least 600 km).
The price is high for a training model that doesn't feature the latest design.
The mesh contains some recycled polyester, but the exact percentage is not specified (so it is likely a low amount), and this model is not vegan.
On Cloudmonster 3 vs. 2
There are several changes worth noting:
- An additional layer of Clouds
- New geometry with a more pronounced roll-through
- New mesh upper for improved breathability and a better fit
- New lacing system
- New design of the tongue
The fit is better on the v3, especially for people with narrow feet.
But to be completely honest, there aren't many changes other than that, so go ahead and grab v2 if you find it on sale.
A compelling model that struggles to shine
In short, the On Cloudmonster 3 is a natural evolution of its predecessors. It remains a reliable, comfortable choice that works for daily training and long-distance runs.
But it struggles to stand out from the competition due to its heavy build and outdated tech. There are similar alternatives that offer better cushioning and/or better performance, depending on your preferences.
Our Field Test on Video
Technical Description
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel height | 35 mm |
| Forefoot height | 29 mm |
| Weight (men) | 286 g/10.1 oz |
| Weight (women) | 268 g/9.5 oz |
| Features | Heavy runner, Rocker |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2026 |
| Price | Check Prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Midsole | CloudTec (triple layer), Helion, Speedboard |
| Upper | Technical knit |
Use
| Speed | Moderate, Fast |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
Reference: On Running official website
