ON CLOUDMONSTER 3 RUNNING SHOE
| £180 | BUY MENS FROM ON.COM | BUY WOMENS FROM ON.COM |
PLEASE NOTE: I was gifted the On Cloudmonster 3 trainers by On to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.
FIRST THOUGHTS
Given its name and bold aesthetic (which I love), you’d be forgiven for expecting the Cloudmonster V3 is going to feel overly soft, perhaps even a bit unstable, but that assumption doesn’t hold up. That’s not what the Cloudmonster 3 delivers.
Yes, it’s a max cushion shoe, but it leans more towards controlled and structured than plush and bouncy. In a market full of overly soft, high stack foams, that actually feels quite refreshing.
It’s a clear step forward from previous versions. Everything feels more refined the ride is smoother, the upper is more comfortable, and the fit is noticeably better. It’s just an easier shoe to get along with day to day.
It’s also a great looking shoe. This colourway really works, especially for summer miles.
So while it might not feel like the wild, springy “monster” the name suggests, it’s arguably a better shoe because of it.
INTRO
I’ve put a fair few miles into the Cloudmonster 3, mainly easy runs with a couple of longer steady efforts, which is exactly where this shoe sits best. It’s also been my go to gym trainer and given its stability has been great for that.
On easy runs, it’s very straightforward. You just tick along. It doesn’t try to add much in terms of bounce or energy, but it keeps things smooth and controlled and takes the edge off tired legs. It’s the kind of shoe you reach for when you don’t want to think too much.
On longer steady runs, it starts to show its strengths a bit more. The cushioning stays consistent, and the rocker helps you roll through your stride without it feeling like hard work later on. It’s not exciting, but it’s very dependable.
HEEL
The heel is fairly structured, with a moderate level of padding and a slightly firmer feel than you might expect.
Lockdown is solid without needing to overtighten the laces, and once you’re in, it feels secure and predictable. On longer runs, that bit of structure works in its favour, helping keep things stable as your form starts to fade.
It’s not the softest heel out there, but it does its job well. I didn’t get any rubbing or discomfort, which is something I’m usually quite prone to.
UPPERS & TONGUE
The upper is a noticeable improvement. It feels softer and more fitted, with a much cleaner wrap around the foot.
The previous version could feel a bit loose in places, but this one is far more dialled in and feels like a more premium finish overall.
The tongue is gusseted, stays in place, and has enough padding to prevent lace pressure when you tighten things down.
Fit feels true to size this time.
OUTSOLE
There’s more rubber coverage underfoot, and it makes a difference.
Grip has been reliable in typical British conditions, wet roads, damp paths, and the odd bit of gravel. It feels like a shoe you can take out without worrying too much about footing.
Durability also looks promising so far, with very little visible wear.
MIDSOLE
This is where the Cloudmonster 3 really defines itself.
You’ve got Helion superfoam, paired with a revised CloudTec layout and a nylon blend Speedboard running through the middle. Stack sits around 35mm in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot, with a 6mm drop.
Despite the name, it’s not a soft, sink in ride. It’s firmer than you might expect, but in a controlled, stable way rather than feeling harsh. You sit on top of the shoe rather than in it.
The updated pod layout smooths things out nicely, and the rocker does a lot of the work in guiding you through your stride. Once you settle into a rhythm, it rolls along in a very consistent, efficient way.
It doesn’t give much back if you try to push the pace, but that’s not really what it’s built for. It’s about keeping things steady and protecting the legs over longer efforts.
WEIGHT
They come in at around 290g in a UK 9, which is about what you’d expect for this type of shoe.
You’re aware it’s not lightweight, but it doesn’t feel cumbersome for the runs it’s designed for.
DOES IT HAVE A CARBON PLATE?
There’s no carbon plate here.
Instead, the Speedboard adds a bit of structure and helps guide that smooth heel to toe transition.
You can feel it working with the rocker, but it’s subtle.
COST
At £180, it sits in the premium daily trainer bracket, which feels about right given the build quality and expected durability.
| £180 | BUY MENS FROM ON.COM | BUY WOMENS FROM ON.COM |
CONCLUSION
The Cloudmonster 3 feels like a shoe that’s grown into itself.
It’s more refined, more stable, and far more predictable than earlier versions, which makes it much easier to slot into a regular rotation.
It’s not trying to be overly soft or especially lively. Instead, it focuses on delivering a smooth, controlled ride that works well for easy miles and longer runs.
If you go in expecting bounce, you might be a bit underwhelmed. But if you want a dependable, well-built shoe that keeps things comfortable and consistent over distance, it does that very well.
Overall it’s a fantastic shoe that you’ll quietly and confidently rack up a lot of miles in.