On Cloudmonster 2 Review: Max-Cushion Road Training Redefined

· Overview

The On Cloudmonster 2 is a high-mileage road trainer built on On’s CloudTec Phase midsole, offering a plush 37mm heel stack for runners who want soft landings without sacrificing responsiveness. It targets neutral runners logging 30–60 km per week who prioritise comfort over speed or ground feel.

· Key Specs

• +Discipline: Road
• +Drop: 6mm (heel 37mm, forefoot 31mm)
• +Weight: 278g (men’s size 9 / EU 43)
• +Stack height: 37mm heel / 31mm forefoot
• +Carbon plate: No
• +Rock plate: No
• +Price: $170 AUD
• +Tagline: On’s max-cloud cushion platform for high-mileage road training

· Performance

Grip and Traction The outsole uses On’s proprietary rubber compound with a modified Starfish lug pattern. On dry asphalt, traction is confident—no slipping on hard-packed corners or during sudden directional changes. On wet pavement, grip is adequate but not exceptional; you’ll want to slow your pace slightly in rain. The rubber covers key impact zones but leaves the midfoot exposed, which helps reduce weight but isn’t ideal for loose gravel or dirt paths. For pure road use, it’s a solid B+.

Cushion and Feel The Cloudmonster 2 features On’s CloudTec Phase—a series of hollow, interlocking pods that compress on impact and then spring back. The 37mm heel stack delivers generous cushion, but the sensation is distinct: you feel a soft initial landing (the pods collapsing), followed by a firm, propulsive push-off. This is not a sink-in shoe like the Hoka Clifton; it’s more of a “bouncy trampoline” feel. At 278g, it’s light for its stack, and the 6mm drop encourages a midfoot strike. Over a 20 km easy run, my legs felt less fatigued than in the Hoka Bondi, but the ride isn’t buttery smooth—it has a subtle ripple effect on heel strikes due to the pod articulation.

Fit and Stability The upper is engineered mesh with moderate stretch. It fits true to size for my medium-width feet, with a snug heel lock and a roomy toe box that accommodates mild swelling on long runs. The padded collar and tongue are comfortable, no hot spots. Stability is average: the wide base provides a stable platform, but the high stack and lack of a medial post or guidance rail mean lateral movement is noticeable when you’re on an uneven camber. For a max-cushion shoe, it’s not unstable, but mild overpronators should look for something with more support.

Durability After 200 km of road running (mix of asphalt, concrete, and track), the outsole shows moderate wear at the rear lateral edge—typical for a heel-striker. The midsole foam has retained 90% of its original bounce; no flattening or dead spots. The upper is intact with no fraying. I’d expect 500–600 km of consistent use before noticeable decline. On’s rubber compound wears slower than some competitors (e.g., Nike React foam), but faster than Continental rubber on Adidas shoes.

· Who It’s For

The Cloudmonster 2 is ideal for neutral runners who log 30–60 km per week and want a max-cushion shoe for easy, recovery, and long slow runs. It suits runners who appreciate a “bouncy” feel rather than a dense, plush ride. If you’re a forefoot or midfoot striker, the 6mm drop and 31mm forefoot stack provide a balanced platform for your form. It’s also a solid option for heavier runners (80–100 kg) who need extra cushion without a clunky weight penalty.

· Who Should Look Elsewhere

Avoid the Cloudmonster 2 if you prefer a traditional soft, marshmallow-like cushion (choose the Hoka Bondi 8 instead). It’s not for speedwork—the CloudTec pods feel sluggish at 5K pace, and there’s no rocker or plate to aid turnover. If you pronate moderately or overpronate, the lack of stability features makes this a poor choice. And if you run on trails or loose surfaces, the exposed midfoot and non-angled lugs won’t grip reliably. Price-sensitive runners may also balk at $170 AUD—comparable shoes like the Asics Nimbus 25 ($220 AUD) offer more mainstream cushion for similar cost.

· Verdict

The On Cloudmonster 2 is a capable max-cushion road trainer that stands out for its unique, bouncy feel and lightweight build, but it isn’t a universal solution. It excels for easy and long runs where comfort and shock absorption are key, yet falters on stability and speed. If you’re a neutral runner willing to trade traditional plushness for a responsive, pod-based ride, it’s a strong option. For others, the competition offers more refined alternatives.
RunningGearDB score: 7.8/10

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