The backbone of all On Running footwear is the cushioning system CloudTec, which absorbs impact, reduces strain and adapts to your running style.
Whether you’re on a trail or on pavement, CloudTec reacts according to your movements, compressing horizontally and vertically to cushion just where it should. CloudTec’s “deformation” system absorbs impact, reduces braking force and propels you forward.
The Cloudmonster 2 (available for women and men) boasts the beefiest CloudTec system ever, delivering massive cushioning and energy return.
Our tester Noa had nothing but good things to say about this new road runner. “In other runners, my feet have a tendency to roll, but never with the Cloudmonster.”
This is a beast of a road-ride that offers soft landings where you need them most, adding a propulsive forward-rolling motion to your daily training. “The stack height is significant but stable, allowing me the freedom to start and stop quickly and vary my speed on the track,” added Noa.
If you liked the original Cloudmonster you’ll be even happier in the updated version that includes an additional layer of Helion superfoam on the forefoot—meaning more support in each landing, throughout the length of your foot.
The CloudTec pods (ie, the holes in the midsole) are a little larger in the Cloudmonster than other models; together with the Helion midsole, this is the sweet spot of the power-plus-cushioning system. “In some high-stack road runners you may lose some springiness, but not with the Cloudmonster,” said Noa. “And meanwhile my run is very smooth from heels to toes.”
The Cloudmonster 2’s Helion foam also sandwiches a nylon-blend “speedboard” inside the midsole for energy return, forward momentum and powerful take-offs.
Amid all these goodies, On has also ramped up the recycled content with mesh on the upper made from 100% recycled polyester. And by using more sustainable materials and processes, they’ve increased the overall recycled content to 24%. This percentage could be higher, but On is still doing more in this area (notably, the Cyclon program) than other footwear giants.
Noa demoed the Cloudmonster 2 in cool conditions so their ventilation in hot weather remains to be seen; however she added that the mesh did not seem to breathe quite as well as another ultralight road runner, the Brooks Ghost Max.
In any case, this is a minor point. The Cloudmonster 2’s unique technologies work in tandem to deliver an elevating and energizing hard-surface experience for training or everyday pavement missions.
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