Swiss performance footwear specialist On boosts its already sky-high profile with two new pavement offerings.
On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper: Smoother Miles, Less Fatigue
The Cloudmonster line has always been defined by a pronounced rocker and On’s CloudTec responsive cushioning. Following the release of the Cloudmonster 2 in 2024, On introduced the Cloudmonster Hyper—a similar concept, but upgraded with an extra layer of foam for a softer ride while trimming weight (while slightly increasing the stack). The new Cloudmonster Hyper 3 (for women or men) further refines the rocker and pairs it with an engineered knit upper.
The first Cloudmonster Hyper had dispensed with the nylon-blend Speedboard (featured in the regular Cloudmonster 3) in favour of Helion HF foam, a Pebax-based compound borrowed from On’s racing lineup, for a more bolstered feel. The Cloudmonster 3 Hyper builds on this concept.
In short, it is a ‘super trainer’ built to handle big daily runs and longer, steady efforts. Instead of a Speedboard, the shoe relies entirely on foam and geometry for propulsion. It encourages a more natural stride, which is less demanding on tired legs.
Key Specs & Fit Details
Weight comes in at 9.4 oz (266 g), which feels reasonable given the amount of cushioning underfoot. Stack height is high—39.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot—with a 6 mm drop. Underfoot, a full-length Helion HF midsole works with CloudTec pods to deliver both cushioning and rebound. The outsole uses targeted rubber placement rather than full coverage, aiming to balance durability and weight savings.
Fit is consistent with On’s typical shape: true to size with a medium width. The toe box is slightly snug but leaves enough room to move naturally. The step-in comfort stands out right away. There’s generous padding around the collar and heel, and the tongue is cushioned where it matters, preventing lace pressure. Lockdown feels secure without fuss, and breathability kicks in as the kilometres stack.
Steady, Grounded Performance
“On my first run, the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper felt very forgiving,” said our tester Susan, “but without the too-soft, disconnected sensation that some max-cushion trainers can fall into. The combo of the foam and CloudTec made for nice landings, but with enough response to keep the ride feeling sprightly. I appreciate this nuance for my longer runs when I might get a bit wobbly near the end. The shoes keep me feeling more balanced generally.”
“Some of my friends who race prefer plated shoes but in my experience, my legs feel taxed when I’m running aggressively on plates (particularly my calves). The Cloudmonster 3 Hyper offers enough propulsion and energy return for me, and I prefer the smoother package. I don’t focus on speed so much as endurance, so this is the right spot for me.”
On’s legendary CloudTec pods add a subtle snap, rebounding with each strike. Even without a plate, there’s a clear sense of propulsion, paired with enough flexibility to keep things comfortable over distance. While technically neutral, the geometry helps keep the stride centered, especially as fatigue sets in. And the shoe’s slight heel flare helps to soften landings.
Even without a plate, there’s a clear sense of propulsion, paired with enough flexibility to keep things comfortable over distance.
Managing Fatigue, Not Just Kms
What stands out most isn’t outright speed, but how the shoe reduces fatigue over time. “My long runs feel less draining, and recovery between sessions feels quicker. That’s the real goal here, and it’s where the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper delivers most clearly for me,” Susan adds.
At $280 CAD, the shoe is pricey, but for a do-it-all super trainer, it covers ground that few other shoes can. It won’t completely replace your suite of runners, but it consolidates a few: daily trainer, long-distance and even a race option for those who prefer more foam cushioning over a plate/Speedboard. The Cloudmonster 3 Hyper feels like On nailing its ultimate trainer concept, making medium and long runs feel less taxing and more rewarding.
On Cloudrunner 3: Stability Guru
At first glance, you might not peg the sleek new Cloudrunner 3 (for women and men) as a stability guru. It avoids the overbuilt look typical of this niche category. But with a judiciously balanced level of cushion, the Cloudrunner 3 is an everyday trainer with exceptional structure.
It manages to be both firm and remarkably cushy underfoot. The result is a shoe purpose-built for runners looking for support without going all-in on maximal high-stack softness.
The Cloudrunner 3 is an everyday trainer with exceptional structure.
Specs, Build & Fit
Weight comes in around 10.4 oz (295g) for a men’s size 9, which is standard for a stability trainer. The 8mm drop (down from 10mm in previous versions) feels slightly lower in practice, which works well over longer distances. Stack height measures 31mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot. The slightly lower profile helps improve stability and road feel.
Fit is true to size with a medium width, and the toe box offers enough room for natural toe splay and the slight swelling some may experience on longer runs. Heel lockdown is secure and the lacing system makes it easy to fine-tune the fit through the midfoot.
Step-in comfort stands out immediately. The padded heel collar, tongue and overall upper create a plush, welcoming feel that carries over onto the run.
Stability & Ride Character
The biggest shift in this version is how the stability is delivered. It’s still a supportive shoe, but the approach is more subtle. Rather than aggressively correcting your stride, it adapts to it—what On calls a more “dynamic” stability system. “What surprised me most is that the stability actually works as well as it does, because there’s still a lot of soft, foamy compression coming from the midsole,” said our tester Sarah. “Usually when a shoe gets that soft, things can start to feel a bit vague or wobbly, but here it still feels really secure.”
The stability comes more from the shape and geometry: “The base is wider, so adds more ground contact; every step just feels more settled. What I notice most is how calm the ride feels. It’s not trying to jockey my foot into position—it’s supporting the movement I’m already making.”
The Speedboard Factor
In the Cloudrunner 3, the Speedboard works in tandem with the wider base and CloudTec to create a more controlled strike environment. “Probably due to the Speedboard, I find my transitions are more manageable,” says Sarah. “You could say my run style is more predictable, in the best way. There is less pop than a speed shoe, but that suits the demands of everyday use. I feel less prone to rolling an ankle in this shoe, and I think the combination of factors including the Speedboard is the key here.”
Sarah found the upper not as breathable as the Cloudstratus 3, “but that works in its favour for cooler-weather running, which I do a lot of.”
She adds: “The slightly thicker rubber outsole should help with durability, which is always top of mind in a shoe that is literally pounding the pavement for hours every day.” A structured heel element also helps guide the foot, particularly for heel strikers, while the midfoot and forefoot feel closer to a neutral shoe.
“The slightly thicker outsole should help with durability, which is always top of mind in a shoe that is literally pounding the pavement for hours every day.”
Hills & Beyond
Hill climbing is a revealing test of any shoe. “The shoe lacks a bit of the responsiveness needed to really propel you quickly up a hill, but that would be the territory of the Cloudboom Strike. During gentle slopes, flats and curb footwork, it settles into a comfy rhythm, which is generally what I want.”
The Cloudrunner 3 is firmly a daily trainer built for consistency. It’s especially well-suited to newer runners or those trying to build mileage on a reliable platform.
Beyond running, it also works well as an all-day option for walking. “Some of my sessions involve a lot of stopping and walking, and I find the Cloudrunner well-suited to that,” Sarah adds.
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