Soft landings and loud foam - why On’s Cloudmonster 2 chases that springy run

Reviewed: ad hoc news Lifestyle & Consumer desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-19, 08:41. Details in the imprint.

With the Cloudmonster 2, On sends a running shoe onto the street that looks almost playful, yet clearly wants to be taken seriously once you start moving. The huge hollow pods under the foot feel soft when you land, then push back with a distinct, almost rubbery snap.

How the Cloudmonster 2 feels

Slip into the Cloudmonster 2 and you immediately notice how high you are standing over the asphalt. The midsole stacks a thick layer of foam under the heel and forefoot, cradling your foot in a soft but not mushy platform.

Once you start running, the rocker shape rolls you forward in a surprisingly smooth way. Landings feel cushioned and slightly muted, while toe-off has a distinct snap that invites you to quicken your cadence rather than lazily shuffle.

Upper, fit and everyday comfort

The upper of the Cloudmonster 2 hugs the midfoot like a firm but friendly handshake, with a bit more room in the forefoot so your toes are not squeezed on longer runs. The engineered mesh feels tidy and breathable rather than plush and padded.

The tongue is moderately cushioned and stays in place, which helps when you cinch the laces tighter for tempo work. Heel lockdown is secure without digging into the Achilles, so you can jog to the bakery after your run without thinking about hotspots.

Where it shines and where it nags

The shoe really comes alive on steady daily runs where you are not chasing a personal best but still want to feel light on your feet. The high stack dampens tired legs on back-to-back training days and makes longer easy runs feel less punishing.

On tight corners and very quick intervals, the tall platform can feel a bit wobbly if you load it aggressively. Runners who crave a very direct road feel will find the ride slightly detached, especially compared with flatter training shoes.

Use cases, durability and price picture

In practice the Cloudmonster 2 sits in that sweet spot between maximal comfort and decent responsiveness. Many runners will use it as a go-to daily trainer for 5 to 15 kilometer sessions, with occasional long runs on the weekend.

The outsole rubber covers the key impact zones and should withstand regular road use, though heavy heel strikers on rough asphalt will eventually chew through the soft foam edges. Pricing typically lands in the upper mid-range of premium running shoes, reflecting On's positioning as a lifestyle-performance brand.

On in the market and the share

On has built a visible presence in European and North American running stores, with its distinctive cloud pods creating instant shelf recognition. The Cloudmonster 2 extends that visual language while nudging the brand further into the maximal-cushion niche popularized by competitors.

Shares of On Holding (CH1134540470) trade in Zurich and in New York via a US listing, giving investors multiple venues to participate in the company's growth story around premium running and lifestyle footwear.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.