The Cloudmonster from On Holding AG - max cushioning for long road miles

Reviewed: ad hoc news Lifestyle & Consumer desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-23, 17:25. Details in the imprint.

The Cloudmonster from On Holding AG looks almost cartoonish when you first unbox it, with those huge hollow pods underfoot and the high, rolling sole begging for a long Sunday run. Slip it on and the foam sinks quietly, then pushes you forward.

What defines the Cloudmonster ride

The Cloudmonster is a max-cushioned road running shoe built around On's signature CloudTec pods, here in an exaggerated, oversized form for extra underfoot protection on long runs. The tall, curved rocker encourages a rolling stride that feels natural once you settle into tempo.

On combines these clouds with a Helion foam midsole and a Speedboard plate, so the shoe feels soft on landing yet surprisingly lively when you push off for quicker strides. Many runners describe the first kilometers as slightly bouncy, then increasingly smooth as the foam breaks in.

Fit, upper and daily comfort

The engineered mesh upper is airy and holds its shape well, with a padded tongue and heel collar that avoid hard pressure points even when laced firmly. The last is moderately wide in the forefoot, giving toes room to splay without feeling sloppy in corners.

On's trademark lacing and sculpted heel counter help lock the midfoot down, so the shoe keeps a secure feel even on cambered bike paths or wet city slabs. The large outsole pods add height but also create clear flex grooves that help the shoe roll rather than slap the ground.

Who it suits and where it shines

For most runners the Cloudmonster slots in as a long-run or easy-day shoe rather than a race flat. The high stack and soft ride favor steady efforts, marathon training blocks and recovery runs where impact reduction matters more than raw speed.

On co-founder and elite coach Olivier Bernhard often emphasizes cushioning as a way to keep training volume high while protecting the body, and the Cloudmonster leans into exactly that philosophy. It lets mid-pack runners taste some of the plush comfort seen in elite training setups.

Durability, grip and everyday use

The rubber coverage on the outsole focuses on high-wear zones under the heel and forefoot, which helps keep weight reasonable while still offering solid lifespan for a daily trainer. The exposed foam between the pods will show scuffs but usually holds up structurally for many hundreds of kilometers.

On dry asphalt the grip is sure-footed, while on wet cobblestones the tall pods can feel a bit less planted if you aggressively corner. Many buyers end up using the shoe not only for runs but also for commute walks, simply because the cushioned step feels pleasant all day.

Company context and share angle

On Holding AG has built its brand around distinctive sole designs and performance running partnerships, with the Cloudmonster sitting alongside tempo and trail models in its range. On Holding AG shares (ISIN CH1134540470) trade primarily on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Swiss francs, where analysts watch demand for models like this as a proxy for growth momentum.

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.