Is the Cloudmonster 3 Worth the Upgrade?

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.On3 min readWe love our On sneakers—we love ‘em for walking, racing, off-road running—and of course, wearing them casually with jeans. But not every pair is perfect, which is why we’re here to tell you which ones are worth buying, and which ones you can skip.I tested a brand new pair of the new Cloudmonster 3 shoes, to see what the hype is all about. The model first debuted in a purple hue back in 2022, and ever since, it’s evolved into one of On’s most popular running shoes. The brand’s third version dropped in March of this year, alongside two other iterations of the model (the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper and the Lightspray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper).The Cloudmonster 3 is known for being On’s daily trainer, layered with three levels of CloucTec cushioning, a re-engineered curved rocker bottom for extra propulsion, and a midsole made from a dual density foam to deliver maximal energy return. Here’s an exact breakdown on what that all means.How They FeelThe triple-layer of CloudTec delivers comfort in a strong and smooth ride, similarly to the Cloudmonster 2. While some running shoes emphasize cushioning that makes your strides feel soft and plush, the Cloudmonster 3 prioritizes stability. Specifically designed to absorb impact, you feel the responsiveness in every step. Also, that re-engineered rocker shape that we mentioned? It makes a big difference. The rounded bottom ensures that smooth and energetic propulsion comes through in your push-offs.Though while comfortable and springy, this model is definitely more firm than its predecessors, largely due to its ample Helion foam, rigid Speedboard, and high-stack design. But these shoes were intentionally made with all of these components to be extra sturdy—and they definitely don’t lack in the sturdiness department.What We LikeThere’s more that we like about these shoes than just On’s predictable comfort. First, the element of practicality. This pair is versatile; you can wear them for both distance running and walking. Whether I’m wearing them to train for my upcoming half marathon, to run errands around New York City, or to take my dog for an hour-long walk, they’re equally supportive. The multi-uses makes it all the easier to justify as an investment.The Cloudmonster 3 was also built to last. The high-quality materials and construction promise durability. Even if you’re putting miles on these guys, you won’t need to buy a new pair for quite some time (which is more than we can say about other high-performance sneakers).The upper also stood out to me, and this is also what separates it the most from the Cloudmonster 2. While the previous iteration was a bit baggier in its upper fit, this one is secure and more premium. It keeps my foot locked in place without feeling too tight or uncomfortable, padding in the heel collar delivers extra comfort, and an engineered mesh is breathable and minimizes my chronic foot sweat.What Could Be BetterNo shoe is perfect, not even these. We have a few minor qualms, and upon further investigation, we noticed that some other reviewers said the same. The main thing to note is that they are stiffer and heavier than their competitors. The stiffness is often conflated with the firmness that we mentioned before; these shoes are sturdy, but they sacrifice flexibility. The toe box is also a tad wide, and something minor, but the laces tend to come undone easily—so tie ‘em extra tight.While I mentioned all of the things that I’m wearing these shoes for, here’s when I’m taking them off: I’m not wearing them to race in or if there’s a specific time I’m trying to get. They weigh approximately 10.4 oz, which you definitely notice if you’re used to lighter sneakers or the first iteration of the Cloudmonster (which weighed an ounce less).So Should You Buy It?In short, yes. Whether you’re a longtime fan of On’s Cloudmonster model or are simply looking for a comfortable daily running or walking shoe, you can’t go wrong with On’s Cloudmonster 3. But if you’re looking for something lighter, more flexible, or are easily irked by slippery laces, you may want to go a different route (even within the On brand). You do you, but just know, you won’t regret buying the Cloudmonster 3.