I’ve already put solid mileage into the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, thanks to On sending my pair ahead of the official March 19 launch.
It really didn’t take long to understand what On was trying to do with this one, and it's every bit as good as the previous version, with some extra sparkle to make this super trainer shine, even more.
It’s a high-stack, long-run-focused trainer that still feels fun when you naturally pick the pace up. Not in a “plated super shoe” way, but more like big protection, steady bounce, and a ride that keeps your legs feeling surprisingly normal the next day, that's really what make them so special.
Key specifications
- Price: $220 at On - available March 19, 2026
- Weight: 266 g / 9.4 oz (men’s US 9 - my pair)
- Drop / stack height: 6 mm (39.5 mm heel / 33.5 mm forefoot)
- Upper: engineered mesh (44% recycled PES)
- Midsole: full-length Helion HF superfoam + CloudTec pods (no plate)
- Outsole: strategic rubber placement to keep weight down
- Stability elements: none added, relies on platform geometry
- Best for: long marathon training runs, easy miles, recovery runs, steady aerobic miles, and the kind of tempo that happens mid-long-run
Sizing and fit
I’m getting a true-to-size fit with a medium-width toe box that gives me enough room to splay without feeling sloppy.
Lockdown is strong once I dial the lacing, and the upper feels soft against the foot without any obvious pressure points.
It also has a very breathable upper which helps with internal temperature regulation on hot days or during long gruelling runs.
Performance review
The ride feels protective, but not “marshmallow” soft (that's a good thing)
The first thing I notice is how protected this shoe feels underfoot, without tipping into that overly plush, disconnected vibe some max-cushion trainers can have.
The Helion HF foam and CloudTec pods give a cushioned landing, but there’s still enough response that I don’t feel like I’m waiting for the shoe to catch up and give back.
That matters most late in a long run, when sloppy form starts creeping in. This one keeps the ride controlled and consistent, instead of getting mushy.
“No plate” actually makes sense here
I like plated shoes for speed training and race day, but they’re not always what I want for high-mileage training weeks.
Plates can leave your feet and lower legs feeling a bit cooked when you stack long run + medium-long + workouts across a block because you're having to work harder to flex the plate.
Sure that makes sense on race day because, you get that effort right back, translated to forward propulsion, but you shouldn't be running like this in day to day training.
The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper has that pop and forward roll I want, but it doesn’t have the stiff, lever-like feel of a plate. It’s smoother and a bit more forgiving through the stride, especially when I’m not trying to run fast, just trying to run a lot.
If you heel strike, you'll notice a smooth push as you land at that rear rockered geometry with kicked out midsole; it immediately pushes your through your stride, giveing you a little extra pep in your step.
Alastair Dixon
Long-run comfort that holds up
This is where the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is a real winner.
For 15–22 mile long runs, plus plenty of filler miles around those, it’s going to do the job of a true “long run trainer”.
My legs feel fresher the next day than I expect from a shoe with this much stack. Not magically fresh, just… less beaten up.
That’s the difference between being able to train again tomorrow versus needing to “take it easy” because you have to, not because you want to.
Tempo pace feels natural, even when it isn’t a “speed shoe”
I wouldn’t reach for this for short intervals or tempo runs. It’s not trying to be that. But for steady running, progression finishes, or marathon-pace chunks inside a long run, it works really well.
The rocker helps me move forward without forcing anything, and the response is there when I lean into it. It’s one of those shoes where you start a run easy, then realise you’re comfortably running quicker than planned.
Alastair Dixon
Traction and cornering are better than I expected
With a stack this high, I always pay attention to how a shoe behaves when I corner at speed, the road tilts, turns, or gets a bit damp.
On’s outsole layout here feels smart: rubber where I actually need it, without overbuilding the whole bottom of the shoe. Yes, that will reduce durability in the midfoot area, but it keeps the weight down.
Traction has been solid on a mix of road surfaces, including damp patches, and the shoe stays predictable when cornering.
The CloudTec pods give it that bouncy feel, but I’m not getting that sketchy instability you sometimes get with tall, soft shoes.
What could be improved
This is a small thing, but it's real. The tongue could be better anchored. It’s a little short and can shift downward slightly.
It’s in no way a dealbreaker, and doesn't create any discomfort on the run, but a simple dual tongue loop would certainly anchor it up better.
My verdict
If you want one shoe that can comfortably cover a big chunk of your weekly steady paced, any-distance mileage, this is one of the easiest “yes” shoes I’ve run in recently.
The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is at its best when the goal is stacking miles: long runs, easy days, steady aerobic volume, and those smooth paced efforts that happen naturally when you’re feeling good.
It doesn’t replace a lightweight speed-day shoe, but it does take a huge amount of work off your rotation because it handles so many sessions well.
I’m enjoying it enough that I’m genuinely looking forward to lacing it up again and again this season, which is usually the simplest sign a shoe’s landed in the right place for me.
If you’re grabbing a pair on March 19, or you’ve already run in them, I’d love to hear how they’re working for you; become a member (i's free) and drop a comment below!
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