On Cloudmonster 2 Review | Heavier but More Stable

On has released the Cloudmonster 2, successor to the hugely popular original Cloudmonster.

On Running provided me with the Cloudmonster 2 for this review.

I’ll cover how it compares to the original, sizing, and where it fits best in your training.

Bottom line: the Cloudmonster 2 is a minor update. It’s heavier, and it’s shifted further toward a slow-jogging shoe.

Propulsion feels nearly unchanged, but the added weight is noticeable. I found it best suited to slower paces than the original.

Product Specs

Item	Details
Product Name	Cloudmonster 2
Manufacturer	On
MSRP	¥21,780
Stack Height	No stack height data; Drop: 6mm
Weight	27.0cm (US M9), 297g (actual)

On Cloudmonster v1: My Experience and Key Takeaways

I bought the original Cloudmonster myself and used it extensively. I picked it up primarily for easy jogging, but it turned out to be more capable at faster paces than I expected.

That said, I wouldn’t actively choose it for pace runs or structured workouts — it sat at the edge of what I’d call a jogging shoe.

One area where the original fell short was durability. Most modern daily trainers feel like they can handle 1,000km or more. The Cloudmonster was a different story.

Around 500km, I started noticing outsole wear, and the midsole began compressing faster than expected — enough that I could feel my foot tilting.

The original Cloudmonster had excellent propulsion — but poor durability was its Achilles heel.

How the Cloudmonster 2 Compares to the Original

Here’s how the Cloudmonster 2 differs from v1:

The added weight and stability make this update feel tailored for slower-paced runners.

With the original, I could comfortably push to 6:26–6:50/mile (4:00–4:15/km) without much effort. The Cloudmonster 2’s added weight makes moderate-effort runs feel less natural.

Ride Performance: Propulsion, Rebound & Stability

The Cloudmonster 2 has been tuned for slower paces.

Weight has increased by roughly 10%. The original felt effortlessly light; the v2 reminds you it’s on your foot.

The Cloudmonster features a Speedboard plate in the midsole and a rocker sole geometry — both of which give it a strong rolling-forward sensation.

The Cloudmonster 2 retains this rolling-forward feel, and honestly, I found it nearly identical to v1 in that regard.

On’s cloud-shaped hollowed-out pods — Cloudtec — sit at the base of the midsole and create that signature cushioned landing.

The Cloudmonster 2 uses the same Cloudtec, but with more foam stacked above it — making the overall stack even taller than v1.

This may explain why ground feel on landing is marginally firmer than the original — which in turn improves stability at contact.

Propulsion is on par with v1, but the increased weight and stability make it harder to generate speed.

Sizing

Almost every review of the Cloudmonster 2 flags the sizing as running large.

Based on that feedback, I went a half size down from my usual 27.5cm to 27.0cm.

The original also ran large — I found 27.5cm slightly roomy in v1 — so going down felt like a natural call.

In practice, the Cloudmonster 2 does feel a touch large, but not dramatically more so than v1.

Width runs wide, with no question. Narrow-footed runners may find the shoe gaps even when length is spot-on.

Wider-footed runners, on the other hand, can likely stay true to their usual size.

For me — with average-width feet — going down a half size made the length feel snug, almost slightly small.

Compared to my other running shoes, this runs larger — but going down more than a half size would be risky.

Sizing between v1 and v2 is close enough that if you were happy with your v1 fit, stick with the same size. If v1 felt a bit large, going a half size down should work.

Design & Appearance

The Cloudmonster 2 looks great. It’s polished enough to pass as casual footwear.

The lace routing uses a Flywire-style construction — similar to what you’d find on the Nike Pegasus 36 — which lets you tie a secure knot without the laces feeling restrictive.

If you plan to transition it into casual use after retirement from running duties, this shoe makes a strong case.

It also solves the classic travel dilemma: carrying a separate running shoe adds bulk, but most running shoes don’t pair well with street clothes. The Cloudmonster 2 does both.

Best Use Cases

My top recommendation: easy, relaxed jogging.

It’s also an ideal pick when you want one shoe that handles both travel running and casual wear.

It can handle a faster jog if needed, but I wouldn’t reach for the Cloudmonster 2 specifically when speed is the goal.

In my own terms: my easy jog pace runs around 7:15–8:03/mile (4:30–5:00/km), and the Cloudmonster 2 is comfortable throughout that range. Slower than that is fine too.

The Cloudmonster 2 looks great, but it comes at a premium price.

Weight

My 27.0cm pair weighed in at 297g.

The original Cloudmonster measured 280g in 27.5cm — so accounting for size, the v2 is roughly 10% heavier.

Durability

Durability is my biggest concern with the Cloudmonster 2.

The original wore through its outsole relatively quickly, and midsole compression set in earlier than expected.

I’ll update this section as more kilometers accumulate.

At Purchase

Outsole condition at purchase:

Midsole condition:

Where to Buy

On Running shoes are available through the official On website, as well as online retailers like Amazon and Rakuten.

The official store has the widest selection of colorways. For points or discounts, Amazon and Rakuten are worth checking.