Are the On Cloudmonsters worth the hype? 👀

I’ve been seeing the On Cloudmonster everywhere lately — on TikTok, at the gym, even on people who swear they “don’t run.” Naturally, I had to see what all the hype was about. As a 25-year-old beginner runner who’s usually more of a “Pilates and long walks” kind of girl, I wanted to know if these shoes were really as good as everyone says, or just another trendy sneaker.

After a few weeks of wearing them (on runs, walks, and even errands), here’s my honest take:

My First Impressions 

The first thing I noticed was the sole. They don't look cartoonishly massive on foot, but they do have a springy, bouncy vibe just by sight — like you can just tell there's a lot of cushion built into every step. The Cloudmonster definitely lives up to its name. The chunky look might not be everyone’s vibe, but I personally love how they stand out and add a little height. I picked the trending neutral color, Moon Fawn, so I could wear them with both my activewear and everyday outfits.

How Do They Feel?

My first run in them was a game changer. They have this soft, springy cushioning that makes each step feel light and bouncy, almost like running on tiny trampolines. As someone who’s still easing into running, I really appreciated how much impact they absorbed. My knees and ankles felt supported, and I didn’t get that usual post-run soreness.

For beginner runners, I think these are great. They take pressure off your joints, and the shoe itself feels stable, no wobbling or slipping on flat ground. Incline might be a little challenging as the sole puts more tension onto your calves. However, the upper also hugs your foot nicely without feeling tight.

What They’re Best For

After testing them in different situations, here’s what I’ve found:

- Easy runs or recovery runs: Perfect for those low-pressure miles where you just want to get your steps in.

- Walking and errands: Super comfortable for all-day wear. I’ve worn them shopping and did not complain once about how tired I was. I actually didn’t want to go home one day 😅

- Casual workouts: They’re fine for light gym sessions, just not for heavy lifting since the cushioned sole is springy. 

- They strike that balance between performance and lifestyle, so if you like versatile shoes that look good and feel good, these are a win.

Who They Might Not Be For

While I personally love them, I can see why the Cloudmonster might not work for everyone.

- The Cloudmonster isn’t ideal for trail running as the ridges on the outsole can trap debris and rocks. And if you do a lot of sprints or short burst running, these might feel a bit too cushioned — they’re designed more for light and steady run.- If you prefer a minimal or lightweight shoe, these might feel a little too “extra.” 
- And if you have narrow feet, you might find the fit a bit roomy. I’d recommend trying them on in-store with us first.

They’re definitely more about comfort and cushioning than speed and precision.

Final Thoughts: Not Just Hype, But Not for Everyone

So, are the On Cloudmonsters worth the hype? Honestly — yes, for most people.

They’re one of the most comfortable and beginner-friendly shoes I’ve ever worn, and they’ve actually made me look forward to running (And I hate running! 😭). If you’re all about intense training — or prefer a super lightweight, stripped-down feel, there are better options out there. Check out our Hoka vs On blog to find the best shoe for your active lifestyle.

For me, though? The Cloudmonster lives up to its name — big comfort, big personality, and big motivation to get moving.

Shop our On Cloudmonster Collection!