Cloudmonster 2 Running Shoe - Men's

$179.95 Free shipping
ColorAsphalt/Lima
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The Grivet Take

The Cloudmonster 2 is On's max-cushion neutral daily trainer with the brand's largest CloudTec pods underfoot and a Helion superfoam plus Speedboard combination that adds genuine pop to the landing-and-takeoff cycle. The 35mm stack and 6mm drop deliver max cushion without going pillowy; the rocker rolls the foot forward through toe-off. This is a long-run and daily-mileage workhorse that does not feel slow on uptempo days. Cross-shop with the On Cloudsurfer Max for a softer ride and the Hoka Bondi 9 for the most-cushioned alternative.

Best forThe situations, preferences, and use cases this shoe matches well.

  • Daily easy miles
  • Half marathon and marathon distance
  • Neutral mechanics
  • Max-cushion feel
  • Responsive, bouncy foam

Not ideal forSituations where another shoe may be a better fit.

  • Race day
  • Speed workouts and intervals
  • Strong ground feel
  • Low-drop or zero-drop shoppers

Fit & Feel snapshot

Fit

LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations. True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked

Ride

CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.5 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.3 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.4 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.3 of 5
DeadBouncy

Support

Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral Stability Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type. Wider, steadier base

How it fits

Fits true to size for most runners. Toe box runs standard width with normal vertical volume. Midfoot is normal width with a secure performance wrap typical of On's lacing system. Heel hold is excellent. Available in standard (D) only at Grivet for men's.

How it feels

Cushion is max-stack and balanced, with the largest CloudTec pods On has produced delivering meaningful softness on landing without bottoming out. The dual-density Helion foam and nylon-blend Speedboard pair to absorb impact on landing and snap back at toe-off; energy return is genuinely strong for a max-cushion shoe. The rocker geometry rolls the foot forward through the gait cycle. The platform is wide for stable footfalls at the tall stack; the forefoot is stiff rather than flexible, which is intentional for the rocker design.

Quick specs

Category
Long run trainer
Surface
Pavement · Treadmill
Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
35.0 mm
Forefoot stack
29.0 mm
DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
6.0 mm
Weight (men's 9)
10.4 oz · 295 g
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
5 / 5
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
Midsole
Helion superfoam
Outsole
rubber
PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
Nylon-blend Speedboard
WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
D

Tech, translated

CloudTec is On's signature midsole architecture: hollow pods compress on landing for soft cushion and rebound for forward energy. The Cloudmonster 2 uses the largest CloudTec pods On has produced, sized specifically for max-cushion daily-mileage protection. Helion superfoam is On's named premium midsole foam, lighter and more responsive than standard EVA. In the Cloudmonster 2 the foam runs dual-density: a softer top layer for landing comfort and a firmer base for forward energy. The Speedboard is a nylon-blend plate that runs the length of the shoe and provides forward drive without the rigidity of a carbon plate. The 6mm drop pairs with the rocker geometry for smooth transitions.

Frequently asked

Does the On Cloudmonster 2 run true to size?
The Cloudmonster 2 runs true to size for most runners. The toe box is standard width with normal vertical volume; runners between sizes can usually stay with their typical On size. Available in standard (D) only at Grivet for men's.
Is the On Cloudmonster 2 firm or soft underfoot?
The Cloudmonster 2 is balanced. The dual-density Helion foam and Speedboard combination delivers a firmer, more responsive ride than fully soft max-cushion shoes; the cushion is plentiful but not pillowy. Runners who want a softer max-cushion ride should look at the Hoka Bondi 9 or the On Cloudsurfer Max instead.
Is the On Cloudmonster 2 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The rubber outsole grips treadmill belts reliably and the max-cushion CloudTec stack absorbs the harder treadmill landing well. The strong rocker maintains smooth turnover across longer treadmill sessions. The 295g weight keeps cadence honest even on extended treadmill runs.
How does the On Cloudmonster 2 compare to the Hoka Bondi 9?
Both are max-cushion neutral daily trainers. The Cloudmonster 2 has a more responsive feel through the Helion foam and Speedboard combination; the Bondi 9 is softer and more conservatively tuned with Hoka's signature rocker. Pick the Cloudmonster if you want max cushion with pop; pick the Bondi if you want maximum softness for recovery and long-run comfort.
Is the Cloudmonster 2 good for long runs?
Yes. The 35mm cushion stack and 295g weight pair well for runners who want max-cushion protection without dragging a heavy shoe through long efforts. The Speedboard maintains forward drive late in the run when fatigue compromises form. This is one of the better long-run options in the On lineup.
Is the Cloudmonster 2 a recovery shoe or a daily trainer?
The Cloudmonster 2 is a daily trainer with recovery-day cushion. The Helion foam and Speedboard combination keeps the ride energetic enough for daily mileage and easy long runs; the cushion stack supports recovery efforts as well. Runners who want a dedicated recovery-only shoe with maximum softness should look at the Hoka Bondi 9 instead.
What is the difference between the Cloudmonster 2 and the original Cloudmonster?
The Cloudmonster 2 refines the upper and updates the Speedboard while keeping the oversized CloudTec character of the original. Customers who liked the original will recognize the family identity; the v2 polishes the ride and fit without changing the underfoot feel meaningfully.

Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.

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