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The On Cloudmonster 2 is a versatile, cushioned running shoe hailed for its stability and responsiveness — a combination of equal balance, difficult to source elsewhere.
This shoe is suitable for regular training, semi and long runs, and steady workouts. The shoe is probably good for hard anaerobic sessions too, however, some athletes will choose a supershoe; each to their own.
Key features
Key features include a redesigned dual-density midsole for stability. The intent manifests nicely as promised. Also, there is a flexible nylon “Speedboard,” and a roomy, yet comfortable upper.
The speedboard is a stiff, nylon-blend plate that sits inside the midsole. It helps provide energy return and propulsion for a more powerful and efficient stride. It works by flexing and springing back, a lighter, less expensive version of a carbon plate that is popular in the expensive super shoes.
The updated version features a nylon blend and is sandwiched between dual-density Helion superfoam to deliver both powerful propulsion and soft landings, according to On.
Pros
Balanced stability: Cloudmonster 2 offers good cushioning without being soft like some of the competitive shoes in the same price range. This is thanks to a dual-density midsole and a firm, providing a firm footing.
New and improved midsole: The dual-density foam and flexible nylon speedboard improve stability and the ability to temper impact.
Roomy and comfortable fit: The upper is roomy, especially in the toe box, which this tester appreciated due to metatarsalgia. Moving a size up provides a terrific amount of space, without feeling as though one is wearing fins (no toeing rocks and curbs).
Quality build: The shoe is well-constructed with excellent initial wear tests, durability, and finish (after several gravel-surface runs, the shoe appears new.
Suitable for longer runs: This shoe has been tested up to two hours on various surfaces, including bedrock, asphalt, concrete, grass, packed earth, pea gravel and crushed gravel. It is assumed that the shoe will be good for over three hours.
Versatility: The Cloudmonster 2 works well for various efforts and distance runs over varied terrain.
Cosmetics: On has a distinct look; this has not changed. At first glance, it is not obvious that the 2 is different than the original. The fabric upper has a slight improvement in the mesh-like nature (perhaps offering a venting improvement). The upper seems to taper to the outsole in a more refined, aggressive way, but just a little, with a rounder end to the outside of the toe area.
The split in the bottom of the shoe, which was notorious for rock collecting, is gone, which moved the original from an 8 or almost 9 ranking of 10, to a clear 9 for sure.
Cons
There are no cons per se from initial wear testing.
New firmness: While the shoe is firmer than its predecessor, this is not a con, but it is something that runners should be aware of if they think they are going to slide into the original. Perhaps, the difference as the shoe ages will be less significant.
Heel-to-toe transition: While again, this is not a con, it could be for a select type of runner. The transition can be stiffer and perhaps require more energy; it was not noticeable during the Athletics Illustrated wear tests.
Price: It could be argued that you get what you pay for. I don’t know if that is true when one pays $500-plus for the infamous one-wear racing supershoe, but in this case, it applies. All shoes have gone up in price due to the volume and quality of materials, and the quality changes in design and innovation.
In conclusion
Once again, On has provided an excellent shoe for general hard-surface regular training. The trainer will likely be appropriate for all types of of surfaces.
The fit is firm and roomy.
The aesthetics are pleasing to the eye, with the “On appearance” maintained, while refining the look a step forward. The Cloudmonster 2 will appear like a training shoe in a pair of jeans, but will give off a hip vibe too.
