Here at Prevention, we have long been fans of On running shoes. The podiatrist-approved brand has topped our list for best walking shoes, as well as gotten accolades from nurses who are on their feet for impossibly long shifts and impressed our own editors. As someone who has been product testing for nearly a decade, I was surprised to discover that I had never tried a pair from On. So, when I got the chance to try the newest (and most cushioned!) shoe from the brand, the Cloudmonster 3, I was excited.
These shoes are beloved by everyone from rowdy teens on the subway to elderly folks slowly making their way around my local park. Their Cloudtec soles (which look vaguely like a honeycomb) are unique and unmistakable. But like most top-notch walking shoes, the price on most On shoes is also a bit high. Given their pervasiveness and long list of fans, I needed to know. Are the new Cloudmonster 3 shoes worth the spend? Here are my honest thoughts.
Cons
- Runs wide
- Rocker outsole requires getting used to
| Sizes | 5-12 |
| Widths | Medium, Wide |
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6 mm |
The fit
This was my first time wearing a pair of On sneakers, so I wasn’t entirely sure which size to order. Ultimately, I went with my typical athletic shoe size—9.5—a half size bigger than my dress shoes. Lengthwise it was perfect, but I found that in addition to an extremely roomy toe box, the midsole also ran a bit wide. I laced them up tight and had no problem with slipping or sliding, and the ties stayed thoroughly in place. And despite the engineered mesh upper being quite ventilated and a little stretchy, I never felt unsteady on my feet while wearing them. In fact, they fit to my feet really well.
They also sent me a pair of 9.5 in a wide width, which I did not come close to needing (my feet run slightly narrow). But my wide-footed wife was more than eager to take them for a spin herself. She has a hard time finding supportive enough sneakers that fit her extremely wide feet (including arches and midsoles), and she was very impressed with how well they fit, although commented that she wished the laces were slightly longer.
9.5 vs. 9.5 wide in the Cloudmonster 3
The feel
This newest iteration of the Cloudmonster has been given a new triple-layer Cloudtec sole, which not only enhances the cushiony feel but also adds more energy return and responsiveness to each step, making long distances or sprints less challenging. This is also in part due to the new nylon Speedboard placed at the midsole to give a slight stiffening to the foam to help give the shoe some stability, so your feet don’t sink in or feel like you are walking in sand. In fact, walking in these shoes, there was a distinct bounce and almost an energetic pop during takeoff, which I attribute to this soft plate.
The performance
I am not a runner; I am a casual jogger—and really only when I need to catch a subway train or dart across a large crosswalk with seconds left on the clock. However, I could not believe how easy this pair of sneakers made both walking and jogging. Even this morning (pre-coffee and pre-food), I was able to sprint across a rather large five lane major city street to my doctor’s office with little to no effort. This is also due to how lightweight these shoes are. In addition to their energy return and effective responsiveness, they never drag or feel heavy on my feet. The rocker outsole, which propels you forward, also helps keep your steps light and moving, although I will say after months not using a rocker sole, it had a bit of a learning curve. It almost made me feel like I was walking too fast. But I adjusted quickly and did not experience that sensation again.
What I liked
I was surprised at how much I liked the look of the Cloudmonsters. I have seen them on so many people on the streets to subways and even in the Hearst Tower offices, but I was not sure if I would like the honeycomb outsole on myself. I was a fool to have doubted. It looks so stylish and is shockingly versatile. I also can’t get enough of how much energy wearing these shoes saves. On the days I wore them into the office, I noticed my joints felt less fatigued and my body felt less tired in general. I always find commuting to be especially hard (those crowded commuter trains are no joke!), so reducing the amount of strain on the walk to and from the platform was a huge bonus. Also, after throwing out my back earlier this year, I am super cognizant of anything that eases joint pain, and these shoes were excellent at that.
What I didn’t
The Cloudtec sole is great for comfort, cushion, and shock absorption, but its unique divoted shape is also great at picking up rocks, twigs, and other small bits and pieces of terrain. The one time I tried them “off road” I felt like i was constantly lifting my foot and scraping out whatever had gotten stuck in its ridges. For this reason, I’d recommend sticking to city streets, sidewalks, and treadmills rather than wearing them on trails.
How I tested
I wore the On Cloudmonster 3 sneakers for four weeks in a multitude of different weathers and situations. In addition to wearing them on long-distance walks on city streets, I also wore them during my work commute, on a few short jogs, and a few long days of running errands. I put them on for a full 12-hour day, as well as for short one-offs that lasted only the duration of my workouts.
Bottom line
If you are looking for a top-notch cushioned shoe that is both versatile and stylish to add to your sneaker collection, the Cloudmonster 3 is a great option. Its shock-absorbing Cloudtec sole makes it a particularly great option for those with aching knees (or bad joints in general), or anyone who needs an ultra-comfortable shoe for standing or walking long hours. Yes, it is on the pricey side, but considering its versatility and comfort, it’s an investment I believe is worth making.
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