Swiss sportswear brand On has attracted attention with innovative footwear built around its proprietary CloudTec® sole. One of its most talked-about models in recent years is the Cloudmonster.
True to its name, it features larger cloud pods than conventional On sneakers, combining exceptional cushioning with a distinctive, substantial silhouette.
This guide explores the On Cloudmonster's features and development, fit and comfort, styling possibilities, and care. It offers useful insights for runners as well as anyone interested in streetwear and casual dressing.
Shop the Cloudmonster Range
On develops its men's and women's footwear separately, and the Cloudmonster is no exception.
Each has its own product page, so please check carefully when ordering.
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Shop Women's Cloudmonster
The Story Behind the Cloudmonster: On's History of Innovation
Founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010, On is a relatively young brand that has already won support from leading athletes and running enthusiasts around the world.
Former world triathlon champion Olivier Bernhard and co-founders David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti built the brand around the idea of running on clouds.
The CloudTec® sole brings that idea to life through patented technology designed to combine soft landings with powerful takeoffs.
More recently, On has expanded beyond running shoes, collaborating with tennis legend Roger Federer and developing designs with a stronger fashion focus. The Cloudmonster series emerged against this backdrop.
With oversized cloud pods worthy of the Monster name and a carefully developed sole shape, it has gained attention as a shoe designed to reduce fatigue during long runs, demanding training sessions, and everyday walks around town.
Why Choose the Cloudmonster? Performance and Design
1. Exceptional Cushioning from Oversized Cloud Pods
Cloudmonster stands out for its cloud pods, which are larger than those on standard models. They absorb landing impact for a soft feel underfoot while also providing responsive rebound.
CloudTec® does more than cushion: as the compressed pods return to their original shape during takeoff, their restoring force helps propel you forward. The larger pods amplify that energy return for truly monster-level performance.
2. A Rocker Shape for Smoother Transitions
The Cloudmonster's sole has a gentle rocker curve designed to work with its large cloud pods. It helps the foot roll smoothly as weight shifts from heel to forefoot.
Rocker geometry has attracted attention in running footwear for its potential to reduce strain on the ankles and knees, helping limit fatigue on long runs and everyday walks.
3. A Lightweight, Breathable Upper
Although the Cloudmonster uses a rugged-looking design, its upper combines lightweight mesh with breathable synthetic materials. This helps release heat during runs and keeps the foot comfortable inside the shoe.
Reinforcement in key areas supports the foot over longer periods of activity. The extensive mesh also lightens the shoe's visual appearance and adds texture to the design.
4. A Distinctive Silhouette with Streetwear Appeal
On sneakers are generally known for a minimal, refined look, but the Cloudmonster lives up to its name with an eye-catching, voluminous sole.
It retains the performance of a running shoe while offering a silhouette that works with streetwear, making it suitable for everything from relaxed weekend outfits to everyday city life.
Bold printed details that set it apart from other On models add impact to an outfit and strengthen its streetwear appeal.
Color options range from understated monochromes to vivid combinations, giving you plenty of scope to choose a pair that suits your style.
Introducing the Cloudmonster Void
The Cloudmonster Void reworks the Cloudmonster with a comfortable design intended to suit an even wider range of occasions.
It retains the monster-level cushioning delivered by CloudTec technology and Helion superfoam, while introducing a mesh upper inspired by technical materials for greater breathability.
The design also incorporates three-dimensionally molded overlays.
Bonded detailing and a perforated microfiber tongue give the Cloudmonster Void an elevated feel from the moment you put it on, with comfort that lasts throughout the day.
Shop Men's Cloudmonster Void
Shop Women's Cloudmonster Void
Introducing the Cloudmonster 1 WP: An All-Weather Model with Waterproof Protection
The new Cloudmonster 1 WP combines a waterproof upper with concealed eyelets for a clean, streamlined look.
Its Missiongrip™ outsole provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Shop Cloudmonster 1 WP
How Does the Cloudmonster Feel?
If you are new to On, the flexible cushioning of the cloud pods may feel unusual at first. Once accustomed to it, however, many wearers find the combination of soft landings and responsive takeoffs so appealing that other shoes feel less satisfying.
The rocker-shaped sole also encourages a particularly smooth shift of weight toward the forefoot. The result is comfort designed to reduce fatigue during long runs and walks, as well as while getting around town or working on your feet.
Cloudmonster Sizing and Fit: Staff Reviews
As with other On shoes, some wearers find the Cloudmonster slightly snug across the foot. This may reflect a design intended to keep the foot stable while running.
If you have wide feet or a high instep, consider going up half a size. Those with average-width or narrower feet often find their usual size works well.
Below, our staff share their impressions after trying the shoes on.
We hope their experiences help you choose the right size.
Female Staff Review: Usually Wears 23.5 cm in Shoes Such as the adidas SAMBA
In my usual 23.5 cm size, the width felt right, but the toes felt a little cramped.
Moving up to 24 cm gave my toes more room and felt like an ideal fit for sports.
The insole has gentle contours, which is a welcome feature for those with flat feet. The outsole curves toward the toe, making it easy to shift my weight forward and very comfortable to walk in.
Male Staff Review: Usually Wears 26 cm in Shoes Such as the adidas SAMBA
In my usual 26 cm size, both the toe area and width felt just right. There was also room over the instep, making the fit very comfortable and well suited to sports.
At 26.5 cm, my foot made less contact with the upper around the toes, leaving more space. That extra room might be better suited to everyday wear around town.
At 27 cm, there was too much room around the toes, making walking feel more difficult. Based on that experience, I would recommend my usual size or half a size up.
Does the Cloudmonster Run Large or Small?
Based on these staff reviews and feedback from customers who have tried the shoes in store, many people choose their usual size or half a size up, although the right fit varies from person to person.
If you are unsure, see our On size guide, which compares measurements of staple models and includes staff reviews.
How to Style the Cloudmonster
The Cloudmonster has the technical appearance of a running shoe, but the growing popularity of chunky-soled sneakers makes it an easy fit for streetwear, sports-inspired outfits, and athleisure.
Try wide-leg trousers or a long skirt to draw attention to your footwear, or pair the shoes with sporty leggings or shorts for an active look with a fashion-forward edge.
Color makes a big difference, too. Neutral whites and grays blend readily into a range of outfits, while vivid colors and contrasting accents can make the shoes the focal point.
Coordinating colors with your outerwear, bag, or hat helps bring the look together. Beyond everyday wear, the Cloudmonster offers both comfort and style for travel and leisure.
Cloudmonster Styling Ideas for Men
An Urban Look with the Cloudmonster in Black
The black Cloudmonster works particularly well with tailored trousers and clean-lined relaxed pants. Choosing bottoms in a similar shade can also create the impression of longer legs.
Pair it with technical outerwear for a sleek, sophisticated all-black outfit.
Care Tips for Longer-Lasting Wear
Cloudmonster combines lightweight mesh, synthetic materials, and a rubber sole. With proper care, you can preserve both its performance and appearance over time.
- Removing surface dirt: After wearing, gently remove dust and dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush. If the shoes are wet or muddy, rinse them gently with lukewarm water.
- Avoid machine washing: A washing machine may damage the stitching or sole. Hand washing followed by air drying in a well-ventilated place is the better option.
- Cleaning the sole grooves: Small stones and sand can become trapped in the deep grooves between the cloud pods. Check regularly and remove debris with a brush to help maintain cushioning performance.
- Storage: Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can accelerate deterioration of adhesives and materials. Store the shoes in a ventilated shoe rack or box away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion: Discover a New Level of Comfort with the Cloudmonster
With cushioning that goes beyond conventional On sneakers and a distinctive silhouette, the Cloudmonster combines the substantial impact absorption and rebound of oversized cloud pods with smooth weight transfer from its rocker sole and a comfortable, lightweight upper.
Its appeal extends beyond running and training to everyday city life and fashion, with plenty of potential to keep attracting attention.
Choose a size that suits your foot width and intended use, then care for the shoes properly to enjoy lasting comfort. Discover the On Cloudmonster and experience that comfort for yourself.