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The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS might just be the best On running shoe we’ve ever tested, and it rivals some of the top super-trainers on the market for versatility. It’s comfortable, pretty stable and exceptionally light, and performs well for any type of run.
There are drawbacks though. One is the ludicrously high price, which makes even the Asics Megablast seem like good value. The other is the fit, which can’t be adjusted because of the LightSpray upper. The fit worked brilliantly for some of us, but made the shoe very hard to get on for others.
If the price and fit work for you then the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS is one of the best running shoes you can get, but it’s not one we’ll readily recommend because there are certainly better value options including the Megablast and Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £270/$280
- Weight: 216g/7.6oz (men’s UK 9 / US 9.5)
- Drop: 6mm
- Upper: Seamless LightSpray
- Midsole: Helion HF PEBA foam on top of CloudTec EVA pods
- Outsole: Good rubber coverage
On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS review
How’s the Fit
Nick, Mike and Kieran tested the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS for our review and had a mixed experience with the fit. Nick loved the fit in his normal size and found it was easy to get on and off. Mike had a half size up and could get the shoe on easily enough, but had some rubbing around the heel collar.
Kieran found it very tricky to get the shoe on either in his normal size or in half a size up, and then found it pinched and numbed his foot during runs. This is definitely a shoe to try on before you buy, because the fit could make or break it for you.
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The Run Test: Likes
The balance of cushioning in the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS is excellent, with a generous slab of On’s springy Helion HF foam stabilised by a frame of CloudTec. Unlike in most On shoes, the CloudTec pods aren’t too noticeable on the run; instead you get all the fun of the Helion HF without if being dulled by the EVA pods.
It’s an extremely light shoe too, and despite being well-cushioned and stable, it works well for faster runs thanks to the featherweight design and responsive cushioning. It’s not as effective as a plated shoe for all-out speed, but it’s not far off, and the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS is great for long tempo efforts and workouts.
The balance of comfort, weight and speed means it’s one of the most versatile shoes on the market, rivalling other top super-trainers on this front, especially as the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS is more stable than most high stack shoes.
Nick also loved the fit of the LightSpray upper, though this will be an individual thing as the one-piece upper doesn’t work for everyone. If it fits you well, it makes the shoe feel like an extension of the foot and helps to create a very natural, flowing ride.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The price is the main dislike we have for the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS, because it’s way too high. Even very expensive shoes like the Megablast and Asics Superblast 3 look cheap in comparison, and as good as the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS is, it can’t live up to that price with its performance.
As detailed above the fit will also be a concern for lots of runners, because if it doesn’t work for you out of the box, there’s not a lot you can do about it and it will ruin the experience of using the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS. It’s definitely one to try before you buy, if you can.
Verdict and Alternatives
The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS is a fantastic running shoe and a great option to handle a huge variety of daily training thanks to its versatile ride. It’s a true super-trainer in that regard, offering the lightest design of any max-stack super-trainer we’ve tried, and a winning balance of speed, comfort and stability.
It’s also far too expensive, and if value is a concern at all for you when picking your shoe, then it’s not one we’d buy. The Megablast is heavier and less stable, but has an even more energetic ride. It’s as versatile and much cheaper, while you could pick up two Kipstorm Tempos for the price and it’s also an outstanding shoe.
We do think the LightSpray model of the shoe is a big step up on the standard On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper though, and worth paying the extra for if you’re just looking at those two shoes. The LS is springier, lighter, faster and more fun in general, and the CloudTec pods are more noticeable on the standard model.