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The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is the second-generation follow up to the On Cloudmonster Hyper. It returns with a new midsole set up, more Helion HF PEBA-based superfoam across the shoe, in a bigger overall stack. And some other minor changes in a package that On says is built to to be “a long run super trainer with enhanced cushioning, ride, comfort, and hyper-responsiveness.”
It landed alonside the lighter, pricier and more innovative On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS (with those fancy Lightspray uppers) and, once you get running, it’s a notably different beast.
The original Cloudmonster Hyper split opinion – not least because of the higher price tag. There’s no change there sadly. But the big question: is whether On’s changes stack up to an improved ride and move the Monster Hyper closer to the best running shoes?
Run Testers Kieran and Nick have logged the necessary test miles and we’re ready to give you our verdict in the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper review.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £210/$220
- Weight: 257g/9.1oz (men’s UK 8.5 / US 9.5)
- Drop: 6mm
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Midsole: Helion HF PEBA foam on top of CloudTec EVA pods
- Outsole: Good rubber coverage
On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper review
How’s the Fit
Nick and Kieran tested the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper for our review and found it offered a good fit true to size with ample room around the toes and comfortable heel hold from the ample padded heel collars. The uppers are a little more dense and structured than the more perforated mesh of the original Cloudmonster Hyper and that affects how light this gen feels on the foot.
But overall a nice step-in feel with an accomodating fit that’s more approachable and easier to use compared to the light spray model.
Check out more of the best On running shoes
The Run Test: Likes
The new midsole set up adds a really generous slab of helium HF foam right across the shoe where the last-gen only deployed that foam under the forefoot. That definitely boosts the cruising comfort over the original Cloudmonster Hyper which some runners found heavy, blocky and a bit lifeless.
It’s still not the squishiest or highest rebound foam but the result is a very pleasant ride that offers a lot of comfort, decent protection, and a measure level of bounce back and energy off the front of the shoe as you roll through your foot strike.
There’s extra softness there across the shoe but it’s still notably firmer than many PEBA-based trainers or big-stack cushioned super trainers. But that also means it’s more stable than softer rivals like the Asics Superblast 3, the Megablast, the Adidas Hyperboost Edge.
If you like a balance of a supportive ride with consistency, control and crusiing comfort, the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper delivers.
Kieran enjoyed the firmer, rockered roll of the original Cloudmonster Hyper. That’s gone a bit. But you still get a nice roll through from the rocker on this updated midsole. It’s still smooth but doesn’t bite back as quietly and you’ve traded some immediacy for a bit protection.
The Run Test: Dislikes
We found the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper came up short on versatility. While it’s good for easy and long steady runs, and it breaks in and softens up after a few runs, Nick and Kieran found the shoe a bit blocky and heavy for the fatster efforts. Not really in the top tier of super trainers.
Although the full length section of Helion HF does add more life to the shoe and some softeness across the foot, fans of more compressive, trampoline midsoles will likely still find the Cloudmonter 3 Hyper a bit firm. The Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS certainly has more life and better performance when you shift up through the gears.
Finally, the price is always a bit of a grumble with the best On running shoes. They always come at a premium that doesn’t necessarily match the performance. Not when you line them up against rivals. The same is true here. At £210 / $220 it’s pricier than the Asics Superblast 3 and around the same ballpark as the Megablast which offers more versatility.
Verdict and Alternatives
If you like softer, springier rides, the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is a step up form the last-gen shoe. You see why On has made the changes to the midsole with that full length Helion HF foam bringing something new that changes the ride from a stiffer, firmer, snappier, maybe faster turnover ride, to something a bit more protective, cushioned and comfort driven.
It still runs firmer than a lot of super trainers but the impact protection is improved and there’s a bit more bounce. It holds steady pace with loads of welcome consistency and it’s an accomplished cruiser for sure. We just wouldn’t say that equates to a faster shoe than the original and On hasn’t quite nailed this as a higher energy trainer.Â
If you’re looking for big energy, lacks a little. It’s not as bouncy as a Megablast, not as agile or comfy as a Saucony Endorphin Azura. Not as super cushioned as the Adidas Hyperboost Edge or the Asics Superblast 3.Â
But it’s great for logging steady, tempo and daily training miles and if you don’t like the higher compression midsoles in a lot of super trainers, but found the original Hyper too firm, then the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper might ring a bell for you.
If you want something lighter, racier and more punchy for the upper pace runs, the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS LightSpray model is a big step up on this standard version.
It’s springier, lighter, faster and more fun , and the CloudTec pods are less noticeable than on the standard model. It’s pricier but worth paying the extra for if you’re just looking at those two shoes. Provided you can get along with the hit and miss fit of that shoe. Some people struggle to get it on.