Cloudmonster 2 from On Holding AG - higher stack, quieter ride for daily miles

Reviewed: ad hoc news New Release & Launch desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-24, 00:34. Details in the imprint.

The Cloudmonster 2 from On Holding AG lands on the pavement with a thick white midsole and the brand's hollow pods flexing underfoot as you roll through your stride. You feel the shoe compress with a soft "whoomp" on impact, then rebound with a tidy, springy push-off.

What On changed this time

On calls the Cloudmonster 2 a next-generation max-cushion trainer, and the most visible change is the higher stack with reshaped CloudTec elements for more consistent cushioning across the foot. The Helion superfoam midsole has been reformulated to feel smoother and slightly firmer under load than the first Cloudmonster.

The rocker geometry has been updated to help runners transition more easily from heel to toe, and the midsole sidewalls rise a touch higher to cradle the foot for added guidance on longer runs. In practice, that makes the shoe feel less wobbly when you corner or land off-center on uneven city asphalt.

How the Cloudmonster 2 feels on foot

Lacing up, the engineered mesh upper wraps the midfoot snugly without feeling suffocating, and the padded tongue stays put even when you cinch the flat laces hard for tempo work. The moment you jog off, the shoe sounds surprisingly quiet; the hollow pods compress more smoothly than the first model, with less slapping noise on concrete.

Runner and reviewer Ben Parker, who logs about 80 kilometers per week, describes the ride as "tactile but calm" compared with some aggressively bouncy trainers. He notes that the forefoot no longer feels sinky, which makes the shoe more convincing for uptempo segments in a long run.

Specs and positioning in On's line-up

On lists the Cloudmonster 2 at 10 mm drop, with a higher overall stack height than the original Cloudmonster, and a weight around 295 grams in US men's size 8. That places it clearly in the daily trainer and long-run category, rather than racing, where On offers options like the Cloudboom Echo 3.

The outsole uses a mix of rubber coverage and exposed foam, with more rubber placed under high-wear zones to improve durability without making the shoe feel clunky. After several weeks of testing, the edges of the hollow pods show scuffing but the rubber pads under the forefoot still grip wet pavement cleanly.

Where it shines and where it does not

On pitches the Cloudmonster 2 for long, steady efforts and heavier mileage blocks, and that matches how the shoe behaves once you settle into a rhythm. The rocker promotes an easy roll, so you spend less mental energy worrying about your footstrike during a tired commute run.

On the flip side, the high stack and tall pods can still feel a bit precarious if you turn sharply on rough trails or cobblestones. Some lighter runners report that for very fast intervals they prefer lower, racier models, since the Cloudmonster 2 prioritizes comfort over raw snap.

Price, launch and availability

On launched the Cloudmonster 2 globally in 2024 as the successor to the original Cloudmonster, with a recommended price of around 180 euros in Europe and 180 US dollars in the United States. Multiple colorways are available, from muted greys to brighter, contrasting midsoles and logos.

The model is sold via On's own online shop, selected specialist running retailers and larger sporting goods chains in key markets including Germany, Switzerland and the United States. Early reviews from specialist running media point to strong comfort and a more stable ride as the main advantages over the first generation.

Company context and shares

On Holding AG, co-founded by former professional triathlete Olivier Bernhard, has grown from a Swiss niche brand into a global running company with performance shoes, apparel and retail stores in major cities. The Cloudmonster family plays a visible role in that portfolio as On pushes further into the high-cushion segment dominated by long-established rivals.

On Holding AG shares (ISIN CH1134540470) trade on the New York Stock Exchange as a Swiss-based performance sportswear group, giving investors direct exposure to how products like the Cloudmonster 2 resonate with runners worldwide.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.