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A firm-cushy daily trainer with a roomy toe box that wide feet love and genuine lifestyle-to-running crossover, but the pods wear out around 250 miles for heavier runners and enthusiasts consider it overpriced at $170 when better alternatives exist.
On Cloudmonster is built around maximum-looking cushioning and a modern athletic shape. It is a strong choice for running, walking, travel, and long days on foot if the fit works for you. It can be worn casually in neutral colors, but it still looks like a performance shoe. Buy it for comfort and ride, not heritage styling.
TTS for the CM1 and Hyper. The CM2 runs large — one buyer found a size 9 in the CM2 was large on them despite wearing 9.5 normally. The toe box is generously wide without needing a wide size — a 200-lb runner with wide metatarsals called it the only shoe that fits their entire foot comfortably without sizing up. The upper can feel baggy on narrow feet.
Depends who you ask. Healthcare workers and casual wearers love them — almost every person in one hospital wears these and says they are the best shoes they have ever owned. Running enthusiasts are more measured: the OP of the highest-voted review described them as poppy and cushy with a prominent rocker. The ride is firm-responsive, not plush-soft like HOKA. A 50-mile break-in is needed before the foam loosens up.
The pods are the weak point. Performance drops off around 250 miles for heavier runners (180+ lbs) and 300-400 miles for lighter runners. One owner said the bounce dies quite suddenly — one day they just feel flat like old Vans. The 250-mile photo post showed outsole wear was less than expected, but foam degradation is the real lifespan limiter. Rocks getting stuck in the pods is a persistent annoyance.
The running community overwhelmingly says no at full retail. One commenter (26 upvotes) said if it were $150 and the CM2 were $130, it would be perfect — hard to justify $220 and $180. Better shoes for the money are consistently cited: ASICS Novablast 4, Saucony Triumph 21, and NB 1080. On sale at $100-135, the Cloudmonster becomes genuinely recommended.
The CM1 is firmer and springier — the original that won fans. The CM2 is softer in the forefoot but less bouncy, and runs large. The Hyper removes the speedboard for the softest ride and won over skeptics who found the original too stiff. For casual use, the CM1 on sale is the best value. For running, the Hyper is the consensus pick.
224 products currently for sale across 130 stores.
224 products currently for sale across 130 stores.
1 new last 30d
40%+ off
10%
22 of 224 products
Sold out
66%
Across tracked sizes
Collabs
6%
Post Archive Faction, PLEASURES x The Loop, Invincible
10%
22 of 224 products
Sold out
66%
Across tracked sizes
Collabs
6%
Post Archive Faction, PLEASURES x The Loop, Invincible
Claims in the guide text link directly to these Reddit threads and article sources.
Cloudmonster guide
Read the guide and compare current prices, stores, and sizes.
Browse the On Running Buyer's Guide
See the full On Running Buyer's Guide on SoleFeed.
HOKA Clifton
Plush maximal cushioning with a lighter, more versatile ride.
Adidas Ultraboost
Boost foam with superior Continental rubber outsole durability.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus
GEL cushioning with better outsole longevity for serious runners.
