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On Cloudmonster 2 vs Cloudmonster 3

Updated August 5, 2026. Specs are men's US 9.

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Refined, same shoe

THE SHORT ANSWER

Whichever your size still exists in. The Cloudmonster 2 is discontinued at retail, so remaining pairs sell against a thinning size run, while the Cloudmonster 3 has a full one. The Cloudmonster 2 also lists $10 lower.

Availability last checked Aug 5, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.

On Cloudmonster 2, men's shoe, side profile
Cloudmonster 2 · 2024
On Cloudmonster 3, men's shoe, side profile
Cloudmonster 3 · 2026

Every spec, side by side

SpecCloudmonster 2Cloudmonster 3
FIT AND WEIGHT
Weight10.4 oz10.4 oz
WidthsDD, 2E
UpperEngineered mesh, 92 percent recycled polyester, with a thin gusseted tongueRe-engineered mesh with a padded tongue and an elastic lace keeper
The point of the update. Doctors of Running credits it with fixing a rough upper and a thin tongue that caused excruciating lace bite. Believe in the Run called the fit as comfortable as you will find in the market.
CUSHIONING GEOMETRY
Heel stack35 mm35 mm
Forefoot stack29 mm29 mm
Drop6 mm6 mm
MATERIALS
MidsoleDual-density Helion superfoamDual-density Helion superfoam
PlateNylon-blend Speedboard, lowered away from the footNylon-blend Speedboard, lowered away from the foot
VALUE
List price at launch$180$190
Up $10 to $189.95. Believe in the Run graded the value a C and named $160 to $180 rivals.
OTHER CHANGES
CloudTec geometryTwo layers of podsThree layers of pods
On's headline change, and the reason the marketing claims more cushioning while the published stack sits still at 35 and 29 mm. RunRepeat measured 0.7 mm more under the heel and 0.9 mm more under the forefoot, so the third layer redistributes compression rather than adding height.
Last width98.5 mm at the widest point, 74.5 mm at the toebox94.3 mm at the widest point, 71.0 mm at the toebox
RunRepeat lab measurements rather than official specs. In a standard D the 3 is the narrower shoe, which is the likeliest reason On added a 2E to this line for the first time. Several reviewers described the 3 as roomier, so try it on rather than trusting either account.

Weighing whether to switch at all, rather than which of these two to buy? What replaced the On Cloudmonster 2 covers the verdict on the update, what loyalists made of it, and the closest alternatives from other brands.

Buy the Cloudmonster 2

Sizes running out

Discontinued at retail. Amazon carries what remains, so treat an in-stock size as a closing window, and expect prices to swing.

Availability last checked Aug 5, 2026.

Buy the Cloudmonster 3

Stocked at Amazon

Availability last checked Aug 5, 2026.

Questions runners ask

Which is lighter, the On Cloudmonster 2 or the Cloudmonster 3?
Neither by a meaningful margin. Both weigh about 10.4 oz in a men's US 9.
Did the price change between the On Cloudmonster 2 and the Cloudmonster 3?
Yes. List price went up $10, from $180 to $190. Street prices differ: the older shoe usually sells under list once its successor ships.
Do the On Cloudmonster 2 and Cloudmonster 3 come in the same widths?
No. The On Cloudmonster 2 came in D; the Cloudmonster 3 runs in D, 2E. The Cloudmonster 3 added 2E.
How do the stack heights compare?
35 mm heel and 29 mm forefoot on the On Cloudmonster 2, against 35 mm and 29 mm on the Cloudmonster 3. Same platform under both.
Is the Cloudmonster 3 still the newest Cloudmonster?
Yes. The Cloudmonster 3 is the current On Cloudmonster, listing at $190 at launch.