On Running Cloudmonster 2 running shoes

The On Running Cloudmonster 2 Running Shoe is a highly cushioned everyday mileage-collecting running shoe for longer runs, even ultra distances. Being suitable for any distance running, it is very versatile. Although you wouldn’t know it by its weight, sole construction and appearance, it performs well on short fast stretches, making it a good choice for interval training. On the surface, it looks like a soft-soled running shoe, but like most On Running shoes, the Cloudmonster 2 is on the tougher side. It’s not disturbingly hard, but you can’t call the midsole soft and flexible, but that’s what makes it more dynamic compared to soft running shoes. The upper is particularly wide, so it may not be the best choice for runners with thin feet. The high cushioning makes it an ideal choice for overweight or heavy runners.

On Running Cloudmonster 2 upper

The upper of the On Running Cloudmonster 2 running shoe is a double layer mesh material. It’s breathability is average, not the best for warmer summer days, but it’s especially good for being less breathable on colder days. The tongue of the shoe is thin, fixed on both sides, hugs the foot nicely. The heel collar is moderately stiff and moderately cushioned, slightly wider than average. The whole upper is characterised by a wider construction and is therefore not recommended for narrow feet. As I mentioned, the tongue is thin, which could be a good feature, but because of the wide construction of the shoe, the laces need to be tied tightly to hold the foot in place and secure, and the tongue is too thin for that. Because you have to tighten the laces hard, it squeezes the foot more, the thin tongue can’t cushion that.

you have to tighten the laces very tightly, which can cause pressure if your foot is not wide

On Running Cloudmonster 2 midsole

The On Running Cloudmonster 2 running shoe midsole is made from a dual density Helion foam. Of course, it also features CloudTec, which means cavities in the midsole that compress when you grip the ground and then spring to give you more energy for kicking. Like most On Running running shoes, the Cloudmonster 2’s midsole features a Speedboard plate, which also contributes to dynamic kick. The midsole is tall, 36mm at the heel with a 6mm drop, so it has great shock absorption. Although it looks soft at a glance, the midsole is rather harder, which has several advantages. Among these advantages is that it is more dynamic over longer distances, you can run faster sections in it and it is more stable. Stability is further enhanced by both the rigidity of the midsole thanks to the SpeedBoard and the fact that the bottom of the midsole is split into two side sections, which provides lateral support.

Compared to the previous version, the midsole is higher and a little softer, and the weight of the shoe has increased as a result, which is not so noticeable. Over all, the Cloudmonster 2 midsole is very versatile, a rather stiffer, stiffer midsole that is suitable for long runs and surprisingly good for running fast stretches.

On Running Cloudmonster 2 Outsole

The outsole of the On Running Cloudmonster 2 running shoe partially covers the midsole, articulated by cloud cushions. The rubber outsole has a thick, deep pattern for extremely good traction even on wet ground. For longer runs, it is important not to slip the foot too often, as the slip that occurs when kicking off is an unnecessary expenditure of energy. This is small in the short term but can be significant over longer distances. The only disadvantage of the outsole is that it is easily stuck with pebbles, which can be uncomfortable

Summary

Overall, the On Running Cloudmonster 2 Running Shoe is a versatile everyday running shoe that is suitable for longer runs. Stiffer than average, slightly stiffer and therefore more dynamic and enduring. It can also be used for faster runs and has good energy dissipation. The On Running Cloudeclipse has very similar parameters, the biggest difference between the two shoes is that the Cloudmonster 2 has a wider upper and midfoot, is a bit stiffer and is much more responsive, supporting faster stretches.