On Cloud: Cloudmonster, Cloudsurfer, Cloudflow – which is for whom?

The On Cloudmonster 3 is the training shoe for most runs, the Cloudsurfer 2 the soft shoe for tarmac (the Cloudsurfer Max with maximum cushioning), and the Cloudflow 5 the shoe for fast intervals. The Cloudrunner 3 offers more hold, the Cloudswift 4 is designed for city runs and the Cloudvista 3 for shorter trail runs. That is how On itself describes the models; the overview below helps you choose.

How is the On running shoe range structured?

All On running shoes use CloudTec, the cushioning elements under the sole, in different versions. On top of that there's Helion foam and, on some models, the Speedboard, a plate for a dynamic roll. Sorted by use:

• Cloudmonster 3: training shoe for recovery runs, long runs and regular training.
• Cloudsurfer 2: soft for daily runs on tarmac, 261 g.
• Cloudsurfer Max: maximum cushioning for long runs.
• Cloudsurfer Next: cushioned and light, 273 g.
• Cloudflow 5: for fast intervals.
• Cloudswift 4: for road and city runs, 278 g.
• Cloudrunner 3: more hold thanks to a wider sole, 311 g.
• Cloudvista 3: for shorter trail runs.

The weights come from the manufacturer's figures and apply to a reference size. In our range, On also has lifestyle models such as the Cloudnova; they aren't running shoes in the strict sense and are therefore not part of this comparison.

Who is the Cloudmonster 3 for?

The Cloudmonster 3 is for runners looking for one shoe for almost every session. On its product page, On calls the Cloudmonster 3 the optimal shoe for most sessions and lists recovery runs, long runs and regular training. According to On, the three-layer CloudTec cushioning system makes it more responsive than its predecessor. On describes the fit as standard; it runs true to size.

We stock the On Cloudmonster 3 for men in black and, for women, in white and in Truffle and Ivory.

Cloudsurfer 2, Max or Next: what's the difference?

All three are softly cushioned road shoes with CloudTec Phase; they differ in cushioning and construction. According to On, the On Cloudsurfer 2 weighs 261 g and has a Helion superfoam midsole, a breathable mesh upper and a reworked tongue for a more comfortable fit. On describes it as a shoe for a particularly soft ride on tarmac.

The Cloudsurfer Max for men has double CloudTec Phase and, according to On, is the max-cushioned shoe for long runs; for women there's the Cloudsurfer Max in white.

The Cloudsurfer Next weighs 273 g and has a woven upper modelled on On's racing shoes, a rounded sole at the forefoot and rubber pads for more grip. On describes it as easy to slip on and designed for different foot shapes.

Who are the Cloudflow 5 and Cloudswift 4 for?

Both are for runners who like a more dynamic ride. According to On, the On Cloudflow 5 is the training shoe for fast intervals, with Helion HF hyperfoam and a Speedboard made of a nylon blend for strong energy return.

According to On, the On Cloudswift 4 is the road running shoe for the city: 278 g, a Helion superfoam midsole, Speedboard and a rocker shape for rolling strides. The upper is perforated in the toe area. For women, we stock the Cloudswift 4 in Heather and Gardenia.

Which On for rain, hold and forest tracks?

The Cloudrunner 3 is designed for more hold. On calls the Cloudrunner 3 the evolution of its most popular everyday running shoe, with a wider sole, an asymmetric heel clip and a reinforced rubber outsole. At 311 g, it's the heaviest model in this overview.

For the wet months in the Eifel, there's a waterproof version: the Cloudrunner 3 Waterproof for men and the Cloudrunner 3 Waterproof for women. If you move from road to forest tracks, take a look at the Cloudvista 3: On describes it as versatile and robust for shorter trail runs on any terrain. For long, muddy routes, it's worth reading our article on trail running shoes for the Eifel.

Is the Waterproof version worth it?

For runners who are also out in autumn and winter, it often is. A waterproof version keeps out rain, wet grass and spray from outside, so your feet stay dry and therefore warmer for longer. In the Eifel, with its wet months, that's a real advantage.

There are drawbacks too: a waterproof shoe is less airy, and if water runs in over the collar, for example in a deep puddle, it dries more slowly. For warm summer runs the standard version is therefore more comfortable. Many runners use both: the standard shoe from spring to autumn and the Waterproof version for the wet season.

Which On is right for you?

Start from the kind of run you do most often.

• One shoe for almost everything: Cloudmonster 3.
• Soft on tarmac: Cloudsurfer 2; for long runs, Cloudsurfer Max.
• Fast sessions: Cloudflow 5.
• City runs with a dynamic roll: Cloudswift 4.
• More hold, also in the rain: Cloudrunner 3 or Cloudrunner 3 Waterproof.
• Woods and fields: Cloudvista 3.

If you're torn between On and another brand, our Hoka or On comparison with weights and pairs of models will help. And if you don't yet know what kind of shoe you need at all, start with our guide to choosing running shoes.