The On Cloudmonster Hyper is a high-stack, unplated trainer that removes the traditional Speedboard found in the Cloudmonster series and adds a forefoot slab of Premium PEBA-based foam in the forefoot area to add bounce at toe-off. It still keeps a firmer Helion carrier foam, mainly situated in the heel, for added stability and durability, and relies more on rocker geometry for propulsion instead of plate stiffness. The upper is also super roomy, while the outsole is revised to improve grip and durability. It's got a mid-drop and high-stack midsole and serves as a lighter-weight, performance-oriented take on the Cloudmonster concept, while the Cloudmonster 2 remains the more traditional daily trainer.
Our Verdict
The On Cloudmonster Hyper delivers very good protection that helps you lock into rhythm over long efforts, and the platform feels quite stable for a high-stack neutral shoe. That said, the midsole provides poor rebound, and the weight sits in the average range, so it's better for comfort-oriented long-distance efforts than for chasing an all-out personal best over the marathon distance.
Stable platform for a high-stack shoe.
Great absorption up front.
Unplated ride.
Poor energy return in the heel from the carrier foam.
Not super lightweight.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper has a relatively firm forefoot that adds control when you pick up the pace, but the lack of a plate and only average weight keep turnover from feeling truly efficient. It can handle tempo runs or local races for runners trying to cross the finish line, yet dedicated short-distance runners will find way more energetic and lighter options for PR attempts.
Firm forefoot adds some snap.
Unplated ride.
Not super lightweight.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper feels underpowered overall, with most of the pep concentrated up front (where the PEBA-based foam is) and a heel that returns very little energy. Overall, the midsole isn't very bouncy, making speed feel earned rather than assisted.
Poor energy return in the heel from the carrier foam.
Forefoot energy return is still lacking, despite the premium foam.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper offers very good cushioning that feels protective but not super plush, with the forefoot feeling a touch more compliant than the heel. Impacts are nicely muted at easy to steady paces, and the ride stays composed and stable under load, keeping legs fresher on long days without the squishy sensation of softer foams.
Great absorption up front.
Heel cushioning could be better.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper is quite stable for its stack, combining a firmer midsole foam, a broad outsole footprint, and a secure, gusseted tongue to keep the foot planted. The platform resists wobble as fatigue sets in and helps maintain efficient form on long runs, making it a great option for runners who appreciate natural stability in a neutral trainer but don't need dedicated support features either.
Stable platform for a high-stack shoe.
Gusseted tongue secures the upper.
Broad outsole footprint.
Unplated ride.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
-
Updated Oct 27, 2025:
We updated the Pros & Cons, Lateral Stability, Cushioning, Marathon Racing, 5K/10K Racing, Heel Cushioning, Forefoot Cushioning, Heel Firmness, Forefoot Firmness, and Forefoot Energy Return boxes to align with the latest test bench.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
- Updated Aug 28, 2025: Review published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the On Cloudmonster Hyper in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. Our pair is the Black/Lima colorway. This model is also available in several other colorways, including White/Mint, Mauve/Flame, Glacier/Ivory, Fade/Lime, and Silver/Iron, though availability can vary by region and retailer. There are no wide widths offered. The design section applies only to the exact pair we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The On Cloudmonster Hyper is positioned as an unplated trainer that blends On's daily trainer DNA with race-inspired elements, but it does so in a way that prioritizes reliability over outright performance. With a dual-foam setup that places PEBA in the forefoot and firmer EVA in the heel, it feels more structured than most modern high-stack trainers. The ride is cushioned yet muted, with a bit of slow-release pop up front, making it suitable for long, easy runs and steady cruising. It's not especially bouncy or energetic, so despite the Hyper name, it does not fully live up to the hype. While it's arguably one of On's most polished shoes to date, offering a pleasant experience overall, it still lacks the fun factor of a true super trainer. Still, the shoe is a good option for heavier runners, those who want a stable trainer with a roomy upper, or anyone looking for a reliable daily mileage option. Runners chasing maximum energy return should look at an unplated uptempo trainer like the adidas Adizero Evo SL or a plated super trainer like the HOKA Mach X 2.
Within On's lineup, the Cloudmonster Hyper sits above the On Cloudmonster 2 as the more premium, high-stack option with added forefoot PEBA but without the Nylon plate. Compared to the On Cloudboom Zone, which is an unplated trainer that can pick up the pace, the Hyper is more protective but far less bouncy. This makes it a good daily training option within your rotation, along with On's plated super shoe, the On Cloudboom Strike.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best long-distance running shoes and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The On Cloudmonster 2 and the On Cloudmonster Hyper share the same family but target different segments. The Cloudmonster 2 is a daily trainer built for your short and easy sessions. It uses On's firmer Helion foam throughout, giving it a relatively muted ride that favors protection over speed. In contrast, the Cloudmonster Hyper adds a PEBA-based Helion HF slab in the forefoot and trims weight, aiming to serve as a more versatile, premium trainer. In practice, the Hyper feels lighter and slightly more responsive, with better turnover and a touch more liveliness up front, though it stops short of the bounce you'd get from true super trainers. The trade-off is slightly less stability, whereas the Cloudmonster 2 is a bit more stable laterally across the platform. Fit is similar in both with roomy toe boxes, though the Hyper's premium upper feels a bit more refined.
The adidas Adizero Evo SL and the On Cloudmonster Hyper both aim to bring performance into daily training, but they go about it very differently. The Evo SL delivers on that promise with a lightweight build and a highly energetic Lightstrike Pro midsole that makes it an excellent unplated uptempo trainer for faster runs. That said, it feels a bit harsh at true recovery paces, and it's not as stable as the On due to its narrower platform. The Cloudmonster Hyper, by contrast, only uses PEBA foam in the forefoot while relying on a firmer carrier for the rest, which results in a much less bouncy ride that feels better suited to easy miles and steady cruising. It does, however, offer a premium, roomy upper that provides more comfort and volume than the snug performance fit of the Evo SL.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper and the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 are both premium unplated trainers, but their execution is very different. The Cloudmonster Hyper blends On's firmer Helion carrier with a slab of Helion HF PEBA in the forefoot, creating a shoe that is steady, somewhat responsive, but not especially lively. It works best for steady, easy-to-moderate paces and feels more like a cushioned daily trainer with a touch of uptempo range. The ASICS, on the other hand, is a far more versatile and refined package. It's lighter, higher stacked, more cushioned, and significantly bouncier, with a smoother rocker and foam that allows it to pick up the pace naturally across a wide range of runs. In practice, the SUPERBLAST 2 feels like the fully realized version of what the Cloudmonster Hyper aims to be: a stable yet fun, high-stack trainer that can handle both easy long runs and faster sessions without compromise.
The HOKA Mach X 2 and the On Cloudmonster Hyper share a similar concept with dual-foam midsoles that combine a PEBA-based foam upfront with a firmer carrier in the heel, but their execution leads to very different rides. The Mach X 2 is plated, lighter, and more cushioned, and delivers noticeably better energy return, making it a more effective option for uptempo training while still protective enough for steady mileage. The Cloudmonster Hyper feels steadier and less lively, with a firmer heel and more muted rebound, so it leans more toward easy and recovery running. Where the On distinguishes itself is in its premium build: the upper is more substantial, comfortable, and roomy, providing a relaxed fit that contrasts with the performance-focused upper of the Mach X 2.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The On Cloudmonster Hyper sits in the middle of the pack for weight, feeling neither featherlight nor clunky. The rear carrier foam adds some heft, but it's still significantly lighter than the standard On Cloudmonster 2.
Despite On markets the rubberized laces as stay-tied, our real-world runs saw them loosen regularly, so plan to double-knot.
This shoe provides very poor rebound in the heel. Landings feel flat and unassisted, pushing you to roll forward for momentum. Heel strikers won't get much help here, and the rocker plus forefoot foam do most of the work once you transition off the back of the shoe.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper offers a tiny bit of pop upfront. The more premium Helion HF slab brings a touch of liveliness when you shift onto your toes, especially at tempo, but it never feels really explosive. Runners looking for a punchy toe-off will still find more spring in full-PEBA alternatives like the adidas Adizero Evo SL.
The Hyper delivers very good protection under the heel. Impacts are muted, but the carrier foam present in this area compresses relatively less well than the PEBA-based foam that also composes the midsole.
This shoe provides great padding in the forefoot with a smooth, rolling feel. Lighter runners or those running easy paces will experience pleasant absorption, while cushioning for harder strikes feels good but not luxurious. Protection is reliable, just not as deeply plush as something like the Mizuno Neo Vista 2.
The heel is on the soft side. For light loads, it feels quite soft, and it only firms up slightly if you apply a lot of force. This means that compared with daily trainers like the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, the heel will feel softer overall.
This shoe has quite a firm forefoot. The structured feel improves stability and keeps the shoe composed when running, but limits softness. Runners who prefer a crisp, planted front end will appreciate it, while those wanting a pliable, mushy forefoot may find it a bit rigid.