On Cloudmonster 2 vs Mizuno Neo Zen

Which Running Shoe Is Better?

Products

On Cloudmonster 2
Mizuno Neo Zen

Tested using Methodology v0.8.2

Updated Oct 22, 2025 07:54 PM

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Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v0.9

Updated Nov 04, 2025 07:25 PM

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Mizuno

Our Verdict

On Cloudmonster 2

Mizuno Neo Zen

The Mizuno Neo Zen and the On Cloudmonster 2 are both modern daily trainers, but they sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. The Cloudmonster is significantly firmer and more stable, offering a structured ride that feels controlled. On the other hand, the Neo Zen is much lighter, noticeably more energetic, and exceptionally squishy, delivering a soft, plush experience that prioritizes comfort and protection. While both are designed for daily training, the Cloudmonster 2 leans toward stability, whereas the Neo Zen excels in softness and easy-day comfort, making it a better pick for recovery runs or runners who enjoy a truly maximalist feel.

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Variants

  • Cloudmonster 2 (Asphalt/Iron - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Asphalt/Iron - (Men - US 9))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Asphalt/Lima - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Asphalt/Lima - (Men - US 9))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Black/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Black/Eclipse - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Black/Frost - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Cream/Horizon - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Cream/Ice - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Cream/Ice - (Men - US 9))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Ivory/Red - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Ivory/Silver - (Men - US 9))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Mineral/Aloe - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (Tempest/Horizon - (Men - US 9))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (White/Flame - (Women - US 7))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (White/Flame - (Men - US 9))
  • Cloudmonster 2 (White/Frost - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (Black/Raspberry - (Men - US 9))
  • Neo Zen (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (Hint Mint/India Ink - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (Nimbus Cloud/Black - (Women - US 7))
  • Neo Zen (White/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • Neo Zen (White/Frontier Blue - (Men - US 9))
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Main Differences for
Marathon Racing

Threshold 

0.10

Marathon Racing 

5.9
7.6

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

2.2
7.1

Weight  

4.6
7.3

Heel Energy Return 
 

1.5
7.3

Plate 
 

Plastic
None

Full Comparison

Design

Weight  

4.6
7.3

Right Shoe Weight Photo  

Left Shoe Weight Photo  

Weight 
 

295.8 g (10.43 oz)
226.3 g (7.98 oz)
Show Text 

Stack Heights 
 

Stack Height Photo  

Heel Stack Height 
 

40.5 mm
41.1 mm

Forefoot Stack Height 
 

33.0 mm
36.2 mm

Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

7.5 mm
4.9 mm

Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

6.0 mm
6.0 mm

External Shape 
 

3D Model Full Shoe  

Outsole Heel Width 
 

84 mm (3.3")
92 mm (3.6")

Outsole Arch Width 
 

78 mm (3.1")
79 mm (3.1")

Outsole Forefoot Width 
 

113 mm (4.5")
111 mm (4.4")

Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

2.07
2.24

Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

3.42
3.07
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Internal Shape 
 

3D Model Internal  

Internal Length 
 

277 mm (10.9")
275 mm (10.8")

Internal Heel Width 
 

66 mm (2.6")
62 mm (2.4")

Internal Forefoot Width 
 

93 mm (3.7")
93 mm (3.7")

Wide Sizing Available 
 

No
No

Other Features  

Other Features Photo  

Tongue Gusset Type 
 

Fully-gusseted
Non-gusseted

Plate 
 

Plastic
None
Performance

Heel Energy Return 
 

1.5
7.3

Heel Compression Video  

Heel Energy Return  

See details
See details

Heel Energy Return 
 

66.5%
77.4%
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Forefoot Energy Return 
 

2.2
7.1

Forefoot Compression Video  

Forefoot Energy Return  

See details
See details

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

68.3%
76.5%
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Heel Cushioning 
 

7.2
8.3

Heel Cushioning Picture  

Heel Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 550N 
 

3.37 J
4.24 J

Energy Absorbed At 1100N 
 

9.11 J
10.05 J

Energy Absorbed At 1900N 
 

14.60 J
16.18 J
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Forefoot Cushioning 
 

7.3
8.4

Forefoot Cushioning Picture  

Forefoot Cushioning  

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See details

Energy Absorbed At 800N 
 

4.20 J
5.48 J

Energy Absorbed At 1300N 
 

7.85 J
9.10 J

Energy Absorbed At 2050N 
 

11.81 J
12.99 J
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Heel Firmness 
 

5.8
5.6

Heel Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 550N 
 

48.9 N/mm
47.9 N/mm

Firmness At 1100N 
 

130.8 N/mm
117.4 N/mm

Firmness At 1900N 
 

271.6 N/mm
268.4 N/mm
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Forefoot Firmness 
 

7.8
7.9

Forefoot Firmness  

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See details

Firmness At 800N 
 

100.9 N/mm
98.0 N/mm

Firmness At 1300N 
 

207.5 N/mm
206.9 N/mm

Firmness At 2050N 
 

379.0 N/mm
435.7 N/mm
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Forefoot Long Run Cushioning 
 

8.0

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning  

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Energy Absorbed At 10km 
 

8.88 J

Energy Absorbed At 20km 
 

8.72 J

Energy Absorbed At 30km 
 

8.63 J

Energy Absorbed At 40km 
 

8.53 J

On Cloudmonster 2

Mizuno Neo Zen

Comments

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On Cloudmonster 2 vs Mizuno Neo Zen: Main Discussion

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