Written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
The Cloudmonster Hyper is On's new super trainer; the Cloudmonster 2 is a very popular daily trainer from On. This is the comparison between these two shoes.
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The Cloudmonster Hyper is a brand new trainer which is designed to be a more versatile, more premium version of the regular Cloudmonster. It's made from more premium materials and it cost $240.

The Cloudmonster 2 is the latest version of On's popular Cloudmonster series. It costs $180. This comparison will tell you which of these 2 trainers is better for you.

Similarity and differences: On Cloudmonster Hyper vs Cloudmonster 2

On Cloudmonster Hyper

Brand
Expert score
Expert score
7/10
Expert score
8/10
Weight
9.1 oz
10.4 oz
Heel Drop
6 mm
6 mm
Verdict
The On Cloudmonster Hyper is an overpriced super trainer that feels like a normal, daily trainer. It has Pebax in its forefoot and core but it doesn't deliver the springy, energetic feeling that you expect. It has deep cushioning with a firm, stable ride that feels awkward at slow paces. The Cloudmonster Hyper has a ride which feels more similar to the Cloudboom Echo 3 than the regular Cloudmonster and it's best suited to steady-paced runs.
The On Cloudmonster 2 is actually a versatile max cushion daily trainer. It handles speed moderately well and it can go the distance. The fit leaves extra room throughout the upper but it’s not unpleasant.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training, long distance racing
Cushioning type
Responsive/balanced
Balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$220
US$179.95

Sole unit: On Cloudmonster Hyper vs Cloudmonster 2

The Cloudmonster Hyper has On’s most premium midsole foam, Helion HF in its midsole- in the forefoot and core. Helion HF is a Pebax foam which provides a higher level of energy return than On’s other midsole foams. The Cloudmonster has Helion foam in its midsole which is heavier and less bouncy than the Helion HF in the Hyper version.

The Hyper is better for fast paces due to its midsole which has more energy return. It makes it easier to pick up the pace. The Cloudmonster is better for slow runs because your feet sink down into the foam more with each footstrike.

The Hyper has smoother ride transitions than the Cloudmonster. This is because the Cloudmonster has bigger Cloudtec pods which you can feel compress during foot strikes.

One of the big differences between the two shoes is that the Cloudmonster has a nylon blend speedboard in its sole while the Hyper doesn’t. This makes the Cloudmonster more rigid and more stable than the Hyper version.

Both versions have thick midsoles but the Hyper has even more midsole stack height which provides deeper cushioning than the Cloudmonster. This results in the Hyper being better for long runs than the regular Cloudmonster.

Upper unit: On Cloudmonster Hyper vs Cloudmonster 2

The Hyper has a thin, smooth upper which is similar to a racing shoe. It has better breathability than the Cloudmonster. It also has more advanced laces which have silicone in them to keep them tied which the Cloudmonster doesn’t have.

The Cloudmonster has a thicker mesh which is more durable but has a lower level of breathability. Both trainers have thin, flat tongues inspired by racing shoes. They also both have very accommodating fits but the Hyper fits true to size while the in the Cloudmonster, you have to go down a half size from your regular size.

Which one to buy: On Cloudmonster Hyper vs Cloudmonster 2

If you want a faster trainer for uptempo runs, the Cloudmonster Hyper is the version you should pick. It has a midsole which delivers more energy and it weighs less than the Cloudmonster. If you want a long distance shoe, the Hyper is also the better choice for you because it has a thicker midsole with more cushioning.

If you want a trainer more mainly for slow-paced runs, the Cloudmonster is the better version for you. It has a midsole which compresses more and it has a heavier build than the Hyper. It costs $40 less than the Hyper and it has better stability.

This expert review is written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.