New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 vs On Cloudmonster: Which Max-Cushion Trainer Should You Buy?

Introduction

If you want a trainer built for easy miles and plenty of them, two names keep coming up: the New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 and the On Cloudmonster. Both pile on the midsole foam, but they land in noticeably different places on the softness-to-versatility scale. Here is how they compare on price, specs, ride feel, fit, and grip.

Specs at a Glance

The On Cloudmonster costs 150 pounds (no confirmed US price at the time of testing), weighs 284 grams (10 ounces) for men in a size nine, and has a 6 mm drop. The New Balance More v3 costs 130 pounds or $164.99, weighs 288 grams (10.2 ounces) for men in a size eight, and has a 4 mm drop. On paper they are close; the differences show up on the road.

On Cloudmonster: Firm Cushioning With More Versatility

The Cloudmonster is On’s answer to the max-cushion trend. The brand’s midsoles have traditionally leaned firm, and this shoe adds a massive wedge of the same Helium superfoam used elsewhere in the lineup. Combined with the full-length speedboard and CloudTec design, it aims for rebound and reduced impact over easy-day sessions. The mesh upper is stretchy with reinforced sections for support, the ankle collar carries ample cushioning, the tongue has a lean design, and an eyelet lacing system helps lock the foot down.

The interesting part: all that extra foam does not make the Cloudmonster as soft as you might expect. It still feels like an On shoe, and noticeably firmer than the More v3. That firmness makes it a touch more responsive, though, so if you occasionally want to pick up the pace on an easy run, it gives you a little more to work with than the New Balance. It is not a racing shoe by any means, but it is the more versatile of the two. Testers generally found it true to size, though the review pair was a half size up and felt roomier in the forefoot than ideal.

View more details for On Cloudmonster

New Balance Fresh Foam More v3: Pure Cushioning Comfort

The More v3 unsurprisingly carries more cushioning than most road shoes in the New Balance range. The midsole is a thick chunk of the same Fresh Foam found in popular options like the 1080 v11 and 860 v12, a foam that balances cushioning with responsiveness. It is designed for stacking up training miles, deadening impact, and covering distance in as much comfort as possible. The engineered mesh upper feels plush yet sturdy and reinforced, and paired with a wide base the overall ride is stable and reliable. A lace closure with trace fiber eyelets secures the lockdown, and the outsole carries a healthy covering of rubber.

In a size eight, the fit ran true to size with a relaxed forefoot and plenty of wiggle room. That makes it a strong pick if you have wider or larger feet, though it is not a heavily locked-down feel. On the run, this is the standout: it is not fast, it is not versatile, it is simply a lot of cushioning and comfort, with a smooth, efficient turnover that seems to propel you forward in a comfortable, fluid motion. If pure softness and impact protection are the goal, this is the top pick.

Grip and Outsole Durability

Both shoes grip very well. The More v3 carries a lot of outsole rubber and handled wet pavements with no issues at all. The Cloudmonster uses a similar rubber spattering over its midsole foam, the same compound found across On’s range, and it is also very good on wet roads. The extra rubber on both should help durability over time, and neither shoe gave any reason for concern on slick surfaces.

Verdict: Which Shoe Should You Buy?

If you want a soft, cushioned option for easy miles across multiple days of training, the More v3 is the superior pick. For cushioning, softness, and an enjoyable ride with a comfortable fit, it is hard to beat right now, and it stays at the top of the list for comfortable, cushioned running miles.

The Cloudmonster is still a smart move by On: a comfortable, genuinely cushioned option in a lineup that has historically leaned firm. If you are set on an On shoe and want maximum cushioning, it delivers exactly what it promises. It is also the more versatile of the two thanks to its slightly firmer, more responsive midsole. But if you have a free choice and want the softest, most comfortable ride, the More v3 simply offers more in the way of softness, cushioning, and comfort.

Conclusion

The More v3 excels as a soft, comfortable workhorse for easy mileage, while the Cloudmonster trades some of that softness for a firmer, slightly more responsive feel. Choose the New Balance if comfort is everything; choose the On if you want max cushioning with a bit more flexibility in your easy-day runs.