On Cloudmonster vs Adidas Adistar: Two Max Cushion Shoes, Two Very Different Rides

Introduction

High-stack, super cushioned trainers are everywhere now, but not all of them chase the same ride. The On Cloudmonster and the Adidas Adistar are two maximalist shoes that sit in the same category while feeling noticeably different underfoot. Here is how they compare on price, weight, fit, and ride, and which one makes the better pick depending on how you run.

Price and Weight

The Adistar is the cheaper of the two at £120 in the UK or $130 in the US, while the Cloudmonster runs £150 or $159.99. Worth noting: the Adistar can be found at some UK retailers for around £85, which makes it a very appealing entry point into max cushion shoes.

Weight goes to On. The Cloudmonster weighs 275g (9.7 oz) in men’s and 230g (8.1 oz) in women’s, while the Adistar comes in at 320g (11.2 oz) men’s and 283g (10 oz) women’s. Both shoes share a 6mm drop.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes ran true to size. The Cloudmonster offers a snug but comfortable upper with a roomier, airier toe box. The Adistar hugs the foot more closely across the top of the toes and into the toe box, with a notably large padded tongue that could run a little warm in summer.

If you have wide or bigger feet, the Adistar may feel tight, and going half a size up is worth considering. The Cloudmonster is the more forgiving fit out of the box.

Ride Feel and Performance

This is where the two shoes diverge. The Cloudmonster is noticeably softer than the Adistar, with more midsole compression and a bit more rebound and energy on the way back. The upper is more flexible and breathable too, which pays off over longer distances. Its weakness is pace: on progression runs or anything above an easy effort, it stops working. Despite being reasonably light for a cushioned shoe, it is really built for easy miles.

The Adistar surprised with a smooth, stable ride despite its firm foam and heavy build. A pronounced rocker and a deep bucket seat design take away most of the heft, and it clips along nicely at steady and even moderately quick paces. It is best on flat tarmac, though: on broken or uneven surfaces the smooth rocker effect fades. Its wider base also makes it the more stable platform of the two, but you trade away most of the rebound for it.

Both are fairly stable for max cushion shoes, and neither is a true speed shoe. The Cloudmonster is the lighter, softer, more agile option; the Adistar is the smoother, steadier, firmer one.

Which One Should You Buy?

For easy runs and long recovery miles, weight matters less than ride quality, and the Adistar’s smooth rocker masks its heft while costing less, especially at the discounted UK pricing. If you want more cushioning, a lighter and more agile feel, and a better all-around upper, the Cloudmonster is the pick, and it is also the more wearable-looking shoe outside of running.

Conclusion

Both shoes do a solid job as comfortable trainers for easy and long runs, just with very different characters. The Cloudmonster wins on weight, cushioning, and rebound for most runners, while the Adistar offers a smoother rocker-driven ride, a more stable platform, and a much friendlier price. Pick the On if you want softness and agility; pick the Adidas if you want a firm, smooth cruiser that is built to last.