On Running Road and Trail Shoes: Cloudmonster, Cloud Vista, and Cloudboom Compared

Introduction

On Running has long been a brand with a distinctive look and a loyal lifestyle following, but not every runner has clicked with the ride. The signature combination of a Speedboard plate and CloudTec foam pods tends to deliver a firmer feel than the cloud-like softness the name promises. Recently, though, the lineup has taken a genuine step forward. Three shoes in particular cover distinct use cases: the max-cushion Cloudmonster for everyday miles, the Cloud Vista for road-to-trail duty, and the Cloudboom for fast, lightweight racing.

How On Shoes Feel Underfoot

Before comparing the three, it helps to understand On’s core construction. On most On shoes, the midsole is attached to a rigid layer called the Speedboard, which is how the CloudTec pods connect underfoot. That design inherently sets you up for a firmer ride than you might expect, because the structure sits close to your foot rather than being buried deep in thick foam the way most modern plate shoes do.

If your expectations are tuned to plush, bouncy cushioning, the gap between expectation and reality is exactly where past On shoes lost some runners. The good news: the newest models narrow that gap considerably.

On Cloudmonster: The Best On Yet

The Cloudmonster is widely considered the best On shoe to date, and it is easy to hear why. The Helion foam is noticeably softer than any other On midsole, the CloudTec sensation through the stride becomes something enjoyable rather than a quirk, and as a casual walking or standing shoe it is far more comfortable than options like the Cloudswift. It handled a fast group run with pace to spare and showed real potential for long, easy miles.

There are trade-offs. With this much midsole, the shoe is heavier than the rest of the On range, and over a long 14-mile run it started to feel its weight, with the upper becoming the weak point. The toe box is shallow, the off-center lacing does not lock down quite as well here as on other On models, and one tester experienced cosmetic heat-weld delamination on the side panel after relatively few miles. None of it affected the shoe’s structure, but buyers who care about looks should take note.

On Cloud Vista: Road-to-Trail Versatility

The Cloud Vista is On’s road-to-trail option, and it surprised in genuinely poor conditions. It handled wet, muddy terrain well, and the CloudTec design turned out not to be the rock-catcher some fear it would be. It is a very light shoe, a little firmer on roads, and on trails it brings to mind lightweight racing-style trail shoes.

The main caution is fit. On shoes seem to be running smaller lately, and the Cloud Vista was tight for a trail shoe, to the point of leaving toes sore after a run. Anyone between sizes or with wider feet should try before buying.

On Cloudboom: The Lightweight Racer

The Cloudboom sits closest to a racing flat in On’s range. It has been used for fast 5K time trials, and grip was one of the standout reasons the shoe worked so well at speed. It feels more like a flat than a cushioned trainer, which is exactly what you want on race day.

If you want one shoe for speedwork and short races rather than long easy miles, this is the On to reach for.

Which One Should You Buy?

Pick the Cloudmonster if you want the most comfortable On for daily running and everyday wear, and you accept some extra weight and an upper that is good but not the brand’s best. Pick the Cloud Vista if you split time between pavement and easy trails and want something light, but size carefully. Pick the Cloudboom if your priority is speed, racing, and a flat-like feel with reliable grip.

Conclusion

On is clearly turning a corner. The Cloudmonster finally delivers a ride that matches the brand’s design ambition, the Cloud Vista adds credible trail flexibility, and the Cloudboom holds down the racing end. Whichever direction your running leans, there is now an On shoe worth a serious look.