On Cloudsurfer Max vs Cloudmonster 3
Cloudsurfer Max or Cloudmonster 3? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want On’s max-cushion comfort for long, easy miles and daily wear? Get the Cloudsurfer Max.
Want a firm, snappy ride with On’s signature feel? Get the Cloudmonster 3.
Get the Cloudsurfer Max if
- You’d rather spend $30 less
Get the Cloudmonster 3 if
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
These two are close. Fit will decide it, so try both on.
On the run
Cloudsurfer Max: On’s max-stack Cloudsurfer. Well cushioned and fine for long, easy miles, but the ride is firm and low on energy return, so it can feel sluggish and heavy.
Cloudmonster 3: Firm, snappy, unmistakably On. The firmest shoe here in lab tests, with a stiff plate and a rocker that give it a snappy feel at faster paces. It isn’t the shoe for soft recovery runs.
Specs side by side
| Cloudsurfer Max | Cloudmonster 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 (was $179.95) | $189.95 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 37 / 31mm* | 35 / 29mm* |
| Drop | 6mm* | 6mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10.3 oz* | 10.4 oz |
| Weight, women’s | Not available | 8.5 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 350–450 miles | 300–400 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Cloudsurfer Max. True to size with premium build quality. Wide available.
Cloudmonster 3. Snug heel and midfoot. The toebox is narrower than the Cloudmonster 2’s, and it can run a touch long, so if you’re between sizes, try both. Standard width only.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Cloudsurfer Max · Shop the Cloudmonster 3 · Compare other running shoes