On Cloudswift 4 vs Cloudmonster 3

Cloudswift 4 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 a firm, stable On for city miles and everyday wear? Get the Cloudswift 4.

Want a firm, snappy ride with On’s signature feel? Get the Cloudmonster 3.

Get the Cloudswift 4 if

• You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)
• You’d rather spend $30 less

Get the Cloudmonster 3 if

• You want more foam underfoot (4mm more at the heel)
• You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
• Long runs are your thing
• You need a touch more room than the Cloudswift 4 gives

On the run

Cloudswift 4: The firm, stylish city runner. Very firm with almost no bounce, but a remarkably stable heel and better traction. Great for everyday wear and short runs.

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

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

Cloudswift 4. True to size with an outstanding knit upper, but the toebox is tight. 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 Cloudswift 4 · Shop the Cloudmonster 3 · Compare other running shoes