Let's be real for a second. When you first look at the On Women's Cloudmonster 2, it looks kind of ridiculous. It’s got these massive, gaping holes in the midsole that look like they belong on a piece of Swiss cheese rather than a high-performance running shoe. But here's the thing: those "Clouds" aren't just for show. I’ve seen a lot of runners transition from the OG Cloudmonster to this version, and the feedback is... complicated. Some people swear it’s the best recovery shoe ever made, while others think it’s a bit too firm for something that looks like a marshmallow.
The truth is somewhere in the middle.
If you’re coming from a background of super-plush shoes like the New Balance More v4 or the Asics Novablast, the On Women's Cloudmonster 2 might catch you off guard. It’s a "maximalist" shoe, sure, but it doesn't have that sinking, "walking on a sponge" feel. It’s snappy. It’s weirdly stable. It’s basically what happens when a Swiss engineering firm decides that "soft" shouldn't mean "mushy."
The Tech Under the Hood (And Why It Matters)
On changed things up quite a bit with this iteration. They moved to a dual-density Helion superfoam construction. If you aren't a gear nerd, basically that means they layered two different types of foam to balance out the impact. The top layer is softer to cradle your foot, while the bottom layer is firmer to keep you from bottoming out.
Then there’s the Speedboard.
Most brands are stuffing carbon plates into everything these days, but On sticks with a nylon-blend Speedboard in the On Women's Cloudmonster 2. It’s sandwiched between the foam layers. This is what gives the shoe its "pop." When you land, those CloudTec pods compress, and the Speedboard loads up with energy. As you toe off, it snaps back. It’s a mechanical sensation. You can actually feel the shoe working with your gait cycle rather than just sitting there.
Honestly, the stack height is the elephant in the room. We’re talking about a massive chunk of foam under the heel. Yet, surprisingly, it doesn't feel like you’re going to roll an ankle. On made the base wider this time around. If you look at the bottom of the shoe, the "channel" (that groove that usually catches every pebble on the trail) has been redesigned to minimize stone-collecting. It still happens occasionally—let’s not lie—but it’s way better than the first version.
How It Feels on a Tuesday Morning 5K
You know those runs where your legs feel like lead? That’s where this shoe shines. It’s not a racing flat. You aren't going to set a 5K PR in these unless your previous shoes were combat boots. But for those daily miles where you just need to get the work in, the On Women's Cloudmonster 2 handles the pavement like a luxury SUV.
The upper is a huge win. It’s a recycled polyester mesh that feels premium. It isn't scratchy. The tongue is thin but padded enough that you don't feel the laces digging into the top of your foot. One weird quirk? The sizing. On has historically been a bit all over the place, but the Cloudmonster 2 tends to run a bit large for some women. You might find yourself wanting to go down a half size if you prefer a locked-in, race-like fit. But if you like room for your toes to splay out when they swell at mile six, your standard size is probably fine.
It's firm.
I have to emphasize that because "maximalist" usually implies "soft." If you want to feel like you’re floating in a sensory deprivation tank, go buy a Hoka Bondi. The On Women's Cloudmonster 2 is for the runner who wants protection from the road but still wants to feel the ground—at least a little bit. It’s a responsive ride. You get a lot of vibration dampening, which is great for your knees and hips, but you still get a clear signal of when your foot is hitting the deck.
Addressing the "On" Stigma
For years, serious runners kind of rolled their eyes at On. They were seen as the "athleisure" shoe—the thing you wear to a Pilates class or the grocery store. They looked cool, but the performance wasn't always there for high-mileage training.
The Cloudmonster series changed that narrative.
With the On Women's Cloudmonster 2, the brand has leaned further into the "performance" side of the scale. The outsole rubber is actually grippy now. You can take these out on wet asphalt without feeling like you’re on ice skates. The durability has also seen a bump. The original Clouds used to collapse after about 200 miles for heavier strikers, but this new dual-foam setup seems to hold its structural integrity much longer. I’ve seen testers get 400+ miles out of these before the foam starts to feel "dead."
Who Should Actually Buy This?
Don't buy this shoe if you’re looking for a track spike. It’s too heavy for sprints. Don't buy it if you only run on technical trails with lots of roots and jagged rocks; those Clouds will eventually find a rock they don't want to let go of.
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Buy the On Women's Cloudmonster 2 if:
- You work on your feet all day and need something that won't leave your arches aching by 5 PM.
- You’re a "heel striker" who needs extra cushioning in the back to prevent shin splints.
- You like a shoe that looks stylish enough to wear with jeans but can actually handle a 10-mile long run.
- You prefer a "rocker" geometry that helps roll your foot forward.
The rocker on this shoe is pretty aggressive. It’s designed to keep you moving. If you stand still in them, you might feel like you’re leaning slightly forward. That’s intentional. It reduces the workload on your calves and Achilles. For women dealing with plantar fasciitis or tight calves, this specific geometry can be a total lifesaver.
Sustainability and the "Swiss" Factor
On makes a big deal about their sustainability, and while "eco-friendly" is often a marketing buzzword, they are actually putting in the work. The On Women's Cloudmonster 2 uses a significant percentage of recycled content. Is it going to save the planet? Probably not on its own. But it’s nice to know your $180 purchase isn't 100% virgin plastic.
The price point is high. There's no getting around that. You are paying a premium for the brand and the engineering. But when you look at the construction quality—the heat-sealed overlays, the reinforced eyelets, the precision of the stitching—it feels like a product that was actually engineered, not just mass-produced.
Getting the Most Out of Your Pair
If you decide to pull the trigger on these, do yourself a favor: don't judge them on the first mile. The Helion foam needs a "break-in" period. Usually, about 10 to 15 miles in, the foam starts to soften up just a hair and the Speedboard loses that initial stiffness. That’s when the shoe really starts to "sing."
Also, pay attention to your socks. Because the upper is so breathable, a thin moisture-wicking sock works best. If you wear thick hiking socks, you’re going to lose that precision fit and might end up with some rubbing in the heel cup.
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The On Women's Cloudmonster 2 is a bold shoe. It’s polarizing because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It’s a firm, fast, maximalist trainer that looks like it’s from the year 2050. If you value energy return over pure squish, it’s arguably the best thing in On’s current lineup.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you click "buy," take a quick inventory of your current rotation. If all your shoes are soft and mushy, adding the On Women's Cloudmonster 2 is a great way to give your feet a different stimulus. Start by using them for your shortest run of the week to let your muscles adjust to the rocker shape. If you have a local running shop, go in and try them on with the specific socks you plan to wear. Check for any "slipping" in the heel, as the deep heel cup can be hit-or-miss depending on your bone structure. Once you’ve confirmed the fit, use them as your primary "cruiser"—the shoe that eats up the miles while you keep your mind on the music or the scenery.