You have a shoe that you love to run in – maybe one you particular love to run specific distances or races in. So what do you do when a new, related shoe comes along? Stick to your guns or step into the unknown?
The latter is exactly what Dana Giordano, former professional runner and On Cloudmonster fan (she has trained for marathons in them), did when she took the Cloudmonster Hyper out for a spin.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper is one of the ultimate athlete training shoes. Engineered for running further, faster, think fast-paced, high-mileage training runs. It was developed with constant feedback from runners and does not include a carbon-fibre midsole, which could be an issue if you’re a competitive runner. The Cloudmonster Hyper is a max-cushioned shoe, featuring On’s instantly recognisable CloudTec structural cushioning system, fine-tuned for impact cancelling and long-distance comfort. It also makes use of Helion HF, a high-performance engineered light hyperfoam that has been optimised for punchy, responsive energy return, particularly when pushing off.
What everyone's reading
Here Giordano, who tends to lean into neutral and racing shoes, gives us her impressions of the On Cloudmonster Hyper. Read on to find out whether this shoe should be in your running rotation.
Tested: On Cloudmonster Hyper
The Tester
Name: Dana Giordano
Age: 30
Size: UK women’s 7
Arch height: High
Strike: Midfoot
Weekly mileage: 50 miles during marathon season; 20 miles otherwise
Typical training pace: 7:30 minutes/mile
How she tested the shoe: Ran 20 miles on road
The Review
First impression: “I was surprised by the height of the shoe, but also intrigued, as I loved the Cloudmonster regular version.”
Fit and comfort: “The Cloudmonster Hyper fit my narrow feet with high arches perfectly. The tongue is thin but wraps well along the top of the foot, and the sticky laces do not budge. The upper material is sturdy, and I had no risk of ripping. My toes felt open and free, and I never had to adjust the shoes after starting a run.”
Cushioning: “The cushioning in this shoe is interesting, as it only feels poppy once your form is at a certain pace. When I dipped slightly under a 7:30 pace, I felt comfortable. I personally enjoy a shoe that feels more stiff with pop than mushy, and the Cloudmonster Hyper fits this characteristic.”
Stability and support: “I liked how the shoe felt like it was propelling me forward, without a carbon plate in the midsole. Compared to other trainers, the Cloudmonster Hyper is a bit beefier, and on days I’m feeling strong, I feel well-supported.”
Traction and durability: “The stack height is high, so I normally felt secure, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable on gravel or a bumpy road.”
Overall: “The Cloudmonster Hyper is the perfect complement to a training rotation, for easy days when you want to run a little quicker or do strides after a run. In general, it feels better at a faster training pace versus a tired training run.”
