On Cloudmonster vs New Balance 1080 Shoes

Hey there, young runners and shoe enthusiasts! Are you looking for a new pair of awesome running shoes?

Well, you’re in luck because we’re about to compare two popular choices: the On Cloudmonster and the New Balance 1080.

These shoes are like superheroes for your feet, each with its own special powers.

Let’s dive in and see which one might be the perfect fit for you!

On Cloudmonster vs New Balance 1080 Shoes

The main difference between On Cloudmonster and New Balance 1080 shoes is their cushioning style. Cloudmonster uses bouncy CloudTec pods that feel springy, while 1080 has soft Fresh Foam X for a plush feel.

Cloudmonster has a unique, futuristic look, and 1080 has a more classic design. Both offer great comfort for runners.

Feature	On Cloudmonster	New Balance 1080
Cushioning	CloudTec® pods (bouncy)	Fresh Foam X (soft and plush)
Weight	Heavier (Men’s: 10.6 oz, Women’s: 8.8 oz)	Lighter (Men’s: 9.3 oz, Women’s: 8.1 oz)
Fit	Roomy toe box, snug midfoot and heel	Adaptable fit, hugging heel
Style	Futuristic, bold design	Classic running shoe look
Upper Material	Engineered mesh	Hypoknit material
Flexibility	Moderately flexible	Good flexibility, especially in forefoot
Price Range	$170 – $200	$150 – $180
Best For	Those who like responsive cushioning	Those who prefer soft cushioning
Breathability	Mesh upper with perforations	Knit upper with varied density
Durability	Tough rubber outsole	High-quality materials, strategic rubber placement
Stability	Wide base, snug fit for stability	Neutral shoe with slight medial support

Both the On Cloudmonster and New Balance 1080 are great running shoes, but they have different strengths. The Cloudmonster offers a unique, bouncy feel and a bold look, while the 1080 provides soft cushioning and a more traditional style.

Your choice depends on whether you prefer a springy or plush feel, and if you want a shoe that stands out or blends in.

Also Read: On Cloudmonster vs Hoka Clifton 8

Which Shoes Perfect for Any Activity

For Running

On Cloudmonster Shoes

Made for long runs and lots of cushioning. It feels bouncy and fun, like running on mini trampolines! The Cloudmonster is great for runners who want a shoe that can handle many miles and still feel comfy. It’s especially good if you like a shoe that gives you some extra spring in your step.

New Balance 1080 Shoes

Also great for long runs, but in a different way. The 1080 feels super soft and plush, like running on a fluffy carpet. It’s perfect for runners who want their feet to feel pampered during long runs. If you like a shoe that hugs your feet with softness, the 1080 might be your new best friend.

For Walking

On Cloudmonster Shoes

Good for walking, especially if you’re going long distances. The bouncy feeling can make your walks more fun and energetic. However, it might feel a bit too much for just casual strolls around the block.

New Balance 1080 Shoes

Excellent for walking of all kinds. The soft cushioning makes it comfy for short walks to the park or long walks exploring a new city. It’s like having pillows under your feet all day!

For Standing All Day

On Cloudmonster Shoes

If you need to stand all day, the Cloudmonster can help. Its special CloudTec pods give you lots of support and can help your feet feel less tired. It’s like standing on a bunch of comfy clouds! But remember, it looks very sporty, so it might not be right for all jobs.

New Balance 1080 Shoes

Also great for standing all day. The Fresh Foam X cushioning is super soft and can help your feet feel good even after hours of standing. It might be a bit better than the Cloudmonster if you need a shoe that looks less like a running shoe for your job.

The Basics: What Are These Shoes?

Before we start our shoe showdown, let’s get to know our contenders a little better.

On Cloudmonster

The On Cloudmonster is a running shoe made by a Swiss company called On. It’s known for its unique cloud-like cushioning that feels like you’re running on fluffy clouds. Pretty cool, right?

New Balance 1080

The New Balance 1080 is a classic running shoe from a well-known American company. It’s been around for a while and has fans all over the world who love its comfort and reliability.

Now that we’ve met our contestants, let’s see how they stack up in different categories!

Cushioning: Bouncy vs Plush

The On Cloudmonster and New Balance 1080 both offer great cushioning, but in different ways.

On Cloudmonster Cushioning

The Cloudmonster uses On’s special CloudTec® cushioning. It feels springy and responsive, like little trampolines under your feet. When you run, it gives you a bit of a bounce, which can make you feel like you’re flying!

New Balance 1080 Cushioning

The 1080 uses New Balance’s Fresh Foam X cushioning. It’s super soft and feels more like running on a thick, comfy carpet. It absorbs the impact of each step, making your run feel smooth and easy.

Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Match

Getting the right fit is super important. It’s like finding the right size t-shirt – you want it to feel just right!

On Cloudmonster Fit

The Cloudmonster has a roomy toe box, which means there’s plenty of space for your toes to wiggle and spread out. The midfoot and heel are snug, keeping your foot secure. It’s great if you have wider feet or like some extra space up front.

New Balance 1080 Fit

The 1080 is known for its versatile fit. It has a stretchy knit upper that adapts to different foot shapes. The heel is designed to hug your foot, preventing any slipping. It’s a good choice if you’re not sure about your foot type or want a shoe that can work for lots of people.

Feature	On Cloudmonster	New Balance 1080
Cushioning Type	CloudTec® (bouncy)	Fresh Foam X (plush)
Toe Box	Roomy	Adaptable
Heel Fit	Snug	Hugging
Best For	Wide feet, those who like responsive cushioning	Various foot types, those who prefer soft cushioning

Durability: Will These Shoes Last Through Your Adventures?

When you’re picking running shoes, you want them to stick around for a while, right? Let’s see how our contenders hold up over time.

On Cloudmonster Durability

The Cloudmonster is built to last. The outsole (that’s the bottom of the shoe) is made of tough rubber that can handle lots of miles on different surfaces. The CloudTec® pods are designed to keep their bounce even after many runs. The upper part of the shoe is made of strong, breathable materials that resist wear and tear.

New Balance 1080 Durability

New Balance has a reputation for making durable shoes, and the 1080 is no exception. It uses high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. The Fresh Foam X midsole is designed to maintain its cushioning properties for many miles. The outsole has strategic rubber placement to protect high-wear areas.

Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

Nobody likes sweaty, smelly feet! Let’s see how these shoes help keep your feet fresh.

On Cloudmonster Breathability

The Cloudmonster features a breathable mesh upper that allows air to circulate around your foot. This helps sweat evaporate quickly, keeping your feet cool and dry. The shoe also has some perforations (tiny holes) in strategic places to improve airflow.

New Balance 1080 Breathability

The 1080 uses a knit upper that’s designed to be both flexible and breathable. It has areas of tighter and looser knit to provide ventilation where you need it most. This helps manage heat and moisture, keeping your feet comfortable during long runs.

Stability: Keeping You Steady on Your Feet

Stability is all about how well the shoe supports your foot and keeps you balanced. It’s especially important if you have flat feet or tend to overpronate (when your foot rolls inward too much).

On Cloudmonster Stability

The Cloudmonster isn’t marketed as a stability shoe, but it does offer some features that help keep you steady:

• The wide base gives you a stable platform to land on.
• The snug midfoot and heel fit help prevent your foot from moving around inside the shoe.
• The CloudTec® pods provide some guidance for your foot as you move from heel to toe.

New Balance 1080 Stability

The 1080 is a neutral shoe, which means it’s not specifically designed for overpronators. However, it does offer some stability features:

• The Fresh Foam X midsole provides a stable, consistent platform.
• The shoe has a slight medial post (a firmer area on the inner side of the midsole) that offers a touch of support.
• The heel cup is designed to lock your foot in place, reducing unwanted movement.

Also Read: On Cloudmonster vs Hoka Clifton 9

Quality and Materials: What Are These Shoes Made Of?

The materials used in a shoe can make a big difference in how it performs and how long it lasts. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into these shoes.

On Cloudmonster Materials

The Cloudmonster uses high-quality materials designed for performance:

• Upper: Made from engineered mesh that’s breathable and durable.
• Midsole: Features On’s Helion™ superfoam and CloudTec® technology.
• Outsole: Uses rubber compound for grip and durability.
• Insole: Includes a removable sock liner for extra comfort.

New Balance 1080 Materials

New Balance is known for using premium materials in the 1080:

• Upper: Hypoknit material that’s both supportive and flexible.
• Midsole: Fresh Foam X, a soft yet responsive foam.
• Outsole: Blown rubber for durability and traction.
• Insole: Ortholite® sockliner for step-in comfort and moisture management.

Style: Looking Good While You Run

Let’s face it, you want your running shoes to look cool too! Both the Cloudmonster and the 1080 have their own unique style.

On Cloudmonster Style

The Cloudmonster has a bold, futuristic look. Its most striking feature is the oversized CloudTec® pods on the sole, which give it a unique profile. It comes in a range of eye-catching color combinations, from bright and fun to sleek and subtle. If you like shoes that stand out, the Cloudmonster might be your style hero.

New Balance 1080 Style

The 1080 has a more classic running shoe look, but with modern touches. Its sleek silhouette and subtle design elements give it a sophisticated appearance. New Balance offers the 1080 in a variety of color options, from bold to understated. If you prefer a timeless look with a contemporary twist, the 1080 could be your perfect match.

Size and Weight: Finding the Right Balance

When it comes to running shoes, size and weight can make a big difference in how they feel on your feet.

Size Comparison

Both the On Cloudmonster and New Balance 1080 come in a wide range of sizes for men and women. They both offer half sizes to help you get the perfect fit. However, there are some differences in how they fit:

• On Cloudmonster: Tends to run true to size but has a roomier toe box.
• New Balance 1080: Also generally true to size, but some people find they need to go up a half size for the best fit.

Remember, everyone’s feet are different, so it’s always best to try shoes on if you can!

Weight Comparison

The weight of your running shoes can affect how fast and how far you can run comfortably. Here’s how our contenders measure up:

Shoe	Average Weight (Men’s)	Average Weight (Women’s)
On Cloudmonster	10.6 oz (300g)	8.8 oz (250g)
New Balance 1080	9.3 oz (264g)	8.1 oz (230g)

As you can see, the New Balance 1080 is a bit lighter than the On Cloudmonster. This might make a difference if you’re running long distances or if you prefer a lighter feel on your feet.

Flexibility: Bending with Your Foot

Flexibility in a running shoe is important because it allows your foot to move naturally as you run. Let’s see how flexible our two shoes are.

On Cloudmonster Flexibility

The Cloudmonster is designed to be moderately flexible. The CloudTec® pods in the sole allow for some bending, especially in the forefoot area where your foot naturally flexes. However, the thick cushioning does make it a bit stiffer than some other running shoes.

New Balance 1080 Flexibility

The 1080 offers good flexibility, especially in the forefoot. The Fresh Foam X midsole is designed to flex with your foot, and the Hypoknit upper moves with you as you run. This shoe strikes a nice balance between cushioning and flexibility.

Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry

While neither of these shoes is designed to be waterproof, they do have some features that can help keep your feet dry in light rain or on damp surfaces.

On Cloudmonster Water Resistance

The Cloudmonster’s upper is made from a water-repellent material that can shed light moisture. However, in heavy rain or puddles, water can still get in. The mesh design also allows water to drain quickly if it does get wet inside.

New Balance 1080 Water Resistance

The 1080’s knit upper isn’t specifically water-resistant, but it does dry quickly if it gets wet. Like the Cloudmonster, it’s not designed for running in very wet conditions, but it can handle a light drizzle or damp ground.

Sole: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

The sole of a running shoe is super important. It’s the part that actually touches the ground and helps propel you forward. Let’s look at how the soles of our two shoes compare.

On Cloudmonster Sole

The Cloudmonster’s sole is what makes it stand out:

• Outsole: Made of durable rubber with a unique tread pattern for good grip.
• Midsole: Features the oversized CloudTec® pods filled with Helion™ superfoam.
• Rocker shape: The sole has a curved shape that helps roll you forward as you run.

New Balance 1080 Sole

The 1080’s sole is designed for comfort and performance:

• Outsole: Uses blown rubber for durability and traction.
• Midsole: Made of Fresh Foam X for soft, responsive cushioning.
• Flex grooves: The sole has cuts in it to allow for natural foot movement.

User Reviews: What Do Other Runners Think?

It’s always helpful to hear what other people think about these shoes. Here’s a summary of user reviews for both the On Cloudmonster and New Balance 1080:

Shoe	Average Rating	Comfort	Durability	Performance
On Cloudmonster	4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½	4.7/5	4.3/5	4.5/5
New Balance 1080	4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½	4.8/5	4.5/5	4.6/5

As you can see, both shoes are highly rated by runners, with the New Balance 1080 scoring slightly higher overall.

Also Read: On Cloudmonster vs Hoka Mach X

Price: What’s Your Budget?

The cost of running shoes can vary a lot. Here’s how these two models compare:

Shoe	Average Price Range
On Cloudmonster	$170 – $200
New Balance 1080	$150 – $180

Remember, prices can change and you might find sales or discounts, so always check current prices before making a decision.

Pros and Cons

On Cloudmonster Shoes

Pros

The Cloudmonster gives you a fun, bouncy feeling when you run. It’s like having mini trampolines under your feet! The shoe looks super cool and futuristic, so you’ll stand out. It’s also great if you have wider feet because it has lots of room in the toe area.

Cons

These shoes are a bit heavier than some other running shoes. They’re also on the pricey side, so you might need to save up more allowance money. The unique look might not be for everyone, especially if you prefer a more normal-looking shoe.

New Balance 1080 Shoes

Pros

The 1080 feels super soft and comfy, like running on a fluffy carpet. It’s lighter than the Cloudmonster, which might help you run faster. The shoe fits lots of different foot shapes well, and it has a classic look that goes with everything.

Cons

If you like a bouncy feel, these might feel too squishy for you. The softer cushioning might not last as long as firmer types. Some people find they need to buy a half size bigger than usual to get the right fit.

Conclusion

After comparing the On Cloudmonster and New Balance 1080, it’s clear that both are excellent running shoes with their own strengths. The right choice for you depends on what you’re looking for:

Choose the On Cloudmonster if:

• You want a unique, bouncy running experience
• You prefer a roomier toe box
• You like a shoe with a bold, eye-catching design

Go for the New Balance 1080 if:

• You want a softer, more plush cushioning
• You’re looking for a slightly lighter shoe
• You prefer a more classic running shoe look

Remember, the best shoe for you is the one that feels most comfortable on your feet. If possible, try both on and see which one feels better when you run.

Frequently Asked Questions