Max Cushion Showdown: On Cloudmonster vs. New Balance Fresh Foam More
The Cloudmonster shoe really changed things for On. For a time people thought On shoes were too firm like a brick.. The Cloudmonster came along and changed that. It has big CloudTec pods and a special kind of soft foam called Helion superfoam.
On Cloudmonster: The Playful Powerhouse
When you run in the Cloudmonster it feels really cool. You can actually feel the pods squishing and then popping back into place. It’s not like foam that just squishes. The Cloudmonster has a plate that helps make it bounce back. It feels like the shoe is helping you roll onto your toes. For training the Cloudmonster feels great. It doesn’t feel like its holding you back.
New Balance Fresh Foam More: The King of Comfort
If the Cloudmonster is like a trampoline the New Balance Fresh Foam More is like a comfy mattress. This shoe is one of the best from New Balance. It has a lot of foam.
The Ride: Seamless and Stable
This shoe doesn’t have any plates or pods. It’s a big piece of soft foam. When you step into it it feels amazing. The foam goes around your foot. Makes the road feel really quiet. Even though its really thick it’s stable. New Balance made it with a base and high sides so your foot feels secure. It’s perfect for runs. It doesn’t make you want to run it makes you want to run far.
Pro Tip: If you have feet the New Balance is usually the better choice. Even though On has improved its fit New Balance offers the Fresh Foam More in extra-wide sizes. This makes it a great choice for people, with feet.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Weight, Drop, and Feel
To help you visualize the technical differences, here is how these two titans of cushion stack up against each other.
| Feature | On Cloudmonster | New Balance Fresh Foam More |
| Cushioning Feel | Springy, Energetic, Firmer | Plush, Pillowy, Deep |
| Weight (Men’s 9) | Approx. 9.7 oz (275g) | Approx. 10.8 oz (306g) |
| Drop | 6mm | 4mm |
| Best For | Daily training, Steady runs | Recovery days, Long slow distance |
| Width Options | Standard (Runs slightly narrow) | Standard, Wide, Extra Wide |
Price Point Comparison
When it comes to spending money the On Cloudmonster usually costs around $170, which’s what you would expect from a high end shoe from Switzerland. The New Balance Fresh Foam More is a little cheaper at $160. You can often find both of these shoes on sale when new versions come out.
Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Shoe?
The decision between the On Cloudmonster and the New Balance Fresh Foam More is all about what kind of runner you’re
- Choose the On Cloudmonster if:
- You want a shoe with a lot of cushion that does not feel too soft.
- You like a shoe that helps you run smoothly.
- You plan to use the On Cloudmonster for types of runs like easy runs or regular daily runs.
- You like the way the On Cloudmonster looks and think it would be great to wear at the gym or just out and about.
Choose the New Balance Fresh Foam More if:
- You want a shoe that protects your feet from impact above everything
- You have feet or need some extra room in the toe area.
- You want a shoe that’s just, for easy days when your legs are tired.
- You prefer a shoe with a heel so your foot can strike the ground more naturally.
Both the On Cloudmonster and the New Balance Fresh Foam More are shoes. If you want to feel like you are running on the road but do not want the pain the On Cloudmonster is the way to go. If you want to feel like you are not even running on the road the New Balance Fresh Foam More is the choice.
