Why On Brought Back the Cloudmonster 1 (And What the Cloudmonster 2 Got Right)

Stockroom Notes | Plaza Shoe Store
Estimated read time: 8 minutes

When On reintroduced the original Cloudmonster and officially renamed it the Cloudmonster 1, it raised eyebrows. Not only did the brand add a “1” to the name, but it also quietly moved away from updating the Cloudmonster 2 and shifting focus back to the original design.

For runners and walkers paying attention, the question became obvious:
Why bring back the first version instead of fixing the second?

The answer isn’t that the Cloudmonster 2 was a failure. It’s that it changed the shoe in ways that didn’t fully align with what people loved in the first place.

Why the Original Cloudmonster Worked So Well

The original Cloudmonster earned its following because it hit a rare balance. Reviewers and everyday runners consistently described it as:

• Max-cushioned without feeling dull
• Noticeably forward-moving, thanks to its rocker shape
• Comfortable enough for running, walking, and daily wear

It wasn’t trying to be a race shoe or a recovery-only shoe. It lived comfortably in the middle, making movement feel easier, especially for people logging everyday miles or spending long days on their feet.

For many, it felt like a shoe that didn’t demand anything from you. You just put it on and moved.

What the Cloudmonster 2 Actually Improved

When the Cloudmonster 2 arrived, the feedback wasn’t universally negative. Several updates were genuinely appreciated, especially by runners who wanted a calmer, more traditional ride.

A More Comfortable Upper

One of the most consistently praised updates was the upper. Reviewers noted that the mesh felt:

• Softer against the foot
• More breathable in warm conditions
• Slightly more padded around the collar and tongue

For walking and long wear, many people felt the Cloudmonster 2 was more comfortable right out of the box.

A More Controlled, Predictable Ride

Some runners appreciated that the Cloudmonster 2 felt:

• Less bouncy
• More grounded and stable
• Easier to settle into for long, steady efforts

For people who prioritize consistency over energy, especially walkers or slower-paced runners, this change actually worked in the shoe’s favor.

These weren’t bad updates. They just shifted the personality of the shoe.

Where the Cloudmonster 2 Lost Momentum

The issue wasn’t comfort or build quality. It was identity.

Across reviews and runner discussions, similar themes kept coming up:

• The ride felt flatter and less playful
• The shoe felt heavier and less lively
• It didn’t clearly outperform the original in any one area

For longtime fans, the Cloudmonster 2 didn’t feel like a clear evolution, it felt like a different shoe altogether.

And when a sequel doesn’t improve on what made the original special, confusion follows. New buyers don’t know which version to trust, and loyal fans wonder why their favorite shoe changed at all.

Why On Pivoted Back to the Cloudmonster 1

Instead of doubling down on another revision of the Cloudmonster 2, On made an unusual move: they returned to the original design and gave it a clear place in the lineup as the Cloudmonster 1.

That decision signals a few important things:

• The original ride and geometry were difficult to improve without losing their appeal
• Customer feedback favored refinement over reinvention
• The Cloudmonster worked best when it stayed true to its energetic, do-everything nature

Rather than forcing an update that wasn’t resonating, On chose clarity.

How the Cloudmonster Fits in Today’s On Lineup

If you’re comparing On styles, here’s a simple way to see how the Cloudmonster 1 stacks up against two other popular everyday options.

Each serves a different purpose, but the Cloudmonster 1 stands out as the most playful and dynamic option in the lineup.

What This Means for You

If you liked parts of the Cloudmonster 2, especially the comfort and controlled feel, you weren’t wrong. Those updates worked for some people.

But if you missed the energy, forward motion, and versatility of the original, the Cloudmonster 1 re-release exists for a reason. It brings back the feel that made people pay attention in the first place, without asking them to adapt to a shoe that feels fundamentally different.

Stockroom Take

The Cloudmonster story is a reminder that newer isn’t always better, and that listening matters.

The Cloudmonster 2 introduced thoughtful changes, but it also showed how easy it is to lose the spark that made a shoe special. By bringing back the Cloudmonster 1, On didn’t step backward—they chose to build on what people actually enjoyed wearing.

If you’re deciding between styles or wondering whether the Cloudmonster 1 fits how you move, we’re always happy to help, online or in store.