On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper | £270 | Tester: Laura Fountain

Ultra-light, ultra-cushioned and unlike anything you've worn before. The On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper put to the test.

Image: On/Canva

If there’s one thing to say about the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper it’s this: you’re going to have to seriously up your sock game. The LightSpray upper won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but the shoe is so much more than it’s striking upper. We put it to the test.

On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper technical details

Price: £270
Sizes: 3-13.5
Weight: 205g
Stack: 45mm/39mm
Drop: 6mm
Foam: Helion™ HF hyper
Special technology: LightSpray™ upper

Image: On

On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper pros and cons

Pros

• Responsive shoe
• Comfortable
• Exceptionally lightweight

Cons

• A pricey shoe at £270
• The upper won’t suit everyone

Who and what is this shoe for?

The Cloudmonster Hyper LS is designed for runners who want a premium super-trainer for long runs, marathon training and faster daily mileage. Given the price and advanced construction, it feels more like a special-occasion training shoe than an everyday workhorse. Also for people who don’t like tying laces.

How does it fit?

I found the fit true to size in my UK 6, though the upper feels very different from a traditional running shoe. The LightSpray construction creates a sock-like fit with virtually no seams and very little stretch. The result is a secure wrap around the foot that feels precise rather than plush. While it was a good fit for me, some runners may find it a little restrictive compared to a conventional engineered mesh upper.

I first ran in this shoe back in April when it slipped on pretty easily, but during the summer months when me feet were a bit bigger, it was more of a faff to get it on at first.

Is it comfortable?

The comfort comes from the midsole. The combination of Helion™ HF foam and the Cloudmonster geometry creates a highly cushioned ride with plenty of rebound. Underfoot, the shoe feels soft and energetic, while the lightweight upper almost disappears on the foot. That said, the stripped-back upper lacks the plushness and padding some runners might expect at this price point.

Image: Laura Fountain

Run test

The first thing I noticed about the Lightsprag Cloudmonster 3 was how light the shoe feels considering the size of the stack of cushioning underfoot. The Helion™ HF foam delivers a noticeably springier ride than a traditional daily trainer, making easy runs feel smooth and faster efforts feel genuinely fun. The rocker geometry helps the shoe roll forward naturally, and the high stack absorbs impact effectively on longer runs.

The LightSpray upper also comes into its own once you’re moving, providing a secure, distraction-free fit. However, runners who prefer a softer, more accommodating upper may miss the comfort of a traditional engineered mesh. While it handled my steady and uptempo runs brilliantly, it’s not as propulsive as a plated shoe.

Some runners will love the stand-out nature of the upper, while others won’t so much. Your running socks do show through so it’s something you could have fun with if that’s your thing.

Where can I buy it?

The LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is available from ON and selected retailers.

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