On Cloudmonster versus HOKA Bondi
When choosing a pair of running shoes, comfort is key. Most runners nowadays prefer thick stacks of cushioning underfoot, as evidenced by industry trends leaning towards taller and taller stack heights.
The On Cloudmonster and the HOKA Bondi are each their respective brands’ max-cushion option for neutral runners. Both shoes offer plenty of foam to absorb impact and cradle your feet. But there are lots of differences between the models, too. Let’s break down the On Cloudmonster versus the HOKA Bondi and help you decide which shoe is best for you.
Buy the On Cloudmonster 2 if...
- You enjoy a firmer, responsive ride
- You like a moderate level of cushioning
- You prefer a sleek, streamlined upper
Buy the HOKA Bondi 9 if…
- You like a plush underfoot feel
- You prefer a tall stack of cushioning
- You enjoy a plush, padded upper
On Cloudmonster vs HOKA Bondi: Tech Specs
Tech Specs | On Cloudmonster 2 | HOKA Bondi 9 |
Weight | 8.1 oz (W), 10.4 oz (M) | 9.3 oz (W), 10.5 oz (M) |
Heel-to-toe drop | 5.5 mm | 5 mm |
Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 34.5 mm/29 mm | 42mm/37 mm (W), 43 mm/38 mm (M) |
Category | Neutral | Neutral |
Surface | Road | Road |
Price | $180 | $170 |
On Cloudmonster vs HOKA Bondi: Fit & Materials
Both the On Cloudmonster 2 and the HOKA Bondi 9 have engineered mesh uppers that are just as breathable as they are soft.
While the Cloudmonster 2’s upper feels sleek and streamlined with an ultra-light upper and thin tongue, the Bondi 9 doesn’t shy away from using plenty of plush padding around the tongue, heel and ankle collar.
However, both shoes offer a similar fit-which reviewers found a tad too roomy.
“Although I know other reviewers wear a half-size down for HOKAs, I typically do not. But these shoes felt too big,” Mandy says. “During my runs and walks, my feet felt as if they were sliding, which led to the whole experience being uncomfortable.”
As Mandy mentioned, I always order a half-size down in HOKAs, and the size I ordered in the Bondi 9 fit me perfectly. Some of our other reviewers do, too, because we know what to expect from the Bondi.
But when it comes to the Cloudmonster 2, we were thrown for a loop when the sizing didn't match up with other On models.
“The Cloudmonster 2 runs really wide,” Travis says. “I had to pull the laces tight just to get a secure fit, which caused a lot of uncomfortable puckering in the front of the shoe. Despite all of this, I still felt like my foot was sliding side to side a bit when I was running.”
Finding the proper size in the Cloudmonster 2 or the Bondi 9 will come down to the shape of your unique feet. Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet to try the shoe on in-person. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.
On Cloudmonster 2 vs HOKA Bondi 8: Midsole & Outsole
The On Cloudmonster 2 and the HOKA Bondi 9 both have plenty of cushion underfoot to absorb impact and gentle rocker shapes to help you transition from heel to toe quickly and efficiently.
The Bondi 9 has quite a bit more cushioning than the Cloudmonster 2, and the compression-molded EVA foam feels softer underfoot.
I wore the Bondi 9 on plenty of recovery runs. There was so much cushioning between my feet and the road that it felt like I was running on air instead of harsh concrete. While they performed great at relaxed paces, I wouldn’t reach for them for anything uptempo.
On the other hand, the Cloudmonster 2 provides a firmer and more responsive ride, thanks to On's Helion Foam and CloudTec cushioning–a series of pods underfoot that collapse upon landings and spring open during takeoffs.
“The Helion Foam and Cloudtec pods popped me right back up for some very solid energy return,” says Nate. “This isn't the pogo-stick energy return you’d see in a carbon-plated super-shoe, but it’s on the springier side for a highly cushioned daily trainer.”
On Cloudmonster 2 vs HOKA Bondi 9: Which is right for you?
Both the On Cloudmonster 2 and the HOKA Bondi 9 offer a smooth ride with plenty of cushioning. However, significant differences in the fit, the ride and the tech specs will determine your preferred shoe.
Because the Bondi 9 offers a taller stack height with softer foam, it’s best suited for runners who enjoy a plush feeling underfoot. I prefer the Bondi because I find it more comfortable on days when my legs are feeling beat up from the constant grind of training–which, to be honest, is most of the time.
The On Cloudmonster 2 features more rigid foam with a responsive ride, making it a good choice for those who like a firmer feel, like Kate and Nate. The Cloudmonster 2 is also slightly lighter than the Bondi 9, so if weight savings are important to you, you may prefer the Cloudmonster.
Still not sure? Head to your local Fleet Feet for a free outfitting experience. Our friendly Outfitters are well-trained to learn about your needs, scan your feet, and help you find your perfect fit.
