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January 1, 1970 Β· 5 views
On Running Cloudmonster 2 vs HOKA Clifton 10: Max Cushion Running Shoe Comparison 2026
Verdict up front: HOKA Clifton 10 is the more versatile, more refined max-cushion daily trainer. On Running Cloudmonster 2 delivers a distinctive ride with better durability for heavier-mileage runners. Both excel; your preferred ride feel determines the winner.
Verdict up front: HOKA Clifton 10 is the more versatile, more refined max-cushion daily trainer. On Running Cloudmonster 2 delivers a distinctive ride with better durability for heavier-mileage runners. Both excel; your preferred ride feel determines the winner.
Introduction: The Max Cushion Daily Trainer Comparison
Not every runner wants to feel the road. The max-cushion running shoe category β defined by high stack heights, substantial midsole foam, and a soft, protective ride β has expanded dramatically over the past decade, driven in large part by HOKA and now challenged meaningfully by On Running's increasingly serious footwear engineering.
The On Running Cloudmonster 2 (AUD $269.99) and HOKA Clifton 10 (AUD $249.99) represent the current state of the art in comfortable, high-mileage daily trainers. Both offer significantly more cushioning than conventional trainers. Both use brand-specific foam technologies designed to deliver that cushioning without weight penalty. And both are worn by millions of runners globally for easy days, long runs, and general daily mileage accumulation.
This comparison examines which shoe wins the max-cushion daily trainer battle in 2026 for Australian runners.
We tested both shoes across 12 weeks of training covering easy runs, long runs (25β35km), and mixed-terrain roads.
On Running Cloudmonster 2: The Swiss Challenger
On Running entered the running shoe market with a distinctive aesthetic and an unusual sole design β the cloud pods. The Cloudmonster took that design to a new scale: massive, voluminous cloud pods creating a high-stack, high-cushion shoe that competes directly with HOKA's max-cushion lineup.
CloudTec Phase Midsole
The Cloudmonster 2 uses On's CloudTec Phase foam β a Helion superfoam compound that fills the cloud pod structure. The midsole is substantially more voluminous than previous On shoes, with the cloud pods now more interconnected (the "Phase" refers to how pods work together through a gait cycle rather than independently).
The ride feel of the Cloudmonster 2 is distinctive: there's a firm-ish initial contact as the pods begin to compress, followed by a progressive softening as the pods fully engage, then a controlled rebound at toe-off. It's not as uniformly soft as HOKA's continuous foam midsole β it's more textured and dynamic. Runners either love this character or find it odd compared to more conventional cushioning.
The Helion foam has good energy return characteristics β considerably better than the basic EVA midsole foams found in cheaper cushioned shoes. It's also temperature-stable across the range of Australian climates, maintaining consistent ride characteristics in both cold alpine conditions and summer heat.
Stack Height and Geometry
Stack height: 38mm heel / 28mm forefoot. Drop: 10mm. This is a notable difference from the Clifton 10's geometry β the Cloudmonster 2's higher drop (10mm vs Clifton's 5mm) produces a more heel-centric ride that may be preferable or uncomfortable depending on the runner's biomechanics and heel-strike tendency.
Weight: approximately 278g (men's size 9). Noticeably heavier than the Clifton 10.
Upper
The Cloudmonster 2 uses On's engineered mesh upper with a structured heel counter. The fit is accommodating and secure β On shoes have traditionally run slightly narrow, but the Cloudmonster 2 is more generous in the forefoot than the brand's road racing options. The heel lockdown is solid.
Outsole Durability
The rubber outsole coverage on the Cloudmonster 2 is more complete than the Clifton 10's β a meaningful advantage for high-mileage runners who wear through outsoles quickly. The cloud pod structure also tends to wear more slowly than a flat foam outsole in comparable conditions.
HOKA Clifton 10: The Benchmark
The HOKA Clifton series is one of the most successful running shoe lines in history. The Clifton has consistently delivered HOKA's signature max-cushion experience in a lightweight, beginner-accessible package β and the 10th generation continues this tradition with meaningful refinements.
EVA/Compression Moulded Foam Midsole
HOKA uses a compression-moulded EVA foam midsole in the Clifton 10 β a simpler formulation than On's Helion or the premium Pebax compounds used in race shoes, but one that HOKA has optimised across 10 generations. The result is a foam that's extremely soft underfoot without significant energy return β this is pure cushioning, pure comfort, pure protection from ground impact forces.
The Clifton's foam is notably lighter than its volume suggests β HOKA's engineering achievement in the Clifton lineage has been creating high-volume cushioning without proportional weight increase. The Clifton 10 weighs approximately 247g (men's size 9) β meaningfully lighter than the Cloudmonster 2 despite similar or greater cushioning volume.
Early Stage Meta-Rocker
HOKA's Meta-Rocker geometry β a curved midsole profile that creates a natural rocking motion from heel strike through toe-off β is present on the Clifton 10. This rocker geometry promotes a forward-rolling gait that many runners find reduces effort on easy runs, particularly on flat terrain. It's partly responsible for the Clifton's wide appeal among runners who have never previously enjoyed running β the shoe does some of the transition work for you.
The 5mm heel-to-toe drop is considerably lower than the Cloudmonster 2's 10mm, producing a more midfoot-centric ride that may require an adaptation period for committed heel strikers but is widely considered more biomechanically favourable.
Stack Height
Stack height: 36mm heel / 31mm forefoot. The Clifton 10's lower drop creates a more even stack distribution than the Cloudmonster 2's more dramatic gradient.
Upper
The Clifton 10 uses a breathable engineered mesh upper that is among the most comfortable in the category β wide through the toe box, accommodating for moderate foot widths, and with a well-padded heel collar. HOKA also offers the Clifton in wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) options, addressing a common limitation in running shoe fit at the cushioned end of the market.
Ride Feel Comparison
This is where the two shoes differ most significantly, and where personal preference is paramount.
Cushioning Feel
HOKA Clifton 10: Uniformly soft, pillowy, and protective from first step to last. There is minimal variation in feel through the gait cycle β each step feels approximately the same regardless of speed, surface texture, or fatigue. This consistency is loved by runners who want their easy days to genuinely feel easy and their long runs to feel protective.
On Cloudmonster 2: Dynamic, textured, and more varied through the gait cycle. The cloud pods create a feel that shifts β firmer initial contact, progressive softening, defined rebound. Runners who find the Clifton "too soft" or "lacking feedback" often prefer the Cloudmonster 2's more characterful response.
Energy Return
Both shoes prioritise cushioning over energy return, but the Cloudmonster 2's Helion foam returns more energy than the Clifton's EVA. At easy pace this matters little; at the faster end of easy/moderate pace (around 5:00β6:00/km) the Cloudmonster 2 feels more "alive" underfoot.
Versatility by Pace
| Pace | Clifton 10 | Cloudmonster 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Very easy (7:00+/km) | Excellent | Good |
| Easy (5:30β7:00/km) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Moderate (4:30β5:30/km) | Good | Good |
| Tempo (4:00β4:30/km) | Adequate | Better |
The Clifton 10 is purpose-built for easy to moderate pace running. Pushing it into tempo territory feels unnatural β the soft foam lacks the firmness needed for efficient fast running. The Cloudmonster 2 handles slightly faster paces more comfortably, though neither shoe should be used for interval training or racing.
Fit and Sizing
HOKA Clifton 10 runs true to size with a generous toe box that accommodates foot swelling during long runs. Wide and extra-wide options are available. The heel counter is supportive without being constrictive.
On Cloudmonster 2 also runs true to size but is narrower through the midfoot than the Clifton 10. Runners with wide feet should try both in person and may find the Clifton's fit more accommodating.
Durability and Value
| Feature | HOKA Clifton 10 | On Cloudmonster 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | $249.99 | $269.99 |
| Estimated life (km) | 700β900km | 800β1,000km |
| Midsole durability | Good | Very good |
| Outsole durability | Moderate | Good |
The Cloudmonster 2's advantage in durability β both in midsole compression resistance and outsole wear β makes it the better long-term value for high-mileage runners despite the slightly higher upfront price.
Clifton foam does soften noticeably after 600β700km. The shoe remains wearable beyond that but the cushioning performance degrades. For runners logging 60β80km weeks, replacing the Clifton every 3β4 months is reasonable. The Cloudmonster 2 stretches slightly further.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy HOKA Clifton 10 if:
- You want the softest, most protective easy-day trainer available
- Wide or extra-wide width options are needed
- You love the rocker geometry's smooth, rolling transition
- You're new to max-cushion running shoes
- Budget is a consideration ($20 saving)
- Long slow distance is the primary use case
Buy On Running Cloudmonster 2 if:
- You prefer a more dynamic, textured ride feel
- You'll occasionally push the pace into moderate/tempo territory
- Durability and longevity are priorities
- You're already an On Running brand loyalist
- A more distinctive aesthetic matters to you
- You heel-strike and prefer a higher heel drop (10mm)
Final Verdict
Both the HOKA Clifton 10 and On Running Cloudmonster 2 are excellent max-cushion daily trainers. They serve slightly different runner profiles within the same broad category.
The HOKA Clifton 10 is the more refined, more accessible, and more universally comfortable shoe β ideal for easy and recovery running, wide-foot runners, and those who want their cushioned trainer to feel uniformly soft regardless of pace.
The On Running Cloudmonster 2 is the more durable, more dynamic option β better for runners who want a little more from their easy-day shoe, prefer a higher drop, and will put serious mileage on their footwear.
Australia's running retail environment makes both easy to try in store before buying β a recommendation we'd strongly make given how significantly ride feel preferences vary between individuals in this category.
Overall Ratings:
- HOKA Clifton 10: β β β β β (5/5)
- On Running Cloudmonster 2: β β β β Β½ (4.5/5)
Prices correct as of June 2026. Available at rebel sport, Athlete's Foot, Running Warehouse Australia, and brand websites.
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