ASICS Megablast vs On Cloudmonster 3
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 7 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Livelier and bouncier with a bit more punch but less stable and heavier; cheaper, making it the testers' pick on value
Megablast is slightly lighter and can go a bit faster; Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is more stable but tops out at a lower pace ceiling
ASICS Megablast — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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His top fast-training/all-rounder pick after roughly 350km of testing — a big but fairly lightweight shoe whose FF Turbo Squared foam bounces you along well at faster speeds, though it's expensive.
In their words: "a brilliant fast training shoe" · "a whole load of spring"
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One of the standout shoes in the range — an extremely durable, fast, non-plated foam shoe well suited to marathon racing, let down only by a shallow toe box.
Ride:FF Turbo Squared midsole gives a super snappy, fast ride with your feet 'disappearing' underneath you; excellent durability, reportedly lasting near 1,000 km.
Fit:Toe box is a little shallow, which caused some upper irritation on the reviewer's first pair.
In their words: "your feet just disappear underneath you" · "one of the greatest of all time"
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Fordy's top pick overall for a shoe you could take from long training runs into race day itself — expensive, but he calls it phenomenal for marathon-goal-pace work, with the caveat that a poor fit can rub the little toe.
Ride:Phenomenal, race-day-capable ride Fordy uses specifically for marathon-goal-pace work within long runs.
Fit:Runs narrow through the toe box — a poor fit can rub the little toe.
In their words: "the best shoe if we're really honest" · "phenomenal as a long run shoe"
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Praised as a great, extremely durable shoe and a slightly lighter alternative to the Superblast 2, but passed over for the two-shoe rotation pick due to its more aggressive ride and higher price tag.
Ride:Slightly lighter but noticeably more aggressive-riding than the Superblast 2.
In their words: "even though it is crazy durable" · "a much more aggressive model"
On Cloudmonster 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , moderate energy return , neutral stability , aggressive rocker.
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Ben's stability daily trainer pick — features a Speedboard plastic plate for side-to-side support and delivers a firm but well-rounded package.
In their words: "a really good package for me personally"
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The Cloudmonster 3 is seen as outclassed in a very strong group and eliminated early, with reviewers noting it tried hard but couldn't compete with the other shoes.
In their words: "Cloudmonster at the bottom of that group" · "incredibly expensive squad, but underperformed"
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A high-cushion performance trainer that outperforms expectations — the reviewer's favorite shoe so far this year thanks to its stiff, snappy feel with genuine long-run protection.
Ride:Stiffer high-cushion ride rather than plush — lets the reviewer stay snappy on track and up-tempo runs while still protecting on long road miles; not a soft quagmire.
Fit:Runs true to size in US 12; good forefoot width despite the brand's reputation for narrow fits; tongue is a touch short and slightly puffy.
In their words: "stiffer high cushion shoe" · "ran some snappy miles" · "high cushion trainer"
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The Cloudmonster 3 improves substantially on the v2 upper and is very comfortable for walking and easy running, but at $190 it feels overpriced for what is essentially a firm daily trainer with a competitive performance ceiling.
Ride:Triple-layer Cloudtech provides a firm, structured cushioning experience; pods can be felt collapsing in the forefoot which adds some life but durability of that pop is a concern
Fit:Upper is more spacious than version 2, fixing lace bite issues from the previous version
In their words: "lace bite all day long with version two" · "comfortable walking shoe" · "probably more like $150, $160 shoe"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Megablast if
- Long runs, medium-long runs with uptempo miles, and daily training up to marathon pace. — Kofuzi
- Long runs with workout miles at half marathon, marathon, or uptempo effort, or as a comfort-prioritized racing option. — Kofuzi
- Long runs building into race day for marathon runners; works best paired with a separate lighter daily trainer — FORDY RUNS
- Versatile performance training partner to a plated race shoe for tempos, intervals and long marathon workouts. — The Run Testers
- Long easy-day training shoe that can pick up the pace a little. — Doctors of Running
- Lightweight daily training, long runs, and unplated race-day use for runners wanting a Superblast-style super trainer with more pop. — Believe in the Run
Consider the On Cloudmonster 3 if
- Easy running, walking, and on-your-feet-all-day use; solid daily trainer for those who like firm Cloud ride — Doctors of Running
- Runners needing stability in a daily trainer — Ben Is Running
- Daily easy miles and lifestyle crossover use for runners who want a structured, firm, cushioned On experience. — Doctors of Running
- Easy daily miles, long days on feet, and walking/run-walk use rather than fast running. — Doctors of Running
- Easy aerobic miles or casual wear — FORDY RUNS
- Daily to steady-pace running for runners who prefer responsive over squashy cushioning — EDDBUD
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Megablast and the On Cloudmonster 3?
The ASICS Megablast is a daily trainer and the On Cloudmonster 3 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Megablast weighs 221g, has a 45mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the On Cloudmonster 3 weighs 295g, has a 40mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. The On Cloudmonster 3 has a Embedded Speedboard plate; the ASICS Megablast has none. MSRP is $225 for the ASICS Megablast and $190 for the On Cloudmonster 3.
Should I buy the ASICS Megablast or the On Cloudmonster 3?
Kofuzi on the ASICS Megablast: Long runs, medium-long runs with uptempo miles, and daily training up to marathon pace. Doctors of Running on the On Cloudmonster 3: Easy running, walking, and on-your-feet-all-day use; solid daily trainer for those who like firm Cloud ride.
Per Kofuzi, Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Megablast and the On Cloudmonster 3?
Yes — The Run Testers and Doctors of Running directly compared the ASICS Megablast and the On Cloudmonster 3 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, Doctors of Running.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Megablast or the On Cloudmonster 3?
The ASICS Megablast is lighter, at 221g versus 295g (men's 9) — about 74g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Megablast or the On Cloudmonster 3?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Megablast has more underfoot foam — 45mm at the heel versus 40mm.