The shoe you wear most often deserves a careful comparison. The On Cloudmonster 3 and ASICS Novablast 6 both offer dynamism for daily mileage, but they don’t build that feeling the same way.
Try the Cloudmonster 3 if you want to explore On’s CloudTec transition. Compare it to the Novablast 6 if you are looking for another approach to dynamic daily training without a propulsion plate.
What changes in the sole
The Cloudmonster 3 uses Helion foam, a three-layer CloudTec structure, and a Speedboard. On also highlights a sole geometry that promotes a forward-rolling motion.
The Novablast 6 combines FF BLAST MAX foam with an FF TURBO SQUARED element in the forefoot. It does not have a propulsion plate. These differences provide starting points for comparison, but they cannot predict your preference.
| Criteria | Cloudmonster 3 | Novablast 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Helion | FF BLAST MAX, FF TURBO SQUARED element |
| Special structure | CloudTec and Speedboard | Responsive forefoot element |
| Main role to explore | Daily training | Daily training |
| Deciding test | Your usual pace | Your usual pace |
Which one for three runs per week?
If your week consists mostly of easy jogs, start with that pace. Your primary shoe should feel pleasant for the majority of your miles, even if you also appreciate how it handles a few accelerations.
Compare the support and volume of the forefoot. Then, check if the transition allows you to run in your usual way. A pair may feel comfortable while standing but provide a different sensation after a few minutes of running.
And for more intense sessions?
If you are looking for a single shoe, try both out when you speed up slightly. You want a model that remains comfortable during the warm-up and cool-down, while also pleasing you during faster segments.
If you already own a pair for racing, give more weight to daily comfort. Your training shoe does not need to perfectly replicate the sensations of race day to be useful.
Cloudmonster or Cloudmonster Hyper?
Make sure you are comparing the right version. The Cloudmonster 3 and the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper are two distinct models. The presence of the name "Cloudmonster" is not enough to attribute the technologies of the Hyper to the standard version.
Our verdict
The Cloudmonster 3 and the Novablast 6 deserve a try for regular use. The best purchase will be the one that fits your foot and your usual rhythm. Make your most frequent run the focus of your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Novablast 6 have a plate? No, it does not use a propulsion plate.
Does the Cloudmonster’s Speedboard mean it is a carbon racing shoe? No. Its Speedboard should not automatically be equated with the one in a racing Cloudboom.
Can these models be used to prepare for a half-marathon? Yes, if their comfort suits you during your sessions.
Find your daily pair at Boutique Endurance with advice based on your mileage and goals.
