On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper: The Future Is Here

Introduction to the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper

KARL: It’s no surprise that our team has been disappointed with On’s offerings as of late. I reviewed the On Cloudsurfer 2 and the On Cloudboom Max last year and thought both shoes were massive disappointments, which was surprising because it seemed like On was starting to pull together a steady lineup. The inconsistencies, however, left us scratching our heads wondering what it was going to take for them to start releasing a catalog of great performance-based shoes.

Over the last year, I’ve kept hope, even when it felt like it was all for naught. That all came to a head at The Running Event in 2025. 

In a private meeting behind the On booth, we met with Caspar Coppetti, one of the co-founders of On, and Scott Maguire, the new Head of Innovation at the brand. The pair laid out a new direction for On, one that was hyper-focused on performance and design. At the same time, they graciously acknowledged the critiques they received over the past half decade by our team here at Believe in the Run. The duo showed us a few upcoming models, which included the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper and an all-new LightSpray version of the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper.

It’s the first shoe outside of the On Cloudboom Strike to use a LightSpray upper, a process that employs an army of robots to spray on a laceless, TPU-based upper onto a pre-made midsole with laser precision. The goal is to provide a premium fit while significantly improving the manufacturing and development timeline. They’re the first to market with this type of technology, and they’re betting big on it. It’s a significant step in the founders’ vision of scaling production of LightSpray and making it available to the masses.

With the introduction of the new Head of Innovation at On, Scott Maguire, less than a year ago, the On team has spent a lot of time and resources in getting a LightSpray factory up and running in Busan, South Korea. 

As I said, On is betting a pretty big hand on scaling up LightSpray for the mass market. The factory has 32 robots that are meticulously programmed to produce a pair of shoes in minutes. Their setup trims the fat from a standard factory; no herds of humans packed onto the floor in a conveyor belt fashion, no pungent smell of glues and adhesives, much less noise. This drastically simplifies the manufacturing process – with the only real human component being Quality Control. Sustainability is also a big factor. If a pair of shoes does not pass the quality check, the shoes can be recycled and the materials reused. 

Just last month, Thomas and I were invited by On to visit their new factory in Busan, South Korea, a space solely dedicated to manufacturing LightSpray models (Korea has the highest amount of robotics per capita in the entire world, which was the main reason for its location). There we got to see it all come together– a completely automated process where robots built LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper right in front of our eyes. We got to hear from both Caspar and other On co-founder Olivier Bernhard about the conception of the LightSpray factory and the ultimate vision for the technology (we have a podcast out about it with Caspar, Olivier, and Scott that you should check out for more of the nitty gritty details – The Drop Podcast E438). 

It was all very fascinating and inspiring, but are the shoes any good? I put on a bulk of mileage in both models to find out.

NOTE: Although the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper and On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper share mostly the same DNA, there will be separate reviews for both shoes.

ROBBE: If you’ve followed Believe in the Run in any capacity, then you’re well aware of my track history with On. My first ever video review way back in 2019 was of the On Cloudswift, which– to this day– is the worst running shoe I’ve ever reviewed. I’m exaggerating, of course– the On Cloudace was even worse. That shoe saw two versions before getting the guillotine. 

Things have changed, ever so slowly, in the 7 years since. Much has improved, but there’s much to be desired. Nevertheless, that’s how the wheel of history turns– slowly, then suddenly. And suddenly, On is doing things straight out of the future. That thing is Lightspray, which Karl has explained in great detail. It’s different, it’s weird, and if it works, it’s a leap forward for all of Onkind.

THOMAS: Let’s skip the past Karl handled that, and talk about where On is going, because after what I saw in South Korea, I can’t stop thinking about it.

We toured the LightSpray robot factory, and I’ll be honest: The kid in me completely lost it. Picture Willy Wonka’s factory crossed with a Star Wars set, except it’s real, it’s operational, and it’s printing shoe uppers in roughly three minutes flat. My imagination was running laps before we even made it past the entrance.

What struck me beyond the spectacle, though, was how practical it all felt. This isn’t a proof-of-concept living behind glass. It’s a genuinely scalable manufacturing model– clean, chemical-free compared to traditional shoe production, and deployable essentially anywhere on the planet. And when a robot fumbles an upper? No waste spiral. The TPU-based LightSpray material gets recycled straight back into the process. That’s not a marketing bullet point; that’s a meaningful departure from how this industry has operated for decades.

But none of it matters if the shoe doesn’t deliver on foot, and it does. The upper performs, and in certain ways outperforms what traditional construction can offer. The On team was candid with us: What you’re seeing on the LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is barely scratching the surface of what this platform can do from a design standpoint.

I flew home from Seoul, genuinely bullish on On.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What we like about the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper

KARL: The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper and the LightSpray version changes to a full length top layer of the Helion HF PEBA (77% more than its predecessor) with a Cloudtec EVA-based carrier on the bottom. Upon step-in, you can feel how surprisingly stable the platform is while still having a soft, somewhat airy feeling underneath your foot. And yes, I said soft. This isn’t the same softness we saw in the Federer and Elmo buddy rom-com campaign of “Soft Wins.” Don’t be mistaken though, it isn’t super plush. It still provides a nice pop as opposed to sinking in. Combined with a generous rocker, the ride of the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is quite peppy and enjoyable. You can pick up the pace and cruise rather easily. Some may find the medial arch support a bit too much, but I haven’t found it to be a problem, personally. 

The LightSpray upper is easier to get on than the LightSpray found in the Cloudboom Strike (granted, I’ve never tried that model on so I don’t have personal comparisons, just more of a general feeling from our team). There are instructions on the box on how to put it on. They also include a custom pair of socks, which are meant to compliment the shoe’s design and offer a bit of padding on the back to counter any potential rubbing (Thomas and Robbe experienced that more than me).

It may feel odd at first, but once you get your foot in you should start to feel that LightSpray upper snugly wrap around your foot. Weight reduction is pretty significant; it shaves off close to 2 oz (56 g) from the standard version. The LightSpray version also features 3.9 mm more stack, since there isn’t any insole. To me, this makes the ride substantially more enjoyable than the regular Cloudmonster 3 Hyper (which I did really enjoy until I put this version on my foot). 

As stated earlier, On believes the future is LightSpray and they’ve invested a lot of resources into backing up that argument. And a good amount of time has passed since the last iteration of the Cloudmonster Hyper that On has done its homework. They’ve trickled down the Cloudboom Strike LS, its premier race day model, into a solid super trainer counterpart.

ROBBE: I love that On is doing this. Mostly because it’s hard to find a brand willing to take risks. And devoting an entire factory to LightSpray is a risk if there ever was one. You really need to be confident that you’re spearheading innovation when it comes to something like this. I like confidence. I like risk. I like LightSpray. If nothing else, it’s morbidly cool to watch robots take over everything, almost like watching how you’ll die before it actually happens.

It also looks cool. You feel like you’re wearing something different when it’s on your foot. And boy, is it different. Now, I have run in LightSpray before, in the On Cloudboom Strike LS. My foot fell asleep about 3 miles into a run with that one and I never wore it again. I wasn’t ready for that replication by the replicants.

The good news is that while this LightSpray upper is largely the same (in materials, anyway), it is somehow a bit better in terms of fit. For one, it’s easier to get onto the foot. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it’s manageable. Once it’s one the foot, the fit is indeed secure throughout. The foot is locked in right over the midsole, with just enough room in the toe box to not mash things. Despite being a one-piece upper, it’s surprisingly breathable (like, very breathable), made evident by the fact that you can see your entire sock through the TPU material. In essence, you can change the color of the shoe by wearing a different colored sock. This is either very cool or very annoying, depending on your sock choice.

On the run, the LightSpray upper gives the sensation that the shoe is an extension of your leg, as if it’s a second skin. That is a good thing, to a certain extent.

Moving onto the ride. For sure, this is my favorite On midsole to date. I’ve always enjoyed the PEBA-based Helion HF in the racing models, but here we get a ton more. That foam is softer, so it needs the EVA carrier to level things out, and I’m okay with that. This ride is exactly that I like in a shoe– cushioned, but with enough roll and pop to keep things exciting and moving along from one stride to another. The rocker is pretty significant, but it’s a smooth type of rocker, unlike some of the more aggressive rockers found in shoes like the Hoka Cielo X1. The medial support is quite obvious– I liked it, but some runners will not. It’s also incredibly stable for what it is. It really does feel like part of your foot, and it may be the first instance where the idea of Cloudtec pods independently compressing to give a more dynamic ride seems to work. 

The whole thing is only made of 8 pieces so it’s pretty lightweight and feels like it. It really disappears on the foot. No complaints there.

While the shoe works at any speed, I feel like it shines at marathon pace. Something with a little extra in it to get the rocker really rolling. The outsole is also pretty grippy and I felt like the shoe cornered well, considering its high stack and design.

I believe that a nice pair of On socks accompanies each pair (they did for my pair, anyway), so that’s like a $20 value right there, if that helps.

THOMAS: The fit story here is what makes everything else possible. The LightSpray upper is nearly weightless, and it doesn’t just sit on your foot; it molds to it. Once it does, it essentially disappears, and that’s the point. All your attention gets redirected downward, to the midsole, which is exactly where On wants it.

That full-length PEBA layer is doing serious work. It’s a generous crash pad that rebounds fast. None of that sluggish foam that absorbs energy and keeps it. Every stride has a snap to it, a liveliness that makes easy miles feel less like a chore. Wrapping the PEBA is an EVA rim with On’s signature Cloudtec pods, and before you write that off as aesthetic, understand that the EVA cage is load-bearing. It keeps the PEBA honest, corralling that soft, lively foam into something that actually feels stable and structured underfoot. The rocker does its job quietly, rolling you through your stride without any slop or hesitation from the upper. It’s a smooth, almost playful sensation once you settle in.

Breathability is handled through an open spray pattern across the toe box. A subtle but smart move that keeps airflow going where your foot generates the most heat.

The versatility here is real. Back off the pace and the PEBA leans into its plush side, delivering a cushy, forgiving ride. Push into something faster, and the shoe shifts with you, quick turnover, responsive, capable. For runners who want a legitimate long-distance race option without committing to a plate, this one deserves serious consideration.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What we don’t like about the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper

KARL: Although I didn’t have any fitment issues, I noticed that there was some extra room around the sides of the heel for me. However, this appears to be just a visual issue. I didn’t get any heel lift and never felt like my foot was sliding around. This is mainly due to the shoe’s last (and I probably have a weird, narrow ankle). This is present in both models of the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper. I tried half a size down (US M10) but found it to be too short and shallow in the toebox, so my regular M10.5 worked out just fine. As mentioned before, the heel collar may introduce rubbing for some due to the lack of structure or support, which is part of the reason why we believe they included custom socks. 

In 2026, nobody should be flabbergasted by On’s pricing. They position themselves as a premium brand with a distinct, clean aesthetic (the Apple of running shoes). They’re either a brand you get on with or you don’t in that department. There are three different models in the Cloudmonster family – Cloudmonster 3 ($190), Cloudmonster 3 Hyper ($220), and this one, the LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper ($280). I obviously like the LightSpray version the most, followed by the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, then the regular Cloudmonster 3.

In my opinion, if you want to buy into the On Cloudmonster family, it’s worth it to spring for the LightSpray. The extra stack height, the substantially lower weight, the unique look and feel of the LightSpray upper – it really is something notable in today’s market. On the other hand, even though you get those custom socks, $280 is a hefty price tag for essentially a super trainer with no plate. This is why I’m giving it a “C” on Value. I think it’s fair for what you get, but not overly so when you start to draw a broader comparison of choices in the market. 

Lastly, the big question for LightSpray is long term durability. There’s already some complaints about the upper being torn on the Cloudboom Strike. It’ll be interesting to see how long they can realistically last without tearing or losing that tight, comforting snug (if it ever does). These are the only two issues I see with On trying to promote LightSpray as the future. How can they convince the masses to adopt this technology at the current price point when running shoes in general are not only getting more expensive, but becoming very competitive in their respective price brackets? 

I think the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is worth it if you really dig On as a brand, the aesthetic they push, and really buy into the LightSpray story and technology.

ROBBE: Okay, so my foot fell asleep in the first version of LightSpray that I tried (i.e. the Cloudboom Strike). I’m happy to report that it did not fall asleep with this version. It did, however, have acute moments of discomfort throughout my various runs. Which is a tough pill to swallow, because this upper has to be tight to stay on. That’s just science. Depending on your foot shape and volume, that can lead to some pressure points at places. The TPU-thread isn’t super pliable or comfortable– after all, it has to provide both structure and breathability at the same time. So while I did love the fit of it overall, it tended to spring some weird feelings during the run. 

I’d be remiss to not mention this, but there is zero padding around the heel. Or anywhere, for that matter. This is a LightSpray upper and nothing more. This will be a problem for some runners, myself included. The fact that On includes a pair of socks with padding in the Achilles area is relatively concerning. It’s necessary, by the way. My first run in the shoe was a 9-mile route. I did not wear the included socks because I forgot they were in the box; instead, I wore my Swiftwick Aspire crew, a sock that I’ve worn for my past few marathons with zero blisters or chafing issues. Now, I will preface this next part by noting that it is February and my skin is drier than a nun’s… knuckles, on her hands, in February. But within four miles, I was in “Rambo: First Blood” territory, as the heel counter had done a number on my Achilles. I basically had to just deal with it from there on out, which sucked big time. 

On subsequent runs, I wore the protective On socks and made sure my skin was all Buffalo-Bill-he-puts-the-lotion-on type of smooth, and we were good to go. But also, maybe just don’t have a $280 shoe that’s gonna go Kitana vs. Baraka fatality on your Achilles at any given mile?

I wrote that I enjoyed the support of the medial arch, but it’s pretty pronounced. My left foot loved it, my right foot (with plantar fasciitis) hated it. If you have plantar or anything like it, well– good luck to you. It’s a pain in your arch’s arse.

Lastly, there’s this: Time will tell the tale of LightSpray. Is it the future of footwear, or is it the Reebok Pump or Nike Shox of 2026? Truthfully, I’m skeptical of its ability to scale to widespread adoption in its current state. Is it cool and interesting and a conversational piece when worn in public? Yes, no doubt. Functionally, is it a trump card that usurps the likes of Nike’s Atomknit and other fine mesh weaves found in other race day uppers? In my opinion, no. I’m just not getting enough of a benefit to make me care. Devoting an entire factory to the technology and its production is a very bold move and I’m concerned of its longevity and widespread use case beyond these niche models that cost upwards of $300. If paired with other tech and advancements, then I can see LightSpray trending in the right direction with a long tail. I’m assuming they own the patent on this technology, which could probably be licensed out to everything from apparel to footwear to military to medical purposes. If that’s the case, then forget everything else I just said. The technology will pay off in dividends.

Either way, On has proved the haters wrong time and time again. People said they were ugly, people said the midsoles were rock carriers, people (i.e. us) said they sucked as running shoes, and yet here they are, nipping at the heels of Nike and Adidas with no signs of stopping anytime soon.

THOMAS: One functional callout before we wrap: the heel counter needs a small but meaningful fix. Give it a lip that angles away from the Achilles, and this shoe has no real weaknesses.

I’ve settled into a 10 across all On shoes despite normally running in a 10.5. If you’re sitting between sizes, go down.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Final thoughts on the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper

KARL: I have been disappointed by many things in life, mostly my Tinder algorithm, but also with the past trajectory of On. But after hearing Caspar and Olivier wax poetic about their vision and future of the brand along with Scott’s expertise in automation and engineering, I feel like this trio can actually turn things around for On. I am rooting for their success, but I’ve been betrayed too many times by getting caught up in the honeymoon stage (also similar to my Tinder algorithm). I am, however, impressed with the Cloudmonster Hyper series and eagerly await future developments from this team. There are other engineering feats that we caught an early whiff of that the On team is working on, so I remain cautiously optimistic, but optimistic nonetheless.

ROBBE: Despite some idiosyncrasies with the upper for my particular foot shape, I do think this is the best On shoe I’ve worn yet. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the rocker and would choose this shoe for a variety of runs and workouts. If I were spending my hard-earned money, though, I would opt for the more reasonable Cloudmonster Hyper 3, which has the exact same midsole paired with a traditional upper. But if you got that extra cash and want a lighter shoe that will turn heads at run club, then the Lightspray CH 3 may be your weapon of choice. 

As Karl noted, I’m excited to see what’s in store for 2027 and beyond, because I feel like the brand is entering a no-limits era of aggressive innovation, putting the pedal to the metal and seeing if this thing takes off into the stratosphere. If that means the robots win, but we do too, then so be it.

THOMAS: Robbe and I land in different places on one thing: I think LightSpray has enough design range to keep consumers genuinely engaged across future iterations. Where we fully agree, this is the best On shoe I’ve ever worn, and it’s not particularly close.

The competitive set here is the Asics Superblast 3 and the Adidas Adizero Hyperboot Edge. The On is the most expensive of the three at $280, and that number is going to price some runners out. I want to engage with that honestly without being dismissive about it.

Here’s my take: Every other major sport manages to offer gear across multiple price tiers without it becoming a cultural flashpoint. Running shoe pricing draws an outsized reaction, and I get it, but I also want to be straight with you about where I’m coming from. I receive seeded product. That’s real, and it’s worth naming. But I also have other hobbies I pay full price for, and I know what it feels like to want something you can’t justify spending on right now.

The $280 reflects two things: On deliberately positioning itself as a premium performance brand, and the real cost of building an entirely new manufacturing process from the ground up. Whether that math works for you is a personal call. What I can tell you is what you’re getting: a unique fit experience, a midsole that genuinely delivers, and construction that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the market right now. For me, that’s where the value lives.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

You can pick up the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper for $280 by using the button below.