The On Lightspray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is a super trainer with an ultralight upper. Designed for speed over long runs, the Lightspray takes On’s max-cushioned trainer and pairs it with a one-piece upper. Despite the fact that the midsole of the Lightspray version is supposed to use the same setup as the standard Cloudmonster 3 Hyper—CloudTec outsole, a layer of standard Helion foam in the middle, and a thick layer of Helion HF PEBA race foam on top—the overall fit, feel, and ride of the shoe seem different. Getting the Lightspray upper on is actually surprisingly easy, and once it’s on, there are no adjustments to make. We were initially a little concerned about the narrower midfoot feel, which helps lock your foot into place, along with a sensation that we were sliding toward the front. After a couple of miles, however, that feeling disappeared. It’s also important to remember to wear tall socks to cover the front of your ankle and Achilles area, which can get irritated or even cut by the Lightspray materials. Luckily, the shoes come with a pair of taller socks intended to be worn with them.
Out on the run, we found the ride to be very pleasant and smooth, and the 50-gram reduction in weight from the standard version was noticeable and appreciated. The forefoot foam felt slightly softer and bouncier, yet incredibly protective and cushioned. On markets the Lightspray version as more of an uptempo or speed training shoe, and we’ve heard others say it can work well as a stable marathon race option. However, the lack of an aggressive rocker or pronounced toe-off, combined with the very subtle bounce of the PEBA foam, makes it feel more like an elevated daily trainer that excels at stacking high-mileage days, recovery runs, and steady long runs. Its standout qualities are its light weight, smooth rocker geometry, and highly protective, cushioned underfoot feel. We won’t be using it for workouts or speed sessions, but if you love the Lightspray technology and are willing to spend the extra money, this is definitely a very pleasant shoe for logging miles.
