Cloudmonster vs Saucony Triumph 21 Shoes

Running shoes can make a big difference in how you feel when you exercise.

Today, we’re looking at two popular running shoes the On Cloudmonster and the Saucony Triumph 21.

Both shoes are good choices, but they have different features that might make one better for you than the other.

Cloudmonster vs Saucony Triumph 21 Shoes

Cloudmonster and Saucony Triumph 21 shoes is their cushioning technology. Cloudmonster features unique cloud-like pods that provide a bouncy, responsive feel when running.

While the Triumph 21 offers plush, consistent PWRRUN+ foam cushioning that feels softer and more protective, especially during longer runs.

Feature	On Cloudmonster	Saucony Triumph 21
Cushioning	Cloud-like pods, bouncy feel	Soft PWRRUN+ foam, plush feel
Fit	Narrower toe box, snug fit	Wider toe box, roomier fit
Weight	10.6 oz (men’s size 9)	10.1 oz (men’s size 9)
Durability	300-400 miles	400-500 miles
Best For	Shorter runs, responsive feel	Longer runs, soft landing
Price	About $170	About $160
Width Options	Standard only	Regular, wide, extra wide
Style	Unique, eye-catching design	Classic running shoe look
Top Benefit	Fun, springy running experience	All-day comfort and protection

In summary: Choosing between the On Cloudmonster and Saucony Triumph 21 depends on what you like in a running shoe.

If you want something bouncy with a cool look, pick the Cloudmonster. If you want super soft cushioning that lasts longer and comes in different widths, go with the Triumph 21.

What Makes These Shoes Special?

The On Cloudmonster

The On Cloudmonster is a shoe made by a Swiss company called On. This shoe has big, cloud-like cushions on the bottom that make you feel like you’re bouncing when you run. People often notice the Cloudmonster because it looks different from other running shoes.

The Saucony Triumph 21

The Saucony Triumph 21 is made by Saucony, a company that has been making running shoes for many years. The Triumph 21 is the newest version of their Triumph shoe. It has lots of soft cushioning inside and a smooth ride that many runners enjoy.

Comfort: Which Shoe Feels Better?

When you put on a running shoe, the first thing you notice is how it feels on your foot. Both the Cloudmonster and Triumph 21 are made to be comfortable, but in different ways.

The Cloudmonster feels bouncy when you walk or run. The cloud pods on the bottom push back against the ground, giving you a springy feeling. Some runners say it feels like having small trampolines under your feet.

The Triumph 21 feels more like stepping into a soft, plush cushion. The foam Saucony uses is called PWRRUN+, and it wraps around your foot in a way that feels cozy and soft.

For all-day comfort, many people say the Triumph 21 is better if you’re standing or walking for a long time. The Cloudmonster might feel more fun when you’re running fast.

Cushioning: How Soft Are These Shoes?

Cushioning is the soft material inside the shoe that protects your feet when they hit the ground.

Cloudmonster Cushioning

The Cloudmonster has On’s CloudTec cushioning system. These are the big pods you can see on the bottom of the shoe. When your foot lands, these pods squish down and then spring back when you push off. The Cloudmonster has more of these pods than other On shoes, which gives it extra cushioning.

The feeling is unique – not too soft, not too firm. It’s responsive, which means it gives energy back to you as you run.

Triumph 21 Cushioning

The Triumph 21 uses Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam throughout the whole sole. This foam feels soft and plush but still provides good support. The cushioning in the Triumph 21 is consistent from heel to toe, giving a smooth feeling when you run.

The Triumph 21 has more cushioning than the Cloudmonster, making it better for longer runs when your feet might get tired and need extra protection.

Fit: How Do These Shoes Wrap Around Your Feet?

The way a shoe fits can make a big difference in how comfortable it feels and how well it works for you.

Cloudmonster Fit

The Cloudmonster has a snug, sock-like fit. The toe box (the front part where your toes go) is not very wide, so people with wider feet might feel squeezed. The middle part of the shoe hugs your foot securely.

The heel of the Cloudmonster is well-padded and holds your heel in place without rubbing. The shoe fits true to size for most people, which means you can probably order your normal shoe size.

Triumph 21 Fit

The Triumph 21 has a roomier fit than the Cloudmonster. The toe box is wider, giving your toes more space to spread out. This can be more comfortable, especially on long runs.

The middle part of the Triumph 21 has a good balance of snugness and comfort. The heel is secure and prevents slipping. Like the Cloudmonster, the Triumph 21 usually fits true to size.

If you have wider feet or like having more room in your shoes, the Triumph 21 might be a better choice for you.

Durability: How Long Will These Shoes Last?

When you buy running shoes, you want them to last a long time. Let’s see how these shoes hold up with regular use.

Cloudmonster Durability

The Cloudmonster is well-made with quality materials. The upper part (the fabric that covers your foot) is strong and doesn’t tear easily. The cloud pods on the bottom are made of durable rubber that can handle running on roads and sidewalks.

Most runners get 300-400 miles out of their Cloudmonsters before the cushioning starts to wear down. The pods may show wear on the bottom, but they maintain their bounce for a long time.

Triumph 21 Durability

The Triumph 21 is built to last. The upper part is made of engineered mesh that keeps its shape even after many runs. The outsole (bottom of the shoe) has carbon rubber in high-wear areas, which helps it last longer.

Many runners report getting 400-500 miles from their Triumph 21 shoes before needing to replace them. The PWRRUN+ foam holds up well and doesn’t flatten out quickly.

For overall durability, the Triumph 21 has a slight edge, especially if you run a lot of miles.

Breathability: How Cool Do Your Feet Stay?

When you run, your feet can get hot and sweaty. Shoes with good breathability let air flow through to keep your feet cooler and drier.

Cloudmonster Breathability

The Cloudmonster has an engineered mesh upper that allows air to flow in and out. The mesh is thicker in some places for support and thinner in others for better airflow.

On hot days, your feet will stay reasonably cool in the Cloudmonster, but the thick padding around the collar and tongue can make the shoe feel warm sometimes.

Triumph 21 Breathability

The Triumph 21 uses a lightweight mesh upper that’s very breathable. Air moves freely through the shoe, helping to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

Even with all its cushioning, the Triumph 21 doesn’t trap heat. The mesh is designed to wick away sweat, which helps prevent blisters on long runs.

For running in hot weather, the Triumph 21 offers better breathability than the Cloudmonster.

Stability: How Steady Do These Shoes Feel?

Stability refers to how well a shoe keeps your foot from rolling inward (pronating) or outward (supinating) too much when you run.

Cloudmonster Stability

The Cloudmonster isn’t marketed as a stability shoe, but its design provides some natural stability. The cloud pods create a wide base that helps keep your foot centered. The firm midsole (middle layer of the sole) also helps with stability.

If you have mild pronation (your foot rolls inward), the Cloudmonster might give you enough support. But if you need a lot of stability help, this might not be enough for you.

Triumph 21 Stability

Like the Cloudmonster, the Triumph 21 is a neutral shoe, not specifically designed for stability issues. However, it has a wide base and a supportive upper that helps keep your foot in place.

The Triumph 21 has what Saucony calls a “FormFit” design that cradles your foot from all angles. This gives a secure feeling when running.

Neither shoe is made specifically for runners who need extra stability, but both provide a stable platform for neutral runners.

Weight: How Heavy Are These Shoes?

The weight of your running shoes can affect how fast and how far you can run comfortably.

Cloudmonster Weight

The Cloudmonster weighs about 10.6 ounces (301 grams) for a men’s size 9 shoe. This is on the heavier side for a running shoe, but not extremely heavy.

The weight comes from the chunky cloud pods and the amount of cushioning. You might notice the weight more when you’re running fast or for a long time.

Triumph 21 Weight

The Triumph 21 weighs around 10.1 ounces (286 grams) for a men’s size 9. This is slightly lighter than the Cloudmonster, but still not as light as some racing shoes.

The cushioning in the Triumph 21 adds weight, but Saucony has worked to make the upper part of the shoe lighter to balance this out.

Neither shoe is super lightweight, but the Triumph 21 has a small advantage in this category.

Flexibility: How Much Do These Shoes Bend?

Good running shoes need to bend in the right places to work with the natural movement of your foot.

Cloudmonster Flexibility

The Cloudmonster has good flexibility in the forefoot (front part of the shoe), where your foot naturally bends when you push off. The cloud pods compress and expand as you run, which adds to the flexible feeling.

However, the thick midsole makes the Cloudmonster less flexible than some lighter running shoes. This isn’t necessarily bad – the stiffness can help with energy return when running.

Triumph 21 Flexibility

The Triumph 21 has balanced flexibility. It bends where your foot needs to bend but stays supportive in other areas. The PWRRUN+ foam allows natural foot movement without feeling too soft.

The Triumph 21’s flexibility comes from flex grooves in the outsole that align with the joints in your foot. This makes the shoe move more naturally with your foot.

Both shoes provide good flexibility for everyday running, but the Triumph 21 might feel more natural when bending your foot.

Water Resistance: How Do These Shoes Handle Wet Conditions?

Sometimes you have to run in the rain or through puddles. Let’s see how these shoes handle getting wet.

Cloudmonster Water Resistance

The Cloudmonster’s upper mesh isn’t waterproof, so water can get inside if you run through puddles or in heavy rain. However, the mesh does dry fairly quickly once it gets wet.

The cloud pods on the bottom can collect small rocks or mud in wet conditions, which might be annoying for trail running.

Triumph 21 Water Resistance

Like the Cloudmonster, the Triumph 21 isn’t waterproof. Water can pass through the mesh upper if you run in wet conditions.

The Triumph 21 does have an advantage in wet weather because of its outsole design. The rubber outsole has good traction on wet surfaces, reducing the chance of slipping.

Neither shoe is ideal for very wet conditions, but both will work fine in light rain. If you often run in wet weather, you might want to consider water-resistant socks with either shoe.

Style: How Do These Shoes Look?

Running shoes aren’t just about function – many runners also care about how their shoes look.

Cloudmonster Style

The Cloudmonster has a unique, eye-catching style. The cloud pods make the shoe look different from anything else on the market. On offers the Cloudmonster in several color options, from subtle to bright.

The chunky sole gives the Cloudmonster a modern, almost futuristic appearance. Some people love this distinctive look, while others prefer more traditional running shoes.

Triumph 21 Style

The Triumph 21 has a more classic running shoe appearance. It looks sleek and well-proportioned, without the extreme chunkiness of the Cloudmonster.

Saucony offers the Triumph 21 in a range of colors, from basic black to brighter options with contrasting details. The shoe has a clean, athletic look that works well for both running and casual wear.

Style is a personal preference, but the Cloudmonster stands out more, while the Triumph 21 has a more timeless look.

Materials: What Are These Shoes Made Of?

The materials used in running shoes affect how they feel, perform, and last.

Cloudmonster Materials

The Cloudmonster’s upper is made of engineered mesh with reinforced areas for durability. The cloud pods are made of On’s Helion™ superfoam, which is designed to be lightweight but durable.

The outsole (bottom layer) uses rubber in high-wear areas for better grip and longevity. The shoe also has a Speedboard® plate between the midsole and upper that helps with energy return when running.

Triumph 21 Materials

The Triumph 21’s upper is made of engineered mesh that’s lightweight and breathable. The midsole uses Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam, which is a type of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) foam known for its cushioning and durability.

The outsole is made of XT-900 carbon rubber in high-wear areas, with softer blown rubber in other parts for better flexibility and comfort. The shoe also has a FORMFIT design that includes multiple layers of cushioning that adapt to your foot.

Both shoes use high-quality materials, but they focus on different qualities – the Cloudmonster on unique cushioning technology, and the Triumph 21 on proven, durable foam cushioning.

Sole: How Do The Bottoms Of These Shoes Perform?

The sole of a running shoe includes the midsole (cushioning layer) and outsole (bottom layer that touches the ground).

Cloudmonster Sole

The Cloudmonster’s sole features On’s signature CloudTec® technology with larger-than-usual cloud pods. These pods compress when your foot lands and then provide energy return when you push off.

The Cloudmonster has a rocker shape, which means the sole curves slightly from heel to toe. This helps roll your foot forward as you run, potentially making your stride more efficient.

The outsole has rubber in strategic places for good grip on roads and sidewalks. The spaces between the cloud pods can sometimes collect small rocks.

Triumph 21 Sole

The Triumph 21’s sole uses a thick layer of PWRRUN+ foam that provides consistent cushioning throughout the shoe. The foam is responsive but not as springy as the Cloudmonster’s pods.

The outsole has a pattern of rubber with flex grooves that help the shoe bend naturally with your foot. The rubber provides excellent grip on most surfaces.

The Triumph 21 has a more traditional sole design than the Cloudmonster, but many runners appreciate its reliable cushioning and traction.

Size Options: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Having the right size is crucial for running shoes, as too tight or too loose can cause discomfort or even injuries.

Cloudmonster Sizing

The Cloudmonster comes in men’s sizes 7-14 and women’s sizes 5-11, with half sizes available. The shoe fits true to size for most people, but it has a narrower toe box that might not work for those with wider feet.

On doesn’t offer wide width options for the Cloudmonster, which can be a limitation for some runners.

Triumph 21 Sizing

The Triumph 21 comes in men’s sizes 7-15 and women’s sizes 5-12, with half sizes available. Saucony also offers multiple width options for the Triumph 21: regular, wide, and extra wide.

The Triumph 21 tends to fit true to size but has a roomier toe box than the Cloudmonster. This makes it a better option for runners who need more space.

For sizing options, the Triumph 21 is more accommodating, especially for people with wider feet.

User Experiences: What Do Other Runners Think?

Let’s look at what other runners have to say about these shoes based on their experiences.

Feature	Cloudmonster Rating	Triumph 21 Rating
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Cushioning	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Breathability	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Style	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Value	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

What Cloudmonster Users Say

“I love the bouncy feeling of the cloud pods. It makes running more fun, almost like I’m jumping from one step to the next.”

“The Cloudmonster looks cool and stands out from other running shoes. I get compliments on them all the time.”

“They’re comfortable for shorter runs, but on long runs over 10 miles, I notice the lack of cushioning compared to other max-cushioned shoes.”

What Triumph 21 Users Say

“The Triumph 21 is the most comfortable running shoe I’ve ever worn. The cushioning is amazing, especially for longer distances.”

“I have wide feet and always struggle to find shoes that fit, but the Triumph 21 in wide width is perfect for me.”

“These shoes have lasted me over 500 miles and still feel good. That’s impressive for a cushioned shoe.”

Price Comparison: What Will These Shoes Cost You?

Running shoes are an investment in your health and comfort. Here’s how these two options compare in price:

Shoe Model	Regular Price	Sale Price (Average)
On Cloudmonster	$169.99	$119-$139
Saucony Triumph 21	$159.99	$99-$129

The Cloudmonster is usually about $10 more expensive than the Triumph 21 at regular price. Both shoes go on sale periodically, especially when newer models are released.

For the features and durability you get, the Triumph 21 offers slightly better value for most runners.

Conclusion

After comparing all these features, which shoe should you choose? It depends on what you’re looking for in a running shoe.

The On Cloudmonster might be better for you if:

• You want a unique, springy running experience
• You like shoes with a distinctive, eye-catching style
• You prefer a firmer, more responsive feel
• You do shorter to medium-length runs
• You have narrow to normal width feet

The Saucony Triumph 21 might be better for you if:

• You want maximum cushioning for long runs
• You need a wider toe box or wide width options
• You value durability and getting more miles from your shoes
• You run in hot weather and need good breathability
• You’re looking for the best value for your money

Both shoes are excellent choices for daily running, but they offer different experiences. The Cloudmonster gives you a unique, bouncy ride with head-turning style, while the Triumph 21 provides reliable, plush comfort that lasts mile after mile.

The best way to decide is to try both if possible. Everyone’s feet are different, and what works well for one person might not work as well for another.

Frequently Asked Questions