The On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is an Enticing Laceless Trainer
The laceless On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is one of the most technologically ambitious running shoes ever brought to market.
Can the laceless On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper hold up for long runs, tempo runs, and easy jogging? Yes, indeed!
Laces have been a fundamental part of running shoes since the earliest models emerged in the late 1800s. But since at least the early 2000s, footwear brands have experimented with new ways to secure shoes to runners’ feet, introducing elastic closures, Velcro systems, BOA dials, and newer concepts like Zipzōn fit systems.
On, however, is the first brand to bring a truly different laceless system to market that aims to work across both everyday training and high-performance running.
The On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is one of the most technologically ambitious running shoes ever released—not because of its foam or rocker geometry, but because of how its upper is made. Instead of relying on traditional engineered mesh, stitching, overlays, and laces, On’s LightSpray process sprays an ultra-thin filament directly into shape, creating an exceptionally lightweight, foot-hugging upper with a uniquely seamless feel.
While it’s not quite as individualized as the highly customized LightSpray shoes created for marathon star Hellen Obiri, the technology brings consumer footwear closer than ever to the idea of a near-custom fit—where the shoe feels less like something you wear and more like something built around your foot.
The LightSpray process uses a robotic arm to spray a single continuous filament directly onto the midsole in less than three minutes, creating a seamless one-piece upper that resembles a spiderweb and fits like a second skin. By wrapping closely around the foot and eliminating traditional laces, the sprayed upper creates an integrated fit that produces an exceptionally secure, locked-in sensation—one that feels less like your foot is resting on top of cushioning and more like the cushioning is moving with you.
Combined with the shoe’s highly cushioned, rockered platform, these elements create a ride that emphasizes efficiency, smooth transitions, and an unusually connected on-foot feel despite the high-stack design. On is first to market with this type of technology and is clearly betting heavily on it as a meaningful step toward scaling LightSpray production and making it accessible to more runners.
I’ve run about 60 miles in the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper since mid-April, and while the sprayed upper technology isn’t a perfect execution, I’ve found it to be remarkably good.
Price: $280
Approximate Weights: 6.2 oz. (women’s 8); 7.2 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 7mm; 45mm (heel), 40mm (forefoot)
What’s New: The On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is a brand new shoe, but it’s really a morphed version of the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper with laces. It combines a dual-layer midsole featuring Helion HF PEBA foam with CloudTec cushioning and an aggressive rocker geometry to create a lightweight, energetic, and highly cushioned ride. The novel feature, of course, is the lace-free LightSpray upper, which creates an exceptionally light, foot-hugging fit with minimal material and waste. A pair of On’s Elite Run Sock High Hyper socks comes with every purchase for optimal fit integration with the shoes.
Fit/Feel/Ride: The On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper fits true to size with a medium-volume interior and enough room in the forefoot for toes to wiggle and splay. I have narrow feet, so I felt it was sufficiently snug in the heel and over the saddle but not tight. The step-in feel is smooth, seamless and comfortable, aided by the fact that the upper has a little bit of stretchy pliability and malleability to move and flex with your foot as you run. I have worn the shoes barefoot and with numerous different socks, but the On Elite Run Sock High Hyper socks create the smoothest fit integration.
The ride is friendly, stable, and mildly responsive with a more lively bounciness than the previous editions of the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper. The cushioning is substantial and protective without feeling overly soft. Its dual-layer construction with Helion HF PEBA foam creates more rebound and energy return than typical On trainers, while the CloudTec structure keep the ride from becoming overly squishy. The result is a ride that feels resilient, lively, and spring-loaded rather than plush.
Why It’s Great: The On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is extremely light for its composition and has a noticeable rocker geometry, but it avoids the overly aggressive sensation of constantly pitching you forward. Instead, it promotes smooth, flowing transitions that feel natural and efficient as you move through your stride. Many testers (including me) believe the ride becomes more energetic at faster speeds, with marathon pace and steady long-run efforts appearing to be where the design performs best. I love this shoe for running tempo runs and long-ish runs. (My longest run so far is 12 miles, but I found it light, comfortable, energetic, and secure enough that I would definitely use it for longer marathon-training runs.)
Why You’ll Love It: This is one of the few running shoes I feel inclined to wear sockless. The smooth, seamless interior creates no irritation or hot spots and I love the cool airy feeling it serves up on the run. Also, it’s slightly easier to put on without socks, however, the volume is slightly more spacious so its possible that not everyone will appreciate the sockless vibe.
Why You Might Not Like It: The biggest consideration is that, with no laces, there is no traditional variability as to how these shoes will fit your feet. You get what you get and you can’t throw a fit.
Pros: The LightSpray version of the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper weighs closer to a racing super shoe than most traditional max-cushion trainers, making it feel remarkably light underfoot. Unlike many max-cushion trainers that are best suited only for easy miles, this shoe offers enough versatility to handle long runs, steady efforts, tempo sessions, and even faster-paced workouts with confidence.
Cons: Even with the high-performance socks included, $280 is a hefty price tag for essentially a super trainer with no plate. Also, FYI, the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper can take an extra moment to put on your feet, but it’s not really a drawback.
About the Author
Contributing editor Brian Metzler is the Content Director for UltraSignup.com. He has wear-tested more than 2,000 running shoes and is the author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2021). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences pack burro racing in Colorado and riding trains to run trails in Chamonix, France.
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