On expands Cloudmonster 3 series with 3D-printed LightSpray upper and Helion HF midsole

On expands Cloudmonster line and scales 3D printing with new Busan plant

On has unveiled a three-shoe Cloudmonster family that emphasizes cushioning, propulsion and a meaningful increase in production capacity. The range includes the Cloudmonster 3, the softer Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, and the headline LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper — the brand’s first model combining a 3D‑printed upper with its latest Helion HF midsole chemistry.

Beyond ride comfort, the announcement is about manufacturing: On is moving its LightSpray process out of the demo phase and into an automated facility in Busan, South Korea. The plant is set up to run more than 30 LightSpray robots, a capacity step designed to take the technology from occasional drops to steady retail availability.

Three silhouettes, one engineering goal

All three shoes pursue the same brief: generous cushioning that still supports an efficient forward roll. The Cloudmonster 3 is the most versatile of the trio — a trainer for everyday miles. It pairs a dual-density Helion HF midsole with a triple-stacked CloudTec arrangement, and a pronounced rocker geometry that smooths transitions and helps convert compression into forward motion.

The Cloudmonster 3 Hyper increases midsole volume by roughly 20 percent over the standard model, boosting perceived softness and vertical travel while keeping the rocker-driven rollout intact. It’s aimed at runners who prioritize plushness without losing the shoe’s energetic feel.

LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper: additive manufacturing meets performance

The standout is the LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, which uses On’s spray-based additive process to build the upper as a single, contiguous structure instead of assembling multiple panels. That method reduces seams and pressure points and enables a porous geometry that aids breathability. The upper’s low part-count approach results in a completed shoe composed of just eight components, complemented by a purpose‑designed sockliner that targets comfort and airflow at key contact zones.

Targeted material placement is the central idea: concentrate material where it matters most and shave it where it doesn’t. Applied correctly, that improves the comfort-to-weight ratio without adding needless mass. But engineering trade-offs remain. A roughly 20 percent foam increase only translates to better energy return if density, resilience and rebound metrics line up — so look for detailed lab data on compression set, rebound recovery and cycle-to-failure to judge durability and long‑term performance.

Scaling production: the Busan facility

Turning LightSpray into a repeatable, cost-effective manufacturing route hinges on process stability, acceptable reject rates and tight material-cost control. Scaling from pilot runs to automated production typically exposes hidden inefficiencies; even small improvements in yield can meaningfully lower unit costs. For retailers and regulators alike, documented process controls and rigorous testing will be essential to prove the technique is viable at volume.

Midsole chemistry and geometry: what Helion HF brings

Helion HF remains the heart of the ride. The formulation aims to blend compressive response with tuned rebound, preserving cushioning travel even as the upper grows lighter. The dual-density midsole pairs a compressive top layer with a firmer base to limit bottoming out while preserving return. The set-up — 45 mm heel, 39 mm forefoot with a 6 mm drop on the Hyper variants — places clear geometry at the center of the shoe’s benefits: higher stacks plus rocker geometry reduce joint excursion and promote a smoother heel‑to‑toe transition.

Who benefits and practical considerations

These shoes will appeal most to runners who log high weekly mileage, value leg freshness and favour tempo or threshold efforts over explosive, short-distance race spikes. The design trades some peak stiffness for consistent, repeatable return over many kilometres — a choice that often reduces replacement frequency and total running cost.

Practical advice: rotate shoes, monitor changes in ride and rebound, and pay attention to how the midsole responds across training blocks. If heel or forefoot responsiveness noticeably softens, it’s a sign to consider replacement. Objective mileage tracking also helps with warranty queries and resale decisions.

Specs, availability and pricing

• – Weights (Men’s US 8.5): LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper ~205 g; Cloudmonster 3 Hyper ~274 g; Cloudmonster 3 ~295 g.
• Stack heights and drop: Hyper variants — 45 mm heel / 39 mm forefoot, 6 mm drop; base Cloudmonster 3 — heel ~35 mm / forefoot ~29 mm.
• Pricing: Cloudmonster 3 ~ $190; Cloudmonster 3 Hyper ~ $220; LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper ~ $280.
• Availability: Cloudmonster 3 and LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper release March 5; Cloudmonster 3 Hyper follows on March 19. Availability will vary by region and retailer, with mainstream outlets likely to list the core models first and specialised channels carrying the lighter Hyper variants.

What this means for production and retail

Beyond ride comfort, the announcement is about manufacturing: On is moving its LightSpray process out of the demo phase and into an automated facility in Busan, South Korea. The plant is set up to run more than 30 LightSpray robots, a capacity step designed to take the technology from occasional drops to steady retail availability.0