By: Pieter van der Merwe

After years of knee problems, finding the ideal running shoes has been a long and trying process. I've experimented with many different brands, but nothing ever seemed quite right when it came to cushioning and support—until the On Cloud Monster. If you're searching for the top running shoes for bad knees, read on because these might just transform your running life.

First Impressions: Supportive Yet Lightweight

When I first unpacked the On Cloud Monster, I was impressed by the looks. The CloudTec® cushioning is huge, and I was eager to see if it would live up to all the hype. Wearing them, I was impressed by how incredibly light they are, and this is a major plus for long runs. As a South African runner, having to deal with different terrain—from tar roads to dirt trails—I needed something that could handle it.

Running Performance: Greatest Cushioning for Least Impact

The first time I ran in them, I knew they were different from the very start. Cloud Monster's Helion™ superfoam absorbs shock flawlessly, being less taxing on my damaged knee. Were I running 5km otherwise, my knee would ache for many hours afterwards. With these, however, I felt a lot less tension and was able to keep going without any issue.

I also appreciated how the rocker-shaped sole contributed to smooth rollover, making each step more natural. Whether navigating Johannesburg's busy streets or tough trails of Table Mountain, grip and responsiveness were impressive.

Durability: Built for South African Roads and Trails

One of my biggest concerns regarding cushioned running shoes is their durability. The roads in South Africa are unforgiving, but the Missiongrip™ outsole has held up quite well. The Cloud Monster is still looking and feeling great after a few runs on mixed trails. The airy upper also helps in our heat, keeping me cool even during long summer runs.

Final Verdict: Are On Cloud Monsters Worth It?

No kidding! When you're having knee pain and you need the most cushioned, stable, and energy-return shoe, On Cloud Monster is where it's at. It's not just a running shoe–more like an injury-free runner's shoe for those of us injury-prone runners!

✅ Advantages:

Gorgeous cushioning for knee treatment

Light and highly resilient

Good energy return for long runs

Ergonomic and comfortable for South African summers

Where to Buy in South Africa

Get On Cloud Monster and additional On Running shoes at Air Studio, your leading store of high-performance running gear in South Africa.

It could very well be this running shoe that has you running on the road, pain-free, if you experience knee issues. Running is now easy!