Head-to-Head
Nucleo 2vsCloudmonster 3
The Nucleo 2 is a daily trainer shoe while the Cloudmonster 3 is a recovery / easy run shoe. The Nucleo 2 retails for $165 while the Cloudmonster 3 comes in at $190 — a $25 difference. The Nucleo 2 is the lighter shoe at 9.7 oz versus 10.4 oz for the Cloudmonster 3. In our ratings, the Nucleo 2 edges out the Cloudmonster 3 — 9.0/10 versus 8.5/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.5 / 10 | |
| Price | $165✓ | $190 | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz✓ | 10.4 oz | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Recovery / Easy Run | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Firm | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 5 mm | 6 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 40 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low✓ | Low✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium✓ | Warm | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium✓ | Low | |
| Durability | Good | Good |
