ON Running Shoe Review & Why They Rock
Running strong, stylish and comfortable in Bryce Canyon.
About a year ago, On reached out to me and asked me if I would be interested in trying out their shoes. I was thrilled that they contacted me as I had heard great feedback from both my trail and road running friends who wore On. Since then I have consistently been running in On shoes both on roads and trails as well as doing cross training (lifting, HIIT, stair-stepper, etc). I have logged over a thousand miles in On shoes and I can confidently say that they absolutely rock!
Why? Let’s list the reasons:
“Running On Clouds” is their motto and it’s true. They are literally the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn. Bonus, with the extra comfort you aren’t giving anything else up. Oftentimes the more comfortable the running shoe the more you sacrifice another element - not true with On.
Shoe for every runner. Whether you are an efficient neutral runner or a heavy pronator, have a small frame or a heavier frame, run easy miles or fast miles, On has got you covered. I like different models for different types of runs- I’ll go into the different models in detail below.
Durable. I have been surprised by how many miles I have gotten out of each pair. When the price tag isn’t cheap, it’s a lot easier to pay when you know that they are going to last. I would say on average I have gotten 400-450 miles out of them (which is way more than the last few brands I’ve worn regularly over the past decade). Honestly, they are still comfortable beyond that but I have noticed a difference (as with any shoe brand) if I stay on top of changing out my shoes and my feet and legs stay much healthier and happier.
Pretty. Yeah, yeah, I know this one isn’t important to everyone but when you practically live in your running shoes and you buy them as much as most of us do, it’s pretty rad when your running shoes actually look good too. Gone are the days of 90’s tapered jeans and big white basic running shoes. Now we can actually look stylish in our running shoes (thank you, millennial active wear trend- you have done runners across the world a great service).
Road Shoe Reviews
Cloudflow- Neutral shoe. My favorite On road shoe. I love them for speed, track work, tempo runs and race day. They are responsive, moderate cushioning (as opposed to full with some of the other models). Fun fact- when Tim Don set the triathlon world record for the Ironman distance in 2017 he finished in the Cloudflow. These babies can handle fast! (Heel-Toe Drop, 6mm).
The Cloudflow. My favorite go-to shoe. If you are a neutral runner, I would recommend them for your first pair of Ons
Cloudsurfer- My favorite for easy long runs. They have a little more cushion and I feel like I could run all day in these. They are more for training then race day. (Heel-Toe Drop. 6mm)
Cloud X- My favorite for short quick runs and cross training. They are super light, responsive and are great for the gym when you are switching from one exercise into another (aka running into HIIT or lifting).
One of my favorite short 5 mile loops is mostly road with a tad of dirt (pictured here) and the Cloud X do great. Directly after I will do burpees, lunges, jump squats, etc. The Cloud X transition great from running, to gym/lift/HIIT.
Cloud - Ultimate travel and on your feet all day shoe and looking stylish while you are at it. They are so darn comfortable.
Absolutely love the Cloud when I am on my feet all day. I basically live in these shoes when I am not running. Sidenote- On has THE BEST leggings, they are buttery soft, super flattering and have a little compression to them. I like them better than LuLu (gasp, I know).
Rocking the trails in Cloudventure
FOR THE TRAIL
Most of you know, trails have my heart. I personally think it’s harder to find a good trail shoe than a road shoe. My first pair of Ons were a pair of Cloudventure and I was literally sold after my first run. When you can trail run comfortably 5 months pregnant and your shoes make your feet feel better- you know you have happened upon something fantastic.
Cloudventure- On’s classic trail running shoes. These bad boys are tried and true and are the perfect long trail run/ultra running shoe. The cushioning is superb and the grip/tread is fantastic too. Next time I run rim-to-rim-to-rim through the Grand Canyon, I will definitely be wearing the Cloudventure. (Heel-Toe Drop 6mm). They are also great for hiking.
Look at the tread on the Cloudventure. They can really handle technical, rocky, muddy, or slippery terrain. They are also great for hiking adventures when you can’t help but scale a rock or two.
The Cloudventure feel great on rocky surfaces, major plus.
Cloudventure Peak- My favorite for ripping it on the trails and going fast. Best for faster trail runs and race day. They are firmer then most other On shoes but still super comfortable. They are responsive and lend well to moving quick around turns and up hills. They feel slightly lower profile then the cloudvenure so you want to make sure that you are ok with less ankle stability in a shoe before you jump into the peaks. They are ultra light, responsive, fast and well… just downright awesome. (Heel-Toe Drop 4mm)
Flying in the Cloudventure Peak. I can’t wait to race in these beauties.