Finding the perfect pair of running shoes has always been a challenge for me. From my initial start as a runner sporting unsupportive Adidas, to the uncomfortable pair of Asics I purchased for track, I consistently found myself on the wrong side of fortune when it came to discovering a perfect shoe. During this pursuit I was quickly captivated by the unique construction offered by On Cloud running shoes.
After testing out numerous pairs of these shoes at a local running store, I eventually settled on purchasing the Cloudstratus model, which help accommodate my high arches and retails for $179.99. After lacing up my new shoes and embarking on my daily run, I immediately felt a significant difference compared to my previous shoes. Despite having a much lighter construction than the typical running shoe, they still included plenty of cushioning and support which is necessary for long distance runners.
The unique “CloudTec” cushioning technology featured in their shoes is a standout factor in their products and even helps reduce strain and impact on my feet while running. In addition to the supportive nature of these shoes, there is a sense of practicality in some of its features as well. I especially admire the elastic loops on each tongue of the shoe, aiming to hold shoelaces in place, which significantly helps prevent them from untying during runs. I also love the forward rolling structure of the sole, as I find it beneficial while picking up my pace and building momentum during speed workouts.
Despite their convenient features, I found several flaws in the shoes themselves. Due to the abstract construction of the soles, I frequently struggle with getting rocks, acorns and even large sticks stuck at the bottom of my shoes, making this product not as suitable for trail, or even, road running. On top of this, I also discovered that these shoes wear out very quickly. As someone who runs 40+ miles a week, I felt that these shoes began to wear out only two months after purchasing, yet their lifespan could vary depending on the distance and speed of an individual.
Although I found flaws in these shoes, I still continue to re-purchase On Clouds due to the benefits they have. I now own two pairs of their other model, CloudMonster, retailing at $169.99, which has gotten me through my track, cross country and off-season training. With the additional cushioning evident in this model, they consequently are a bit heavier than the CloudStatus, and are not as ideal for speed workouts because of this. I also found that with the abundance of cushioning, the shoes had a longer lifespan, yet they were still practically unusable by the end of each sports season.
As I have begun to purchase more and more running shoes each season, I can’t help but find myself repurchasing the brand’s products time and time again. While I do often feel my shoes deteriorating at a more rapid rate compared to my previous shoes, I believe that the comfort and support provided by On Cloud shoes make up for their flaws, making them worthy of a 4/5.
