After just a mile in On's Cloudsurfer 3, it dawned on me—I’ve been far too hard-headed when it comes to my choice of running shoes. For years, I held steadfastly to a particular brand and style, year after year, run after run. When one pair wore out, leaving my shins aching and feet tender, I’d quickly order a replacement online without even a thought of pivoting.
Different colors and patterns kept it interesting, but that was the extent of my athletic audacity. Truthfully, it wasn’t about brand loyalty. I wouldn’t dare try another shoe by the same company.
It was more a case of preferring what I had grown used to in the past decade over the potential thrill of experimentation. When I was asked to take On’s Cloudsurfer 3 for a jaunt, I was skeptical. Not that the shoes couldn’t or wouldn’t be great—it’s On, after all, a company renowned for exceptional technology and an ultralightweight feel to their sneaks—but that they’d be able to win over someone like me.
The assignment called for my honest opinion during a three-mile run, and I was ready to break out of my rut (or at least try to). So I laced up and headed out on a beautiful early-fall Sunday afternoon in New York City. I was intrigued even before I took my first step.
Putting on Cloudsurfer 3, it immediately felt lighter than my go-to shoes. That surprised me, considering the minimal weight of my faves is what originally attracted me to them. The knit-mesh on the outside of the Cloudsurfer 3 was light and airy, and the inside was plush in all the right places (including the generous ankle collar) without being overbearing.
Yet, I knew the bigger test was to come. As a long-time sand volleyball player, I’ve developed a harder-than-necessary plant of my foot when I run, so I tend to need soft cushioning from a shoe. Heading outside, I took a breath and set off down the sidewalk.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
