It’s not often that I buy new running shoes, and I take that very, very seriously – but I recently learned that I don’t do it as often as you’re supposed to. While Googling, “How often should you buy new running sneakers?”, I found that I was well over the recommended 300-500 mile range in my old pair. So in the quest to find the perfect perfect sneakers for half marathon training, I visited Mill City Running in Minneapolis and tried on all the hottest brands including styles from Nike, Hoka and Brooks. But the new On Cloudmonster running shoe ($170) surprised me the most. Right out of the box, I was intrigued – and very drawn to – their quirky design, featuring a giant padded sole. As I browsed the store, I was impressed with how light, supportive and deliciously soft they are.

As you might have guessed, they came home with me and have been my favorite running sneakers ever since, helping me run over 30 miles a week and making this marathon runner’s training for the first time ever. times more feasible than I ever imagined. Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about them before you add them to your cart as well.

What I like about these sneakers

I don’t mean to be dramatic, but I’m obsessed with these trainers for training and racing. The first time I started running with them, I couldn’t believe how much they propelled me forward with their ultra-tall stacked CloudTech foam pods (which are 30 millimeters high , by the way). And I enjoyed them just as much during a recent half-marathon (the beautiful epic St. Croix Crossing, to be exact). They have a bouncy responsiveness that I’ve never experienced with any other sneaker, and for that reason I’m sure they’re partly due to why I lost a few minutes off my PR. After all, as their name suggests, they were born to make you feel like you’re running on clouds – and they harness that feeling in ways I didn’t think possible.

What is worth noting

I’m not completely obsessed with the colorway options of these sneakers, and wish they came in a neutral option. That’s not to say I don’t appreciate their quirkiness – they’re fun! I appreciate them much more for their fit and function than for their bold design. Know that the brand knows they are different, having described them as its “weirdest creation yet”.

Who are these sneakers for?

These trainers are ideal for road runners of all skill levels, but especially those looking for a shoe with serious cushioning to help rack up mileage in comfort – and maybe shave a few seconds (or minutes!) off their record. personal.

  • These sneakers are available in women’s sizes 5 through 11 and run true to size, depending on the brand.
  • These sneakers come in two different colorways: Glacier/Meadow (pictured here) and Acai/Lavender ($170).

Evaluation:

Image source: Run Stillwater Inc.