An Easy 3 Miles with On’s Cloudsurfer 3

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.Still, I was game. 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. Here’s how it went.Mile #1I 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.Author photoThe On Cloudsurfer 3, ready for a three-mile run through New York City.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. The first strides were cautious, as I focused on the new sensation. The initial feedback was encouraging. It all felt effortless and soft, which I later would learn was due to On’s proprietary Surreal™ Superfoam with CloudTec®. I knew of On’s “run on clouds” tagline, but now I was feeling it in action, and I liked the smooth, soft ride I was experiencing.I was a half-mile in when I hit my first red light—an unavoidable hazard of city running—giving me a moment to stop and reflect. “That was easier than usual,” I thought. I appreciated the secure feel of my ankle without it being too constricting, and my foot didn’t shift at all in the propulsive phase of my gait. The toe box was nice and comfy.Mile #2Pleasantly surprised so far, I changed my route on the fly and headed into Central Park. I wanted to test out the Cloudsurfer 3 on the oval around the Great Lawn . . . and enjoy an uninterrupted 0.55-mile loop.I was breathing a little heavier at this point, but I noticed something about the shoe: It gave me the sensation of running downhill, even on a flat surface. I also felt what I’d call a “rebound” effect as each foot touched down and lifted off. This energy return made me feel faster than usual, with a burst of extra power on my “swing” phase and increased confidence in my mechanics. Could the Cloudsurfer 3’s mere 10.8 ounces per shoe be the difference maker?I don’t know if it was the refreshing chill in the air, the clearer path than I’m used to in the city, or an extra “oomph” that the shoes’ softness provided, but I did a doubletake when seeing my 10:02 split time at the end of the second mile—well ahead of my typically slow 11-minute pace.Mile #3After two treks around the Great Lawn, I was back on the paved trail that leads out of the park. The sweat was beading despite a comfortable temperature in the high 60s, but I was enjoying the workout.By the last mile, my legs were feeling good thanks to the easy two miles prior. I was in “go” mode and barely noticed my shoes. I decided to switch up my routine and finish with a series of sprints on the city blocks—fast bursts between intersections, with short rests at red lights.Author photoOn Cloudsurfer 3 after 3 miles during my post-run stretch.Everything was still flowing smoothly: an effortless “lift” on each step, a seamless heel-to-toe transition, and no reverberations from the hard sidewalk and street underfoot. The last third of the run seemed to fly by, and I was more than happy with yet another sub-11-minute mile. I also realized that a fresh scrape on my ankle from a volleyball match earlier in the week, which I had been worried about aggravating during the run, was completely pain free; there was no chafing whatsoever.Final ThoughtsWhen I took this assignment, I knew I’d likely be impressed with On’s Cloudsurfer 3. This is no ordinary sneaker, after all, but one designed with Swiss precision and an array of features celebrated by regular Joes and top-tier marathoners alike.What I wasn’t quite ready for was the thought that maybe, just maybe, it was time to move on from my old standbys. I do know one thing as I reflect on the experience: My daily runs will be in On’s Cloudsurfer 3 because its soft, smooth ride made this run feel effortless.