A Marathon Runner’s Honest Review of On’s Cloudsurfer

Whether we're talking running shoes, high-fashion kicks, or gym trainers, sneakers are my livelihood. I'm a runner and a fashion writer. I treat shoes, sneakers specifically, like a sommelier treats wine. I'm picking up notes and trends and I'm, above all, hard to please. So when I noticed everyone in Manhattan wearing sneakers from On, I had to get to the bottom of it. I figured it was only fair that I give the Cloudsurfer, one of the brand's more popular styles, a chance to earn a spot in my footwear rotation.

To be honest, I was skeptical at first. If New York City tech bros and TikTokers are wearing something, I'll typically avoid it. But since I'm training for a half marathon in February, I was willing to put judgment to the side and give On sneakers an honest try. To my surprise, I love them more than I thought I would.

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On Cloudsurfer: The Pros and Cons

P8,790 on On Philippines website

PROS

• Lightweight
• Barely-there feel with all the support and energy return of a high-end shoe
• Nice muted colorways
• Just a really good running shoe

CONS

• Toe was a bit snug, consider a size up
• Look is a bit much for walking around town

Sleek, Minimal, and Lightweight

I favor a running shoe that feels as minimal as possible. I ran a marathon in Nike FlyKnits, and I wouldn't do it again, but that's the length I go to for that real running feel. With the Cloudsurfer, the name rings true. As clichéd as it is, the highlight of the shoe is in its name. You truly do feel like you're walking on clouds. It's rare for a shoe to be extremely lightweight, with that barely there feel, and still provide ample cushion, support, and energy return. But that's just what On did with this shoe. Weighing just 7.2 ounces (the men's style is 8.6 ounces) and fitting snugly to the foot, it feels like an extension of my own body. Plus, I prefer the look of these to other running shoes, or even to other options in On's lineup. I like a subtler style for my workouts, and these are definitely that, with muted colorways.

Aside from its lightweight build, the shoe also holds up against the elements. That is a pleasant surprise, given most high-end running shoes deteriorate when rough elements come into play. I wouldn't advise wearing these in a thunderstorm, but I did, and they still look brand-new. Backcountry runners, or anyone in a rainy climate, should go for the waterproof trail-running version of the Cloudsurfer. But for light rain or slightly muddy environments, I think my OG style manages just fine.

The Only Hang-up(s)

Of course, nothing is perfect. I really only have two main issues with the sneaker: sizing and versatility. For me, the shoe fits great everywhere except for at the toe, where it is slightly too small. The normal fix would be to size up, but it isn't drastic enough to deal with a potentially too big width and heel fit. I'm sticking it out, and it's been fine. But you might want to consider taking a size up depending on your feet, so I would suggest trying them on in a store or buying two sizes and returning one. Thankfully, On has a 30-day return window—better than most.

The other thing to keep in mind is that this is a running or walking shoe with a big focus on performance features. Some people like the look for casual wear, but that just isn't for me with this pair. They look ergonomic and performance-driven, so in my eyes, these are phenomenal workout shoes and only that.

Should You Buy On's Cloudsurfet?

Yes. More than I expected it to before buying, the Cloudsurfer has exceeded my expectations and continues to do so. If you've been eyeing this style or another On shoe, go for it. They're high-performance with a nitpicky focus on design, even if the look is a bit too turbo for lunch in the city. For me, the pros most definitely outweigh the cons. Oh, and if you're going to get a pair of these sneakers—and are also training for a February half marathon—you should also consider scooping up this packable running jacket from the brand. I did, and it's another stellar product I would recommend. All of this goes to show that On makes a damn fine product, and that's why it's taking over the market.

This story originally appeared on Esquire.com. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.