Have never heard of these before but came across in a GQ magazine article:
http://www.on-running.com/index.php/the-shoe.html
I'm in marathon training at the moment and in the market for some new cushioned shoes for those long, long runs. These look like they could be just the ticket (albeit a bit expensive) but I've nver heard of the brand before.
Does anyone use them and do you like them? Many thanks for any advice.
Comments
There's only a coupla little things that concern me about them. Firstly is the sizing. I've been wearing size 9.5(uk) Asics for the last few years and they are a perfect fit. The On Cloudrunners though, seem a bit more roomier in the toe compartment. Like, I could maybe drop a half size. This may be down to different style of toe, which differs to the design i've become accustomed to. As no shops near me stock them, and i never had the chance to try a pair on, i just went with my usual size.
The other thing is the gaps between the pods on the sole. I showed the Cloudrunners to a fellow runner, and the first thing she said was "what if you get a stone jammed in-between the pods?" Fair comment, I thought. And one I won't be able to elaborate on until I have taken them 'off road'.
From what i've experienced with them so far, i'm more than happy give these a good run out. I'll report back after a few longer distance efforts.
Cool, thanks for the info, very interesting. As they are a bit different to the norm some proper road/trial testing would be invaluable.
I have switched from Asics to Nike Lunar Glides in last year or so. I love them, they just feel 'right' on road and trail. They do have a habit of trapping stones at the back of the sole actually but apart from the clacking sound when you get back onto pavements I haven't found it a problem!
Was also in Alton sports looking at new trails shoes the other day and noticed the cloudrunners...... spooky!!!
Did you buy any shoes Nikki??? Ended up ordering some salomon Speedcross3`s from Moti in Reading because there doing a 25% off.. :0)
Also run in TR3`s but won`t be buying another pair, thought they were worth a try for £36 but there heavy and lack the sort of grip required for the typical Autumn/Winter conditins in our area....
Hmm where abouts in the UK are you? If you're in the South east then Up and Running in Camberley are having an On running shoe event next weekend (12th Nov) where they are doing free giveaways with On running shoe purchases. I am not sure the exact retail price in store but I know it is under £120.
Alton Sports are currently selling them online for £114.99 with free delivery from their website.
I brought mine in Up and Running but used my local running club discount. I absolutely love them, best shoes I have ever brought and in my opinion they are worth the higher price tag.
I have noticed they are slightly less 'grippy' in the wet - but that's just compared to the amount of grip in the dry. They are still better than my asics in all conditions. I have also tried them on a 6ish mile off road run and didn't have any problems with stones or uneven running surfaces. I think I'll still use my trail shoes for off-road, especially when it gets a bit muddier!
Have emailed some stores but no offers I can find. No offers of any discount either which I'd hoped some independent stores would have done for a sale.
They are new technology, from a small company, so don't expect to see and major price changes for a long time. Recommend them... certainly. And will be stocking them from December.
bn .. alton sports ( u&r ))))))
Lots of running shops and websites are also available but due to my interest in running instead of marketing shoes I haven't checked them all to see who does and who doesn't stock On running cloud surfers. Other shoes are also available and so are other threads about other trainer brands. It just happens that I have a pair of On cloudsurfers (which i didn't even buy in Alton sports) and as I brought them recently I have an idea of the current prices. I don't have any affiliation to any of the aforementioned companies, although if they fancy sponsoring me and sending me free stuff I'd happy oblige.
Phew I think that covers everything!
Because they are an 8mm heel and not lower, the transition from conventional 12mm heels (Asics etc) isn't a big a jump as I envisioned and I haven't really been getting any pain either during or in the days following the several runs that I have taken the shoes out for.
I tend to run on roads and grass so the stone in the lugs problem hasn't caused any major issues with me yet and I don't think that I am going to be doing any trail runs any time soon.
The main thing that I was impressed with was how soft the landing feels and how firm the toe-off is. The rubber lugs really seem to give the shoes some speed so I can see why they have been coined "the fastest shoe in the world!"
If anyone is interested in finding out more about the shoes then see the the full On running shoes review
They're distributed in the UK by Fit Brands http://fitbrands.co.uk they should be able to point you in the right direction for stockists