In a column for Men’s Health, a skeptical long-time runner considers whether On’s Cloudsurfer 3 sneakers might persuade someone to move on from their old standbys through ultralight construction and proprietary cushioning. Testing the Swiss brand’s footwear during a three-mile run on an early-fall Sunday afternoon in New York City, the writer documents an initial reluctance to abandon a decade-old running shoe preference in favor of experimentation.
First Impressions and Mile One
Before taking a first step, the author noted that the sneakers immediately felt lighter than their go-to shoes, featuring a light and airy knit-mesh exterior and a plush interior with a generous ankle collar. Heading outside onto the sidewalk, the runner experienced a soft, effortless initial stride, which was attributed to On’s proprietary Surreal™ Superfoam with CloudTec®. Pausing at a red light a half-mile in, the writer appreciated the secure, unconstricting feel around the ankle, a comfortable toe box, and a lack of foot shifting during the propulsive phase of the gait.
Central Park Test and Pace Results
Moving the test into Central Park for an uninterrupted loop around the Great Lawn during the second mile, the reviewer noticed the sensation of running downhill on a flat surface alongside a rebound effect that provided a burst of extra power. Crediting either the air chill, the clear path, or the shoe’s softness, the writer recorded a 10:02 split time at the end of the second mile, which came in well ahead of a typically slow 11-minute pace. By the final mile, the legs felt good thanks to the preceding miles, leaving the runner in go
mode.
