It's not often that I buy new running shoes, and I take doing so very, very seriously — but I recently learned that I wasn't doing so as often as you're supposed to. Upon googling, "How often should you get new running sneakers?," I discovered I was well above the recommended 300- to 500-mile range in my former pair. So on the quest to find the perfect sneakers ideal for half-marathon training, I visited Mill City Running in Minneapolis and tried all the buzziest brands, including styles from Nike, Hoka, and Brooks. But the new On Cloudmonster Running Shoe ($170) surprised me most. Straight out of the box, I was intrigued — and very much drawn to — their quirky design, boasting a giant cushioned sole. Just walking through the store, I was impressed by how lightweight, supportive, and deliciously cushiony they were.

On Cloudmonster Running Shoe

From

$170

$170 at On

As you might have guessed, they came home with me and have been my go-to running sneakers ever since, helping propel me through 30-plus miles a week and making this first-time marathoner's training more doable than I ever imagined. Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about them before adding them to your cart, too.

Not to be dramatic, but I'm obsessed with these sneakers for training and racing. The first time I took off running in them, I couldn't believe how they propelled me forward thanks to their ultrahigh stacked CloudTech foam pods (which measure a tall 30 millimeters, by the way). And I enjoyed them just as much during a recent half-marathon (the epically beautiful St. Croix Crossing Race, to be exact). They have a bouncy responsiveness that I've never experienced with any other sneaker, and for that reason, I'm convinced they're partly due to why I shed a few minutes off my PR. After all, as the name implies, they're born to make you feel like you're running on clouds — and they master that sentiment in a way I didn't know possible.

I'm not completely obsessed with the colorway options for these sneakers, and I wish they came in a neutral option. That's not to say I don't appreciate their quirkiness — they're fun! I just appreciate them much more for their fit and function than I do their bold design. Let it be known that the brand knows they're different, having described them as its "weirdest creation yet."

These sneakers are best for road runners of all levels, but especially those looking for a shoe with serious cushioning to help rack up mileage in comfort — and maybe drop some seconds (or minutes!) off their personal best.

Acai/Lavender

From

$170

$170 at On

Rating: ★★★★★