Alright, let’s talk about getting these On Running shoes. I kept seeing them pop up everywhere, you know? Online, folks jogging in the park. Curiosity got the better of me. But honestly, buying running shoes online? I just can’t do it. Never feels right. You gotta try them on, walk around a bit.
So, I decided to actually go to a physical store. Remember those? A real brick-and-mortar place. Made the effort to drive down to that specialty running shop, the one that’s been there forever. Parked the car, walked in.
Finding the Shoes
First thing I did was look for the On section. Wasn’t hard to find, they had a pretty big display right up front. Lots of different colors, different styles. Honestly, a bit much at first glance. All these names like Cloudswift, Cloudflow, Cloudmonster… hard to keep track.
Needed some help, obviously. Found a staff member, looked like they knew running. Asked them about the On shoes, mentioned I do mostly road running, maybe 3-5 miles at a time, nothing crazy.
Trying Them On
They suggested a couple of models. First pair I tried on, I think it was the Cloudsurfer? Slipped them on. Felt… different. Not bad, just unique. Those little pod things on the bottom, you can really feel them when you’re just standing there. Walked up and down the little try-on lane they have.
- Felt kind of firm underfoot.
- Definitely light, which was nice.
- Had a bit of a spring to them.
Then they brought out another pair, the Cloudmonster. Said it had more cushioning. Put those on. Whoa. Yeah, big difference. Much softer feel right away. Did the same little walk test. Felt more substantial, more protection maybe?
Making the Call
Stood there for a bit, one of each shoe on, looking like a weirdo. Pacing back and forth. You know how it is. Trying to imagine running in them. The first pair felt faster, maybe? But the Cloudmonsters felt like they’d be kinder on my knees.
Decisions, decisions. In the end, I went with the Cloudmonsters. Figured comfort over the long haul was more important for me these days. They weren’t cheap, mind you, none of these fancy running shoes are anymore. But investing in your feet, right?
Took the box up to the counter, paid the nice lady, and headed out. Felt good having done it the old-fashioned way. Talked to someone who knew their stuff, actually felt the shoes on my feet before handing over the cash. You just don’t get that clicking a button online. Took a bit more time, sure, but worth it I think. Now I just gotta actually go run in them.
