On Running's Goofiest Shoes May Be Its Greatest

"The Cloudmonster soles feel great to run in, although they are noticeably less squishy than the Cloudboom versions. The benefits of that sprayed-on toebox are immediately noticeable. It makes the shoes much lighter (190 grams) than On's other shoes. Also, a bioplastic membrane that adjusts to keep a snug but comfortable fit around your feet means there is no need to worry about laces coming undone while you run."

"The stretchy sides can make for a weird fit at first. Regular shoes usually have a smidge of space in the toebox for your digits to move around a little. The LightSpray casing molds to your feet, so there's no escaping the grip on your toes. That takes a bit of getting used to. (You'll definitely want to wear socks.) While running, that grip stays stable, meaning the shoebox isn't rubbing against your feet as you go. After a little bit, it started to feel more like a natural extension of my feet."

"The Cloudmonster soles are less bouncy than some of On's other soles, but they still put a noticeable spring in your step. These also have improved grip on the bottom, so they can handle wet pavement or the occasional spot of dirt or sand."

"There may be some stability issues. I hit a curb wrong one time and could feel a lot more give in how far my foot moved than in a more traditional, stable shoebox. I didn't roll my ankle or anything, but made a mental note to be a little more careful running in these."

The LightSpray Cloudboom Strike LS became a favorite running shoe, with many miles logged including half marathons. The newer version uses Cloudmonster soles that feel good but are less squishy than the earlier Cloudboom models. The sprayed-on toebox reduces weight to about 190 grams and uses a bioplastic membrane that adjusts for a snug, comfortable fit. The stretchy, molded casing grips the toes more firmly than traditional spacey toe boxes, requiring an adjustment period and socks. The soles provide springy cushioning with improved traction for wet pavement and occasional dirt or sand. Stability may be less forgiving when hitting curbs, so extra care is recommended. Availability is limited by size supply despite scaled manufacturing in South Korea.

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