The Shoes That Got Me Running Again

I know I’m not alone when I say this: I have a real love-hate relationship with running, possibly leaning into the hate side more. After a stint with a few half-marathons and 10Ks, I’d shifted over to bootcamps at Thunder and Lightning AC for my fitness—and in pandemic times, some long walks in the mix too. (Hey birding! Nice to meet you, new hobby.) And ask I moved into my late 40s, running just didn’t work for my body—at least that’s what told myself.

But the shorter days make the long walks less doable, and I can only clean-and-jerk a workout so many times a week before my body wants a switch-up. Plus, with travelling being back in my life, there’s something pretty great about doing a morning run in another city as a way to explore that world.

I’d just been debating bringing morning runs back into the mix when I had the opportunity to test out the new Cloudgo line from On, the cult-favourite running brand from Switzerland that seems to be on the feet of everyone I know.

And holy crap, do I love these shoes. It’s rare to put on a pair of shoes and instantly feel comfortable, but they do. (And props to On for selling half-sizes too—so many shoes these days skip that option.) The Cloudgo is aptly named—cushy and yes, cloud-like, which is particularly great for my middle-aged joints. They’re a neutral running shoe in terms of heel drop, incredibly lightweight—and basically make me feel like I can just keep running. There’s a perceived bounce that feels great too—it’s designed to provide “energy return” from the structure of the shoe, and that’s certainly something I can feel in my step.

They’re also proving to be great for my weekend 10K winter walks with friends, so winning all round. (And welcome back to the Stanley Park lagoon, wigeons!)

Cloudgo from On, $169
on-running.com

I’d just been debating bringing morning runs back into the mix when I had the opportunity to test out the new Cloudgo line from On, the cult-favourite running brand from Switzerland that seems to be on the feet of everyone I know.

And holy crap, do I love these shoes. It’s rare to put on a pair of shoes and instantly feel comfortable, but they do. (And props to On for selling half-sizes too—so many shoes these days skip that option.) The Cloudgo is aptly named—cushy and yes, cloud-like, which is particularly great for my middle-aged joints. They’re a neutral running shoe in terms of heel drop, incredibly lightweight—and basically make me feel like I can just keep running. There’s a perceived bounce that feels great too—it’s designed to provide “energy return” from the structure of the shoe, and that’s certainly something I can feel in my step.

They’re also proving to be great for my weekend 10K winter walks with friends, so winning all round. (And welcome back to the Stanley Park lagoon, wigeons!)

Cloudgo from On, $169
on-running.com