On Cloudsurfer 3

On Cloudsurfer 3

On has been on the rise for years now, slowly becoming a household name among giants like Nike, Brooks, and Hoka. So what is all the hype about? Is it superstars like Zendaya and Roger Federer wearing their shoes? Is it because of a Super Bowl commercial? Or, perhaps, are the shoes actually that good?

Let’s dive into On’s newest addition, the Cloudsurfer 3, and see if it lives up to the brand’s global hype.

The Cloudsurfer 3 isn’t just an update to the Cloudsurfer line, it is a complete remodel from the ground up. Think “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” On completely blew up the house and built this new shoe from scratch.

So what happens when the crowd starts chanting “Move that bus!” and the new Cloudsurfer comes into view for the first time? Admittedly, it is quite shocking, but in the best possible way.

The new On Cloudsurfer 3 is one of the most surprising shoes I have put on my feet in quite a few years. It still has that typical On style: CloudTec pods underfoot, a sleek upper, and, admittedly, it looks pretty darn cool.

The first thing that really surprised me was the midsole. It is really soft. For an On shoe, that is kind of crazy. I have never found On shoes to be particularly soft. In fact, I have always found even their “high-cushioned” shoes to lean a little more toward the firm side.

The Cloudsurfer 3, though, is luxuriously soft. Maybe even Surreal. Funny enough, Surreal is the name of On’s new foam, and it perfectly describes the feeling of putting this shoe on for the first time.

What I really appreciate is that it isn’t just a mushy mess. It feels soft throughout the foot strike, but I never feel like I am sinking into the shoe or fighting to get through toe-off. It has a really balanced softness that feels just as good standing around on the shop floor as it does hitting the pavement.

The next thing I noticed was the improved fit throughout the upper. On shoes have typically fit a little narrow for me, never painfully pinchy, but definitely on the more snug side. The Cloudsurfer 3 feels noticeably more accommodating. There is plenty of room over my instep, and the toe box opens up nicely, allowing my toes to splay without making me feel like I am swimming around inside the shoe.

Combine that improved fit with the new midsole, and the Cloudsurfer 3 really hits the nail on the head. The On Cloudsurfer 3 is undoubtedly one of the most surprising shoes I have put on my feet in quite a while.

If you are looking for a comfortable, versatile everyday shoe that can handle your daily miles, walks around town, and just about everything in between, the Cloudsurfer 3 deserves a serious look.

Available in-store at Run Flagstaff.