How to Choose an On Running Shoe
How to Choose On-Running Shoes
On-Running shoes seem to be popping up everywhere in Baton Rouge from running the lakes, running around campus, or competing in a race. On- Running shoes stand out with a distinctive style and are made for different types of runners. How do you know how to choose the best On-Running shoe for you?
On-Running Shoes look different from other running shoes you'll see and have a unique feature called CloudTec. CloudTec patented technology is why On- Running Shoes have visible hollow spaces in their soles. These spaces allow the shoe to absorb energy and transfer energy back to the runner. The hollow spaces also disperse water from wet terrain through the sides and the heel of the shoe. Cloudtec will give a runner better traction on wet surfaces. This also allows for all styles of On-Running Shoes to be lightweight and responsive to any running surface!
Choosing the best running shoe isn’t just making a choice about style. I’ve been running in 5K and 10K races the past decade and I’ve learned choosing a running shoe is as much about finding a fit for your whole body as it is for your feet. You need to think about what activities you’ll be doing, usage, distance, cushioning and what shoe is best suited. After considering these factors, you can choose the On-Running shoe style that suits you. On-Running shoes are both a great looking shoe and a great choice for any level of runner.
- Activity
- Usage
- Distance
- Cushioning
- Best For…
Activity
“What am I going to be doing in my On-Running Shoes?”
All Day Wear- this category is if you are looking for a comfortable shoe that looks great and will feel great all day long. You may walk thousands of steps at work, enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood or you are an active person that would love some lightweight support!
Running- this category is if you are looking to do runs short or long. You are running for exercise.
Usage
This is where and what you are going to use your On Shoes for. This category reminds me of when I had a 1988 Buick Century and I was convinced it could get the job done off-road and up the mountains of North Georgia. Well, a detached muffler and blown electrical system told me otherwise. Wrong place for a sedan. Remember to put your feet into the right “vehicle'' for them in the right environment. Your feet and body will thank you later!
Where will you be running?
Road- hard pavement like black top or sidewalks.
Indoor Training- Gym equipment and workout classes. This may include treadmills, exercise bikes, and lifting weights.
Trail- running in the woods, unpaved trails, anywhere off the beaten path.
Distance
You may be looking for a pair of running shoes for training and wearing to the gym. Will you be running 5k or 10k races? Is your goal to run a half or full marathon? Depending on which type of running you will be doing will be a factor in selecting a running shoe. Think about taking a long backpacking trip. You would want to be prepared with all the supplies you would need on the trail to survive and have a comfortable experience. Each shoe has features that help you prepare for your run.
How far do you plan to run?
Short - sprints or runs less than a mile
Medium - 5K and 10K
Long- Half and full marathons
Cushioning
When it comes to cushioning, there are a few factors to think about:
Do you have any current or past injuries?
I have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis. This means my right heel can be very painful when I walk or run after resting. At times when this injury flares up, I prefer max cushioning. When I am pain free, I prefer moderate cushioning. I own a few pairs of running shoes with different levels of cushioning to help deal with this.
Do you have flat feet?
I have flat feet but that doesn’t necessarily mean I prefer max cushioning in a shoe. The best choice for flat feet would be a firm cushioned sole.
When you run, do you like to feel the road with each step or would you rather feel cursing?
As a runner, I enjoy feeling the ground beneath my feet as I run. That’s a personal preference. You should pick the cushioning in a shoe that feels best for you. Most runners prefer a moderate cushioning. If you don’t want to feel the ground as you run, choose a shoe that has max cushioning.
Best For…
On does a great job on its website letting you know what each shoe is best for. From speed lacing to HIIT training this category can help finalize a decision about which shoe to choose.
Browse each On style to see which shoe is best for you. Please click on the name of each On style to see pricing and learn more.
|
On Style |
Activity |
Usage |
Distance |
Cushion |
Best for… |
|
|
All Day Wear |
Speed lacing Everyday Travel |
|||
|
|
Running |
Road |
Medium- Long |
Moderate |
Intervals Tempo Runs Heavier Runners |
 |
Running |
Road |
Medium- Long |
Max |
Road Running |
|
|
Running |
Indoor/ Training |
Short- Medium |
Direct |
Road Running HIIT Gym Workout Classes Short Runs |
|
|
Running
|
Road
|
Short- Medium
|
Direct
|
Fast Training Racing 10K Marathon Tempo Runs Long Intervals |
|
|
All Day Wear
|
Standard Lacing Everyday Home workouts
|
|||
|
Cloudstratus
|
Running
|
Road
|
Medium- Long
|
Max
|
Road Running Wider Feet 5K to Marathon |
|
|
Running
|
Road Indoor Training
|
Short- Medium
|
Moderate
|
Urban Running
|
|
|
Running
|
Trail
|
Medium- Long
|
Moderate
|
Long Trail Runs Off Road Training Gravel Roads Forest Trails
|
|
|
Running
|
Road Indoor Training |
Short- Medium
|
Moderate
|
Road Running
|
|
|
Running
|
Road
|
Medium- Long
|
Max
|
Long Runs 10k Half Marathon, Ultramarathon Recovery Runs Road Running
|
|
|
All Day Wear
|
Standard Lacing Everyday Wear Urban Exploration Travel |
|||
|
|
All Day Wear Hiking
|
Trail
|
Stable
|
Hiking Exploring Mixed Terrain Travel |
If you feel overwhelmed, no worries. Please come see us in person at The Backpacker in Baton Rouge or Lafayette and try on a few pairs. Also feel free to reach out to our Web Team at The Backpacker through chat on our website www.thebackpackeroutdoors.com.