2013 is proving to be a year full of cinematic super-heroism. From Ironman to Superman, enjoying these movies always provides the inspiration for me to run faster and accomplish more on the running path. Sure, we all wish we could leap tall buildings in a single bound or vanquish the countless villains in our lives. But the closest most of us will come is pushing our bodies to the limit in a speed or distance workout. That’s where the new Cloudrunners from On come into play. It’s no secret that I am a fan of these shoes and with good cause. Whenever I lace them up to escape to that place where I have a giant “S” on my chest, I find my feet hitting the ground in perfect rhythm with a substantial increase in traction and this inevitably leads to a boost in speed. This is no gimmicky false technology used on a single model as many of the large running shoe companies push every year. It’s real technology used in all of On’s shoes with research to back up their claims. The Cloudrunners will be the Robin to your Batman when you fight the evil forces of extreme weather and exhaustion. And it’s not just for men. Wonder Woman has already informed me of her improved quickness and agility with the lady Cloudrunners (pictured above) as well as the fashionable match with her golden lasso.
In the last article I wrote about the previous model, some readers insisted that I was not as in depth as I could have been in my technical assessment. Below I have included documents detailing the mechanics as well as a “tips sheet” from the co-founder and developer, Olivier Bernhard.
I cannot get enough of these shoes and implore you to give them a try, because isn’t it time for you to emerge as the lightning fast, caped crusader of your neighborhood?
How does On’s patented CloudTec® system work?
The human body has been made to run barefoot. Not on hard surfaces, though. That’s why On’s patented CloudTec® system anticipates what human foot evolution has not yet achieved since streets were invented.
The On sole features a number of three-dimensional elements or “Clouds” made of highly flexible tubular pieces of rubber
. With this radically new design, the sole absorbs both vertical and horizontal forces to ensure a soft landing. Once the foot is on the ground, the Clouds lock firm, providing a solid foundation for a powerful push-off. The On shoe thus combines what conventional running shoes have so far failed to unite: a cushioned landing and a barefoot takeoff. It’s like stepping down on sand and pushing off on a running track!
On wearers experience a light and fast run and enjoy all the positives of natural running without any compromise in comfort and speed. The Clouds act like small stability balls, responding to every movement of the foot. Athletes and their coaches report increased muscle activation, reduced risk of injury and shortened recovery times.
There’s scientific evidence, too: independent studies by Zurich’s reputed Federal Institute of Technology have shown that On’s patented CloudTec® system significantly reduces athletes’ heart rate and lactic acid levels.
Politics and running have crossed paths. The past couple weeks I have seen articles from runners and posts on Facebook wondering, “Why us? Why the Boston Marathon?” Maybe I just read the news too much, but the answer seems clear.
