After just a mile in On's Cloudsurfer 3 , it dawned on me—I’ve been far too hard-headed when it comes to my choice of running shoes.

For years, I held steadfastly to a particular brand and style, year after year, run after run. When one pair wore out, leaving my shins aching and feet tender, I’d quickly order a replacement online without even a thought of pivoting. Different colors and patterns kept it interesting, but that was the extent of my athletic audacity.

Truthfully, it wasn’t about brand loyalty. I wouldn’t dare try another shoe by the same company. It was more a case of preferring what I had grown used to in the past decade over the potential thrill of experimentation.

When I was asked to take On’s Cloudsurfer 3 for a jaunt, I was skeptical. Not that the shoes couldn’t or wouldn’t be great—it’s On , after all, a company renowned for exceptional technology and an ultralightweight feel to their sneaks—but that they’d be able to win over someone like me.

Still, I was game.…