Just because you run doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re up on running shoe innovation. In recent years, there have been notable improvements in propulsion and efficiency, thanks to additions like carbon-fiber plates, smart sensors, and midsoles that promise high energy return. What’s more important than these buzzy words is: How do the shoes feel?

After all, you can have footwear designed by rocket scientists, but if you’re uncomfortable with every step, your run will be a slog, no matter the distance. You want your shoe to make the ride feel soft , which is why the On Cloudsurfer 3 stands out over so many others.

On running shoes have always been distinguished by their trademark hollow pods— the “clouds” that are specifically engineered to help create a softer underfoot experience and give the brand its unmistakable look. In the Cloudsurfer 3, On’s CloudTec Phase™ allows those pods to compress in sequence, helping absorb impact and create a smoother transition from heel to toe.…