Tired of soggy socks and sweaty feet? Whether you're returning to the pavement after a long hiatus or simply seeking a fresh pair of kicks, now is the ideal time to invest in new running shoes.
Our expert team of runners, including seasoned veterans from ACTIVE, has meticulously tested a wide range of shoes to bring you this comprehensive guide. Each pair was subjected to at least 20 miles of rigorous testing, with our testers evaluating factors such as comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility, and overall ride.
From beloved classics that have stood the test of time to innovative newcomers designed to inspire your miles well into summer, you're sure to discover the perfect shoe to match your unique needs and preferences. While we understand that budgets can be tight, we encourage you to consider investing in yourself. Your feet will thank you.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.
ON Cloudvista 2
ON Cloudmonster 2
ON Cloudvista 2
About: The On Cloudvista 2 is a lightweight, responsive trail running shoe designed for comfort and performance on technical terrains. With its CloudTec midsole and Speedboard technology, the Cloudvista 2 offers a cushioned and propulsive ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability and drainage, while the Swiss-engineered grip ensures durability and traction on various trails. Ideal for trail runners seeking a versatile and comfortable shoe for challenging adventures, the Cloudvista 2 delivers exceptional performance and a dynamic trail running experience.
Now I want all the ON shoes!
Things We Liked:
"One nice thing about this trail running shoe is its balance between comfort and performance."
"The Cloudvista 2 is a sleek, responsive ride that performs well on everything from the roads to technical mountain trails while looking good enough to continue wearing for any post-run activities on deck!"
Areas for Improvement:
"I'd make the tongue a little less stiff; maybe it needs time to break in, but first, it was aggressive against my leg."
"One potential area for improvement could be the weight of the shoe, which is 305g. While this is not overly heavy for a trail running shoe, some runners might prefer a lighter option, especially for long-distance runs where every gram counts."
Final Thoughts
The new trail running shoe impresses with its well-balanced combination of comfort, performance, and versatility. Weighing 305g, it balances durability and lightness well, though some may prefer a lighter option. The shoe's standout features include the softer Helion™ super foam midsole, offering a plush yet responsive ride, and the re-engineered two-prong Speedboard® that enhances energy return, making each step feel faster and more dynamic. The sticky Missiongrip™ outsole provides excellent traction on mixed terrain, from rocky paths to softer ground, while the breathable, minimalist upper ensures a snug, true-to-size fit. Whether you're tackling rugged trails or casual runs, this shoe delivers both fun and performance, although a bit more protection in the upper could make it even better for technical terrain.
Specs:
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 10.8 oz (men), 8.6 oz (women)
- Price: $150
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to size
- Ideal For: Speed, Recovery, Long Distance, Race, Cross Training, Trail,
Buy:
Women's | Men's
ON Cloudmonster 2
About: The On Cloudmonster 2 is a plush and cushioned running shoe designed for maximum comfort and energy return. With its oversized CloudTec midsole and Helion SuperFoam, the Cloudmonster 2 offers an incredibly soft and responsive ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the Swiss-engineered grip ensures durability and traction on various surfaces. Ideal for runners seeking a luxurious and supportive shoe for long runs or recovery days, the Cloudmonster 2 delivers an exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable running experience.
Now I want all the ON shoes!
Things We Liked:
"One nice thing about this trail running shoe is its balance between comfort and performance."
"The Cloudvista 2 is a sleek, responsive ride that performs well on everything from the roads to technical mountain trails while looking good enough to continue wearing for any post-run activities on deck!"
Areas for Improvement:
"I'd make the tongue a little less stiff; maybe it needs time to break in, but first, it was aggressive against my leg."
"One potential area for improvement could be the weight of the shoe, which is 305g. While this is not overly heavy for a trail running shoe, some runners might prefer a lighter option, especially for long-distance runs where every gram counts."
Final Thoughts
The new trail running shoe impresses with its well-balanced combination of comfort, performance, and versatility. Weighing 305g, it balances durability and lightness well, though some may prefer a lighter option. The shoe's standout features include the softer Helion™ super foam midsole, offering a plush yet responsive ride, and the re-engineered two-prong Speedboard® that enhances energy return, making each step feel faster and more dynamic. The sticky Missiongrip™ outsole provides excellent traction on mixed terrain, from rocky paths to softer ground, while the breathable, minimalist upper ensures a snug, true-to-size fit. Whether you're tackling rugged trails or casual runs, this shoe delivers both fun and performance, although a bit more protection in the upper could make it even better for technical terrain.
Specs:
- Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 10.8 oz (men), 8.6 oz (women)
- Price: $150
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to size
- Ideal For: Speed, Recovery, Long Distance, Race, Cross Training, Trail,
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Check out the other shoes in the Fall Shoe Guide.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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