The dad who runs most weeks, or has just started and is still in whatever shoes were in the cupboard. Know his size before buying: On fits close to true, and a half size makes a real difference over ten kilometres. Not for trail running, where the tread is too shallow.
What it is
On’s most cushioned everyday road shoe, the original Cloudmonster, in a black and gold colourway JD Sports sells as its own exclusive. CloudTec cushioning over a Speedboard plate, a rocker sole and a breathable mesh upper. Men’s sizes from 7 to 14.
Why we picked it
Running shoes are the one piece of kit a runner wears out on purpose, which makes a good pair a gift that actually gets used rather than admired. The Cloudmonster is On’s big-cushion shoe, built for the long easy kilometres that make up most of a week, and it is just as comfortable on the walk to the coffee shop afterwards. At $180 against On’s own $270 it was the lowest price we found for the original Cloudmonster on the day it was checked.
