I’ll be honest—I almost passed on these because of the color. Turquoise isn’t exactly what I picture when I think ‘serious running shoe.’ But man, I’m glad I gave the ON Cloudstratus a shot.

The moment I slipped them on, they felt different. Not heavy or stiff like some running shoes I’ve tried. These are light, with this weirdly satisfying bounce to them. It surprised me how much the cushioning responded with every step. Like, I wasn’t even running—just walking around the house—and I could feel the difference.

Took them out for a 3-mile run the next morning. My legs felt less tired afterward, which either means I’m getting older or these shoes are doing something right. Probably both. The fit’s snug but not tight, and my usual concerns about blisters didn’t pop up once. That alone is a win.

I wasn’t planning on liking them this much. At $83, they’re not the cheapest option out there, but for how they feel and perform? Worth it. Kind of like how Pete Alonso makes hitting homers look effortless—these make running feel a little easier, too.

If you’re into lightweight shoes that still offer support, I’d say give these a go. Just don’t let the color fool you—they mean business.