The Cloud collection is the signature shoe from On Running brand. The upper feels nice and breathable with just enough stretch to feel comfortable.
However, many people wonder do On Cloud shoes stretch out and expand. In this article, I’m going to discuss everything you need to know including how to properly break them in.
Do On Cloud shoes stretch out and expand?
On Cloud shoes should not stretch in length, but they may become slightly looser over time. The exact amount of “stretch” will depend on the shoe’s construction and the materials used.
The upper of On Cloud running shoes are made using a combination of recycled polyester, organic cotton, and wool. Synthetic materials, like polyester, don’t really stretch.
Although the toe box and midfoot expand slightly during the break-in process, the overall shape and foundation of the On Cloud shoes will stay the same.
On Cloud shoes should fit comfortably right out of the box, so don’t expect them to stretch out the more you run. If they weren’t wide enough to begin with, they won’t get better as you run.
How tight should On Cloud shoes be?
Your toes should not touch the top of the fabric or the end of the shoe. If they do, the shoes are too tight. You’d be better off with a half size larger, or maybe a size larger.
Aim for a finger’s width worth of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s toe box. This generally ends up being about half of a size larger, but sometimes you’ll go up a full size.
Your feet expand and contract as you run. It’s part of your natural bio-mechanics and how your body absorbs shock. Your feet will also swell a little bit over the course of a run.
Ideally, you want to leave them lots of room. On Cloud running shoes that are too small will result in you changing your gait to compensate for the shoe size. It’s not worth it.
Remember, running shoes should be snug enough for the shoe not to move in the heel or forefoot and loose enough that the top of your foot feels comfortable when the laces are tight.
Do On Cloud shoes have a break-in period?
On Cloud running shoes have a short break-in period. Once you break in your new shoes, which only takes between five to ten miles, they should feel nice and comfortable.
After about a week of casual wear, On Cloud shoes break in fairly well, especially throughout their upper construction. The toe box and midfoot expand slightly during the break-in process.
The exact length of the break-in period, however, depends on multiple factors such as how often you wear them, the type of material, and how exactly you break them in.
As your On Cloud shoes break in, you may notice they feel like they fit even better than at first. This is likely the foot beginning to mold into the insole and the midsole relaxing.
Some people argue that modern running shoes don’t need a break-in period. However, even the best running shoes require breaking in regardless of their quality.
Because running shoes are made differently, they feel different to run in. These changes can cause subtle disruptions in your gait or stride, which can lead to discomfort or even injury.
How to break in On Cloud shoes
The best way to break in your On Cloud shoes is to take a short walk in them. This helps “stretch” the shoes, and it also allows your feet to acclimate to the way the shoes feel.
Take time to walk around the house so your feet and shoes can get to know each other. A quick walk of just five minutes can make a world of a difference when breaking your new pair of kicks.
When walking feels comfortable, you can start with an easy run. But don’t go too hard on your first few runs in your new On Cloud shoes either. Start with an easy-paced 5-mile run.
Check for any noticeable pain or discomfort. If there are no problems when wearing your shoes, you can steadily increase your run time and intensity over the next couple of weeks.
Also, I wouldn’t recommend throwing out your old pair and immediately jumping into your new On Cloud shoes. Your feet are super adaptable, but you need to give them time to adjust.
Alternating between different pairs of running shoes will help your old ones last just a little bit longer while giving your feet enough time to adjust to the new ones.
A study found that runners who wore multiple pairs of running shoes had a 39% lower risk of running-related injuries compared to runners who almost always ran in the same shoes.
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