Ritz set to become new ON Running pro group coach for $150,000/year

Mr. Runner! wrote:

I work in run specialty, they're crap, and I tell people not to get them. It's an aesthetic gimmick and not for serious runners.

Worst of all are the people that think they are good and actively seek them out. Hands down the most annoying customer. They're one of two types. Sometimes they are an older non-athletic person who wants them for walking around the town/golf course, being seen in them and getting off on having Harold and Linda comment on them. This person is NEVER satisfied with the color, style, or (surprise, surprise,) fit, because the shoes feel as rigid as petrified dogshit.

It's either them or the gym bro/ instagram model-girl, that levy the same style/color complaint, because she/he wants the custom sea breeze coral mist cloud-humper they saw on amazon. Usually they just come in to try them on, take a picture of them, (as my eyes burn holes through them,) then spread their Covid germs around the store on their way back out to the car where they end up buying the same thing for $15 dollars less, minus shipping.

But never fear, I'm doing my best to sabotage the brand, every avalanche begins with the shifting of a few minute pebbles.

RunOnRocks wrote:

Mr Cup wrote:

I see On shoes on prominent display at many local places here in the US. I’ve got a few friends that love them and stopped running in other brands. I just can’t make myself even try them. They seem awkward and overpriced.

I also work run specialty and loved the On Flow I was seeded. Unfortunately I beat them to pieces in less than 200 miles. They retail at $140 and are built like a lightweight trainer. Couldn't take the miles. The issue here is that there are many equally comfortable shoes in that same category that I can wear to 400-500 miles with no problem and they retail at $120-$130.

I work in run specialty and On is succeeding wildly as a brand. On one hand I understand why, because nowadays it’s all about that athleisure life and looking athletic, and On certainly has the aesthetic appeal, they look dope. Also many of our customers are gym rats and that seems to be what On’s footwear is about. I’ve gotten a couple of free pairs myself however and as comfortable as they are to simply kick around in or do a treadmill run here or there, when it comes to getting outside and putting in legitimate miles, they’re kind of terrible. The million deep flex grooves in the midsole is really nothing but a highly effective rock catcher. There is no way those Zap kids don’t spend half of every run getting rocks and debris out of their shoes. And finally, for $150-$250 shoes, their durability leaves a lot to be desired.

It’s not to bag on them, they’re a creative brand and have done impressive things in a short time, it’s just sometimes their success kinda boggles my mind given he shortcomings. They look cool though!