Marathon day is one of my favorite days in the city. Not because I run in it. But because the route runs right by my place. And sneakers are quieter than car horns.

Every year, my wife and I grab coffees, make a few signs, and cheer from the curb like we’re part of the pit crew. Then we walk to our favorite spot for cinnamon rolls.

This year, I noticed something. A lot of runners were wearing the same shoes. On Cloudmonsters.

So, I got a pair.

If they’re good enough for marathoners, surely they’d work for me. A long walker. A comfort chaser. An “I’ll meet you there by foot” kind of guy. My instincts were right. I just didn’t know how right they’d be.

Photo by Lanny Fuller

The Cloud-Packed Bottom

You can actually feel the bounce. The Cloudmonster’s sole looks exaggerated, but that’s kind of the point. It’s loaded with cushioning that propels you forward with every step. I’ve been taking longer walks lately, and I think it’s partly because the shoes make me want to. They’re absurdly comfortable, in a “did-sidewalk-get-softer?” sort of way.

Photo by Lanny Fuller

The Tongue No One Talks About

The tongue. Seriously. It’s built in. Stitched right into the shoe. It wraps around your foot like a friendly hug. It’s firm, supportive, and makes you wonder why every sneaker isn’t made this way.

Photo by Lanny Fuller

The Cozy Factor

That built-in tongue turns them into a kind of hybrid. Part sneaker, part slipper. They slide on like they’ve been waiting for you. I wear them through hotel lobbies, airport terminals, coffee lines. They offer the kind of cozy comfort that quietly improves every outing.

Photo by Lanny Fuller

They’re Just Fun

There’s something about them that makes you walk differently. A little faster. A little lighter. A little pep in your step. You catch your reflection in a window and notice a bounce you didn’t plan. They turn ordinary strolls into something joyous. They’re just fun.