In this "Marathon Challenge," Toshiyuki Aono of On Japan, who ran the 10th leg of the Hakone Ekiden during his time at Kokugakuin University and says, "I want to run the next Tokyo Marathon in about 2 hours and 35 minutes," and Ugome of Isetan Sports Gate, who says, "Mr. Aono is the best runner I know," have a conversation. Following on from last time, they will give advice on "things you should know before you start running!"

Back/Center: On 13,824 yen , Front: CloudFlash 20,304 yen

I completed the Tokyo Marathon wearing "Cloudflash" shoes.

Ugo , you mentioned earlier that you were shocked when you first wore On . Could you tell us about the features of On ?

Aono On 's mission is to "make running fun." The most popular models are the "Cloud" and "Cloudflow," and On shoes are full of stories, so I could talk about them for an hour (laughs).
Its most distinctive features are the unique "CloudTec" sole and the "Speedboard," a plate between the sole and upper that converts the rebound force from landing into propulsion, making it the first shoe to combine cushioning and responsiveness.

How does Mr. Ugome Aono differentiate between the shoes he wears?


For light jogs during training , I wear "Cloud" shoes, and when I want to go faster, I wear "Cloudflow" shoes. For races, I always wear "Cloudflash" shoes. I also wore Cloudfinish shoes for this year's Tokyo Marathon, and although my physical condition wasn't great, I finished in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

The Ugo Cloudflash is a shoe originally made for Nicola Spirig, the silver medalist in the women's triathlon at the Rio Olympics, and it's popular because it's the same shoe that's now available commercially. We even have international visitors who arrive at Narita Airport and head straight to Sports Gate just to buy On shoes, telling us they're running a full marathon in three days!

Aono: I personally value the feeling when you wear them. On are something you understand once you try them on, so I'd like you to try them on first.


Ugo: I wear Cloudflow shoes, and I recommend all models to beginners because they are lightweight yet have good cushioning. The Cloud model, in particular, has elastic laces, which is a nice feature.

Made with Aono rubber, these shoes offer a non-constricting fit, making them the lightest cushioned shoes available and popular with people who frequently travel by plane or bullet train. Furthermore, they are "running shoes you can wear normally around town," so you can start running immediately when you want to during business trips or vacations. Since you don't need to bring separate running shoes, you can reduce the amount of luggage you need to carry.

There are many running shoes from sports manufacturers, but are there any criteria or guidelines for choosing them?

Aono manufacturers develop products in line with their concepts and missions, so I try to understand that when choosing and wearing their products.

Ugo: I see. That's an important perspective to consider.

As the weather gets colder, we'll give you some advice on recommended training methods.