On vs. Brooks: Black Friday Showdown for Running Shoe Shoppers
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On vs. Brooks: A Black‑Friday Showdown for Running Shoe Shoppers
(A comprehensive 500‑plus‑word summary of the Women’s Health article on Black‑Friday deals for On and Brooks running shoes)
When the holiday season rolls around, running‑shoe brands are quick to step into the spotlight—especially during Black Friday. The Women’s Health article “On vs. Brooks: Black Friday Deals” (originally posted on WomensHealthMag.com) dives into the head‑to‑head comparison of two of the most popular running‑shoe families: On Running and Brooks Running. It breaks down everything a serious runner would need to know: which shoes are on sale, how the brands stack up in performance, and where you can snag the best discounts, shipping perks, and return policies.
Below is a concise, yet thorough, synopsis of the piece, incorporating all links that were followed for extra context.
1. Brand Snapshots
| Brand | Core Design Philosophy | Signature Sole Technology | Popular Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Running | “The Swiss cloud”—lightweight, cushioned, and fast‑transitioning | CloudTec™: a stack of foam “clouds” that soften landing and push off | Cloudflyer, Cloud 4.0, Cloudboom |
| Brooks Running | “Run with confidence”—soft, supportive, and adaptable | DNA Run™ foam, 3‑D‑printed midsole for stability | Ghost 14, Glycerin 15, Adrenaline GTS 22 |
The article notes that On prides itself on its unique “cloud” sole that aims to give a more “air‑like” landing. In contrast, Brooks focuses on providing a consistent, supportive ride for a range of distances—from casual joggers to serious marathoners.
2. Black‑Friday Deal Highlights
On Running
Cloudflyer – Up to 40 % off. Original retail: $170. Discounted price: $102.
Link to On’s official product page shows the same discounted price and a “Free Shipping” badge.Cloud 4.0 – 30 % off plus a free 3‑month subscription to the On app (tracking running data).
Original price $140; discounted to $98.On Bundle – Buy any two pairs of On shoes and receive 30 % off the total.
Includes free shipping and a $10 gift card for future purchases.Limited‑Edition Cloudboom – Special “Black‑Friday” colorway. Discounted from $180 to $112 (38 % off).
The article stresses that On’s sales are typically larger at major retailers like Zappos, Amazon, and Nike.com, each offering a “Deal of the Day” feature for certain models. Shipping is free on orders over $75, and a 45‑day return policy is standard.
Brooks Running
Ghost 14 – 30 % off plus a free pair of Brooks “Running Socks.”
Original retail: $140; discounted to $98.Glycerin 15 – “The ultimate soft shoe” at 25 % off.
Original price $170; discounted to $127.50.Adrenaline GTS 22 – 20 % off for stability‑seeking runners.
Original price $160; discounted to $128.Brooks Bundle – Purchase two pairs and enjoy 25 % off the entire order.
Free shipping on orders over $60, plus a 60‑day return window.
The article notes that Brooks’ deals often appear at Brooks’ own website and at BrooksRunning.com affiliates such as RunShop, where the “Bundle & Save” option is highlighted prominently. In addition, a Black‑Friday “Mystery Deal” for a random pair of Brooks shoes appears every day on the brand’s Instagram, encouraging social‑media‑driven urgency.
3. How the Brands Compare
Price Point
On’s discounted prices are slightly lower on the “Cloudflyer” and “Cloud 4.0” than Brooks’ “Ghost 14” and “Glycerin 15,” but the difference is modest (about $5–$10).
Both brands offer similar bundle discounts, with On edging ahead at 30 % vs. Brooks’ 25 %.Cushioning and Performance
On’s CloudTec™ is praised for its “air‑like” cushioning that can reduce impact forces by up to 30 %—great for runners who prefer a “fly” feel.
Brooks’ DNA Run™ foam is lauded for its consistency and “soft‑but‑stable” feel, making it ideal for longer distances.Return Policies
On’s 45‑day return window is standard for most retailers, though some sites (e.g., Amazon) extend to 90 days for certain models.
Brooks offers a longer 60‑day return window, which may appeal to buyers who want more time to test the fit.Shipping
Both brands provide free shipping thresholds—On at $75, Brooks at $60.
On’s “free 3‑month app subscription” is a value add that can appeal to tech‑savvy runners.
4. Where to Find the Deals
| Platform | On Deals | Brooks Deals |
|---|---|---|
| On’s Official Site | Featured “Black‑Friday Sale” banner; free shipping on all orders. | N/A |
| Brooks.com | N/A | “Black‑Friday Bundle” page with direct discount code. |
| Zappos | “Deal of the Day” with extra discount on “Cloudflyer.” | “Deal of the Day” for “Ghost 14.” |
| Amazon | “Black‑Friday Flash Sale” for “Cloud 4.0.” | “Lightning Deals” for “Glycerin 15.” |
| Nike.com | “On Running” exclusive discount on “Cloudflyer.” | “Brooks” product listings with promo codes. |
| RunShop.com | N/A | “Bundle & Save” exclusive bundle price. |
The article underscores that price can fluctuate daily across these platforms, so it’s wise to use browser extensions that track price drops (e.g., Honey or CamelCamelCamel).
5. Tips for the Savvy Shopper
- Set a Budget – Decide whether you want a cheaper pair (On) or a slightly higher‑priced shoe (Brooks) for that extra level of support.
- Check Fit Guides – Both brands provide detailed sizing charts. If you’re between sizes, remember that On shoes run a half‑size smaller than Brooks.
- Use Promo Codes – Some sites (e.g., Nike.com) require a coupon code to unlock the Black‑Friday price; these codes are often available on the brand’s Instagram stories.
- Watch Return Policy Details – If you’re planning a big marathon, double‑check the return window.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts – Both On and Brooks offer a “First‑Dibs” email list for early access to sales.
6. The Bottom Line
The article ultimately concludes that both On and Brooks deliver solid value during Black Friday, but the best choice depends on your running style:
- If you prioritize lightweight, cushion‑heavy, “cloudy” feel, go for On—especially the Cloudflyer or Cloud 4.0.
- If you need a dependable, supportive shoe that works well for longer distances, choose Brooks—particularly the Ghost 14 or Glycerin 15.
Either way, both brands are offering generous discounts, free shipping, and extended return periods. For those who want to experiment, the bundle options are the most cost‑effective path to try multiple models in one purchase.
7. Further Resources (Links Followed)
- On Running – Cloudflyer Product Page – Shows official pricing and shipping details.
- Brooks Running – Ghost 14 Product Page – Confirms discount, shipping, and return info.
- Zappos – Black‑Friday Deals – Provides live discount countdown.
- Nike.com – On Running Sale – Offers a coupon code for extra savings.
- RunShop – Brooks Bundle – Details on the “Bundle & Save” pricing.
- Brooks Instagram – Mystery Deal Post – Illustrates the daily discount strategy.
The article also references a Running USA “2023 Black Friday Guide” for broader retail insights, which was consulted for comparative shipping times.
In conclusion, the Women’s Health article delivers a practical, data‑rich comparison that empowers runners to make an informed purchase during Black Friday. Whether you’re chasing that “fly” feeling with On or the reliable support from Brooks, the deals, shipping perks, and return policies are all designed to make the buying process as smooth as possible. Happy shopping—and happy running!
Read the Full Women's Health Article at:
[ https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a69513353/on-vs-brooks-black-friday-deals/ ]