Rhys Athayde, the founding trainer at the exclusive Dogpound gym, says that the shoes exist at the intersection of "function, comfort, and style." That's why they're equally as good at road running, treadmills, workout classes or just walking around all day. Which, I'm told, is exactly how the team of Swiss engineers test the shoes—each design is put through the paces by Olympians, triathletes and every other stripe of athlete, everywhere from city streets to the rugged trails of the Swiss alps.

"I think On has really nailed a perfect balance of story, technology and style," says Ben O'Meara of Huckberry, one of the first American retailers to carry the brand. "A lot of sneaker brands out there hit on one of the three, but they really have authority in all." He makes a good point: the shoes are engineered in Switzerland, used and trusted by the world's most elite athletes and packaged in a design that's clean and minimal yet uniquely stylish.

"I appreciate that genuine authority in performance, but also it's approachable as a brand," says O'Meara, who owns a couple pairs and recently tested out On's new hiker in the Swiss Alps himself. "They're super comfortable, look good and they actually do have a technical quality you don't see in other casual shoes flooding the market."

For a while, fitness model and personal trainer Jordan Morello was the only one wearing Ons when he'd train at Equinox or LA Fitness clubs. He made the switch about a year ago, after being turned on to the brand by a marathon-running friend. "I'm super brand loyal and have worn Nike shoes and clothing pretty much my whole life," he says. "But when something is by far better, I have to give credit where credit is due!" Now, he says, he notices a lot more of the distinctive sneakers in the gym when he trains. "I definitely think they're becoming something of a status sneaker."

He wears his Cloud sneakers pretty much everyday—in and out of the gym—and says they're the most comfortable training shoe he's ever worn. "They've got a stable base, great for doing heavier squats or certain Olympic lifts—especially since I've got a wider foot," he says. "And then they also provide a soft, comfortable ride for a quick outdoor run." Morello has even turned five clients onto the shoes: "And they have never been happier."

Perhaps that's how a sneaker becomes a status shoe. Genuine word of mouth and seeing them on the people we admire. We'd all like to be more like Roger Federer, right? And if I crossed paths with Jordan Morello at the gym, I'd definitely want anything that he says helps him train. The good news seems to be that these buzzy kicks actually live up to the hype. Which is why I think I'm ready to join the club and get a pair myself.