Men's Health August 11, 2026 0 Comments

Why This One Running Shoe Became My Secret Weapon for Crushing Dad Life and Fitness Goals—No Joke!

Ever wonder if a running shoe could really keep pace with your hectic life—kiddo in tow, gym sessions squeezed in between Zoom calls, and everything in between? Well, that’s exactly the kind of challenge While On Earth is stepping up to with their Rhythm Runner. This isn’t just another sneaker; it’s a thoughtful blend of sturdy versatility and sleek design, created by Todd Meleney—who knows a thing or two about performance brands, having been the first employee and CMO at Nobull. Pair that with collaborations with top athletes like Mat Fraser and Christian McCaffrey, and you’ve got a shoe that’s made for more than just putting in miles. After a month lacing these up, I’ve got some pretty interesting takeaways on whether they really deliver the multi-tasking magic they promise. Ready to dive in? LEARN MORE

4 min read

WHILE ON EARTH has quickly become one of my favorite new performance brands. Before co-founder Todd Meleney started the company, he was the Chief Marketing Officer and first employee at Nobull, which we recently wrote about the best Nobull gear. Since striking out on his own, Meleney has teamed up with 5x CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser, CrossFit Games athlete Brooke Wells, and NFL running back Christian McCaffrey (who will be releasing a CMC shoe later this month).

The first shoe that I tested from While On Earth was its first product, the Move Trainer, which earned a spot in our Men’s Health Fitness Awards last year. And it has become one of my regular wears for the stylish yet subtle look, the thoughtful design, and excellent support, all of which I look for as an active father.

So when I heard While On Earth was coming out with a running shoe, I was more excited than usual—but also a little weary. Typically when a brand makes a truly great shoe (in this case the Move Trainer, a solid cross trainer), I find the rest of its product selection lacking in comparison. Or I find I already have a shoe from another brand that I like better for that training scenario.

Here are my thoughts after a month of testing the new While On Earth Rhythm Runner.

Tech Specs

THE RHYTHM RUNNER is heavier than a standard running shoe, coming in around 11 ounces for the 10.5 size shoe that I wear. In comparison, our best overall running shoe, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL that I have been running in recently, is around 8.5 ounces. The shoe also features a stack height of 36.5mm and a 10mm drop, which is on the higher side, but in keeping line with more serious trainers.

Charles Thorp (@charlesthorp)

The weight isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though, because it is the result of intentional features that are meant to make the shoe versatile enough to also handle sled pushes and turf workouts, as one might do in hybrid training. Things like a multi-terrain tread and a woven mesh upper. Add in a decent amount of cushioning and a comfy padded tongue, and it all points to a daily trainer that you can also get away with in the gym, and not your next marathon pick.

I don’t always talk about colorways during a shoe review, but I feel like I have to here. There are only three options when it comes to the Rhythm Runner and they are all winners. Personally, when I am buying a running shoe and I see a dozen or so color options, I get to a point where I feel like none of them look good. But any basic bros are covered with the black and white and clean white options, while the wheat / midnight colors that While On Earth is leaning into are my favorite.

Road Feel

THE FIRST THING I noticed when I laced up the Rhythm Runners is that it felt great on the foot. It’s one of those shoes that is a treat to wear, thanks to its wider design and roomy toe box. Typically, when I’m wearing a new shoe, I feel some discomfort on the first few runs. Not the case with this one. The tread is also worth noting, with its multi-terrain design that grips well on a variety of surfaces.

Charles Thorp (@charlesthorp)

The rocker is subtle but still noticeable enough that I can feel it giving me a little bit extra propulsion when my foot is leaving the ground, and paired with the supercritical EVA foam, my stride feels energetic and easy.

Most runs these days, I’m behind a jogging stroller that is loaded with my two-year-old daughter. I don’t stay on the road either, as we spend a lot of time on trails and going uphill, which means most runs are more like a sled push than a breezy jog. Because of this, I need durable footwear.

This shoe certainly fits that bill, which is a result of the materials that go beyond mesh and include a few leather elements. Despite the weight, I wouldn’t say it feels heavy on the foot during those early miles. I’ve only taken the Rhythm Runner more than seven miles a few times, and I probably would opt for another shoe in those instances. But my regular run is between 5K and 5 miles, ending up at a park where I do some bodyweight exercise, and for that, this shoe is perfect.

Final Score: 4.4/5

As a fitness editor and busy dad, the Rhythm Runner appeals to me because it fits easily into the rhythm of my day. It is the kind of shoe that can keep up with me and help me not miss a beat, no matter if I’m on a jog with the baby or quickly trying to get a gym session in before having to pick her up at daycare.

This aligns with a lot of its products, and also with how I train—a dad who is trying to do it all and wants a shoe that will help him in that pursuit. If you’re looking for a super light shoe or something to hit those long miles in, you probably want to look elsewhere. But for anyone else looking for a great-looking shoe that delivers good energy return and a lot of comfort and versatility, this is a solid pick from an impressive new brand.

Which is why it earned its spot as and editor’s pick for for this year Men’s Health Sneaker Awards.

Alternative Running Shoe Choices

Our Best Overall Runner

Adidas Adizero EVO SL

A Superlight Runner

Skechers Aero Razor

Credit: Brett Williams For MH

Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.