ON: from garden hose to sports innovation

“We re-invented the running shoe:” Former top athlete Olivier Bernhard and his two friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti are united not only in their love of running but also in their aspiration to create a perfect product. As a result, and through countless experiments (some of them involving pieces of cut-up garden hose), they have created the ON, a shoe that first amazed and has since delighted the running world. ONs don’t offer just a new running experience: they are far more than that. And the company’s three co-founders have become ambassadors of a new running sensation whose success has far outpaced their expectations.

 

The story starts in Switzerland 


From small beginnings in Zürich, Switzerland, ON set out in 2010 with a big ambition: to change the world of running. In the ten years since, ON has been embraced into the hearts, and onto the feet, of more than seven million runners in over 50 countries. And there’s no sign of slowing down…

 

 

Three friends, one mission


It’s not just the love of running that brought former professional athlete Olivier Bernhard and his friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti together. They were dedicated to developing a revolutionary idea. This is their story.

 

After retiring from professional competition, three-time world duathlon champion and multiple Ironman winner Olivier Bernhard devoted himself to finding a running shoe that would give him the perfect running sensation. In doing so, he crossed paths with a like-minded Swiss engineer who had an idea for a new kind of running shoe. In the years that followed, the perfect symbiosis of running experience and engineering expertise allowed the first radical idea to be refined.

 

Dozens of prototypes were developed, but the basic concept – cushioned landing, firm push – remained the objective throughout. It was this unique running sensation that convinced Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann to come aboard too. Together with Bernhard, they formally established the ON in Zürich in January 2010. Their mission to develop a product range fully engineered in Switzerland using the latest technology picked up pace.

 

Just a month later, in February, the prototypes won the ISPO BrandNew Award, one of the most important prizes for innovation in sport. Test runners were enthusiastic and spoke of running on clouds. In July 2010, the first running stores had ON shoes on their shelves.

 

 

Today


Ten years later, you can buy ON running shoes at over 6,500 premium retail stores in over 50 countries. In addition to its European headquarters in Zurich, ON has now opened offices in the USA, Japan, Australia and Brazil. ON products are winning international design and technology awards. And there’s no finish line in sight.  

 

Running is supposed to be fun


ON wanted to change the game of running and has done so. The company wanted people to enjoy running and not to think too much about how to do it right. Usually you always have to adapt to your shoe. ON has, however, succeeded in adapting the shoe to your foot to give you even more comfort and to support your natural running style.

Responsible for this effect is the patented CloudTec® damping. This technology absorbs the impact on the road or the trails, which naturally allows you to roll on the forefoot. The Cloud elements ensure stability and thus also a powerful push.

  

 

Individual running


The special thing about the shoes of ON are the so-called “Clouds.” Thanks to this innovation the sole is made up of many separate elements that either dampen your landing where you need it or react complied. As a result, your natural running is supported and you have full control.

  

 

The whole body is important


ON has the opinion that the focus should not only lie on the ankle and the feet, but on the whole body. The optimal landing point is placed in the midfoot area. Therefore, you are ready for the repulsion right after landing and you do not lose any speed.

 

A versatile collection


Since ON is aware that not everyone has the same level of running, they have developed a wide range of shoes. They think that your individual running style can always develop further and thus they offer you the ideal companion depending on your running stage.

 

The classic: ON Cloud Running Shoes

The Cloud feels incredibly light and natural right from the first step. A few more steps and you’ll forget you’re wearing shoes at all. You can even forget about lacing your shoes: choose the elast lace option for easy slip-on. Of course, you can also opt for the traditional laces that come with the shoes. The choice is yours.

 

The shoe has been relaunched for the 2022 season and is now available as the Cloud 5. The higher midsole and closed channel in the forefoot make the Cloud 5 even more comfortable. Soft landings are guaranteed, but new with even more cushioning and stability. The fit has been widened slightly – with the result that it supports the natural rolling movement of the foot even better.

 

 

 

For urban runs: ON Cloudswift

The Cloudswift is engineered with Helion™ superfoam for cushioning with zero compromises. It’s light on weight but big on energy return and durability. In short, everything you need to run through your city. Strong yet stretchable, the mechanical side band delivers gentle midfoot support during swift city sprints. It also offers a hidden place to stash your laces.

 

 

Two special ones: ON Cloudmonster and Cloudvista

The Cloudmonster comes with the maximum cushioning, which also gives it a special look. But with the shoe you experience an even better energy transfer and an incomparably soft running feeling.

 

Inspired by the Cloudultra, the Cloudvista focuses primarily on lightness. Good damping meets minimal sole design and makes your trail run an unforgettable experience. The perfectly balanced mix of cushioning, support and flexibility keeps your legs and feet feeling fresh for longer.

 

 

The approach shoe: ON Cloudventure

When they set out to design the perfect trail shoe, ON remembered what is important: a shoe so light and fast that you can reach the peak in time to watch the sunrise.

The shoe has got a reliable grip for when a thunderstorm takes you by surprise. Clever cushioning helps and protects your legs when you are flying back down to reach the valley before it gets dark. Your perfect partner for the trails.

 

 

The hiking boot: ON Cloudrock

The ON Cloudrock are speed Hiking- and Trekkingboots with a sophisticated design. They offer you stability, speed and protection in all weather conditions and impress with their particularly light weight. Born in the Swiss Alps, the Cloudrock Waterproof is optimized for maximum performance in the mountains and is therefore your ideal companion over stick and stone.