On Running Brand Guide
1 | Brand Overview & Heritage — Why On Running Matters
Born in the Swiss Alps in 2010, On Running combines Swiss engineering, material science, and biomechanics to transform how people move.
Its mission: to ignite the human spirit through movement. Every product is designed to help wearers achieve "flow state" — where effort feels effortless and performance feels natural.
From Olympic medalists to weekend runners, On has become a global benchmark for precision, comfort, and sustainability.
On Running By The Numbers
- Active in 55+ countries
- 7+ million athletes worldwide
- 100% renewable electricity across operations
- 48% female leadership representation
- Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ONON)
The On Story — From Garden Hose to Global Icon
In 2010, athlete Olivier Bernhard experimented with pieces of garden hose to create a sole that combined cushioning with propulsion. Alongside Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann, he refined this idea into CloudTec — hollow pods that cushion on landing and lock for take-off.
The prototype won the ISPO BrandNew Award the same year, launching On's global rise.
Key Milestones
2 | The Innovation Engine — Inside On's Technology
On develops all core systems in its Zurich Innovation Lab (On Lab), where world-class scientists, engineers, and athletes co-design every product. No other running brand manufactures its own foam, plates, and uppers from scratch — On does all three.
CloudTec — The Signature Sole
CloudTec
Patented cushioning system where hollow pods compress on impact and lock on take-off. Unlike traditional foam midsoles that compress vertically only, CloudTec pods compress in multiple directions simultaneously — adapting to your individual foot strike rather than fighting against it. Three variants exist: CloudTec (individual independent pods), CloudTec Phase (angled sequential compression — "like dominoes" — for all-day walking comfort), and CloudTec Connect (independent flex pods for trail running and sensory connection to terrain).
Helion Superfoam — Where Soft Meets Strong
Helion
On's proprietary superfoam that sits inside the CloudTec pods. On created their own foam because nothing on the market delivered the precise sensation they wanted — a balance of soft cushioning, responsive energy return, and long-term durability. Performance and feel are tuned per shoe model through changes to density, height, and rebound. Premium variant Helion HF (Hyper Foam) delivers ultra-responsive energy return for racing — the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper contains 77% more Helion HF than the original Cloudmonster Hyper.
Speedboard — Maximise Your Energy
Speedboard
A thermoplastic plate between the Helion foam and CloudTec outsole that bends at the forefoot, then springs back to convert landing energy into forward propulsion. Material, shape, thickness, and curve are changed per shoe model: stiffer Speedboard = more power (racing shoes), flexible Speedboard = smoother comfort (daily trainers). Bio variant uses 40% bio-based TPU from castor beans. Recycled variant made from returned Cyclon shoes + manufacturing leftovers.
LightSpray — The Future of Shoe Manufacturing
LightSpray
On's most revolutionary technology. Instead of cutting, sewing, and gluing fabric, a robotic arm sprays a single 1.5km filament directly onto the midsole in 3 minutes to create a seamless, glueless one-piece upper weighing as little as 30 grams. The result: 75% less CO2 versus other On racing shoes (at On Labs Zurich), zero water consumption, zero yarn waste, and 7+ pending patents on glueless bonding. True-to-size "second-skin" fit with no break-in period.
Athletes Winning in LightSpray
Hellen Obiri — Boston Marathon 2024 winner, NYC course record 2:19:51 (2025). Sutume Asefa Kebede — back-to-back Tokyo Marathon wins (2024, 2025). Kristian Blummenfelt — Olympic triathlon champion, European + North American Championship titles 2025.
Missiongrip — Trail Traction
Missiongrip
Specialised rubber compound originally developed and tested by athletes in the Swiss Alps. Maximises friction on wet, rocky, and muddy surfaces with a triple-lug outsole design. Created for mountain terrain, now also engineered into gym and training shoes for dynamic grip during explosive movements.
CleanCloud — Carbon In, Performance Out
CleanCloud
High-performance materials made from captured carbon emissions. On pioneered an entirely new supply chain — partnering with LanzaTech (carbon capture), Technip Energies, Borealis (materials), Fairbrics (textiles), and Novoloop (upcycled TPU) — to move the industry away from fossil-based materials. The Pace apparel collection uses CleanCloud polyester with 20% recycled carbon emissions.
Apparel Technologies
DryTec
Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric. Tiny spaces between yarn strands move sweat from skin to surface for faster evaporation. Found in Performance Bra (£70), Performance Tights (£65).
GuardTec
Wind- and waterproof three-layer membrane. PFA-free water-repellent finish with taped seams. Breathable but fully waterproof. Found in Ultra Jacket (£250), Ultra Pants (£170).
SenseTec
Soft, smooth, stretch fabric for activewear. Adapts to body shape with precise stretch — no resistance during movement. Found in Studio Leggings (£75-£105).
3 | Cultural Presence — Performance Meets Style
The Aesthetic — Performance Minimalism
On's design philosophy: function as form. Neutral palettes, clean geometry, and minimal branding. This style has earned cultural recognition — Zendaya, Oprah, and Gisele Bundchen have all been spotted wearing On.
Proof Through Performance — Ambassadors & Integrity
Roger Federer
20-time Grand Slam champion and On investor since 2019. Co-designer of The Roger collection — tennis-inspired lifestyle shoes that blend court heritage with CloudTec cushioning.
Zendaya
Global ambassador promoting "movement as expression." Bringing On to a new generation of style-conscious consumers.
On Athletics Club (OAC) — Elite Performance Team
- Hellen Obiri — Boston & NYC Marathon champion
- Kristian Blummenfelt — Olympic triathlon gold medalist
- Chelsea Sodaro — Ironman World Champion
- Iga Swiatek — World #1 tennis player
- Sutume Asefa Kebede — Back-to-back Tokyo Marathon winner
- Xavier Thevenard — Ultra trail legend
All claims verified through Impact Reports, Fair Labor Audits, and Carbotech AG life-cycle assessments.
4 | Beyond the Finish Line — Sustainability & Social Impact
On's sustainability framework is evidence-based and externally verified. Every initiative is measured, audited, and published in their annual Impact Progress Report.
Key Results
- Carbon footprint per shoe: 13.2kg reduced to 7.8kg CO2e (2020-2024)
- 84% polyester and 92% polyamide from recycled sources
- All Tier-1 suppliers now use renewable energy
- LightSpray manufacturing: 75% less CO2 than conventional On racing shoes
Circular Programs
Cyclon
On's circular services programme. Launched 2022 with the Cloudneo — first shoe designed to be recycled (made from castor beans). By 2025, sufficient return volume made recycling efficient. Returned materials now create Speedboards in the Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1. Cyclon Resale also lets customers shop refurbished On gear or trade in pre-loved items.
CleanCloud
Carbon emissions captured and converted into performance materials. Entirely new supply chain pioneered with LanzaTech, Fairbrics, and Novoloop. Cloudprime concept shoe: carbon emission EVA + castor bean TPU + 35% upcycled outsole. Pace collection uses 20% recycled carbon emissions.
Community Initiatives
- Right To Run — 78 global programs supporting access to sport.
- Fair Labor Audits — 100% Tier-1 coverage.
- Living Wage Verified across all direct employees.
- Soles4Souls Partnership — items that cannot be resold are donated.
5 | The Collection — Engineered for Every Stride
Road Running
Cloud 6 — £140
The everyday shoe. CloudTec + Speedboard. All-day comfort with responsive cushioning. On's best-seller for a reason.
Cloudmonster 3 — £180
Maximum cushioning for distance. CloudTec + Helion + Speedboard. Responsive ride that eats up miles.
Cloudsurfer — £160
Daily training workhorse. CloudTec + Helion + Speedboard. Balanced cushioning and energy return.
Cloudrunner — £150
Supportive daily trainer. CloudTec + Helion + Speedboard. Extra structure for runners who need guidance.
Trail Running
Cloudsoma — £170
Short-distance trail. CloudTec Connect + Missiongrip. Sensory connection to terrain with adaptive grip.
Cloudvista — £140
All-terrain trail running. Missiongrip + Helion. Versatile grip for mixed surfaces.
Training & Gym
Cloud X 4 AD — £140
Training + all-day versatility. Helion + Speedboard. From HIIT to errands in one shoe.
Cloudpulse 2 — £150
HIIT and circuits. Missiongrip + CloudTec. Dynamic grip during explosive movements.
Lifestyle & Urban
Cloudtilt — £150
All-day walking comfort. CloudTec Phase. Sequential compression for a smooth rolling transition.
The Roger Collection — £170
Federer-designed leather silhouettes with minimal court styling and CloudTec cushioning.
Cloudnova Moon — £170
Hybrid sneaker blending performance and streetwear. CloudTec cushioning in a lifestyle silhouette.
Cloudtilt Moon — £170
Premium all-day wear. CloudTec Phase in a refined, elevated silhouette.
Racing & Performance
Cloudboom Strike LS
Race day — ultralight super speed. LightSpray upper + Helion HF. The shoe Hellen Obiri set the NYC course record in.
Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS
Training — ultralight energy return. LightSpray + 77% more Helion HF foam. Race-level responsiveness for speed work.
6 | Shop On Running at OD's — Real Stock, Real Prices
Every pair below is in stock at OD's Designer Clothing — authorised UK stockist, full manufacturer warranty, sourced directly from official distribution.
Men's Trainers
Men's Outdoor & Hiking
Women's Trainers
Men's Apparel Sets
Not Sure Which On Shoe Is Right for You?
Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) for expert fitting advice, or browse our full On Running men's collection and women's collection online.
7 | Your Perfect Fit — On Running Sizing Guide
On-Specific Sizing Advice
Road Shoes
True to size. Size up half a size for long-distance running where feet swell.
Lifestyle Shoes
Standard fit for everyday wear. True to size. If between sizes, go true to size.
Trail Shoes
Slightly narrow midfoot. Wide feet should go up half a size for comfort.
LightSpray Shoes
True to size — "second-skin" fit. Standard width only, less stretch than mesh. No break-in needed. Upper molds to foot shape over time.
How to Measure
- Measure foot length in the evening when feet are slightly larger
- Stand on a flat surface with heel against wall
- Mark longest toe and measure heel-to-toe in centimeters
- Compare to On's size chart (available in-store or online)
Fit Tips
- Allow approximately 1cm (thumbnail width) between longest toe and shoe end
- Your heel should feel secure without slipping
- Midfoot should feel snug but not restrictive
- If between sizes for road/lifestyle, go true to size
- If between sizes for trail/racing, size up for comfort
- On shoes are standard width only — no wide or extra-wide options
Expert Fitting at OD's
Visit OD's Designer Clothing in St Helens for expert fitting and personalised advice. Our team handles On shoes daily and can guide you to the right model and size for your needs.
8 | Care & Maintenance — On Running Specific Care
Daily Care
- Remove insoles and air-dry after each use
- Wipe exterior with damp cloth to remove dirt
- Never leave in direct sunlight or hot car
- Alternate pairs to extend lifespan
Cleaning On Shoes
- Remove laces and insoles before cleaning
- Hand wash with lukewarm water and mild detergent
- Use soft brush for stubborn dirt on uppers
- Clean CloudTec pods gently with soft cloth
- Never machine-wash or tumble-dry — damages materials and voids warranty
- Air-dry naturally away from heat sources
- Stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape
LightSpray Care Warning
Do NOT machine wash LightSpray shoes. Brush off dry dirt for daily care. Hand wash with warm water for deeper cleaning. These uppers are engineered for breathability, not waterproofing — standard width only, less stretch than traditional mesh.
Waterproofing Trail Shoes
- Reapply waterproofing spray every 40-50 wears
- Use products recommended for technical running shoes
- Apply to clean, dry shoes following product instructions
- Allow to dry completely before wearing
Storage
- Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep away from extreme temperatures
- Don't compress or stack heavy items on top
- Use shoe trees or stuff with paper to maintain shape
Expected Lifespan
Road Shoes
600-800km depending on running style and surface. Replace when CloudTec pods show visible wear or cushioning loses responsiveness.
Trail Shoes
500-700km (shorter due to harsher terrain). Replace when Missiongrip lugs are worn smooth or grip diminishes on wet surfaces.
Lifestyle Shoes
12-18 months with regular wear. Replace when upper material shows significant wear or separation.
When to Replace
Visible wear on CloudTec pods or outsole. Loss of cushioning or responsiveness. Experiencing new aches or pains during runs.
9 | Frequently Asked Questions
On Running Product Questions
Are On Running shoes sustainable?
Yes. On uses recycled materials (84% polyester, 92% polyamide from recycled sources), renewable energy in production, and runs verified circular programs including Cyclon (recyclable shoes), Onward (resale platform), and CleanCloud (materials from captured carbon emissions). Carbon footprint per shoe has dropped from 13.2kg to 7.8kg CO2e since 2020.
Do On Running shoes fit true to UK size?
Mostly yes. Road and lifestyle models fit true to size. Trail and racing shoes fit slightly tighter — size up half a size if you have wide feet or plan long-distance runs. LightSpray shoes fit true to size with a "second-skin" feel but have less stretch than traditional mesh. We recommend trying in-store at OD's for the best fit.
What is CloudTec and how does it work?
CloudTec is On Running's patented cushioning system. Hollow pods on the outsole compress on impact to absorb shock, then lock together on take-off to provide a firm, propulsive push forward. The pods compress in multiple directions, adapting to your individual foot strike. Three variants exist: CloudTec (independent pods for running), CloudTec Phase (sequential compression for walking comfort), and CloudTec Connect (flex pods for trail feel).
Can I recycle or return old pairs?
Yes. Via On's Cyclon Resale programme you can trade in pre-loved On shoes. Items are graded (Excellent, Very Good, Good) for resale. Items that cannot be resold are donated to Soles4Souls. Items beyond donation are recycled. Returned materials are being used to create Speedboards in the Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1.
Where are On Running shoes made?
Vietnam (62%), China (28%), Europe (10%). All facilities are audited for ethical standards and fair labor practices with 100% Tier-1 coverage. LightSpray shoes are produced at On Labs in Zurich, Switzerland.
How long do On shoes last?
Road shoes: 600-800km. Trail shoes: 500-700km. Lifestyle shoes: 12-18 months. Lifespan depends on usage, running style, and care. Replace when you see visible compression of CloudTec pods or loss of cushioning responsiveness.
Can I machine wash my On shoes?
No. Machine washing damages materials and voids the manufacturer's warranty. Hand wash only with lukewarm water and mild detergent. LightSpray shoes need extra care — brush off dry dirt only, or hand wash with warm water. Never tumble dry any On shoes.
Are On shoes good for wide feet?
On Running shoes are standard width only — they don't offer wide or extra-wide options. Road and lifestyle models accommodate most foot widths at true to size. Trail models run slightly narrow in the midfoot — size up half a size. LightSpray uppers have less stretch than traditional mesh. We recommend trying in-store at OD's before purchasing.
Do On shoes need a break-in period?
Minimal. Most runners find them comfortable immediately, but allow 2-3 runs to fully adapt to the CloudTec cushioning system. LightSpray shoes are race-ready out of the box with zero break-in period — the upper molds to your foot shape over time.
Is OD's an authorised On Running stockist?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised UK stockist of On Running. Every pair purchased from us is 100% authentic with full manufacturer warranty, sourced directly from official distribution. Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) or shop online.
10 | Why OD's x On Running — The OD's Difference
Why Buy On from OD's Designer Clothing
- Authorised UK Stockist — 100% authentic, warranty-backed On products directly from official distribution.
- Expert Fitting Service — Our team provides personalised fit consultations to ensure you get the right shoe for your needs.
- Full UK Range — Complete selection for men and women across road, trail, lifestyle, and apparel categories.
- Aftercare Support — Questions about care, fit, or performance? We're here beyond the sale with expert guidance.
- Local Service — Real people, real expertise. No automated responses, no call centres — just knowledgeable staff who understand the product.
- Easy Returns & Exchanges — Try in-store or return unworn shoes within 30 days if fit isn't right.
Choosing OD's means buying Swiss precision with expert local support.