On Running Brand Guide
The OD's Guide to On Running
Swiss Engineering Meets Human Movement
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
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, where engineers and athletes co-design every product.
CloudTec®
Patented cushioning system where hollow pods compress on impact and lock on take-off.
Speedboard®
A thermoplastic plate that converts landing energy into forward motion while reducing material waste by 90%.
Helion™ Superfoam
An EVA blend that keeps consistent cushioning from -20°C to +40°C — 30% lighter than standard foams.
Missiongrip™
A triple-lug outsole giving grip and control on wet, rocky, or muddy surfaces.
LightSpray™
A robotic process that sprays liquid TPU to form seamless uppers, cutting CO₂ emissions by 75%.
CleanCloud®
A foam made from captured carbon emissions, replacing petroleum-based EVA.
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 Bündchen have all been spotted wearing On.
Proof Through Performance — Ambassadors & Integrity
Roger Federer
20-time Grand Slam champion and On investor since 2019.
Zendaya
Global ambassador promoting "movement as expression."
On Athletics Club (OAC) — elite team including:
- Hellen Obiri — Boston & NYC Marathon champion
- Kristian Blummenfelt — Olympic triathlon gold medalist
- Chelsea Sodaro — Ironman World Champion
All claims verified through Impact Reports, Fair Labor Audits, and Carbotech AG life-cycle assessments.
4 | Beyond the Finish Line — Sustainability and Social Impact
On's sustainability framework is evidence-based and externally verified.
Key Results
- Carbon footprint per shoe: 13.2kg → 7.8kg CO₂e (2020–2024)
- 84% polyester and 92% polyamide from recycled sources
- All Tier-1 suppliers now use renewable energy
Circular Programs
- Cyclon™ — recyclable running shoe subscription.
- Onward™ — resale platform, 15,000+ pairs reused annually.
- CarryOn™ — free repair service (China pilot, 2024).
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.
5 | The Collection — Engineered for Every Stride
Road Running
- Cloudmonster: Maximum cushioning for distance comfort.
- Cloudstratus: Dual-layer CloudTec® for support during marathon training.
- Cloudflow: Lightweight racing shoe trusted by elite athletes.
Trail Running
- Cloudultra: Durable ultra-distance shoe tested on UTMB courses.
- Cloudventure: All-terrain option for mixed-surface running.
Lifestyle & Urban
- The Roger Collection: Federer-designed leather silhouettes with minimal court styling.
- Cloudnova: Hybrid sneaker blending performance and streetwear.
6 | Your Perfect Fit — On Running Sizing Guide
On-Specific Sizing Advice
- Road: True to size; size up ½ for long distances.
- Lifestyle: Standard fit for everyday wear.
- Trail: Slightly narrow midfoot; wide feet go up ½ size.
- Racing: Performance fit; most runners size up ½.
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
Visit OD's Designer Clothing in St Helens for expert fitting and gait analysis.
7 | 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
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: 600–800km depending on running style and surface
- Trail: 500–700km (shorter due to harsher terrain)
- Lifestyle: 12–18 months with regular wear
When to Replace
- Visible wear on CloudTec® pods or outsole
- Loss of cushioning or responsiveness
- Upper material showing significant wear or separation
- Experiencing new aches or pains during runs
8 | Frequently Asked Questions
On Running Product Questions
Are On Running shoes sustainable?
Yes — recycled materials, renewable energy in production, and verified circular programs like Cyclon™ and Onward™.
Do they fit true to UK size?
Mostly yes. Trail and racing shoes fit tighter; lifestyle models fit standard. We recommend trying in-store or consulting our fit guide.
Can I recycle or return old pairs?
Yes — via Cyclon™ subscription service, Onward™ resale platform, or CarryOn™ repair service (availability varies by region).
Where are they made?
Vietnam (62%), China (28%), Europe (10%). All facilities are audited for ethical standards and fair labor practices.
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.
Can I machine wash my On shoes?
No — machine washing damages materials and voids warranty. Hand wash only with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Are On shoes good for wide feet?
Road and lifestyle models accommodate most widths at true to size. Trail models run slightly narrow in the midfoot — size up ½ if you have wide feet.
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.
9 | Why OD's × On Running — The OD's Difference
Why Buy On from OD's Designer Clothing
- Authorized UK Stockist — 100% authentic, warranty-backed On products directly from official distribution.
- Expert Fitting Service — Our team provides personalized fit consultations and gait analysis to ensure you get the right shoe for your needs.
- Full UK Range — Complete selection for men and women across road, trail, and lifestyle 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 centers — 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.