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On was born in the Swiss alps with one goal: to revolutionize the sensation of running. It’s all based on one radical idea. Soft landings followed by explosive take-offs. Or, as we call it, running on clouds.
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...
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Three friends, one mission
It’s not just a 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 that first radical idea to be refined.
Dozens of prototypes were developed, but the basic concept – cushioned landing, firm take-off – remained paramount 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.
By bringing Clouds together, we created a highly adaptive sole that reduces muscle fatique and lowers heart rates.
Multi-directional cushioning
It's a cushioning system that's active only during landings-exactly when you need it.
Cushioning individually and as a unit, the Cloud elements react to your unique movements.
Compressing horizontally and vertucally for soft landings.
Producing the perfect platform for explosive take-offs.
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 8700 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.
