On Running (often just “On”) was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with one radical idea: make running feel like “running on clouds”. It all started when former pro athlete Olivier Bernhard began tinkering with pieces of garden hose glued to his shoes to create a new kind of cushioned sole. He and his two friends, David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti, officially launched On in Zurich and introduced their signature CloudTec® technology – a unique podded sole that gives soft landings and explosive take-offs. Suddenly, runners had a shoe that was fully engineered in Switzerland for performance but felt playful and different from anything else out there.
Fast forward, and On has exploded from a niche idea to a global phenomenon, loved by millions of runners in 50+ countries. Despite the growth, the brand keeps its independent, innovative spirit. They’ve built an elite On Lab in Zurich where scientists continuously dream up new designs, never afraid to break the mold. On is also stepping up on sustainability – projects like CleanCloud® are turning carbon emissions into shoe foam, and they’ve even developed a fully recyclable shoe you can return when worn out. The vibe is optimistic and energetic: whether you’re chasing a PR or just jogging for fun, On Running’s ethos is to “ignite the human spirit through movement” and make every stride feel a little magical.
