On Shoes–Why It is Time for You to Look Outside Your “Shoe Box”

The On Shoe Story

The Swiss are famous for watchmaking–and making On Shoes.

A 3-man team of athletes and an engineer birthed On ten years ago.

The Zurich founders wanted a shoe that created a feeling of running on clouds with soft landings. In addition, their unique mission was to develop a shoe that also had an explosive take off. They successfully accomplished both goals.

In just 10 years, the ON Shoe line which is now available in 6500 premium retail stores in over 50 countries. The On excellence has been recognized throughout the industry. Some of the accomplishments are:

• The ISPO Brand New Award
• The Wall Street Journal describes On as a revolutionary running shoe.
• The ISPO Gold Award for the Best Performance Shoe 2015/16.
• Belgian Frederik Van Lierde wins the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, wearing the new Cloudracer 2014.
• Triathlete Olympian Nicola Spiring wins a gold and silver at two separate Olympics–each time wearing On shoes.
• And the engineering awards continue to roll in.

Is it time you broke the norm and clothed your feet with ON products?

What We Value About On Shoes

Where do we begin? These guys are way ahead of the game in technology advancements in the shoe industry. It could be because they are athletes.

Cutting-Edge Technology

First, the CloudTec® Technology and Zero-Gravity foam in the outsole provide soft landings. Thus, they accomplished their first achievement. Then they moved on to creating a propulsion immediately after landing. The signature Speedboard® within transforms propels you into a forward motion after the foot landing. It’s literally like having jet packs in your shoes.

Fully Waterproof Upper

The weather can’t interrupt your running routine. Therefore, your shoes have to withstand all the elements. Your feet stay dry in rainy conditions, protected by the 100% wind and waterproof membrane upper. The rain just rolls off the shoe surface. Perhaps in another post we will cover the waterproof clothing On has developed. Runners worldwide are benefiting from the On dedication to runners.

The Amazing On Shoe Collection

On has developed three distinct collections in an effort to meet the needs of all athletic shoe customers.

1. WATERPROOF COLLECTION

A true running shoe should be able to withstand all the elements. No problem with the next-gen Cloudflyer Waterproof. It combines lightweight cushioning with a 100% wind and waterproof membrane. You get true comfort and stability from the latest technology. What promotes running comfort? The Cloud elements Helion™ superfoam, a  Speedboard®, a 3D-molded heel, and a super-plush tongue and wider outsole.

Many running shoes heat up quickly. Oh has addressed this with a membrane that is highly breathable. In addition to weather protection, there is a midfoot stability tube to support and give a foot-hugging feel. There are reflective details in the heel, forefoot, and laces to make night running safer.

2. CLOUD COLLECTION

On launched The Cloud, On’s signature collection, in 2014. It has received some of the most prestigous awards as listed above. There is no wonder it has become the go-to shoe for millions of athletes around the world.

The Cloud you see today is an upgrade to the original Cloud. The new model incorporates the latest technology and innovation but still maintains the Oh value of being light weight.

What’s New About the Cloud Collection?

The Sole: Probably the biggest change/improvement in the Cloud is the sole. To lessen the chance of picking up something on your run, the new Cloud has a wider central channel. The inner part of the cloud angles away from the channel to create a “Y” like shape. These two improvements have proven to have less tread interference from ground debris.
Another sole improvement is an increased size and number of grip pads along the heel and forefoot. This increase in pads assists in control in wet conditions. They also provide better response to hazards that may come under foot.

The Inside

What has made the Cloud such a popular model is the light weight and ease of slipping them on. New to the Cloud upgrade is a sockliner inside the shoes. The sockliner, made from dual-density materials, quickly adapts to your foot. The result is a custom-fit feel. You get comfort whether wearing socks or not.

Another improvement in the upgraded Cloud is the patented On Speedboard has been extended at the back. This adds extra support in the heel and the new sole channel.

New materials and details

When looking at the outside of the Cloud, you will see a similar shape to the original version. Some improvements or additions requested by athletes:

Speed laces – new dipped ends to prevent the possibility of frays.

Elastic heel bands – no longer needed because of the new V-molded heel design. Now you will find reflective strips to increase visibility.

Reflective logos – These are new. Combine these with the new reflective strips and you have a much-desired increased visibility.

Lace loops – for those who prefer traditional lacing systems, you will find strengthened and redesigned lace loops.

Upper body – now a smoother, cleaner look with increased support.

There are two Cloud styles:

• • Cloud Dip
    

The Cloud Dip build provides rugged protection in an urban adventure. This is the most durable Cloud model to date. The hand-applied 360-degree rubber mudguard is ready for the harshest urban environment.

Will you lose comfort in the Cloud Dip? No! The Swiss engineering combines comfort into the rugged design. The Zero-Gravity foam and CloudTec® in the outsole provide soft, cushioned landings. The high-propulsion Speedboard™ pushes you forward relentlessly. All of these technological advances just enhance the new Cloud Dip design. It is definitely the toughest development so far. You can truly say, “Bring it on!”

• • The Cloud Terry

The Cloud Terry isn’t a new development. It first appeared in 2018 but has evolved to what you see today. What can we say? It is “edgier” than ever now. You get the same snug feel but there is an all-new look. You get all the Swiss-engineer features in a city style. Will you lose comfort in the Cloud Dip? No! The Swiss engineering combines comfort into the rugged design.

Where did the “Cloud Terry” name come from? Think of towels…the tongue is a unique comfort fabric which gives the shoe its name. The shoe combines both cotton with other sustainable materials. Your feet will feel heavenly in the comfort of a “bath robe.”

We don’t want to mislead you. Yes, there is terry cloth built into the shoe. There is also vegan leather wrapped around the midfoot, with a perforated design around the heel. There are two loops incorporated in the shoe to make the step in even easier than before.

3. The ROGER Collection

The third collection was co-created with the tennis master, Roger Federer. Do we need to say more to build your trust? What do you get? High performance and timeless style. The On Swiss engineers have included all the latest developments. Slip the shoe on your foot, and you will immediately  feel the concealed CloudTec® elements. Combine CloudTec® with the concealed Speedboard®, and you have elite-level energy return all day.

Our Top On shoe Picks

WATERPROOF COLLECTION

CLOUD COLLECTION

ROGER COLLECTION

IN CONCLUSION

On is definitely on the cutting edge of athletic shoe development. If you are overwhelmed with the choices, there is a shoe finder tool on the On website to help you determine your best fit. While you are there, check out the performance clothing line. All in all, we see why On Shoes have become the go-to shoe for serious athletes worldwide.