If today the On shoe brand is a cult among runner addicts and more, thirteen years ago no one could imagine that a small Swiss company could make so much noise in the running world by launching its first shoes with the CloudTec cushioning technology, designed to offer the perfect combination of performance and comfort, giving runners a real sensation of “running on clouds.”
On: innovation switch turned on
It’s safe to say that the On Labs research and development team did not rest on its laurels. Striving to create new products and technologies that provide every runner the best experience at any level, Swiss engineers were able to take CloudTec technology to the next level. This effort was made possible by analyzing data using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) computational technology, which thoroughly studied the impact of structures and materials on the human body produced during a run, managing to minimize stride stress.
The new Cloudsurfer shoe with the CloudTec Phase technology
A thorough study that made possible the design of the evolved CloudTec Phase midsole available on the new Cloudsurfer shoe (available for 169.95 EUR on on.com and at retail partners worldwide), capable of offering an incredibly smooth run and a cushioned landing beyond expectations. The new outsole, made of Helion foam, is able to trigger a revolutionary rolling and foot transition movement, ensuring a smooth gait throughout the foot rotation and correct energy return, reducing weight and waste.
On for sustainability
The new Cloudsurfer shoe was created to be a game changer in the running world. A concept that also includes sustainability. On, in an effort to reduce environmental impact, has introduced effective methods in production and disposal of materials used. Firstly, by introducing the dope-dyeing method to color the upper part, saving 90% of water compared to traditional dyeing methods. Moreover, because the CloudTec Phase does not require a Speedboard plate, less material is needed for the midsole, and the upper is made of 100% recycled materials.
On at the Salone del Mobile
On Running, with its presence at the Design Week, achieved the mission impossible of matching design with running, creating a connection with its community through collaborations with different run crews and retailers. In this way, On Running was present in various districts with events and installations, including the final event at Spazio Fonte in collaboration with Coffee Run Crew.
The goal of the installation was to bring the public into the mind of the machine that conceived the design of the new Cloudsurfer. In collaboration with Armature Globale, who reinterpreted this theme with a speaker that echoes the sound of the computer processor and steps – in the form of London advertising practices from the ’90s with black vinyl glass printed with campaign images.
“For the release of the Cloudsurfer, the installation set up at Spazio Maiocchi celebrates both the machine and the human mind. A minimalist glass box as a representation of the digital world and an ephemeral yet material support for the translation of highly engineered images outside the design monitor.”
In addition to the installation, On closed its participation in the Design Week by organizing a collective run to test the new Cloudsurfers
In collaboration with Coffee Run Club
Freelance journalist, passionate about the outdoors, technology, and travel. Always on the lookout for the right soundtrack to soundtrack a life in motion.