This post is also available in: enEnglishzh-hant繁體中文 (Chinese (Traditional))ja日本語 (Japanese)

ON|Redefining Performance Through Swiss Precision and Cloudlike Comfort

LIFESTYLE / 2025-11-12

From the Swiss Alps to the World: The Birth of a Cloud Revolution

Founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 2010 by former professional triathlete Olivier Bernhard alongside David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti, ON emerged from a single, powerful vision — to make running feel like walking on clouds. Inspired by the founder’s relentless pursuit of the perfect running sensation, ON fused Swiss engineering discipline with athletic passion, resulting in a new era of performance footwear.

What began as a startup in the Swiss Alps quickly evolved into a global movement, embraced not only by elite athletes but also by creatives, tastemakers, and urban explorers. ON’s breakthrough CloudTec® cushioning technology revolutionized how the world experiences movement — transforming every stride into a sensation of weightless propulsion.

Where Engineering Meets Aesthetics: The Art of Functional Design

Every ON design begins with performance — but ends with refined minimalism. The brand’s visual language embodies the precision and purity of Swiss design, merging aerodynamic functionality with modern elegance.

At the heart of its innovation lies CloudTec®, a patented midsole structure that absorbs impact and releases energy with each step, creating the signature “soft landing, explosive takeoff” effect. Models such as the Cloud 5, Cloudsurfer, and Cloudnova epitomize the duality of technical performance and everyday versatility.

Unlike traditional sportswear, ON’s palette and materials favor understated sophistication — neutral tones, clean silhouettes, and eco-conscious engineering. The brand’s Cyclon™ initiative, a fully recyclable running shoe subscription program, exemplifies its commitment to sustainability and circular design — proving that high performance can coexist with environmental responsibility.

The ON Lifestyle: Movement as Modern Culture

ON transcends the boundaries of sportswear, becoming a cultural symbol of freedom and mindful movement. It celebrates the idea that performance isn’t limited to the track — it’s a way of life. From early morning runs through city streets to weekend escapes into nature, ON footwear transitions seamlessly across lifestyles, reflecting the rhythm of contemporary mobility.

The brand’s collaborations with LOEWE, a meeting of Swiss innovation and Spanish luxury, have elevated performance sneakers into objects of art. These limited collections, characterized by hand-finished details and sculptural silhouettes, highlight ON’s unique position between functional design and high fashion — where technology meets timeless craftsmanship.

Through immersive community events, pop-ups, and storytelling campaigns, ON fosters a global dialogue around movement, creativity, and sustainability, empowering a generation that values both speed and stillness.

Run on Clouds, Live with Purpose

More than a sports brand, ON embodies a philosophy — to move with intention. Each design celebrates the freedom to explore, to push limits, and to reconnect with nature through motion.

From its Swiss origins to its international presence, ON crafts a universal narrative of precision, innovation, and mindful performance. Every pair is engineered not only to move faster but to feel lighter — physically and emotionally.

Discover the ON collection at IFCHIC, where the iconic Cloudsurfer, the city-ready Cloudnova, and exclusive LOEWE collaborations invite you to experience the true art of performance redefined.