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.
The story starts in Switzerland
From small beginnings in Zürich, Switzerland, On set out in 2010 with a big ambition: to change the world of running. In the eight years since, On has been embraced into the hearts, and onto the feet, of more than 3 million runners in over 50 countries. And there's no sign of slowing down...
Caspar Coppetti, Olivier Bernhard, and David Allemann
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.
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
Eight years later, you can buy On running shoes at over 3,500 speciality running 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.
Timeline
January
A revolution begins
David Allemann, Olivier Bernhard, and Caspar Coppetti design the first On and create a company that aims to make running even more fun.
May
Studies confirm effectiveness of On technology
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich publishes a study demonstrating that test runners wearing On run at significantly lower pulse rates and lower blood lactate levels.
April
The Cloudracer launches
On releases the Cloudracer competition shoe.
October
Featured in the Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal describes On as a revolutionary running shoe.
January
The Leadership Team grows
Martin Hoffmann and Marc Maurer join the On team as CFO and COO, respectively.
March
North America HQ opens
On adds to its Zurich HQ by opening a US head office in Portland, Oregon.
June
Nicola Spirig runs on clouds
Switzerland's Olympic champion triathlete Nicola Spirig switches to On and uses the Swiss-engineered cushioning technology to change things up, moving to track and field athletics with more intensive running sessions.
November
On athlete Frederik Van Lierde takes Ironman title
The Belgian Frederik Van Lierde wins the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, wearing the new Cloudracer 2014.
February
The Cloud launches
With the On Cloud, On launches the world’s lightest fully cushioned running shoe.
March
Ranked high by Runner's World
Runner’s World magazine ranks On as one of the 20 most important running shoes in the USA, Great Britain and Germany.
February
A second ISPO Gold Award
The On Cloud wins the ISPO Gold Award fot the Best Performance Shoe 2015/16.
May
Asia HQ opens
On opens an office in Japan, further expanding its global footprint.
November
Cloudflyer & Cloudsurfer launch
On presents the all-new Cloudflyer that offers stabilty, yet remains light and agile. At the same time, the new Cloudsurfer hits the shelves. Its open Cloud construction unleashes even more speed.
February
Crowned with success
After winning Oscars for Birdman and Gravity, Mexican Emmanuel Chivo Lubezki earns his third consecutive Academy Award for best camera for his work in The Revenant. At the Oscar photoshoot for Variety he wears his preferred shoe: The On Cloud.
June
Cloudventure launch
On expands its range of running shoes and launches the Cloudventure family. The Cloudventure is a lightweight trail running shoe, built to excel in demanding outdoor conditions. The soft landing of the CloudTec® cushioning lets runners own the downhill.
July
Performance Running Gear launch
Six years after starting up, On introduces its own Performance Running Gear range, engineered to make running feel effortless.
August
Nicola Spirig on the Olympic podium again
Four years after winning gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games, Nicola Spirig wins silver in the women’s triathlon at Rio 2016.
November
The Cloudflow launches
On presents the Cloudflow. A record-breaking 18 Clouds propel precisely where you need it. Ready, set, flow.
January
On's footprint continues to grow
On kicks off the year with 3,000 shops in over 50 countries carrying On shoes, while three million happy runners showcase the shoes on their feet.
July
On makes 2017 the Year of Speed
Two new race shoes are launched with the Cloudflash (ISPO Product of the Year) and the Cloudrush underlining On's performance core.
August
#WeAreAllOne: On sponsors Refugee Team at the World Championships
A specially assembled refugee team competes at the World Athletics Championships in London, UK, wearing On Performance Running Gear designed specifically to help them shine on the world stage.
November
New Cloud and Cloud X launch
The next generation of an favorite is born with the new and improved Cloud, plus the launch of the all-new performance Cloud X for runners that remix their workouts.
Today
The journey continues
On continues to grow and so does our team of bright minds who think fast and think different. Think you could keep up? Then put your application on the start line. Visit our Careers page to see current opportunities.
