ON LAUNCHES NEW CLOUDBOOM MARATHON SHOES

On

Summary:

• On announces two long-distance racing shoe models for global release on July 30, 2026.
• The footwear features a new foam cushioning layout and a lighter midsole design.
• Production expands with a new automated robotic facility operating near Busan, South Korea.

Swiss sportswear brand On announced the second generation of the elite long-distance racing line. This collection includes the Cloudboom Strike 2 and the LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2. Both models feature a new cushioning structure called CloudTec Sphere. This specific engineering targets performance during marathons.

The Cloudboom Strike 2 costs 250 EUR and weighs 191 grams. The premier version, the LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2, costs 320 EUR and weighs 158 grams. This lighter model uses an automated manufacturing process. A localized robotic arm sprays 1.5 kilometers of specialized filament onto the shoe structure in minutes. Traditional running shoe manufacturing often involves up to 200 separate assembly steps across multiple factories. The LightSpray production method changes this workflow by condensing assembly into a single automated step. The machinery fits a seamless piece directly onto the sole unit without glues or traditional laces. This design creates a seamless, glueless upper piece. Environmental firm Vaayu conducted a life-cycle assessment on this process. The study showed a carbon footprint reduction of 65 percent for the upper component compared to standard production methods.

Athletes from the On team tested these running shoes during major competitions before the commercial release. Hellen Obiri reduced her marathon time by 1 minute and 48 seconds in London. Yeman Crippa won a tactical race in Paris with a 48-second improvement. Joe Klecker improved his personal record by 4 minutes and 41 seconds in Boston. Additionally, a study by the University of Cape Town indicated a 1.6 percent increase in running economy for athletes wearing the LightSpray version compared to standard industry footwear options.

The cushioning system combines several design updates. The updated layout uses geometric cushioning channels to absorb ground impact. Runners receive energy return from the foam configuration during marathon distances. The design team focused on maintaining performance through the final stages of long races. A redesigned Helion HF midsole reduces weight by 15 percent compared to previous foam iterations. A curved carbon Speedboard sits between these dual-density layers. This stiff component provides forward propulsion with each step.

To meet global demand for automated production, On expanded manufacturing infrastructure. A second robotic facility began operations near Busan, South Korea, in April 2026. This location supplements the initial automated hub established in Zurich during 2025. Both shoe models become available globally on July 30, 2026, through the company website and premium retail outlets.