Nine years ago, three Swiss guys revolutionised the sensation of running with a completely new, innovative outsole compression technology called CloudTec®. Now On is doubling up the tech with the all-new Cloudstratus.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – In 2010, World Duathlon Champion and multiple Ironman winner Olivier Bernhard was craving a new running sensation, one that would allow a soft, cushioned landing to minimize impact on the ground but a hard, speedy push-off to beat that last competitor to the finish line.
Bernhard partnered up with a like-minded Swiss engineer, cut up pieces of a common garden hose and glued them onto a traditional racing flat. When tested, the pieces of garden hose provided a plush, cushioned landing but as they transitioned from heel to toe, the pieces collapsed, allowing a hard surface to push off from. Bernhard loved the feel and from there, CloudTec® was born.
What started as an unlikely prototype went on to sell 5 million shoes worldwide in just eight years. Now On is doubling up that garden hose-like tech with the all-new Cloudstratus. Double the Clouds. Double the cushion. Double the run.
THE OUTSOLE
With its Swiss-engineered, dual sequential cushioning system, the Cloudstratus is made for runners that need more cushion for those long runs. Two distinct levels of CloudTec® visibly work in sync for a smooth, supportive ride. First, the lower layer of hollow pods on the outsole cushion every foot strike, collapse and propel the runner into forward motion. Then, the second layer joins to absorb residual impact and add even more propulsion. It’s running on Clouds taken to a whole new level. Literally.
The all-new road shoe is also the first On to have connected Clouds in the forefoot for even greater performance on race day. This adapted structure increases the contact area, distributes pressure and enhances the explosive motion of the Speedboard in the midsole.
THE UPPER
The asymmetric engineered upper is made with movement in mind. Where the foot flexes, the shoe flexes too. In addition, the anatomically-oriented lacing system creates a star-shaped configuration for increased forefoot control. With two eyelet options for additional customisation, the outsole isn’t the only thing On is doubling up on with the Cloudstratus.
“Developing shoes like the Cloudstratus is unbelievably exciting for me,” said On Co-Founder and Head of R&D, Olivier Bernhard. “We worked for years on this shoe, with the goal of creating a premium, plush and super-cushioned experience for runners. I truly believe that we made something so unique that you can tell at first glance it’s not a standard running shoe and after your first stride you’ll feel it too. I’m really proud of our R&D team and the research and dedication they brought for developing the Cloudstratus. It’s running shoe innovation at its finest.”
Hi-res images for download here.
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PRESS CONTACT:
Layla Smith
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Background Information
Who is On?
On is a young Swiss sports company based in Zurich (Switzerland), Portland (Oregon, USA), Yokohama (Japan) and Melbourne (Australia). It has one simple mission: make running fun. A team of sports scientists, world-class athletes and designers spearhead this mantra.
On running shoes are winning design and technology distinctions all over the world – most recently the ISPO Product of the Year and Gold Award for the Best Performance Shoes 2017/18. World Champions and elite athletes win constantly in On.
On’s ingenious CloudTec sole is patented worldwide. Seven years after market launch, On is available at more than 4,000 specialist running stores and over 50 countries in Europe, North America, South America and Asia-Pacific.
How does On’s patented CloudTec® system work?
Cushioned landing, firm push-off: that’s the core concept behind the new running shoe by On, the young Swiss-based manufacturer. On’s patented technology combines all the benefits of a soft training shoe and a hard and fast racing shoe; a radical development in the sports industry. Land on the sand, push off from the running track!
The secret to this bold new dual functionality lies in the On’s “Clouds” – hollow pods on the sole of the shoe that stretch back on impact to cushion the landing and then lock to form the solid foundation required for a powerful push-off.
Athletes who have worn On and their coaches have reported greater muscle activation, new personal bests and shorter recovery times. These findings are also backed up by scientific research: independent studies by the reputed Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland have confirmed that the patented CloudTec® system substantially reduces athletes’ heart rates and blood lactate levels.
