Swiss sportswear brand On has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in athletic footwear: the Cloudboom Strike LS, a "spray-on" running shoe designed for peak performance and sustainability. Priced at $330, this lace-free, ultra-light sneaker is made with a unique thermoplastic upper sprayed on by a robotic arm, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional shoe models.
The shoe's cutting-edge design has already proven effective. Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri wore a pair to victory at the Boston Marathon and will race in them again at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The design, inspired by Halloween hot glue guns, uses heat instead of glue to bond the upper to the sole, enhancing its adaptability and fit.
Olympians have already raced in the sneaker, and more are expected to wear them during the Games. Courtesy On
The technology will be showcased in Paris this summer, coinciding with the Olympics. Other athletes, like Irish 1,500-meter runner Luke McCann, are expected to choose this model. On’s innovation follows trends seen in other industries, including Coperni’s spray-on dress at Paris Fashion Week. The Cloudboom Strike LS will be available to the public again later this year.
