On, the Swiss running brand, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in athletic footwear: LightSpray™ technology, a spray-on process that redefines how running shoes are made. Unlike traditional methods that involve multiple steps—such as weaving, cutting, and sewing—LightSpray™ uses a robotic arm to spray 1.5 kilometers of filament directly onto a racing midsole, forming a seamless, ultra-thin upper in just three minutes. This approach eliminates the need for glues and laces, resulting in a shoe that is not only lighter but also significantly more sustainable.
The first shoe to feature this technology is the Cloudboom Strike LS, which boasts an upper weighing just 30 grams and a total shoe weight of around 170–188 grams, depending on size. The upper is constructed from a single recyclable material, offering a second-skin fit that reduces chafing and distractions for runners. With no laces and a seamless design, the shoe provides a distraction-free experience, ideal for marathon distances and elite competition.
Beyond performance, LightSpray™ represents a major leap forward in sustainability. The process reduces CO₂ emissions by 75% compared to On’s other racing uppers, thanks to the elimination of glues, excess textiles, and wasteful production steps. Manufacturing can be localized wherever a robot lab is set up, further cutting down on transportation emissions and enabling a more circular, environmentally friendly production model.
The Cloudboom Strike LS has already made its mark on the world stage, worn by elite athletes at major marathons in Boston, Paris, New York, and Tokyo. By combining a revolutionary upper with a carbon-fiber Speedboard® and Helion™ HF hyper foam for energy return and impact absorption, On’s spray-on running shoe is not just a technological marvel—it’s a signal of where the future of performance footwear is headed.
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(Source: On Shop | Runner’s World)
