On Running

Summing Up On Running

On Running was founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 2010 by former Swiss Ironman champion Olivier Bernhard alongside entrepreneurs David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti. Their founding brief was as precise as it was ambitious: engineer a shoe that delivers a genuinely cushioned landing followed by an explosive, propulsive take-off, without sacrificing weight or responsiveness. The solution was CloudTec, a patented system of hollow, compressible pods arranged in rows across the outsole. Each pod deforms independently on impact, dispersing ground-reaction forces, then locks with adjacent pods at toe-off to return stored energy forward. Within two years of launch, On prototypes were winning ISPO awards for innovation and appearing on the feet of Olympic-level triathletes. By 2024, the brand reported CHF 2.32 billion in annual net sales, a year-on-year increase of 29.4%, confirming its transition from Swiss running specialist to a globally relevant performance and lifestyle brand. For the Urban Industry customer, On represents a technically rigorous choice that sits equally at home on the road, the trail, and the street.

How Does On Running Stack Up

• CloudTec Pod Geometry: On's signature hollow outsole pods are moulded from Zero-Gravity EVA foam (as seen in the Cloud 6) or the more performance-focused Helion superfoam, an EVA-Olefin blend. Each pod compresses multi-directionally on heel-strike, then interlocks at toe-off to deliver a forward-propulsive snap. The result is a measurable reduction in vertical oscillation compared to traditional flat-sole EVA midsoles.
• CloudTec Phase Technology (Cloud Surfer): Rather than independently compressing pods, CloudTec Phase uses angled Helion foam elements that collapse sequentially from heel to toe, in a domino-like motion. This geometry removes the need for a separate Speedboard plate, reducing total midsole component count and overall weight, while producing an exceptionally smooth, rolling heel-to-toe transition that is optimised for tempo road running and all-day comfort.
• Speedboard Propulsion Plate (Cloud 6): Where CloudTec Phase is absent, On's glass-fibre reinforced Speedboard sits beneath the CloudTec layer. It acts as a tensioned spring, storing energy through mid-stance and returning it at toe-off, providing a level of energy return and torsional stiffness that pure-foam midsoles cannot replicate. The Cloud 6 uses an X-shaped Speedboard configuration for enhanced lateral stability during side-to-side movement.
• Missiongrip Outsole Rubber (Cloudrock): On's proprietary Missiongrip rubber compound was originally developed and tested in the Swiss Alps for trail and technical footwear. It features a multi-directional lug pattern engineered to maximise friction on wet rock, compressed mud, and loose scree, surfaces commonly encountered on UK trails. Combined with a 100% waterproof membrane and a TPU mudguard toe cap, the Cloudrock delivers a trail specification that is genuinely ready for British upland conditions.

The Urban Industry Take on On Running

For the UK market, the On Running range addresses one of the core frustrations of British footwear ownership: the need for a single shoe that performs convincingly in genuinely wet conditions while retaining a clean, contemporary look for urban use. On's positioning sits at the intersection of technical running performance and modern lifestyle aesthetics, making them a natural anchor and influence in everyday menswear.

UK Climate Suitability: The Cloudrock Waterproof is the standout choice for UK outdoor conditions. Its 100% waterproof membrane and Missiongrip outsole are engineered for exactly the kind of saturated trail surfaces found across the South Downs, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands. The Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof variant brings this same wet-weather protection to an urban silhouette, making it a practical daily driver from October through March. The standard Cloud 6 and Cloud Surfer, while not waterproof, are constructed with tight-weave engineered mesh uppers that resist light rain and dry quickly, adequate for the drizzle that characterises most lowland UK days.

Styling: The Cloud Tilt is the most style-forward silhouette in the current On line-up, with a low, clean profile that pairs naturally with slim technical trousers, tapered denim, or wide-leg workwear cuts. For a contemporary running-influenced look, the Cloud Surfer's streamlined upper and visible CloudTec Phase sole make it a strong pairing with running-specific apparel from the likes of Satisfy Running. Browse the full men's footwear range to explore how On sits alongside other performance brands in our collection.

Sizing Guidance: On Running footwear, across the Cloud 6, Cloud Surfer, and Cloud Tilt, runs true to UK size for most wearers. The fit is a standard width with a moderately snug midfoot and a rounded toe box. Runners or wearers with particularly wide feet should be aware that the midfoot can feel firm initially, though it softens with use. For the Cloudrock, the trail-specific last runs slightly narrow through the midfoot: if you are between sizes or wear a thicker hiking sock, we recommend sizing up by half a size for the best fit.

Our On Running FAQ

Do On Running shoes run true to size? Yes, across the Cloud 6, Cloud Surfer, and Cloud Tilt, On Running footwear fits consistently true to UK size. The standard last has a moderately snug midfoot with a rounded forefoot that accommodates most foot shapes comfortably. For the Cloudrock specifically, if you plan to wear thicker socks for hiking or trail use, consider sizing up half a size to allow for sock volume and foot swell over longer distances.

Are the Cloudrock shoes fully waterproof, and what terrain are they designed for? Yes. The Cloudrock features a 100% waterproof membrane that provides reliable wet-weather protection, tested against rain, puddles, and river crossings. The Missiongrip outsole uses a rubber compound originally developed for Swiss alpine terrain and provides strong traction on wet rock, muddy paths, and loose gravel. For UK use, this makes the Cloudrock a credible choice for everything from South Downs Way sections to urban exploring in persistent autumn rain. If maximalist cushioning for trail running is your priority, our HOKA range offers a useful comparison point for trail footwear construction.

Can On Cloud shoes be used for running as well as everyday wear? This depends on the model. The Cloud Surfer is a genuine performance road runner, with its CloudTec Phase midsole and Helion superfoam optimised for tempo training and daily mileage at a 6mm heel-to-toe drop. The Cloud 6 is built more for all-day comfort and urban use: its CloudTec and Speedboard provide enough responsiveness for light gym work and short treadmill sessions, but it is not engineered for high-mileage training. The Cloud Tilt is a lifestyle silhouette and is not designed for active running. For dedicated training use, the Cloud Surfer is the correct choice from this current selection.

Why Buy On Running from Urban Industry

Urban Industry has been a cornerstone of the UK's independent retail scene since 2002. Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, we have spent over two decades curating a highly selective range of the world's best footwear and apparel brands, chosen on merit, not volume. We stock On Running because the technology is genuine and the product line earns its place alongside the most demanding technical and lifestyle brands we carry. Our customers trust us, which is reflected in our Excellent rating built from thousands of verified reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and Judge.me. We ship globally every day, with same-day despatch on orders placed before 3:00pm GMT Monday to Friday, and all EU orders are shipped Duties Delivered Paid (DDP) for a completely frictionless delivery experience.