On Running
The Swiss are perhaps best known for watches and chocolate, but thanks to the On Running company, they’ re now known for innovative running shoes as well. The company was founded in 2010 after retired three-time World Duathlon Champion and multiple Ironman winner Olivier Bernhard decided to try developing the ultimate running shoe, with a cushioned landing and firm take-off. This convinced Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann to come aboard, and they came up with a design that had enthusiastic runners describing the cushioning of the On shoes as“ running on clouds.” Thanks to its CloudTec designs, the On brand has become an international success story, garnering numerous awards along the way for its innovative technology, and was introduced to South Africa in October 2017.
Who Stocks them: You’ ll find On products in a number of specialist sports stores in South Africa.
Upper
A breathable knitted weave mesh ensures both a secure, snug fit as well as ventilation for your feet. The On uppers feature minimal rubber overlays to ensure fit, because they’ re really well engineered to allow the foot to move naturally in the shoe. An antimicrobial treatment prevents the build-up of odour-causing bacteria.
Sockliner
A cushioned sockliner provides additional underfoot cushioning, and On treats the sockliner with an antimicrobial coating to prevent the build-up of odourcausing bacteria.
Full-length Support
The patented Speedboard plate built into On shoes gives them a responsive, springy flex that encourages the natural rolling process and promotes explosive take-offs. It also delivers torsional support, which is helpful in reducing the strain and fatigue felt by the muscles of the foot.
Web: http:// www. tifosisports. co. za
The Tech The key technology you’ ll find in On Running shoes.
CloudTec
The eye-catching main feature of On shoes is their CloudTec midsole, which features 14 to 18 highly adaptive semi-circular cut-out pods known as Clouds. When you hit the ground, these Clouds cushion both vertical and horizontal forces for a soft landing, responding to the unique movement of each foot and activating the postural muscles to ensure stability. Once on the ground, the Clouds lock firm to provide a solid foundation for an energised, powerful takeoff. In other words, they initially act like mini-shock absorbers, then transform into boosters.
Midsole Cushioning
On shoes use Zero-Gravity EVA lightweight foam rubber as the midsole material, offering great cushioning and durability, and this material is also used in the Clouds.
Outsole
Layered underneath the individual CloudTec foam rubber Clouds is a durable CloudTec outsole rubber material that protects the foam from the abrasive wear and tear of running. On outsoles either feature a honeycomb pattern, or the newly developed textured arrow pattern, to ensure traction and grip.
38 ISSUE 104 MARCH 2018 / www. modernathlete. co. za