About Us

The On story

On was born in the Swiss Alps. Since our inception, we've had one goal: revolutionize the way you run. It all revolves around one radical idea: soft landings followed by explosive push-offs. Or, as we like to say: walking on clouds.

It all starts in Switzerland

From its humble beginnings in Zurich in 2010, On has had one big goal: to change the world of running. In the eight years since, On has captured the hearts and feet of more than seven million runners in over 50 countries. And our triumph is far from over...

Three friends, one mission

Not only the love of running brought the former professional athlete Olivier Bernhard and his friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti together. They are all committed to the same revolutionary idea. This is her story.

After he ended his competitive career as a professional, the three-time duathlon world champion and multiple Ironman winner Olivier Bernhard devoted himself to a very special idea: the running shoe for the perfect running feeling. This plan brought him together with a like-minded Swiss engineer who had an idea for a new type of running shoe. In the years to come, this first radical idea was optimized through the perfect symbiosis of running experience and engineering.

Dozens of prototypes were developed. The basic concept – cushioned landing, powerful push-off – always came first. It was this unique feeling when running that also persuaded Caspar Coptetti and David Allemann to collaborate. Together with Olivier Bernhard they founded On in January 2010 in Zurich. Their mission to develop a product range shaped by Swiss engineering quickly gained momentum.

Just one month later, in February, the prototypes won an ISPO BrandNew Award, one of the most important awards for innovative sporting goods. The test runners were thrilled. They talked about a feeling like walking on clouds. In July 2010, the first On shoes hit the stores.

today

Ten years later, On running shoes are available in more than 8,700 specialty running shops in over 50 countries. In addition to the European headquarters in Zurich, On has opened offices in the US, Japan, Australia and Brazil. On products continue to win international awards for superior design and innovative technology. And On is far from the finish line.

timeline

2010

January

The revolution begins

David Allemann, Olivier Bernhard and Caspar Coppetti designed the first On and founded a company that aims to make running even more fun.

2011

May

Studies confirm the effectiveness of On technology

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich publishes a study showing that test runners wearing On have a significantly lower heart rate and lower blood lactate levels.

2012

April

Launch of the cloud racer

On introduces the Cloudracer competition shoe.

October

Article in the Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal describes On as a revolution in running shoes.

2013

January

The management team is growing

Martin Hoffmann and Marc Maurer join On as CFO and COO.

March

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