On is launching the Cloudboom Strike 2 and LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2 on July 30, featuring advanced CloudTec Sphere cushioning and robotic manufacturing to improve marathon running performance.

Key Points

• The Cloudboom Strike 2 costs $250, while the LightSpray version is priced at $310.
• Both models utilize the new CloudTec Sphere midsole geometry and a curved carbon Speedboard for energy return.
• The LightSpray upper is created by a robot arm winding 1.5 kilometers of filament, resulting in a seamless, laceless, 158-gram shoe.
• On claims the LightSpray technology provides a 1.6 percent gain in running economy based on a University of Cape Town study.
• Production facilities for the LightSpray technology are currently operating in Zurich and near Busan, South Korea.

Why it Matters

These shoes represent a significant shift in manufacturing by replacing traditional labor-intensive stitching with automated robotic processes. This innovation allows On to compete directly with established marathon footwear leaders while potentially setting a new standard for lightweight, high-performance racing gear.