On Running History: From Garden Hose to Helion™, Plus Which On Shoe to Buy

Quick answer: On Running is a Swiss brand founded in Zurich in 2010 by former pro triathlete Olivier Bernhard and his friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti. The very first On prototype was a running shoe with cut-up pieces of garden hose glued to the sole. That idea became CloudTec®, the hollow "cloud" pods you see on every On shoe today. If you're buying your first pair, start with the On Cloud 6 for everyday wear, the Cloudmonster for the most cushion, or the Cloudnova for an all-day lifestyle sneaker.

Most sneaker brands spent years chasing softer foam. On went a different way. It used the shape of the sole to do the cushioning work. Over the last 15 years, those rubber hose pieces turned into light foam pods, a flexible plate, and Helion™ foam. The goal stayed the same: a soft landing and a firm, quick push-off.

The On story starts in 2010. Olivier Bernhard, a former pro triathlete and duathlon world champion, wanted a shoe that felt soft when he landed but still let him push off hard. So he glued pieces of garden hose to the bottom of a running shoe. The hose pieces squished down when his foot landed and also slid back a little, which softened each step. Then they firmed up so he could push off.

That rough prototype became CloudTec®. Over the years, On swapped the heavy rubber for lighter foam pods and added the Speedboard®, a flexible plate inside the sole. Later came Helion™, a light foam made to feel the same in hot and cold weather. Here are a few key moments:

• 2010: On is founded in Zurich, Switzerland, after the garden-hose prototype proves the idea.
• 2019: Tennis legend Roger Federer joins On as an investor and partner, which later leads to THE ROGER sneaker line.
• Today: The lineup runs from everyday sneakers like the Cloud 6 to cushioned runners like the Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer.

What makes an On shoe feel like an On isn't softness. It's the quick "snap" when you push off, which comes from the pods working with the Speedboard® plate.

JD Expert Question: "If I rotate between the Cloudmonster and other On models, will the plate keep its snap after a lot of miles?"

JD Expert Answer: The pods take a lot of the impact on each step, so the plate and foam inside aren't crushed as quickly as in some all-foam shoes. That helps the ride feel steady for longer. Still, every running shoe wears out. Most runners replace their shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or sooner if the cushioning starts to feel flat.

• How they feel:

• Early prototypes: Built only to soften landings. They felt a bit clunky, but the smooth, gliding step was new.

• Today's models: Many add a Speedboard® plate, so the pods soften the landing and the plate helps you push off. The ride feels quicker and more lively.

• In cold weather:

• Original rubber: Could get stiff in the cold.

• Helion™ foam: Made to keep a steadier feel in hot and cold weather, so your shoes don't turn hard on winter sidewalks.

Who should buy On shoes?

On is a great pick if you want a light, smooth shoe for walking, travel, the gym, or easy runs. If soft, squishy foam shoes leave your legs feeling slow, you'll like the firmer, quicker push-off of CloudTec®. If you want the softest, sink-in feel, look at On's most cushioned models or a max-cushion brand like HOKA.

Ready to shop? Browse the full lineup of On Running shoes at JD Sports.

Here's a quick guide to the On models most shoppers ask about:

• On Cloud 6 (or Cloud 5): The everyday classic. Light, easy to slip on, and great for walking, travel, and casual outfits.
• On Cloudmonster: Big pods and the most bounce. Best for long walks and easy runs.
• On Cloudnova: A stylish, supportive sneaker made for all-day wear and long shifts.
• On Cloudsurfer: A soft, smooth daily running shoe.
• THE ROGER: A clean, tennis-inspired court sneaker for everyday style.

Most people wear their usual size in On. A few tips:

• Wide feet or between sizes: Go up a half size. Many On models have a snug midfoot.
• Coming from Nike or adidas: Most shoppers wear the same size. If your Nike running shoes feel tight, try a half size up in On.
• For running: Leave about a thumb's width at the toe, since feet swell on longer runs.

• Who founded On Running? Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti founded On in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010.
• What was the first On shoe made of? The first prototype used pieces of garden hose glued to the sole of a running shoe. That idea became CloudTec®.
• Does Roger Federer own On? No. He joined On in 2019 as an investor and partner, and he helps design THE ROGER line.
• What is Helion™ foam? It's On's light cushioning foam, made to feel steady in both hot and cold weather. You'll find it in many On models.
• Where can I buy On shoes? Shop On Running at JD Sports online and in stores.

• On Product Information: How CloudTec®, Helion™ foam, and the Speedboard® plate work, from On's official product details.
• On Brand History: The 2010 founding story and Olivier Bernhard's garden-hose prototype, from On's public company history.
• Independent Reviews: Wear tests comparing the comfort, cushioning, and durability of popular On models.
• JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.