In a bold stride towards the future of sportswear, Swiss brand On has launched its latest innovation: LightSpray™ Technology.
This cutting-edge development in footwear engineering not only enhances athletic performance but also promises a sustainable future for sportswear manufacturing.
Developed at the On Labs in Zurich, LightSpray™ is set to redefine footwear production and performance standards, marking a significant leap forward in the industry.
A New Era in Footwear Manufacturing
LightSpray™ technology debuts in the Cloudboom Strike LS, a high-performance running shoe designed for race day.
Unlike traditional shoe uppers, the LightSpray™ uppers are crafted through a fast, one-step manufacturing process utilising a robotic arm.
This results in an ultra-light, seamless one-piece upper that offers exceptional fit and support, eliminating the need for laces and minimizing distractions.
Sustainable and Efficient Production
The revolutionary LightSpray™ manufacturing process is not only efficient but also sustainable. By reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions by 75% compared to other On racing shoes, the fully automated process paves the way for more environmentally friendly production.
The use of a single recyclable material and glue-free assembly also opens up new possibilities for circular manufacturing.
“LightSpray™ marks a significant milestone for On, not only in creating high-performance products but also in its potential to move us towards a more sustainable, circular future,” said Marc Maurer, Co-CEO of On.
“Our team constantly challenges itself to rethink the status quo in terms of design, development, and manufacturing of performance sportswear.”
Athlete-Driven Innovation
On’s athletes played a crucial role in the development and testing of LightSpray™ technology.
Hellen Obiri, a 4x World Champion runner and winner of the Boston and New York City marathons, wore a prototype of the Cloudboom Strike LS during her Boston Marathon victory earlier this year.
Live Demonstrations and Availability
This summer, On will showcase the automated production unit behind LightSpray™ technology with live demonstrations.
From July 27th to August 10th and August 28th to September 8th, consumers can witness the shoe-making process at the On Labs Paris pop-up at 27 Bd Jules Ferry, Paris.
The Cloudboom Strike LS, initially released in April, will be available again in Fall/Winter 2024. Interested buyers can sign up for notifications at on.com/lightspray.
Top Facts About LightSpray™ Manufacturing Process
- On has developed its first fully automated production unit at its Zurich labs.
- LightSpray™ was inspired by a Halloween decoration video showing a hot glue gun creating spider webs.
- Traditional upper manufacturing involves multiple stages, while LightSpray™ uses a robotic arm to create a one-piece upper in a single step.
- The process significantly reduces waste and carbon emissions.
- An integrated thermal fusing technology bonds the upper to the midsole without glue.
- Computational design and robot programming replace traditional pattern-making, enabling rapid prototyping.
- Branding is added via an automated ink-jet printing process, which is more sustainable and flexible.
- Each shoe is fully assembled in just three minutes.
- LightSpray™ has the potential to revolutionize not only footwear but also other wearable sportswear products.
Cloudboom Strike LS Highlights
- LightSpray™ technology optimizes performance and maximizes speed on race day.
- The Cloudboom Strike LS is On’s lightest running shoe, with the upper weighing just 30g and the entire shoe at 170g.
- The ultra-thin, seamless, and lace-free upper adapts to the foot, providing a distraction-free running experience.
- The midsole features Helion™ HF hyperfoam for impact absorption and high energy return.
- A pre-shaped, stiff carbon Speedboard® enhances propulsion with each stride.
- Computer-aided engineering improves outsole traction and reduces weight.
- Glueless bonding minimizes construction, resulting in no sockliner or strobel, for minimal energy loss.
- Available in men’s (170g) and women’s (158g) sizes, with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop.
- Priced at 330 USD / 330 EUR / 380 CHF