Like many great brands On was born from the collective thoughts of a few good mates sharing their ideas on how it can be done better...From small beginnings in Zürich, Switzerland, On set out in 2010 with a big ambition: to change the world of running. In the ten years since, On has been embraced into the hearts, and onto the feet, of more than seven million runners in over 50 countries.
Three friends, one mission
Their story starts with Olivier Berhard who after retiring from professional competition as a three-time world duathlon champion and multiple Ironman winner he devoted himself to finding a running shoe that would give him the perfect running sensation. In doing so, he crossed paths with a like-minded Swiss engineer who had an idea for a new kind of running shoe. In the years that followed, the perfect symbiosis of running experience and engineering expertise allowed that first radical idea to be refined.
Dozens of prototypes were developed, but the basic concept – cushioned landing, firm take-off – remained paramount throughout. It was this unique running sensation that convinced Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann to come aboard too. Together with Bernhard, they formally established the On in Zürich in January 2010.