Swiss sportswear brand On has expanded its long-distance running line-up with the launch of the second generation of its marathon-focused Cloudboom franchise.
The company has introduced two new models, the Cloudboom Strike 2 and the LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2, which are engineered for high-level marathon racing.
According to On, the new franchise combines elite athlete insights with running efficiency science to maximise and sustain speed over the full 42.2km marathon distance.
The second-generation footwear introduces a major evolution to the brand’s proprietary foam engineering system with CloudTec Sphere. This new geometry features engineered cushioning channels designed to enhance comfort and optimize running efficiency, supporting endurance during long-distance racing.
The system is complemented by a new Helion hyper foam (HF) midsole. This updated super foam material is reportedly 15% lighter than the first generation of the Cloudboom Strike, reducing overall shoe weight.
Utilising the brand’s automated upper technology, the technical features of the LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2 combine to deliver a 1.6% claimed increase in running economy when compared to leading industry benchmarks. This performance increase was found in a recent study conducted by the University of Cape Town.
The shoe technology has already been utilised by elite athletes to achieve personal bests in major marathon events. Recent performances from On athletes include: Hellen Obiri, who improved her time by 1 minute 48 seconds in London; Yeman Crippa, who secured a victory in Paris with a 48-second improvement; and Joe Klecker, who reduced his personal best by 4 minutes 41 seconds in Boston.
Nils Arne Altrogge, Senior Director of Innovation at On, said “The results we’ve already seen from athletes competing in the LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2 reinforce On’s position at the forefront of elite road racing innovation. Our brief for the Cloudboom Strike 2 was not just about maximising speed, but sustaining it as athletes approach the crucial closing stages of a marathon.
“By combining our LightSpray upper with new CloudTec Sphere technology, we’ve engineered a unique fresh-leg advantage that helps athletes maintain performance deep into the race.”
The LightSpray upper manufacturing method condenses traditional upper production – which typically requires around 200 steps across multiple facilities – into a fully automated, single-step process. A robotic arm sprays 1.5km of a specialized filament to produce an ultra-light, seamless, one-piece upper in just minutes, resulting in a laceless fit.
According to a prospective life-cycle assessment prepared by Vaayu, this localized, single-step process requires less manufacturing space, generates less waste, and reduces the carbon footprint by up to 65% when comparing the upper of the LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper to its conventional equivalent.
Since introducing the technology in 2024, On has scaled its operational framework for automated shoe production. The brand unveiled its first LightSpray production facility in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2025, followed by the opening of a second robot production facility near Busan, South Korea, on April 19, 2026.
Both new Cloudboom shoe models feature a curved carbon Speedboard sandwiched between layers of dual-density Helion HF foam. This plate is lighter and stiffer than previous versions to help provide forward momentum.
The Cloudboom Strike 2 weighs in at around 191g with a 5mm drop, and is priced at US$250, €250, and £230.
The LightSpray Cloudboom Strike 2 weighs 158g with a 5mm drop, and is priced at US$310, €320, and £300, which includes the Elite Run Sock High Hyper. Both models are available in sizes 36–49.
The shoes launch today (June 30, 2026), and will be available online and at select premium retail partners.
On was founded in the Swiss Alps in 2010. The brand delivers footwear, apparel, and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor activities, training, and tennis, and currently operates in more than 80 countries.
