What is On LightSpray™?
On’s LightSpray™ technology premiered as a groundbreaking method for creating lightweight, aerodynamic uppers for performance footwear. Developed internally at On Labs in Zurich, the technology was already proving its worth well before its July 2024 public announcement, with On athletes like Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri winning races in development versions as early as April that year.
LightSpray™ is manufactured using an automated robot arm that sprays recycled thermoplastic material onto a last, resulting in a one-piece upper. Ultra-thin, lightweight and sock-like, the LightSpray™-constructed upper is then connected to On’s patented midsole units without using any glue. Instead, On utilise a thermal fusing technology – reducing the overall materials used, and ultimately cutting the weight of the finished product. The entire manufacturing process takes only three minutes, a phenomenal reduction in operation time compared to traditional performance shoe creation, which can take multiple days.
In addition to reducing the weight of their performance offerings, On’s tech slashes carbon emissions, with LightSpray™ shoe production generating 75 per cent less emissions than the brand’s other running silhouettes.
Currently, there are two silhouettes constructed using LightSpray™: the Cloudboom Strike and Cloudmonster 3 Hyper. The former is On’s race offering, prioritising speed with a curved carbon fibre Speedboard and weighing just 170 grams. Down below, Helion HF hyper foam brings maximum cushioning, along with On’s famous CloudTec for supreme transitions. The other end of the LightSpray™ spectrum delivers the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, a trainer built for long and tempo runs. Built to be exceptionally responsive, the model rocks Helion HF foam to keep your legs in peak condition and CloudTec cushioning for excellent energy return – ultimately weighing in at 205 grams.