Curious about who’s behind those distinctive running shoes with the cloud-like soles? On Running, the Swiss athletic footwear company that’s taken the running world by storm, has an interesting ownership story.
The company was founded in 2010 by three friends: Olivier Bernhard, a former professional athlete, along with David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti, who united over their shared love of running.
What started as a revolutionary idea to create a running shoe with a new feel has grown into a global performance athletic brand. The founders wanted to develop footwear that could deliver a soft landing followed by an explosive takeoff – what they call the “running on clouds” sensation.
Today, On Running has expanded beyond just running shoes to offer a full line of performance sportswear while maintaining its Swiss engineering heritage.
Key Takeaways
- On Running was created by three Swiss friends with a passion for revolutionizing the running experience through innovative footwear design.
- The company has evolved from a small startup into a global athletic brand while maintaining its focus on performance and innovation.
- On’s distinctive cloud technology provides runners with a unique combination of cushioning and responsiveness not found in traditional tennis shoes.
History of On Running
On Running has a unique story that begins with a retired athlete seeking better running shoes and grows into a global brand. The Swiss company’s innovative approach to running shoes has changed how many runners think about comfort and performance.
Origins and Founders
On Running began in 2010 in the beautiful Swiss Alps. The company was founded by three friends who shared a passion for running: Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti. Bernhard, a former professional athlete, was on a mission to create a running shoe that felt completely different from anything else on the market.
The idea came when Bernhard was looking for a solution to his own running problems. He wanted a shoe that would provide a soft landing but firm takeoff. This led to the company’s signature technology – CloudTec®.
Early prototypes were made by cutting up garden hoses and attaching them to running shoes! This creative approach earned them a revolutionary reputation in the running community from the very beginning.
Growth and Milestones
After launching their first shoe model, On Running quickly gained attention in the running world. The company’s innovative “running on clouds” feeling appealed to both casual joggers and serious athletes looking to improve their performance and health.
By 2012, On shoes were available in over 25 countries. The brand continued to expand its product line beyond just running shoes to include apparel and accessories.
A major milestone came when tennis legend Roger Federer joined as an investor and product contributor in 2019. This partnership brought even more attention to the brand.
In 2021, On made headlines by going public on the New York Stock Exchange. Today, On Running continues to grow its influence in the athletic wear market while staying true to its roots in creating innovative products that enhance the running experience.
Ownership and Company Structure
On Running has a diverse ownership structure with several key investors and stakeholders. The Swiss performance running shoe company, founded in 2010, has grown rapidly while maintaining connections to its founders’ vision.
Key Investors and Their Roles
Olivier Bernhard, one of the original co-founders, continues to serve as an Executive Board Member since founding the company in January 2010. As a retired athlete, Bernhard started On with the vision of creating running shoes with a unique feel – described as “running on clouds.”
Fidelity Management & Research Co. LLC holds a significant 10% stake in the company with approximately 28,875,965 shares. This makes them one of the largest institutional investors in On Running.
Another major shareholder is Carlos Alberto da Veiga Sicupira, who owns about 6.869% of the company with 19,833,971 shares. These substantial investments highlight the confidence major players have in On’s growth potential.
Recent Acquisitions and Stakes
On Holding AG, the parent company of On Running, has maintained a strategic approach to acquisitions and stakeholding. The company has focused on organic growth rather than aggressive acquisition strategies in recent years.
Yahoo Finance tracks On Holding AG as a publicly traded company, allowing investors to monitor its performance and market position. Since going public, On has worked to expand its global footprint while maintaining its Swiss heritage.
The company continues to operate with its founding principles intact, emphasizing innovation in performance footwear. Its Swiss Alps origins remain a core part of its identity even as its ownership structure has evolved.
On’s governance structure balances founder influence with institutional investment, creating a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and corporate stability.
On Running’s Market Impact
On Running has transformed the athletic footwear industry with its innovative designs and rapid growth. The Swiss company has carved out a significant position in the premium sportswear market while challenging established brands.
Innovation in Shoe Technology
On Running stands out in the crowded running shoe market with its unique CloudTec® technology. This innovation was born from the needs of three-time World Champion Oliver Bernhard who wanted a better running experience. The company’s shoes feature distinctive cloud-like elements on the soles that provide both cushioning and responsiveness.
Their focus on performance and comfort has attracted serious runners and fitness enthusiasts alike. The lightweight design promotes a natural running style while reducing impact.
On’s approach to shoe development combines Swiss engineering precision with athlete feedback. This collaborative method ensures their products meet real-world running demands.
Their innovative designs not only improve athletic performance but also promote a healthy lifestyle by reducing injury risk. Many runners report that switching to On shoes has helped with joint pain and recovery.
Market Position and Competitors
On Running has experienced explosive growth in recent years, positioning itself as a premium alternative to established brands like Nike and Adidas. Their revenue has doubled since their IPO, approaching $2 billion and showing their strong market impact.
The company’s success comes partly from filling a gap in the market: high-performance running shoes with distinctive style. Their popularity extends beyond serious athletes to fashion-conscious consumers.
On reported a 29% jump in first-quarter sales worth 508 million Swiss francs, demonstrating their continued momentum. Having tennis star Roger Federer as a backer has boosted their visibility worldwide.
The brand competes effectively against giants by focusing on innovation rather than just marketing. Their success shows how specialized fitness brands can thrive alongside industry leaders.
The On Running Product Line
On Running offers a diverse range of footwear designed with their signature CloudTec® technology, delivering a unique “running on clouds” sensation. Their products combine Swiss engineering with athletic performance needs for both serious athletes and casual wearers.
Flagship Models
The Cloud is On’s original breakthrough model, featuring the distinctive cloud pods on the sole that compress during landing and provide firm push-off. It’s lightweight and perfect for everyday use.
The Cloudflow offers more responsive cushioning for faster runs and training sessions. Many runners choose this model for its balance of comfort and speed.
For trail enthusiasts, the Cloudventure tackles rough terrain with deeper lugs and reinforced upper materials that withstand outdoor elements. It maintains the cloud-like feel while providing necessary grip.
The Cloudswift uses Helion superfoam for urban runners who need protection from hard surfaces. Its energy return helps maintain speed on city streets.
Speciality Collections
On’s Tennis shoe line has gained popularity with the Roger Pro and Roger Clubhouse models, created in collaboration with tennis legend Roger Federer. These shoes blend court performance with On’s distinctive cushioning technology.
The Cyclon subscription service showcases On’s commitment to sustainability, offering fully recyclable running shoes that customers can exchange for new pairs when worn out. It’s a unique approach to reducing footwear waste.
For weather protection, the Cloudventure Waterproof and Cloudrock Waterproof provide all-terrain options that keep feet dry in challenging conditions. The membrane technology doesn’t compromise breathability.
Their performance sportswear collection includes running shorts, tops, and jackets that complement their footwear with the same focus on innovative materials and thoughtful design.
On Running and the Running Community
On Running has built strong connections with runners worldwide through various initiatives. The brand founded by Olivier Bernhard and his co-founders actively promotes the joy of running and healthy lifestyles.
Sponsorships and Partnerships
On Running sponsors several elite athletes across various running disciplines. They support track stars, marathon runners, and trail running champions who showcase the brand’s innovative footwear in competitions worldwide.
The company has formed partnerships with running clubs in major cities, providing gear and organizing group runs. These collaborations help introduce more people to fitness through running.
Professional teams like the Swiss Olympic squad have also partnered with On, giving the brand visibility at the highest levels of sport. These partnerships help On develop better products through athlete feedback.
Notable Partnerships:
- Elite marathon runners
- Trail running championships
- Running clubs in metropolitan areas
- Olympic teams
Community Initiatives
On Running regularly organizes community events that bring runners together. Weekend runs, training sessions, and fitness workshops create spaces for people to connect through their shared love of running.
The brand’s running philosophy emphasizes that running should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone. They create inclusive environments where beginners feel welcomed alongside experienced runners.
On also supports running-focused health initiatives that promote overall wellness. Their community programs often highlight how running can improve mental health, not just physical fitness.
Community Impact Areas:
- Beginner-friendly running groups
- Mental health awareness through movement
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Running education programs
Many participants report that these initiatives have helped them develop healthier lifestyles beyond just improving their running performance.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
On Running takes sustainability seriously through its comprehensive approach to eco-friendly production and transparent supply chain practices. The company integrates environmental consciousness into its business model while maintaining high ethical standards.
Eco-friendly Materials
On Running has made significant strides in using sustainable materials for its popular running shoes. The brand is driving progress on circularity and renewable materials in its footwear production.
A standout example is their innovative approach to creating performance shoes with lower environmental impact. They’ve invested in developing materials that maintain their high-performance standards while reducing the ecological footprint.
The company’s commitment to sustainability includes exploring alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials often used in running shoes. This initiative aligns with their vision of promoting a healthy lifestyle that extends beyond personal fitness to planetary health.
Their product development team works continuously to increase the percentage of recycled content in their shoes without compromising the quality and comfort that runners expect.
Supply Chain Transparency
On Running has embedded sustainable and ethical business practices in their Code of Conduct and Supplier Code. These guidelines ensure that partners throughout their supply chain adhere to environmental and ethical standards.
The company’s approach to sustainability is structured around three core areas: People, Planet, and Responsible practices. This framework demonstrates their holistic view of corporate responsibility.
On Running publishes transparency reports that outline their progress and challenges in creating an ethical supply chain. These reports help consumers make informed choices about the footwear they purchase.
The brand maintains regular audits of manufacturing facilities to ensure fair labor practices and environmental compliance. They believe that ethical production is just as important as the performance of their running shoes.
Factory working conditions and fair wages are key considerations in On Running’s supplier relationships, reflecting their commitment to both people and planet.
Impact of the Pandemic on On Running
When the global pandemic hit, many industries faced challenges, but running shoes saw an unexpected boost. Despite race cancellations and travel restrictions, there was a sharp increase in demand for running products.
On Running, the Swiss company backed by tennis star Roger Federer, experienced this trend firsthand. While many businesses struggled, On Running showed remarkable resilience during this difficult time.
The pandemic changed how people approached fitness. With gyms closed, more people turned to outdoor activities like running. This shift benefited companies focused on creating quality running experiences.
However, On Running wasn’t immune to all pandemic challenges. Like almost every other brand, they faced supply chain disruptions in East Asian countries, which slowed some shoe and apparel production lines.
Despite these obstacles, On Running emerged stronger. By 2022, they reported exceeding expectations with a 67.9% increase in Q1 net sales. Their direct-to-consumer channel performed particularly well.
The pandemic ultimately accelerated On Running’s growth trajectory. When people needed comfortable, high-performance shoes for their new running habits, many discovered and fell in love with On’s unique designs and cushioning technology.
Customer Experience and Service
On Running has built its reputation on delivering exceptional experiences for athletes and casual wearers alike. The company focuses on creating meaningful connections with customers through both physical and digital touchpoints.
Retail and Online Presence
On Running sells its popular running shoes through a mix of their own branded stores and partner retailers worldwide. Their flagship locations offer immersive experiences where customers can test products and receive expert fitting advice.
The online shopping experience is equally thoughtful. On’s website features detailed product information, size guides, and technology explanations to help customers find their perfect match.
On Running uses Narvar’s technology to provide estimated delivery dates during checkout, which has boosted conversion rates and improved customer satisfaction. This transparent approach helps shoppers know exactly when to expect their new tennis shoes.
After-Sales Support
On Running stands behind their products with comprehensive customer support.
Their team assists with sizing questions, returns, and warranty claims through multiple channels. These channels include email, phone, and live chat.
The brand’s responsive service approach has helped build loyalty among runners. Many customers report positive experiences when dealing with product issues or exchanges.
On Running also provides detailed care instructions for their shoes to help extend product life. This support reflects their mission to change the world of running by focusing on both product quality and customer relationships.
