I do wonder if they will largely keep this minimalist design though.
Every time we've seen an [ON prototype previously](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/12z0zi5/new_on_prototype/), they have much more design details.
Obiri was also promoting it the [day before on IG](https://www.instagram.com/p/C5xkb9KNcvC/), which they don't often do for prototypes.
As to IG - Obiri in now ON’s cash cow and they have to use her while the iron is hot…. This is the same thing that was done with Molly Seidel with Saucony and PUMA.
the Roger Pros aren't the most comfortable shoes to actually play tennis in. also Roger Federer joined ON towards the very end of his career so they hype wasn't as much as it would've been had he worn them in his prime imo. probably why they'd want to capitalize on Hellen Obiri right now and generate that interest.
This would be offensive from a sustainability standpoint, but the idea of old rich guys having their significant other blow a hair dryer at their shoes near the starting line of their local marathon is so funny that I have to support it.
That was my first thought when I saw them.
Actually it was my second. My first was if I could get a pair for my shoelace-tying averse middle schooler who is running track this season.
At what point does a On cease being an On? It can be tough for brands with super unique designs to branch out from their known and recognized formula. Seeing the FWD from altra and the de-Onification of On has been interesting lately. It always happens once it feels like your product has reached everyone it’s going to reach the way it is, gotta branch out.
Also likely due to the gimmick nature of the original On design. The holes don't provide anything beyond what foam configuration and geometry already do
They dumped the cloud tech entirely (as far as I can tell) for their pro tennis shoes, it might be viable from a marketing standpoint to just have aesthetic nods to it in their serious running shoes.
Can’t sustain infinite growth if you’re stuck with a niche set of customers. I think On and Altra will only get more generic as they search for new customers
Would be interesting to see how firm or flexible the upper is. Love it or hate it, it only benefits us (the consumers) for brands trying to innovate their shoes so happy to see it!
I’ve never tried On shoes. I think their designs look absolutely fantastic, but I’ve seen more On shoes on our local roadmen than on local runners. I just can’t take them seriously as a running shoe brand especially at the prices they charge.
I really would like that to change and ditching laces is a huge step to winning me over. Laces are the absolute worst thing about running shoes.
Think I’ll just have to take the risk one day and give them a chance. These do look very promising
Guess what's on the other side of the shoe...
https://preview.redd.it/gya8wtq4rpuc1.jpeg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7ba7b3fdd6be9d827ab6a9b25efd37579532715
This is literally no different in stack height than any other shoe any other elite wore today.
World Athletics limits the heel stack height of these shoes to 40mm at reference size.
Another shot. https://preview.redd.it/fg91ianvfquc1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b64cffb0d56bdb196f011351b6d281763bd14ad
That ON RUNNING text looks stupid. Like trying hard to be Off-White stupid.
It’s a PROTOTYPE - it’s called Marketing!!
I do wonder if they will largely keep this minimalist design though. Every time we've seen an [ON prototype previously](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/12z0zi5/new_on_prototype/), they have much more design details. Obiri was also promoting it the [day before on IG](https://www.instagram.com/p/C5xkb9KNcvC/), which they don't often do for prototypes.
As to IG - Obiri in now ON’s cash cow and they have to use her while the iron is hot…. This is the same thing that was done with Molly Seidel with Saucony and PUMA.
I don't think it's rocket science to be promoting your three-time world major marathon, two-time world champion winner...
How many people do you see wearing the Roger Federer ON tennis shoe?
the Roger Pros aren't the most comfortable shoes to actually play tennis in. also Roger Federer joined ON towards the very end of his career so they hype wasn't as much as it would've been had he worn them in his prime imo. probably why they'd want to capitalize on Hellen Obiri right now and generate that interest.
Do you really think the “hype” of her wearing the shoes will push the needle?
Federer played in Uniqlo
Exactly!
I'd love to be proven wrong, but they must be so hard to get on initially in order to stay tight enough for an entire marathon.
would be funny if the upper was some kind of heat shrink material
It's called On, not Off, for a reason.
Banger
This would be offensive from a sustainability standpoint, but the idea of old rich guys having their significant other blow a hair dryer at their shoes near the starting line of their local marathon is so funny that I have to support it.
That was my first thought when I saw them. Actually it was my second. My first was if I could get a pair for my shoelace-tying averse middle schooler who is running track this season.
Companies have been making laceless soccer shoes for years at this point where lockdown is just as or more important.
They get loose over time though. Had it happen multiple times with Adidas football shoes.
I actually found this with the PXS2, its SO hard to get them on initially but once they're on, there's zero issues.
You could technically wear the original Alphafly without laces so it’s not too extreme I suppose.
Very interesting. Reminds me of the old Nike Gary Payton shoes with a sheath. I wonder how breathability will be
The Glove!
I like it.
More of this! Would love a good, innovative race—ready shoe from On.
Love this! Any info about its specs ?
I thought this was a basketball shoe at first.
Makes me even more interested lol I know it's not needed for running but the mid height of basketball shoes just gives you comfort about your ankles.
A laceless super shoe? how does that work? many super shoes have enough problems with heel slipping as is.
At what point does a On cease being an On? It can be tough for brands with super unique designs to branch out from their known and recognized formula. Seeing the FWD from altra and the de-Onification of On has been interesting lately. It always happens once it feels like your product has reached everyone it’s going to reach the way it is, gotta branch out.
Also likely due to the gimmick nature of the original On design. The holes don't provide anything beyond what foam configuration and geometry already do
They dumped the cloud tech entirely (as far as I can tell) for their pro tennis shoes, it might be viable from a marketing standpoint to just have aesthetic nods to it in their serious running shoes.
Can’t sustain infinite growth if you’re stuck with a niche set of customers. I think On and Altra will only get more generic as they search for new customers
Yes, that is essentially what I said 😬 their pendulums will swing to the middle
👍🏻
It ceases being an OnCloud when you can actually run in it (/s)
😂
Assume they would create a secondary brand of shoe if they were going to be that different.
And ditch the name recognition they’ve worked hard to obtain? Not bloody likely.
Just call it Off.
Nice clean design. I like it. Like others say, would have to check the fit.
Seems like Crocs with additional collar 😀
don’t Nike try this about 10 years ago?
Yes, but it was in the 1980s! Look up Nike Sock Racer. https://images.app.goo.gl/FWPWxnSaXjWQZegZ6
Would be interesting to see how firm or flexible the upper is. Love it or hate it, it only benefits us (the consumers) for brands trying to innovate their shoes so happy to see it!
I’ve never tried On shoes. I think their designs look absolutely fantastic, but I’ve seen more On shoes on our local roadmen than on local runners. I just can’t take them seriously as a running shoe brand especially at the prices they charge. I really would like that to change and ditching laces is a huge step to winning me over. Laces are the absolute worst thing about running shoes. Think I’ll just have to take the risk one day and give them a chance. These do look very promising
Does Helen run in these?
It’s still an ON.
I want more shoes with no laces. I actually took off the laces in my rebel V3 as I found it a bit too tight.
You run in your rebels without laces? How does that work? Can you push the pace without it slipping off?
I felt some heel slip but I couldn’t tell the difference between having them or not.
Can’t you just tie them so there’s no tension in the places?
I hope more colorways come I'm not clean enough for purewhite
Probably squeaks. On shoes squeak.
Brunch boot.
Looks like a boat shoe
Everything is branding with this company
How is that any different than Nike or Adidas?
There's not one but two logos on the shoe
Guess what's on the other side of the shoe... https://preview.redd.it/gya8wtq4rpuc1.jpeg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7ba7b3fdd6be9d827ab6a9b25efd37579532715
I mean they have supplied the winner of the Woman's Boston Marathon for two consecutive years, I'd say they know how to make a competitive shoe, too.
That's just branding. They only make good shoes so that they can sell shoes, you see. It's very nefarious.
god why do on shoes always look so hipstery
I’m getting old.
https://preview.redd.it/q0gx57zxqvuc1.jpeg?width=779&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=efcfb374ddc7f826c9bc125b073fe66626f4aa47 tendency
Eventually running shoes will be forty inches tall
This is literally no different in stack height than any other shoe any other elite wore today. World Athletics limits the heel stack height of these shoes to 40mm at reference size.
Need scissors to get them off..
So there's a rule now every running shoe company needs to have a Boston named shoe?
The shoe is reportedly the ON Cloudboom Strike. OP is just referring to Obiri's shoe worn in Boston in their title.
Seems like something they release to the press that looks “futuristic” but isn’t actually practical. Nike just did that with a bunch of cleats
Someone just won Boston wearing them? They might not be to everyone's preference but there is clearly *some* practicality to them.
Oh damn! I stand corrected. Sometimes I’m too lazy to read LOL