Ultralight Sneakers Are Sprayed To Life And Take Shape In Just 3 Minutes
Images via On
Heavy treads and bulky materials have no place in the future of footwear. The Cloudboom Strike LS, a sneaker developed by running technology company On, is shedding weight and environmental impact in equal measure. This new shoe sprints on a revolutionary ‘LightSpray’ technology meant to be as light on the feet as it is on the planet.
The Cloudboom Strike LS is the first shoe to utilize On’s LightSpray technology, a method that employs a robotic arm to spray a single length of thermoplastic filament onto a mold, forming a seamless, one-piece upper.
Image via On
This efficient process takes only three minutes, bypassing traditional manufacturing techniques like weaving, sewing, and gluing. The result is a shoe that is not only lighter but also more environmentally friendly, reducing CO2 emissions by 75% compared to On’s other models.
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Described by the brand as “lighter than humanly possible,” the shoe’s upper weighs a mere 30 grams. This feather-light component is bonded to a midsole that includes the brand’s hyper foam and a carbon Speedboard, offering excellent energy return and support. Overall, the Cloudboom Strike LS tips the scales at just 170 grams, making it On’s lightest running shoe yet. Its performance credentials are already proven, with Kenyan marathon runner Hellen Obiri winning the Boston Marathon in a prototype earlier this year.
With a streamlined manufacturing process and far fewer materials, the innovation brings performance and environmental savings to the track. Currently crafted in Zurich, the Cloudboom Strike LS will soon be on display at a Parisian pop-up during the Olympics. Look out for them on the feet of athletes like Obiri, pushing the boundaries of speed and sustainability, one stride at a time. You’ll also be able to preorder them yourself, albeit for a rather pricy US$330.
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[via Dezeen, Hypebeast, Fast Company, images via On]
