On a Mission to Encourage Movement
Strategically engineered for high-quality performance and comfort, On shoes are dedicated to the run. Born in the Swiss Alps, On’s running shoes are designed with a novel patented cushioning system, activated when needed—to soften those landings on your feet! Fresh Air proudly stocks these masterfully crafted shoes at our sporting goods stores in Kelowna!
On a Mission to Encourage Movement
On believes that great things are possible when humans move, and that formed the foundation of their mission. Being in motion taps into the subconscious mind, where inspiration and creativity lie; this is called the ‘flow state.’ Essentially, it’s a hack for harnessing our mind's best capabilities, which helps us dream bigger and better.
How it All Started
With a shared goal and a passion for running, three friends were inspired to revolutionize the sensation of running. Oliver Bernhard— a retired athlete—had the desire to create running shoes that felt different from other options available out there. So, he began his process of conceptualizing designs with scraps of garden hose to make a prototype. This is where the experience of ‘running on clouds’ stems from. The main objective was to create the best-performing shoe, which was achieved! Today, 7 million athletes from over 50 countries resonate with On’s mission and purpose.
The Science Behind On’s Innovation
At the heart of On’s novel running shoes lies innovation, without which such high quality would not have been possible. Continual experimentation led to the development of On’s running shoe prototype until the final winner emerged. Their team has never been afraid of starting fresh or ‘breaking the mold’ because simply dreaming up new ideas won’t cut it. On’s team was determined to make their vision for the highest quality sports shoes a reality—now available in Fresh Air’s shop! Backed by a world-class team of scientists and technicians, their search for trailblazing innovations at their Zurich-based On lab continues to thrive.
Right to Run
Differing circumstances and tough situations often lead to many people not having the opportunity or means to engage in movement freely. This fueled On’s social impact partnership program, Right to Run. It works to amplify the efforts of over 26 organizations across the world doing transformative work, such as helping minorities gain access to sports meets or using sports as a way to help refugees live better and be a more vital part of their host country’s communities. In leading Right to Run, On works towards preserving everyone’s right to run and move.
Sustainability for a Better Future
On believes that technological innovation is the key to progress. They are always trying to experiment and build better products, from the simple garden hose stapled to the outsole of their first prototype to their ultimate vision of creating a brighter future with fossil-free materials and circular economies. On’s primary focuses are using fossil-free materials, processes favouring circularity, and a circular business model.
