Gear Up with Fractel Running Hats: Exploring the 2024 Collection
Known for combining high performance with sustainability, Fractel has launched a series of hats that are sure to excite every type of runner.
On’s latest running innovation, LightSpray™, is going to completely shake up the running world, and have shoe designers/engineers wracking their brains on how they didn’t come up with the idea first. LightSpray™ fuses cutting-edge robotics with advanced material science to create the lightest, most efficient running shoes yet.
This technology revolutionizes the traditional shoe manufacturing process, reducing it to a swift three-minute step with minimal waste.
Development and real-world testing of On’s LightSpray™ running technology
The development of On LightSpray™ technology was first inspired by a video featuring a hot glue gun, which sparked a vision, of what later became the birth of this whole project. Johannes was the engineer who first came up with the idea of creating a shoe with this technique, before On spotted him and brought him into the team.
On’s team of engineers aimed to create a lightweight, breathable shoe in the most efficient way possible. Over the timespan of a year, they produced hundreds of prototypes, eventually leading to the Cloudboom Strike LS.
This shoe made its debut on the feet of Hellen Obiri during her second consecutive Boston Marathon win in 2024, showcasing its performance in elite competition. This has got to be one of the most exciting running technologies out there right now.
Precision and performance
On LightSpray™ ensures a precision fit, providing support where needed and an almost invisible feel elsewhere, akin to a second skin. Here’s a somewhat hypnotic video demonstration of a robotic arm holding a ‘shoe last‘ (mold), and spraying on a brand new upper in layers, using On’s LightSpray technology on top of a last.
This design, the result of extensive prototypes and collaborations with athletes and engineers, delivers breathability, and fantastical lightness.
Sustainability and speed
Not only does LightSpray™ push the envelope in running performance as proven by Hellen Obiri, but it also represents a substantial step forward in sustainable manufacturing – a process that had to come sooner or later because whether some manufactures want to accept it or not, running shoe waste is a huge environmental problem.
By eliminating unnecessary materials and steps, this new process drastically cuts down on waste and labor, bringing the final assembly closer to home. It truly sets a new standard for the running shoe industry.
The Cloudboom Strike LS
I can’t wait to get my hands on the Cloudboom Strike LS for review, I feel like it is going to be a real contender for my race day super shoes roundup. It’s On’s first running shoe to utilize LightSpray™ technology, which promises to redefine the running experience, akin to the way Cloudtec cloud pods did when the original Cloudsurfer was released.
I review countless running shoes each year, but it’s rare that a shoe with a leap in innovation such as these comes along, so the Cloudboom Strike LS has got me chomping at the bit to get into the testing phase (more so than the Cloudboom Echo 3 earlier this year), and I can’t wait to share my in-depth review with you once it’s ready.
The key features I’m excited most about include its incredible lightness at just 170 grams (roughly 6oz) which would put it at the lightest racing shoe I will have reviewed, although it’s still not clear what shoe size this weight refers to. I’m also excited about trying out the seamless upper, which looks like it offers an amazing fit that probably feels like a second skin.
The Cloudboom Strike LS also incorporates On’s renowned Speedboard™ technology, ensuring a responsive and dynamic ride that I’m used to. Paired with the LightSpray precision-engineered upper, this shoe promises to deliver a unique blend of comfort, and speed, although I do wonder how much (or little) support there may be in this upper – testing will paint a better picture for me with regards to that.
This brings me to the final question of how durable this upper may be, again time and miles will be the judge of this but I have a sneaking suspicion that durability won’t be as good as some other innovative uppers that are hitting some high end trail running shoes right now, namely MATRYX uppers for example. But again, I’ll hold judgement until I’ve had the chance to test them properly, and put them through my usual rigorous running shoe testing process.
The eco-friendly manufacturing process, which reduces waste and CO₂ emissions significantly, adds an extra layer of appeal too, aligning performance with sustainability is something I look out for in new running shoes.
I’m also appreciating the absence of laces, this not only minimizes waste but also proves that a sock-like fit can mold to most, if not all, foot shapes. This innovation should improve comfort and convenience of slipping on and getting an instant fit, making it perfect for runners seeking a hassle-free experience.
You can learn more about the Cloudboom Strike LS at On.com, and stay tuned for my review soon.
Closing thoughts
I do believe that On’s LightSpray™ technology and the Cloudboom Strike LS running shoe represents the future of running innovation and manufacture. Combining state-of-the-art robotics, advanced materials, and sustainable practices, these advancements offer runners a glimpse into the next generation of performance footwear, and I’m wondering now how AI can play a big part in the further development of this manufacturing process – exciting times are ahead for On, I’m certain.
Stay tuned for my in-depth video review on our Youtube Channel, where I’ll put the Cloudboom Strike LS through its paces and see how it stands up to the hype. A written review with high-res photography will drop on the website shortly after.
For more information, you can visit On’s LightSpray™ page and the Cloudboom Strike LS product page.
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