On launched the 'Cloudsurfer 3,' its third-generation everyday running shoe, pairing a new proprietary Surreal superfoam with a re-engineered CloudTec Phase system to deliver greater softness without sacrificing responsiveness. Internal testing found that the combination achieves 15.5% deeper compression and a 9.9% reduction in peak braking force compared to superfoam alone.
Developed at On's in-house Foam Competency Center in Zurich, the shoe's computer-optimized Cloud elements compress in sequence as the foot moves, creating a smoother roll through each stride. The Cloudsurfer 3 marks Surreal's debut as a material, with On planning to expand its use across the brand's broader running footwear range.
On's approach with Surreal shows that combining new compounds with re-engineered geometry can unlock performance gains that neither element could achieve on its own.
Image Credit: On
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Engineered Cushioning
- Advanced foams paired with precision midsole geometries are reshaping comfort expectations by creating softer landings while preserving energy return.
- Computer-optimized Footwear
- Algorithmically designed sole structures reveal new potential for biomechanical tuning that adapts compression, transition, and responsiveness across each stride.
- Proprietary Performance Materials
- Brand-owned foam platforms are becoming strategic differentiators as companies build scalable material systems that can extend across multiple product lines.
Where This Applies
- Athletic Footwear
- Running shoe makers are finding new competitive space in hybrid material-and-geometry systems that deliver measurable performance gains beyond traditional foam upgrades.
- Sports Technology
- Biomechanical testing and computational design are enabling more precise product development models that translate lab insights into everyday performance products.
- Advanced Materials
- Specialized polymer innovation for consumer performance goods is creating opportunities for lighter, softer, and more responsive compounds tailored to movement-specific applications.
