CloudTec cushioning platform, <\/strong>into a single midsole system engineered for a radically softer, smoother, and more responsive ride. With this move, On enters a new chapter in its cushioning innovation story, one that blends advanced materials science with structural precision.<\/p>\nA Structural Breakthrough Years in the Making<\/h3>\n
To understand why this moment is significant, it helps to look at how On approaches innovation. The brand\u2019s Zurich-based engineering team spent years developing SURREAL, a next-generation superfoam built to deliver exceptional softness and rebound. At the same time, they refined CloudTec, the hollow \u201ccloud\u201d geometry that has defined On footwear since 2010.<\/p>\n
Now, for the first time, the two technologies have been unified, and importantly, they don\u2019t just coexist. They work together.<\/p>\n
Extensive materials R&D, biomechanical analysis, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations helped On determine how SURREAL interacts with CloudTec structures under realistic running forces. The research revealed something surprising: the combined system produces greater impact absorption and responsiveness than SURREAL foam on its own.<\/p>\n
This means that for runners, every step can feel softer on landing, more controlled during transition, and more energetic during toe-off.<\/p>\n
\u201cA Fundamental Enhancement to Our Core Technology\u201d<\/h3>\n
According to On\u2019s Chief Innovation Officer Scott Maguire<\/strong>, this fusion represents a major shift in how the brand designs performance footwear:<\/p>\n\n\u201cInnovation at On is about obsessively making the best possible products that push the limits of sensation and performance. The fusion of SURREAL foam and CloudTec cushioning is our superpower. This is a fundamental enhancement to our core technology that we believe will elevate the experience for runners of all kinds.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
His words highlight a key truth: the new midsole isn\u2019t simply an upgrade, it\u2019s a re-engineering of the entire ride experience.<\/p>\n
Swiss Engineering Behind the Fusion<\/h3>\n
Reaching this milestone required a perfect balance of chemistry, geometry, and structural design. Over multiple development cycles, On\u2019s innovation team refined the density and composition of SURREAL foam, ensuring it could compress, rebound, and stabilize in harmony with CloudTec elements.<\/p>\n
Using advanced computational tools, engineers fine-tuned the shape and spacing of the CloudTec pods so the foam and hollow structures deform in sequence<\/strong>, rather than independently. This creates an integrated cushioning system where:<\/p>\n\n- \n
The superfoam compresses deeply<\/strong> to soften impact<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
The CloudTec elements collapse in controlled stages<\/strong> to guide motion<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
The entire midsole rebounds together<\/strong> for fluid momentum<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nCo-Founder Caspar Coppetti<\/strong> describes it as a return to the brand\u2019s roots:<\/p>\n\n\u201cFrom the first prototype in the Swiss Alps to the global stage, On was built on the belief that performance can be redefined when form and function come together in new ways. The fusion of SURREAL foam and CloudTec cushioning will revolutionize the running sensation for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Cloudsurfer 3: First to Feature the Breakthrough<\/h3>\n
The newly launched Cloudsurfer 3<\/strong> is the first model to debut this hybrid midsole system. Unveiled at The Running Event<\/em> in San Antonio, Texas, the shoe represents the next evolution of On\u2019s premium performance trainer line.<\/p>\nThe Cloudsurfer 3 introduces:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
CloudTec Phase cushioning<\/strong> that compresses in a sequential, wave-like motion, creating an exceptionally smooth heel-to-toe transition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
SURREAL superfoam<\/strong> for plush shock absorption and energetic rebound<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
A rocker-like flow<\/strong> that feels natural, fluid, and fast<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nTogether, these elements provide a ride that adapts to the runner\u2019s stride in real time, delivering a sensation that\u2019s soft, stable, and highly responsive. Whether used for daily mileage, tempo days, or long weekend runs, the Cloudsurfer 3 aims to offer a unique combination of protection and speed.<\/p>\n
A New Direction for On\u2019s Performance Line<\/h3>\n
The introduction of SURREAL marks the beginning of a broader evolution within On\u2019s cushioning portfolio. The brand will now offer three levels of premium foam:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Helion<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 balanced daily performance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Helion HF<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 propulsive racing-driven foam<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
SURREAL<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 the highest tier, built for plushness and rebound<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLooking ahead, On plans to integrate the SURREAL + CloudTec system across upcoming models in multiple categories. Some shoes will prioritize softness for comfort-focused runners, while others may emphasize responsiveness for speedwork or racing.<\/p>\n
This modular approach allows On to fine-tune cushioning profiles in ways that weren\u2019t previously possible.<\/p>\n
What This Means for Runners<\/h3>\n
For everyday runners, this breakthrough signals a shift toward system-based cushioning<\/strong>, where performance depends on the interaction between materials and geometry, not just foam type.For On as a brand, it marks a bold move into the future of Swiss-engineered performance, bridging more than a decade of innovation with the next generation of superfoam-powered designs.The Cloudsurfer 3 is only the beginning. As more models adopt the SURREAL + CloudTec fusion, On aims to transform running not just through feel, but through engineering intelligence, one stride at a time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Cloudsurfer 3 Becomes the First to Debut On\u2019s Most Advanced Midsole System Yet On is once 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