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On’s Newest Innovation Could Address the Biggest Elephant in the Room When It Comes to Super Shoes

Run. Recycle. Repeat: On’s boldest innovation yet, the Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1, takes recycling to an entirely new level.

Close-up of beige sneakers with thick textured soles featuring black cutout details and the word "GROUND" embossed.On

By Hayley Helms

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This just in: super shoes are super wasteful.

Thanks to their advanced foams, which are designed for performance, not longevity, the dirty little secret is that they’ll thrive during a race, but not much longer than that.

Person holding white running shoes with orange tags, wearing light beige shorts with "on" logo and a dark long-sleeve top.
Close the loop and get those miles in.
On

Generally speaking, runners are lucky to get a couple hundred miles out of their high-end running shoes.

The rapid breakdown of advanced foams, which degrade much faster than traditionally-crafted shoes, plus elevated price tags, make super shoes unsustainable for environment- and budget-minded runners.

On is on a mission to change that pattern with its latest Cyclon release: the Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1.

First, a little background

On launched its Cyclon shoe subscription in 2022 with the idea that runners would essentially lease a pair of Cyclon shoes, made with components constructed from a polyamide derived from castor beans. According to On, this material could be broken down and reused.

Person holding white sneakers in a white tote bag with "You're in the loop" text.
Super shoes wear down quickly and waste material. On is hoping to change the game with its new, recyclable release.
On

Customers would pay $30 a month, and when their Cyclon shoe wore out, they would send it back to On. Only then could a runner receive a new pair of shoes.

Pair of off-white athletic running shoes with cushioned soles and subtle perforated design.
The Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1 is the latest step forward toward circular running shoe design.
On

It was a novel-enough idea back then, but it’s clear On isn’t willing to stop at a fully recyclable shoe. Now, the company is exploring new ways to use renewable or recyclable parts in its products. That’s where the all-new Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1 comes into play.

Step into the future

The Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1 builds upon On’s circular vision by taking recycled materials from used Cloudneo shoes, and mixing those with leftover materials from manufacturing to create a recycled Speedboard.

close-up of running shoe outsole and plate
The new recycled Speedboard is created from used Cloudneo shoes and leftover manufacturing materials.
On

The Speedboard is On’s proprietary plastic plate, an alternative to the popular carbon plate tech that is now commonplace in super shoes.

On’s claim is that its new, recycled Speedboard will deliver the same increased speed results as earlier, non-recycled versions … and decrease the negative impact on the environment at the same time.

Close-up of the top front of an off-white knit sneaker with matching laces and a textured pattern on the toe area.
A wider, more neutral ride will appeal to a broader swath of runners.
On

The recycled Speedboard isn’t the only notable aspect of the Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1. The new shoe has been engineered with a wider, more inclusive platform and a more neutral construction designed to cater to more runners.

Comfort has been upgraded, too. On’s new circular shoe features a double layer of proprietary CloudTec cushioning, plus ultrasoft and high-performing Helion HF hyper foam.

Close-up of two white athletic shoes with textured fabric uppers and thick soles featuring black circular cutouts.
Cushioning and foam in On’s newest shoe have been upgraded for superior comfort.
On

Over 90 percent of the Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1’s materials can be recycled; the upper consists of 90 percent bio-based materials, and the Speedboard is 99.5 percent recycled materials.

Availability and pricing

For $30 a month, you can “buy” the Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1, and when it’s worn out, you can send it back to On in exchange for a fresh pair.

The Cloudrise Cyclon 1.1 is available now on On’s official website in both men’s and women’s styles.

About the Author:

Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in all things outdoors. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie, and Shape. Whether it’s tuning us into the joys of hiking and camping, or rigorously testing head-to-toe outdoor apparel, she leaves no stone unturned (though she always Leaves No Trace).

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