Sports Tech Series. Spray-On Sneakers
Sports Tech Series. Bespoke Spray-On Sneakers
Sports Tech future of footwear. Now.

On's SPORTS TECH INNOVATION LightSpray is a Game-Changer
These three-minute, spray-on sneakers from Swiss brand On are rewriting the rules of athletic footwear. We first saw this revolutionary technology on Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri—the only woman who won indoor, outdoor, and cross-country world titles. She secured victory at this year’s Boston Marathon and clinched bronze in the Paris Olympics marathon wearing them.
At Living Lab, we track the convergence of technology, sport, and sustainability, and On’s latest sports tech innovation, LightSpray, is a bold leap forward. Imagine trainers materialising in just three minutes, formed by a robotic arm spraying a quick-drying coating onto a mould. This is more than a gimmick—it’s the future.
Why Spray on sneakers Matter
Innovation at Speed
LightSpray’s robotic arm coats a mould with a quick-drying material, producing a fully formed trainer in record time—three minutes. This level of efficiency is transformative in an industry historically reliant on slow, labour-intensive processes.
Eco-Friendly Efficiency
The spray-on process eliminates traditional stitching, drastically reducing textile waste and cutting down manufacturing stages. With near-zero waste, On’s approach aligns perfectly with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable production.
Form Meets Function
These sneakers fit like a second skin, weighing just 170g—significantly lighter than many leading running shoes. Without a heel cap, laces, or tongue, the translucent, sock-like design resembles a stripped-back racing machine. Think Ozempic, but for footwear.
Brand Evolution
On, known for its CloudTec soles inspired by water pipes, is taking performance innovation up a notch. Growing at an annual rate of 70–80%, the brand is proving that a fusion of cutting-edge technology and cultural influence can challenge industry giants like Nike and adidas.
Elite Athlete Backing
From Roger Federer’s investment to elite runners wearing On’s innovations, the brand is leveraging high-profile credibility. At the New York Marathon, Hellen Obiri’s second-place finish in LightSpray shoes served as a live, high-stakes product demonstration.

Quickfacts
More Sports TECH
Motorsports innovation as an Industrial Accelerator
Living.Lab Motorsport project. A how-to for those looking to harness Motorsport’s culture, processes, and technologies to supercharge their high-value engineering and manufacturing sectors.
MotoGP Event Ticket Sales – Living Labs 5 Winning Tactics
Living.Lab partnered with MotoGP to elevate ticket sales for the UK promoter, delivering a comprehensive strategy rooted in pricing optimisation, digital marketing innovation, and a seamless customer journey.
The Road Ahead
On’s goal is to scale LightSpray across more models and bring costs down, unlocking a future where high-performance, sustainable sneakers are the norm. It’s an exciting shift for the industry—one we’ll be watching closely.
Living.knowledge
Living.Lab
Let’s build the future together
Locations
- London
- Dubai
- Milan
- Email us