Garden hose prototype to billion-dollar brand: On signs Mbappé
On, the Swiss footwear brand renowned for its cutting-edge running shoe technology, has successfully broadened its horizons into lifestyle sports and apparel, leading to its public listing. Recently, star footballer Kylian Mbappé joined forces with On, enabling him to influence product creation and strategies for their upcoming football division, with new cleats set for launch in 2027.
A humble piece of garden hose sparked the creation of a global sportswear empire. In 2010, former professional athlete Olivier Bernhard developed a unique running shoe prototype using garden hose glued to the outsole. This unexpected experiment laid the foundation for On, a company that would grow into a multibillion-dollar brand.
Bernhard, along with co-founders Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann, founded On in Zurich, focusing initially on the running community. Their modest approach led to the development of CloudTec technology, which revolutionized cushioning and provided a responsive running experience. In 2019, tennis legend Roger Federer joined On, giving the brand credibility in the world of elite sports.
Fast forward to September 2026, and the company made headlines when French football star Kylian Mbappé signed on as a global partner and shareholder, marking a significant expansion into the football market. The Mbappé deal goes beyond a typical athlete endorsement, as it involves equity and a role in shaping On's football products.
With Mbappé's influence, On is poised to make its mark in football, starting with the development of its first football cleats expected in 2027.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
