Recognising Genuine On Running: An Authentication Guide
On the back of its global success, the Swiss brand On is seeing more and more counterfeits of its Cloud, Cloudmonster and Cloudhorizon. Fortunately, CloudTec technology, which is hard to copy properly, offers good checkpoints.
At NB08, every pair is checked and authenticated in our boutique before it goes on sale. Here is the method.
Why check the authenticity of a pair of On Running sneakers?
Premium prices, still-selective distribution, strong demand: fake pairs target the popular models and are almost always sold new at rock-bottom prices on platforms.
The CloudTec sole: the heart of the check
The 'clouds' on a genuine pair are precisely moulded: regular pods, clean walls, firm and responsive foam. The On logo is cleanly marked on the sole and heel. On copies, the pods are soft, misshapen or uneven in size, and the cushioning collapses with no rebound.
Inside label, QR code and box
The label under the tongue shows the reference, multi-standard sizes and manufacturing details (often Vietnam or Indonesia), finely printed; recent pairs have an inside QR code. This information must match the box label exactly (reference, official colourway, size).
Upper, laces and finishing
Dense, even mesh, heat-welded reinforcements applied with millimetre precision, high-quality laces, a well-finished interior with no visible glue. A genuine On is remarkably light — copies are often heavier.
Price and seller: the warning signs
A new On at half price outside the official sales is suspect. Ask for macro photos of the inside label and sole.
Checklist: authenticating a pair of On Running sneakers in 7 points
- Crisp, regular CloudTec pods
- Firm, responsive cushioning
- Cleanly moulded/printed logos
- Finely printed inside label (+ QR on recent models)
- Perfect match with the box
- Light upper, reinforcements applied with millimetre precision
- Realistic price and reliable seller
Buy authenticated On Running sneakers at NB08
All our On pairs are checked and authenticated in our boutique before they go on sale.
