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On Introduces Laceless Running Shoe Made by Robots in New South Korea Factory

May 19, 2026
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On Running’s new LightSpray laceless shoe uses 32 robots to spray a seamless upper in just three minutes, cutting development from 18–24 months to as little as 3–4 and hinting at a faster, more automated future for running footwear.

​Swiss sportswear company On Running has introduced a new laceless running shoe made using robots and a technology called LightSpray, signaling a potential shift in how athletic footwear is produced.

(Credit: On Running)

​The company recently opened a new factory in Busan, South Korea, where 32 robots manufacture the upper part of a shoe in about three minutes. Instead of traditional fabric panels stitched together, the LightSpray process uses a thin plastic filament that is sprayed directly onto a foot-shaped mold to create a seamless upper without laces.

(Credit: On Running)

​The technology is now being used to produce the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, a cushioned running shoe designed for daily training.

​According to the company, the automated process could significantly shorten the time it takes to develop and deliver a new shoe. Traditional models often take 18 to 24 months to reach the market, while LightSpray could reduce that timeline to three or four months.

(Credit: On Running)

​The concept first appeared in the racing shoe On Cloudboom Strike LS, which was worn by Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri during her victory at the Boston Marathon in 2024.

​Testers say the new Cloudmonster model feels lightweight and secure despite having no laces. The shoe uses a dual-layer midsole combining EVA foam and PEBA-based cushioning designed to provide both comfort and propulsion while running.

​For now, LightSpray technology is limited to this model, but On says it plans to expand the system if demand grows.

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