A next-generation race-day shoe, a citywide marathon celebration and one shared invitation: Chicago, race for the feeling.
Chicago Marathon weekend has a way of turning ambition into electricity. The city fills with runners comparing training notes, checking the forecast and imagining the moment they will turn onto Columbus Drive. This year, On arrives with a shoe designed for that exact intersection of preparation and possibility: the Cloudboom Strike 2.
Co-created with elite athletes for marathon and half-marathon racing, the Cloudboom Strike 2 is On’s next generation of race-day speed. It pairs a new CloudTec Sphere™ cushioning geometry with Helion™ HF hyper foam and a curved carbon Speedboard® to create a light, responsive platform intended to help runners move efficiently when the pace gets serious. The standard model weighs 191 grams and has a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop; the LightSpray™ edition trims the listed weight to 158 grams with a seamless, glueless, one-piece upper.
Why On Connects With Runners
On has earned its place in running by making the feel of the ride central to the experience. Its shoes are recognizable, but the brand’s appeal goes beyond appearance: On continues to combine distinctive cushioning concepts, athlete collaboration and purposeful design for runners with different goals. From everyday miles to the final long run and race morning, the brand speaks to runners who want their gear to feel energetic, thoughtfully engineered and ready for the work ahead.
The Cloudboom Strike 2 is the clearest expression of that performance-first approach. CloudTec Sphere™ uses precisely engineered channels that compress and rebound beneath the foot. A lighter, stiffer curved carbon Speedboard® sits between dual-density layers of Helion™ HF foam to encourage forward momentum. The result is a race shoe aimed at runners who want cushioning without losing a quick, propulsive sensation.
Built for the Demands of 26.2
The Chicago Marathon rewards rhythm. Its famously fast course invites runners to settle into pace early, but the distance still asks hard questions after 20 miles. The Cloudboom Strike 2 is designed with that balance in mind: impact absorption for the repeated pounding of 26.2 miles, rebound for efficiency and a rocker-like geometry that helps transitions feel fluid as fatigue builds.
For a runner chasing a personal best, a Boston qualifier or simply a strong, joyful finish, the value of a super shoe is not magic—it is confidence. The best race-day shoe is the one tested during training, comfortable at goal pace and familiar enough to disappear beneath you when the crowds get loud. Runners considering the Cloudboom Strike 2 should use it in key workouts before race day, confirm the fit and practice the exact sock-and-lacing setup they plan to use in Chicago. The LightSpray™ version offers an exceptionally light, laceless fit, but its close, non-adjustable upper makes advance testing especially important.
Whether the goal is an aggressive negative split or a finish-line celebration months in the making, the Cloudboom Strike 2 is built to support the same idea that brings runners to Chicago: take the preparation seriously, then let race day feel alive.
My Miles in the Cloudboom Strike 2
When I tried the Cloudboom Strike 2, the first thing I noticed was how light it felt on my foot. Once I settled into the run, the shoe felt smooth and responsive rather than overly rigid. The cushioning softened the impact underfoot, while the curved plate and rocker geometry gave each stride a quick transition that made it easier to lock into a purposeful pace.
What stood out most was the balance. I felt protected without feeling weighed down, and the shoe delivered noticeable energy without making me fight the ride. As I picked up the pace, it felt increasingly natural—exactly what I want from a race-day shoe. The secure fit also helped me focus on my rhythm instead of thinking about what was on my feet.
After running in it, I came away believing the Cloudboom Strike 2 could be a great race-day option. It has the lightweight feel and forward momentum I would want when chasing a goal, along with enough cushioning to inspire confidence over the marathon distance. Most importantly, it made faster running feel exciting. For Chicago—where the energy of the crowds can pull you through every neighborhood—that combination feels especially well suited to the day.
Chicago, Race for the Feeling
On’s Chicago presence extends well beyond the starting line. From October 8–12, the brand will create a full marathon-weekend experience at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, On Store Chicago and the On Cheer Zone. Runners and supporters can find exclusive merchandise, pick up race kits, make signs, hear music and preserve the weekend with a post-race portrait. Events are first-come, first-served, so advance registration is encouraged where available.
Saturday Spotlight: Believe in the Run x On at Navy Pier
The weekend’s main activation takes place Saturday, October 10, at 8:30 a.m., when On joins Believe in the Run for a shakeout at Navy Pier, co-hosted with Fleet Feet Chicago. Runners will have the chance to demo LightSpray™ before race day while moving around one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Local Chicago band Hollyy will perform, with snacks, drinks and limited-edition On x Believe in the Run hats adding to the celebration. It is designed to be part easy run, part live show and part collective exhale before Sunday’s 26.2 miles.
Thursday, October 8
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | On Chicago Expo
Shop exclusive merchandise from local artist Sentrock.
McCormick Place, Booth 370
Friday, October 9
9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | On Chicago Expo
Shop exclusive merchandise from local artist Sentrock.
McCormick Place, Booth 370
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Race Kit Pickup
Grab your kit before race day.
On Store Chicago
Saturday, October 10
8:30 a.m. | Believe in the Run x On Shakeout
Demo LightSpray™ before race day during a Navy Pier run co-hosted with Fleet Feet Chicago, featuring a live performance by Hollyy.
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | On Chicago Expo
Shop exclusive merchandise from local artist Sentrock.
McCormick Place, Booth 370
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Race Kit Pickup
Grab your kit before race day.
On Store Chicago
Sunday, October 11
6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | On Cheer Zone
Stop by for sign making, music and more.
S. Halsted Street and S. Canalport Avenue
Monday, October 12
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Post-Race Portraits
Mark your marathon moment with a portrait.
On Store Chicago
Where to Meet
On Store Chicago
1043 N. Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60611
In Chicago, the goal may be measured in hours, minutes and seconds—but the reason runners return is something more. Race for the feeling.