The 2026 London Marathon turned into a global stage for sports technology as Swiss performance brand ‘On’ introduced its groundbreaking LightSpray shoemaking robot in London ahead of Marathon Weekend. The innovation drew major attention from runners, designers, and the wider sportswear industry, positioning On at the center of the growing race-tech revolution.
LightSpray running shoe technology is a process that creates an ultra-light running shoe upper in just a few minutes using a robotic spray system. The technology was showcased during a special London pop-up experience in Hanover Square before the marathon, where visitors watched robots build shoes live while testing On’s latest marathon footwear.
On’s Robot-Made Running Shoes
LightSpray uses a robotic arm to spray a single continuous filament around a shoe mold, creating a seamless, sock-like upper in approximately three minutes. The result is a lightweight, laceless performance shoe designed specifically for elite marathon racing and high-speed training.
The technology first gained international recognition when marathon champion Hellen Obiri wore prototype versions during major victories, including Boston and New York. Her success gave the product instant credibility in elite running circles and helped transform LightSpray from an experimental concept into one of the most talked-about innovations in performance footwear.
London Marathon Becomes a Showcase for Running Innovation
London provided the perfect backdrop for On’s technology debut. Marathon week in the British capital has increasingly become a commercial and cultural showcase for the global sportswear industry, with brands competing to launch breakthrough products, host immersive activations, and connect with running communities.
On’s LightSpray installation stood out because it combined manufacturing technology, sustainability, and live performance storytelling in one experience. Visitors could see the robots create the shoe uppers in real time while learning how the company aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions through simplified production methods. According to the company, the process significantly cuts down material waste compared with traditional sneaker assembly.
The London activation also highlighted the launch of the new Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LightSpray edition, a training-focused evolution of the original Cloudboom Strike LS racing shoe. Early reviews praised the shoe’s lightweight feel, laceless fit, and responsive cushioning, reinforcing On’s growing reputation in the premium marathon shoe market
How On’s LightSpray Launch Signals a New Era for Performance Running Shoes
The timing of LightSpray’s London launch reflects a wider shift happening in the global running market. Marathon participation is booming worldwide, and footwear brands are investing heavily in innovation as runners increasingly seek lighter, faster, and more personalized shoes.
On’s approach goes beyond performance alone. The company is also scaling production through a new robot-powered manufacturing facility in South Korea capable of dramatically increasing output. Industry analysts see this as a major step toward automated footwear manufacturing, where shoes can eventually be produced faster, with fewer materials and lower environmental impact.
The company’s London presentation showed how running shoes are evolving into technology products as much as sportswear. From carbon-plated soles to AI-designed cushioning systems and robotic assembly, marathon footwear is becoming one of the most innovative categories in consumer fashion and sports technology.
The 2026 London Marathon confirmed that the future of performance running is no longer only about athletic ability. It is increasingly about engineering, sustainability, and immersive brand experiences. On’s LightSpray robot became one of the standout attractions of marathon week, signaling how technology-driven footwear could redefine both shoe manufacturing and elite racing performance in the years ahead.
Image and Video Credit: On
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