On running launches Cyclon, a subscription-based service that recycles your shoes

Swiss running brand On has launched a groundbreaking shoe recycling program. It’s a subscription-based service that takes your old shoes and sends you new ones, while recycling the used material to make your next pair. Cyclon, as the company calls it, will allow subscribers to receive and wear the latest in running sportswear and then return end-of-life products back to the company. The sustainability program will cost runners $34.99. This program is the first of its kind in the multisport world.

“We built Cyclon to be a sustainable solution in every sense — from an environmental perspective, as a business opportunity and for the benefit of our runners,” On co-founder David Allemann said in a press release. “In engineering our sustainable product technology, we haven’t sacrificed performance. We’ve enhanced it.”

New Cyclon shoe

With this program, the company is launching its latest shoe named after the initiative, which is also fully recyclable. At under 200 g, the Cyclon is very light and designed to perform at a high level. For context, that would be one of the lightest trainers on the market. The Nike Pegasus runs at 280 g. The Cyclon is also created from over 50 per cent bio-based materials, made from castor beans, which reduces the reliance on petroleum-based materials.

Many companies have made sustainable shoes, but it’s rare to find a sustainability program which incentivizes recycling for runners. On’s new program launches today and is available in Canada. The program will start with the new Cyclon shoe and then expand to apparel and accessories.