On has a new prototype racing shoe in the pipeline, and it’s now officially on the record.
According to a World Athletics listing shared online this week, the On Cloudboom Dev 5 has received approval for competition use, with certification valid until February 9, 2027. The shoe is listed as a development model, meaning it’s still in testing rather than full retail release.
In other words: this isn’t something you can buy yet, but it’s something On athletes may already be racing in soon.
The World Athletics document lists the model number as 3DV3002.
Approved, But Not for the Olympics
The approval notice states that the Cloudboom Dev 5 is cleared for competition use in:
- Road races (including track race walking events)
- Cross country races
- Mountain and trail races
However, it notes that approval does not extend to World Athletics Series events or the Olympic Games, which is typical for prototype shoes still being developed, but we could see it at upcoming World Marathon Majors (wink, wink, Hellen Obiri in London!).
LightSpray Returns, Built in Three Minutes
The biggest recognizable feature is On’s LightSpray™ upper, the sprayed-on, one-piece construction that first drew attention in the Cloudboom Strike LS.
The report describes the process as eliminating traditional sewing and glue-based construction, replacing it with robotic spraying.
“This technology eliminates traditional sewing and gluing processes, using automated robotic arms to directly ‘spray’ a single high-performance material onto the shoe last,” the report states. “In just 3 minutes, a thin, one-piece upper can be woven and directly bonded to the midsole.”
That “three minutes” detail is classic On, equal parts innovation pitch and flex.
A New Midsole Shape, and a Shift in On’s Look
The more interesting change may be the midsole.
Images linked to the listing show a new structure described as CloudTec® Sphere, which appears to move away from On’s trademark open “cloud holes.” Instead, the midsole looks more split and enclosed.
The report suggests the design could “reduce the weight of the shoe and increase the structural elasticity during propulsion,” hinting at a more modern super shoe approach focused on efficiency and rebound.
The foam appears thick in both the heel and forefoot, though no official specifications have been released. The report notes there is no confirmed midsole material yet, but suggests On may continue using its high-end Helion™ HF foam.
No Release Date Yet
For now, the Cloudboom Dev 5 remains a prototype, with no public release timeline or confirmed technical details like weight, stack height, or plate configuration.
Still, the World Athletics approval is a strong clue that the shoe is far along in development, and may soon appear on the feet of On-sponsored athletes in major road races.
On’s super shoe ambitions have been getting louder over the past year. The Cloudboom Dev 5 suggests the brand is still pushing hard, and may be preparing its next serious entry into the marathon racing arms race.
