Every runner’s dream is the perfect shoe…something that feels light as a cloud but is as durable as the mountain you’re sprinting up. If a shoe brand is going to start anywhere, it’s the Swiss Alps. That’s where the On name was born, when a retired athlete began crafting his own perfect shoe prototype.
The first sample was made with pieces of garden hose, but since then, the brand has come a long way. Now on the feet of over 7 million athletes, On is well known in the running community. And you’ll find more than just running shoes under this logo. The lineup includes athletic apparel of every array, bags, belts, headwear, and more.
The On brand headquarters is located in Zurich, Switzerland, and the company owns offices around the world. The brand reports that they are entirely engineered in the Swiss Alps. Now that sounds fancy and all, but what exactly does it mean? Jog on and find out below.
Verdict: Are On Shoes Made in the USA?
No, On Shoes are not made in the USA. The majority of On products are manufactured in Vietnam with support from other global partners.
According to their 2024 Impact Report, On partners with suppliers and manufacturing facilities around the world. This includes countries such as Portugal, Slovenia, China, South Korea, and others.
The majority of manufacturing takes place in Vietnam, the company’s only tier-1 supplier. On takes transparency seriously and even provides a detailed breakdown of local wage comparisons.
After Vietnam, a few tier-2 suppliers for the company include facilities located in China, Korea, Taiwan, and more. On also operates an innovation lab, fully staffed with scientists and technicians, located in Zurich, the same city where they are headquartered. Other corporate offices exist in locations such as Portland, Oregon, and Melbourne, Australia.
Turning to the tags on the On shoes themselves, we find more evidence for Vietnam being the main manufacturing hub, not that On wasn’t upfront about it in the first place:
And this one was made in Vietnam:
A little hard to see, but this shoe is made in Vietnam as well:
So, when the brand says it’s “engineered” in the Swiss Alps, it doesn’t mean the shoes are actually made there. Our in-depth research, from checking their supplier reports to sifting through product tags, affirms that it’s Vietnam doing the building.
Does On make anything in the USA? The answer is No. But are they transparent about their manufacturing practices? A resounding Yes and beyond.
Popular American Made On Shoes
- None
Popular On Shoes Not Made in the USA
- Focus Tech Hoodie
- Logo Sock High 3P
- Cloud 6 Waterproof
American Made Alternatives
- A list of sneaker manufacturers made in the USA
- A complete list of all American made shoe manufacturers
