Kith and On Launch Partnership
Kith is launching a multi-year partnership with Swiss brand On, bridging streetwear and performance tech. The collaboration kicks off with two exclusive models: the K-Tech 1 for performance running and the K-Tech 2 for lifestyle. The deal is a major move for On, which projects 23% sales growth this year, while Kith continues to expand its high-profile collaborations.
This partnership extends beyond footwear, launching the Kith Run Team in New York City. The team, comprised of local athletes and coaches, began training in February 2026 and is set to compete in a New York half-marathon in April, marking Kith's formal entry into community-driven running. The collaboration introduces On's cutting-edge technology to Kith's audience. Both the K-Tech 1 and K-Tech 2 silhouettes are built on On's Cloudswift tooling, which incorporates the brand's signature CloudTec cushioning system. This technology features hollow pods on the sole that cushion landings and provide a firm base for explosive take-offs. Kith founder Ronnie Fieg's journey in the footwear industry began at age 13 as a stock boy for a New York-based shoe store. His early experience and eye for unique designs led to successful collaborations with brands like Asics and New Balance long before establishing Kith in 2011. Fieg's personal philosophy is to offer consumers more than what they pay for, a principle that has guided Kith's growth. On was founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010 by former Ironman champion Olivier Bernhard and his friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti. The brand's innovative cushioning concept was initially prototyped using pieces of a garden hose. In 2019, tennis legend Roger Federer became an investor and ambassador for the brand, further elevating its global profile. This collaboration taps into the growing market for both performance and lifestyle sneakers. The global sneaker market reached $94.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow, driven by a rising interest in health and fitness. The blending of athletic and casual wear, often referred to as "athleisure," has blurred the lines between performance and style, creating a larger market for versatile footwear. Alongside the sneakers, the Kith for On collection includes a reimagined range of On's core apparel. The collection features running jackets, tees, shorts, and accessories, all infused with Kith's signature color palette and co-branded details.
