On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Sustainability Report

The Cloudrock Low Waterproof uses a reinforced synthetic upper and structured build that performs surprisingly well in rough terrain. The outsole rubber is moderately durable, though not as long-lasting as Vibram. With limited exposed foam, this is one of On’s longer-lasting trail shoes.

Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand. Overall, we feel strongly that reducing overall consumption is a cornerstone of sustainability.

The Cloudrock Low Waterproof’s upper material is made of recycled polyester and virgin TPU. The shoe does not feature any other recycled materials. In 2025, 94% of On’s polyester and 85% of its nylon came from recycled or renewable sources (up from 80% recycled polyester in 2023). That same year, the brand launched its first recycled and renewable midsole materials, which now account for nearly a quarter of its midsole materials.

Outdoor gear can be made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or a partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc.). For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate the amount of recycled materials in a particular product and assign points accordingly.

The durable water-repellent treatment on the On Cloudrock Low Waterproof does not contain PFAS. As of 2025, all of On’s waterproof footwear and apparel are PFAS free.

The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is a product’s direct defense against outside moisture, and commonly contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds, known as "forever chemicals,” are found in a range of gear categories, from jackets to footwear. They resist water, oil, and heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for outdoor use, but their nearly indestructible nature also means that they take an extremely long time to degrade in nature, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.

The Cloudrock Low’s waterproof membrane is PFAS free. All of the brand’s footwear and apparel are made without using PFAS.

The membranes of certain waterproof products, including rain jackets, ski jackets, ski bibs, hardshells, and hiking footwear, commonly contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds, known as "forever chemicals,” resist water, oil, and heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for outdoor use, but their nearly indestructible nature also means that they take an extremely long time to degrade in nature, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.

Companies typically source responsible leather from suppliers that meet the Leather Working Group Standards (LWG). LWG is a third-party non-profit organization that assesses the environmental impact of leather manufacturers and ensures compliance with its standards. This includes assessing water and energy use, waste and chemical management, air and noise emissions, traceability, health and safety, and the use of restricted substances. The LWG also gives tanneries ratings (bronze, silver, and gold), which we take into account when making our ratings.

Like other styles from On, the Cloudrock Low Waterproof does not feature Bluesign-approved materials. On is not a Bluesign System Partner. The brand does not currently use Bluesign-approved materials.

Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A Bluesign-approved material indicates that it has undergone a rigorous vetting process based on the criteria above. A Bluesign Product goes the next mile, containing at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and at least 30% Bluesign-approved accessories.

On conducts in-house onboarding audits for Tier 1 (finished goods) factories but does not partner with third-party programs such as Fair Trade, the Fair Labor Association, or Fair Wear for regular audits to ensure continued compliance. The majority of its Tier 2 factories have been assessed by the Social and Labor Convergence Program. Notably, as of 2025, 80% of On’s Tier 1 factory employees earn a living wage, and the brand is working to reach 100%. However, because the Social and Labor Convergence Program does not certify factories or conduct ongoing audits to verify continued compliance, On does not meet our responsible manufacturing criteria.

This criterion evaluates a brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.

On uses 100% Forest Stewardship Council-certified recycled paper and cardboard in its footwear and accessory packaging, and its plastic bags are also fully recycled. In 2025, packaging accounted for around 3% of the brand’s carbon footprint.

Packaging can add significant waste to an outdoor gear purchase and often ends up in landfills. Many brands are using recycled packaging and/or making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, they may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic or paper across their packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.

On operates a resale and recycling service called Cylon, through which customers can print a prepaid shipping label and send in used On gear for resale, donation, or recycling, depending on its condition. In return, participants receive store credit based on the value of their gear. The brand also sells refurbished, warrantied gear on Cyclon to reduce waste and keep gear with minor imperfections in play.

Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.

On started tracking its greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. The brand set a target to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% and Scope 3 emissions by 51.6% per unit by 2030, compared to its 2019 baseline. Notably, the Scope 3 target is an emissions intensity goal rather than an absolute reduction target, meaning total emissions can continue to increase as long as emissions per product decline. Because Scope 3 emissions account for around 99% of On’s total carbon footprint, this distinction is significant. In 2025, On emitted 572,382 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent—more than five times its 2020 emissions. Still, the brand has made progress in reducing the carbon footprint of individual products, reporting a 7% reduction in emissions per product between 2023 and 2025.

This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Most companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions. Those who earn the most points in this category have emissions reduction goals verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a global organization that helps companies set greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. To verify their goals through SBTi, companies undergo a rigorous assessment process and continual follow-up to ensure consistent progress towards achieving their targets.

On published its first sustainability report in 2020. Since then, it has published a report each year with extensive data detailing its progress toward sustainability initiatives, including using more sustainable materials, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing fair labor practices.

An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate this criterion based on the depth and quality of the information provided in the report, and how often it is produced. Some brands produce their own impact report, while others are published by their parent company. In practice, we’ve found that reports produced by individual brands include more detailed information about their sustainability efforts.