• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Pentagon accuses Alibaba, Baidu and BYD, three of China's biggest companies, of supporting the Chinese military

2

'We are rapidly running out of time': Watchdog sounds Social Security alarm after 22% cut confirmed for 2032

3

Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there

1

Pentagon accuses Alibaba, Baidu and BYD, three of China's biggest companies, of supporting the Chinese military

2

'We are rapidly running out of time': Watchdog sounds Social Security alarm after 22% cut confirmed for 2032

3

Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there
RetailSports
Europe

Roger Federer-backed shoe brand On has surging U.S. sales—but the strength of its home currency against a weak dollar is causing problems

Prarthana Prakash
By
Prarthana Prakash
Prarthana Prakash
Europe Business News Reporter
Down Arrow Button Icon
Prarthana Prakash
By
Prarthana Prakash
Prarthana Prakash
Europe Business News Reporter
Down Arrow Button Icon
August 16, 2023, 8:01 AM ET
A picture on On shoes inside a store
Roger Federer–backed On shoes are seeing a boom in U.S. sales.Stefan Wermuth—Bloomberg/Getty Images

An emerging shoe brand backed by tennis legend Roger Federer is seeing sales boom in the U.S.—the only problem is how customers are paying.

Recommended Video

Performance shoe brand On told analysts this week that the dollar’s weakness against its native Swiss franc is holding back blockbuster figures.

The Zurich-based company has seen rapid growth so far this year—it reported a sales spike of more than 50% for the April-to-June quarter compared to the same period in 2022.

On expects that momentum to nudge its sales upward to at least CHF 1.76 billion ($2 billion) for 2023, up from its forecast in May. 

Yet despite the optimism, one of the factors keeping the company from further raising its outlook for the full year is the negative impact of foreign exchange, with the dollar dragging down its figures. 

“Over the last month, we have seen a persistent strength of the Swiss franc versus nearly every other currency around the globe,” On’s CFO and co-CEO Martin Hoffman said during the company’s earnings call Tuesday.

The impact, Hoffman laid out, is that if the dollar had stayed comparable to the Swiss franc the brand would have upped its guidance to CHF 1.78 billion.

Instead, the weakness of the dollar has cost the brand “about CHF 20 million” for the second half of the year.

“Just to put things in a bit in perspective,” Hoffman continued, “if you talk about the CHF 1.76 billion and convert it into US dollars today, we would talk about CHF 2 billion [in] US dollar sales.”

However, Hoffman reasoned: “The strength of the brand and the momentum become even more evident when considering the current FX environment.” 

The Swiss franc has gained more than 7% against the dollar in the last year, while the brand’s success has rapidly gained steam in the States.

Against the Euro, the Swiss franc has also strengthened 0.2% in the last 12 months. These changes have influenced On’s view of the year ahead. 

“We really continue to have the strong growth aspiration in the guidance, but it’s a bit overshadowed by the FX,” Hoffman told Bloomberg.

A spokesperson at On told Fortune that although the foreign exchange rates sway the figures reported by the company in Swiss francs, it won’t affect On’s priority to expand in the U.S.

Booming U.S. popularity

The volatility of foreign exchange aside, On has reaped the benefits of its U.S. expansion through e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels.

The brand’s availability in retail stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker has made it possible to reach more consumers and compete with existing brands like Nike and Adidas.

On noted it was seeing “very, very strong sales” through some of its multi-brand retail channels such as Dick’s.

As a result, the Swiss company plans to increase its presence in several more stores across the U.S. and Europe, as well as the Middle East and African regions.   

“We are only in a bit over 50 Dick’s stores out of the 800 that they have,” Hoffman told Bloomberg. “So there’s a huge untapped market potential.”

On has forecasted a growth rate of 44% for the second half of the year, thanks to its positive growth trajectory, even as foreign currency rates continue to weigh on some of its markets. 

On’s share price has increased by over 50% since the start of 2023, outperforming many of its peers in the sporting industry by a big margin. 

What makes On special?

On was launched in 2010 before Federer invested an undisclosed sum in the company in 2019. The brand differentiates its products courtesy of “pods” in the shoes that work like cavities—designed to absorb impact with each step.

The shoes became widely popular among exercise enthusiasts, bringing On to profitability within four years of its launch. 

The company went public in August 2021, valued at over $11 billion upon listing at a time when demand for sports-related items was surging following COVID lockdowns.

As of 2021, half of the Swiss shoemaker’s business came from the U.S. 

On has since expanded its product line and presence across markets, setting itself apart not just with the backing of a well-known sportsman but also by pushing for sustainability as part of its business.

The company launched a resale site in September to reduce waste, offering second-hand items to consumers looking for marked-down versions of On’s shoes.

“Our life as a public company has been an incredible continuation of our journey, marked by significant progress and huge achievements,” David Allemann, the company’s cofounder, said in a statement.

The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
About the Author
Prarthana Prakash
By Prarthana PrakashEurope Business News Reporter
LinkedIn icon

Prarthana Prakash was a Europe business reporter at Fortune.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Retail

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Retail

Honda recalls nearly 900,000 cars thanks to rear suspension problems
RetailHonda
Honda recalls nearly 900,000 cars thanks to rear suspension problems
By The Associated PressJune 10, 2026
5 hours ago
Jamie Laing thinks tomorrow’s Fortune 500 will be built by creators. He might be right 
C-Suitecreator economy
Jamie Laing thinks tomorrow’s Fortune 500 will be built by creators. He might be right 
By Sam BirchallJune 10, 2026
11 hours ago
Matt Damon and Gary White.
EnvironmentWaters
Corporate America has been draining the world’s water. Matt Damon’s new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back
By Catherina GioinoJune 9, 2026
1 day ago
Chinese beauty brands flock to Southeast Asia as their first step in going global
RetailChina
Chinese beauty brands flock to Southeast Asia as their first step in going global
By Angelica AngJune 9, 2026
2 days ago
John Furner, CEO, Walmart US
SuccessCost of living
Walmart CEO John Furner says even wealthy shoppers are now shopping at the discount grocery chain as high prices stretch six-figure earners
By Emma BurleighJune 8, 2026
2 days ago
Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there
SuccessThe Promotion Playbook
Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there
By Preston ForeJune 8, 2026
2 days ago

Most Popular

Pentagon accuses Alibaba, Baidu and BYD, three of China's biggest companies, of supporting the Chinese military
Asia
Pentagon accuses Alibaba, Baidu and BYD, three of China's biggest companies, of supporting the Chinese military
By Kate O'Keeffe and BloombergJune 8, 2026
2 days ago
'We are rapidly running out of time': Watchdog sounds Social Security alarm after 22% cut confirmed for 2032
Economy
'We are rapidly running out of time': Watchdog sounds Social Security alarm after 22% cut confirmed for 2032
By Nick LichtenbergJune 9, 2026
1 day ago
Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there
Success
Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there
By Preston ForeJune 8, 2026
2 days ago
Current price of oil as of June 9, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 9, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 9, 2026
1 day ago
Wall Street dumped nearly $1 trillion in tech stocks by midday—then clawed it back and bought peanut butter and paint
Investing
Wall Street dumped nearly $1 trillion in tech stocks by midday—then clawed it back and bought peanut butter and paint
By Eva RoytburgJune 9, 2026
1 day ago
Current price of silver as of Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of silver as of Tuesday, June 9, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 9, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.