Thierry Henry leads On initiative for women's football boots

Thierry Henry, football director at the Swiss sportswear company On, is spearheading an initiative to develop football boots designed specifically for female players. Henry noted that it is “not normal” for women to rely on footwear originally designed for men, highlighting a significant gap in specialized equipment despite the growing professionalization and commercial appeal of women's football.

The project utilizes On’s LightSpray technology, an automated manufacturing process that creates an extremely lightweight, stitch-free upper to improve comfort and performance. To ensure the products meet the specific needs of elite athletes, the company is collaborating with professional players, including Barcelona midfielder Sydney Schertenleib.

On aims to leverage the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil as a major platform to showcase these innovations and expand its global presence in the sport. This technological focus is part of a broader strategy by On to move beyond traditional sponsorships by investing in specialized equipment and innovation.