On’s Most Restrained Sneaker Might Be Its Strongest to Date
On running shoes have earned their trailblazing reputation thanks to a unique mix of innovative performance features and a minimalist style that feels futuristic without being extravagant.
To make this "reduced" aesthetic even more stripped down is something worth hiring a legendary designer for. Which is exactly what the Swiss brand did, to reimagine its latest Cloudflow 5 runner.
Collaborating with Munich-based design studio Bureau Borsche, with whom it partnered last year for a rework of another signature shoe, the two parties have transformed the lightweight, track-focused Cloudflow 5 into an all-day lifestyle sneaker, aptly named the Cloudflow 5 AD.
The visual changes are subtle but meaningful. The OG’s full-mesh upper is replaced with a combination of 3D-printed matte layers, mesh, and sharp overlays, giving the sneaker a more aerodynamic look.
Most strikingly, the Cloudflow 5 AD has removed the concentric On logo typically featured on the side of the shoe. A bold move that emphasizes details over branding, as noted in On's official press release.
Yet, despite these cosmetic reductions, the sneaker retains top-tier innovations: Helion HF foam delivers the signature “walking on clouds” sensation synonymous with On, while an integrated speedboard plate enhances propulsion with every step.
Retailing on On's website for $220, the Cloudflow 5 is the ultimate "what if" sneaker. What if your leisurely stroll suddenly became a high-speed sprint? What if a shoe could combine the sleek look of a minimalist sneaker with the performance of a high-end runner?
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