On introduced the Cloudsoma PAF, a trail-focused sneaker from the Current Form 5.0 collection that closes their six-season collaboration. The shoe presents an experimental take on On’s performance language, drawing on mountain rock formations, changing terrain and the movement of runners while retaining the original Cloudsoma’s technical foundation.
The upper uses quick-drying materials designed for high-abrasion conditions, shaped into flowing panels and organic lines. An asymmetrical lacing system provides the shoe’s most distinctive visual element. It comes in Cobble/Raven, Black/Black and Haze/Linen, with the darker options balancing the collaboration’s conceptual design with everyday wearability and running function.
The partners also commissioned South African land artist Strijdom van der Merwe to create a permanent circular stone trail installation in Tenerife. Launched globally Sept. 3, the capstone project reflects the convergence of technical trail footwear and experimental fashion, extending both brands’ cultural reach beyond the retail product itself.
Image Credit: On
What's Driving This Trend
- Art-integrated Performance Gear
- Permanent land installations tied to product launches reveal space for performance brands to build cultural value through experiential ecosystems beyond apparel and footwear.
- Terrain-inspired Sneaker Design
- Organic panels, rock-formation cues and adaptive trail aesthetics signal opportunities in footwear that translates outdoor environments into distinctive technical design languages.
- Hybrid Trail Lifestyle Footwear
- Darker colorways and wearable silhouettes show how rugged running features can merge with everyday fashion for consumers seeking versatile performance style.
Who This Affects Most
- Athletic Footwear
- Quick-drying materials, abrasion-ready uppers and asymmetrical lacing highlight demand for trail shoes that balance technical function with experimental visual identity.
- Outdoor Recreation
- Cultural collaborations around trail running point to new value in outdoor products that connect sport, landscape and community-oriented experiences.
- Fashion Collaborations
- Limited multi-season partnerships demonstrate how performance labels and avant-garde creatives can expand brand relevance through collectible, concept-led releases.
