Swiss running brand On has unveiled the latest chapter in its collaboration with South Korean design studio POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF), reimagining one of its performance running shoes through the label's distinctive avant-garde lens.
The new Cloudboom Volt PAF is the centrepiece of the Current Form 4.0 collection, which explores transformation and movement through design.
Inspired by a moth emerging from its cocoon, the trainers feature a layered wraparound upper that gives the shoe a strikingly different appearance from On's standard performance models.
The design partially conceals them, creating a sculptural silhouette that looks more like a concept piece than a conventional race-day shoe.
The Cloudboom Volt is known as one of the firmest super shoes, featuring the CloudTec cushioning system and two layers of Helion HF hyper foam for energy return.
Interestingly, it's one of the more affordable high-end running shoes from any brand, let alone On, a company known for its premium offerings.
From race-day shoe to design object
This isn't the first time On and PAF have collaborated on a boundary-pushing collection.
Last year, the pair unveiled a futuristic take on the Cloudmonster Hyper that looked as though it had stepped straight out of a sci-fi concept sketch.
The Cloudboom Volt PAF follows a similar philosophy, using running as a starting point and layering on the fashion/design element.
The result is a shoe that retains its athletic roots while embracing the asymmetric details and unconventional design language that have helped PAF build a loyal following among fashion and design enthusiasts.
The footwear launches alongside a capsule collection of apparel and accessories, including the Zero Jacket, Zero Singlet, Zero 2-in-1 Shorts, Running-T, Run Belt, Zero Cap and Run Socks, all reinterpreted through PAF's distinctive creative lens.
Current Form 4.0 launches on 25 June through On, PAF and selected retail partners.
The Cloudboom Volt PAF retails for £270 / $280 / €290 / AU$380.
