The Cloudnova Switches On For Active Lifestyles

After a decade fine-tuning their innovative CloudTec cushioning compound for demanding runners, Swiss brand On took their comfort expertise to the streets last year with the Cloudnova – their first foray into casual sneakers. After launching in straight shooting all-black and two-toned grey colourways, On have direct-injected some bright blues and crisp creams to their breakout model for a welcome pigment pop.

The Cloudnova isn’t simply an athletic shoe with its colours changed for casual wear. It’s been designed purely for lifestyle – but that’s not to say it’s escaped its running roots. After all, CloudTec was developed to help all athletes get the most out of their strides with a ‘soft landing and explosive take-off’. It turns out the compound is also pretty handy at offering all-day cloud-like cushioning at a more sedate street pace. This is paired with On’s Speedboard midsole insert, which is optimised for each model’s intended usage, whether it’s for pavement propulsion or heft-free hiking.

Such a comfortable sole warrants an equally cosy upper, so On have applied plenty of Swiss engineering into the Cloudnova’s top end. This includes knit mesh that eliminates discomfort-inducing seams, which this season has been stitched up in attractive shades of ‘Cobalt’ and ‘Cream’. Widely spaced first and second eyelets, and an internal bootie system that cradles both the heel and instep, are among comfort features that really should be default on all contemporary sneakers.

Switch ‘On’ to the new colourways of the Cloudnova from April 1, directly from On.