When I think about On shoes, I usually think of that very recognizable running-shoe look: clean lines, lots of technology, and of course those CloudTec pods on the bottom. So I was curious to see what would happen when On teamed up with Free People’s FP Movement for a shoe that brings a little more personality to the mix.
The result is the On x FP Movement Cloud X Tempo, a collaboration that combines On’s athletic footwear with the more fashion-forward, playful aesthetic that FP Movement is known for. And while this is still a legitimate performance-inspired shoe, the collaboration is really what caught my attention. It’s the kind of sneaker that looks just as comfortable hanging out after a workout as it does getting you through one.
Looks
Let’s start with the obvious: these are really cute.
The colorway is an ivory and light green combination that gives the shoes a soft, almost spring-like look. The ivory keeps things neutral enough to work with just about anything, while the pale green adds just enough color..
Then there’s the little detail that really makes them feel like an FP Movement collaboration: the wildflower inspired design on the insole. It’s a small thing that you probably won’t notice while someone else is wearing the shoes, but it’s a fun collaboration detail.
I also really like that the overall look doesn’t scream “running shoe.” They have enough athletic styling to look the part, but the colorway and FP Movement touches make them feel equally at home with leggings, jeans, or whatever else you might be wearing when you aren’t running.
Construction
There is plenty of On technology here, including the brand’s familiar CloudTec cushioning and Speedboard construction. The result is a shoe that feels responsive and relatively light underfoot rather than soft and squishy.
The upper is where you’ll find a couple of details that make the Cloud X Tempo a little different from your typical running shoe. Instead of traditional laces, it uses a quick-lacing system. There’s also a small pocket built into the tongue that gives you a place to stash something small, like a key or credit card.
But honestly, the technical specifications aren’t the reason I think this collaboration is interesting. There are plenty of shoes that can handle a gym workout or a few miles on the road. What makes the On x FP Movement Cloud X Tempo stand out is that it manages to do that while looking like something you actually want to wear when the workout is over.
