Nothing gets past a sneakerhead. Their eagle eyes are on the hunt for new drops all day, everyday. So when POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF) released a lookbook for its latest collection, you can be sure that fans were quick to spot the unique On Running kicks that were on the feet of the models. Call me cynical, but I reckon it was all part of PAF’s PR plan to get in that pre-drop hype.

It worked. Shortly after, PAF unveiled its collaborative collection with On Running, titled “CURRENT FORM 1.0.” The collection features a series of lightweight running gear plus a variation of last year’s Cloudmonster runner. Visually, the items strike a happy balance between the two brands: taking the avant-garde, futuristic styling of PAF and applying it to the performance products from On.

The Cloudmonster is On’s most cushioned ride, thanks to the large air gaps in the sole — a.k.a. CloudTec®. PAF has obviously had its way with this pair though. The lacing system is slightly offset and runs over a forked tongue. And an extra layer of paneling wraps around the upper, mirroring the asymmetric design language that PAF is best-known for. It definitely gives an edge to a brand that usually plays it fairly safe.

If these sneakers are anything like their long-lost Cloudmonster cousin, you can expect 35 percent recycled materials overall, with that number reaching 100 percent in the sockliner and laces. Production is based in Vietnam at a factory called Diamond which “values give-back projects and team spirit, and managers at Diamond can be found on professional basketball teams with staff cheering them on.” The footwear will be available in an all-black or a ‘cement gray’ and ‘soft neon yellow’ colorway. (The latter being a favorite of seemingly alt. running brands at the moment.)

To compliment the footwear, a selection of apparel was shown including lightweight tees, hoodies, joggers, and shorts. All items feature ergonomic paneling and perforations, and are finished in a tonal, earthy palette, with that neon yellow setting things off.

“At the intersection of technology and creativity, this collaboration aims to craft alternative paths for run culture with an all-gender sportswear collection,” writes PAF in the caption.

From the looks of things, it certainly does bring an “alternative path” to On’s usual output. We just hope that it doesn’t stray from the eco-minded path that On’s on too. Style should never play second fiddle to sustainability.