Fashion

Dior Taps Animation Director Sylvain Chomet for 2026 Holiday Campaign

Beauty

John Frieda Dies at 75

Business

Pandora Sales Rises 6 Percent in Q3

This Kaia Gerber–Approved On Sneaker Style Is Just What You Need to Master the Season’s Pastel-Purple Shoe Trend

The On Cloudnova 2 shoe in White/Orchid offers a subtle pop of color that will work with fashion-forward ensembles for this summer, fall, and beyond.

By Stacia Datskovska Plus Icon

Stacia Datskovska

Senior Commerce Writer for WWD

Recent Articles by Stacia Datskovska

View All

June 25, 2025, 3:11pm

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

model wearing on's cloudnova 2 sneaker in the white/orchid colorway; a pair of the shoes overlaid on a gradient purple background

Courtesy On, FP Movement, fotograzia/Getty Images

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

In this article

View More

Each summer, the jury seems to be out on what the trendiest, be-all and end-all sneaker color is — and 2025 is so far providing us with a slew of options, from white sneakers that can be worn with dresses to those featuring subtle pastels like butter yellow. Settling this debate once and for all, On released a pastel purple–powered style of its popular Cloudnova 2 sneaker that’s quickly gaining traction with sneakerheads. Not only can this attractive shoe breathe life into summer neutrals while equally complimenting jewel-toned ensembles for the upcoming fall season, but its cost-per-wear value also makes it one of the best On sneaker investments to make in 2025.

Related Articles

Runners cross the Verrazano Bridge as they compete in the New York Marathon in New York on November 2, 2025; how to watch the new york city marathon online for free

Shop Shoes

Where to Watch the 2026 New York City Marathon Online Without Cable

The Best Luxury Christmas Gifts for Men of 2026; Luxury gifts for men, including a Breville espresso machine, Tom Ford Myrrhe Mystère fragrance, Hibiki Japanese whisky, a Citizen watch, brown leather Chelsea boots, and The Book of HOV, arranged against a blue backdrop.

Fashion

The Art of Gifting Well: 22 Luxury Christmas Gifts for Men Who Appreciate the Finer Things

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker in White/Orchid

$160

Buy Now at on

The On Cloudnova 2 sneaker in White/Orchid has a design that, at first glance, appears to be all-white; look a bit closer, though, and you’ll spot touches of purple running across its midsole, outsole, heel tab, and laces. Evoking orchids, as well as summer’s bountiful lavender and clematis arrivals, the hue grants a rare opportunity for dabbling in many competing color trends at once through this shoe purchase. White sneakers continue to be loved by everyone from Katie Holmes and Gwyneth Paltrow to Jennifer Lawrence and Hailey Bieber, but we’re also seeing a growing interest in purple across essentials spanning sportier shoe styles, outerwear, and beyond — with luxury fashion houses milking as much of its appeal as possible.

@adeline_rose

just unboxed new shoes… in love already!! These are the OnCloud Cloudnova 2 in color White | Orchid #shoes #shopping #shoppinghaul

♬ original sound – Hillel Barak

On Prada’s spring 2025 runway, we witnessed the allure of the color through starched button-ups (swathed in a mixture of mellow pink and lilac), ribbed tights (more plum-hued than anything), and deep-purple coats. The storied Italian label’s collection for the season also made sure to pour this purple rain onto footwear, what with the low-pro sneakers it showcased in an even richer iteration of the shade, demonstrating with precision the sheer potential of purple — no matter its intensity — to invigorate an outfit, doing so in a classy and timeless way. Loewe’s spring 2025 runway presentation, a paragon of the sneaker-plus-dress combo done right, unveiled a specifically pastel-purple sneaker, which the brand matched to a graphic top and simple black trousers for some contrast play. The continued mass appeal of purple designer sneaker styles in general, whether released just ahead of this summer or much earlier, also proves just how smart of a fashion choice they really are: the Gucci Cub3d Sneaker, textural Comme des Garçons x Spalwart Colorblock Suede Runner Sneaker, and muted Golden Goose’s Hi Star Suede Glitter Low-Top Sneaker being prime examples.

On’s Cloudnova 2, which is an updated version of the very silhouette that Kaia Gerber stepped out in a few days ago (she donned her On Cloudnova X kicks with black athleisure for a Pilates class), is way more than mere looks, though. Part of the brand’s bestselling Cloudnova collection that promises lightness, springiness, and street-to-gym versatility, its standout traits are an ultra-breathable mesh upper (plus intentional perforations on the tongue for greater airflow); a high heel-to-toe drop that provides ample cushioning for your feet as you walk, run, or skip around town; and a more stabilized heel pillow to ensure you make all the right moves with every step. You’ll be reaching for the athletic model ahead of each sweat session this season and soon find yourself rounding out post-workout ‘fits with it, too, considering the On Cloudnova 2 in White/Orchid prides itself on all-occasions wearability.

woman stretching while wearing an on cloudnova 2 shoe in white/orchid, with pink socks on

Whether you’re running errands, hitting a PR on the treadmill, or exploring a new city, On’s Cloudnova 2 sneaker is here to make every footfall softer and more stable. Courtesy FP Movement

The sneaker has been very well received since its 2024 release, meaning Kaia Gerber is in good company. “I bought them today, and they are SO comfortable. I have flat feet, and it’s so hard to find shoes that I can walk comfortably in for long periods of time,” one TikTok user commented on an unboxing video. “I had a traumatic leg injury that they say will always cause me pain. My PT suggested these. They’ve been the best shoes for me. I’ve tried others and just keep coming back… they literally help me to be on my feet longer,” another customer happily reported on the same app. “A lot of the nurses and doctors wear these at my hospital job,” reads an additional bit of feedback that’s making the case for how the On Cloudnova 2 is there to support you throughout the day, with step-in comfort you’ll be grateful for year-round.

Speaking of year-round wear, prepare to keep your new pair of runners on the shoe rack all through this summer and into the chillier months: as fall 2025 runways made clear that the moody-and-brooding is bound to be swapped for the light-and-playful once the leaves start to turn, in a tradition-defying twist of events. The White/Orchid colorway occupies the ideal middle ground, then, between the kind of Crayola purple that bedecked the high-shouldered coats at Louis Vuitton’s show during this year’s Paris Fashion Week and the soft-spoken pastels that were sent down runways by Prada, Fendi, and other high-end brands — the latter proving that, come fall, we’ll all be reluctant to part with our Easter egg–adjacent infusions of sartorial brightness.

Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker in White/Orchid

$160

Buy Now at on

Shop More Popular On Shoe Styles

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

On Cloudsurfer 2 Sneaker

$160

Buy Now at on

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

On Cloud 6 Sneaker

$150

Buy Now at on

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

On Cloudmonster Void Sneaker

$170

Buy Now at on

Why Trust Footwear News

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. 

More About WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska frequently covers new footwear releases and updates on key styles, including those in the On universe.

Tags

Newsletters

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

Sign up

WWD Recommends

Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Character Study: Classic Men’s Looks with Modern Updates

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Thom Browne and Teyana Taylor: Designer and Muse

Gucci Westman and David Neville

CEO Talks: How Gucci Westman and David Neville Are Building a Luxury Beauty Brand for the Ages

Under Armour HeatGear compression T-shirts (layered); Armedangels denim jeans; Thom Browne shoes.

Icebreakers with François Arnaud

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Getting Ready for Marc Jacobs 2026 with Nicky Hilton

diane lane at the premiere of feud capote vs the swans, red carpet interview

'Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans' Stars Talk Costumes and Society

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

WWD style director Alex Badia and FN style director Shannon Adducci discuss the versatility of outerwear.

Head to Toe: How to Style Outerwear for Everywhere

Hermès is making a major statement about the future of brick-and-mortar retail with the long-awaited opening of its massive new Madison Avenue flagship.

A Tour of the New Hermès Madison Avenue Flagship

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye With Immediate Effect

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

WWD's fashion director Alex Badia and FN's fashion director Shannon Adducci talk about transitioning your wardrobe in an episode of "Head to Toe."

Head To Toe: Transitioning Your Wardrobe

Designer Details: A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

Beyoncé, Renaissance, Beyonce picture, Beyonce photos, Beyonce style

WWD Report Card: Beyoncé’s Fashion ‘Renaissance’

Men’s Spring 2023, fashion trend, menswear,

Men’s Spring 2023 Trend: Skin Show

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,' beauty, collaboration, launch,  Kim Chi, Trixie Mattel

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Stars Kim Chi and Trixie Mattel Launch Beauty Collaboration

Zoey Deutch, Met Gala, Zoey Deutch style

Zoey Deutch Shares Her Red Carpet Favorites and What it's Like Backstage at the Met Gala

Serena Williams, on-court tennis style, celebrity style, sports, fashion,

A Look at Serena Williams’ Best On-Court Tennis Outfits Over the Years

Megan Fox, Megan Fox fashion, Megan Fox style

Megan Fox’s Best Fashion Moments Over the Years

Selena Gomez, Selena Gomez pictures, Selena Gomez photos, Selena Gomez style

WWD Report Card: Selena Gomez’s Fashion Evolution

fashion collaborations, fashion, 2022

The Biggest Fashion Collaborations of 2022 — So Far

Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, designer, Nike, Air Force 1, sneaker, collection, footwear

5 Things To Know About The Louis Vuitton And Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker Collection

J. Crew, fashion, collection, creative director, Brendon Babenzien

LAUNCH PAD: First Look at the New J. Crew

Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt photos, Ryan Gosling photos

WWD Report Card: Brad Pitt vs Ryan Gosling

Paris Couture Week, fashion, style, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Zoey Deutch

Report Card: Rating the Looks from Paris Couture Week

paris fashion week mens, spring 2023, Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 5 | Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 4 | Junya Watanabe, Dior, Officine Generale

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Issey Miyake, Amiri

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Lemaire, Givenchy, Reese Cooper

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 1 | John Elliott, EgonLab

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Versace, Fendi, Armani, MSGM

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

First Impressions: Milan Men's Spring 2023 | Day 1

Milan fashion week, day 3, spring 2023 collections, first impressions, Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

summer bags, handbags, Chanel, Telfar, Loewe, WWD

Hot Summer Bags

WWD, Beauty Inc, Cosmoprof, 2022

WWD + Beauty Inc. at Cosmoprof 2022

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

On the Red Carpet at the 2022 Met Gala: All the Looks

Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, "And Just Like That,  costumes, Max, series

'And Just Like That' Costume Designers Talk Process for New HBO Show

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Netflix's 'Halston' Costume Designer Talks Working with Ewan McGregor

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: J Balvin on the Deeper Meaning of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 Sneaker

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: How Princess Diana’s Fashion Choices Hinted at What Was Happening Behind Palace Doors

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: Do These Outrageous Celebrity Fashion Looks Hold Up?

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: Sarah Cooper — Writer, Comedian, Trump Impersonator, and More

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: Bob the Drag Queen Grades Legendary Fashion Looks

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: Supreme Court Style: Inside the Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: The Origins of French Girl Style à la Chanel

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: WWD Presents 'Creating Queer'

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: Model Shaun Ross Talks Diversity in the Fashion Industry

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

Video: Fashion for All CEO Hannah Stoudemire On Her #BreakingtheSilence Campaign⁣

The On Cloudnova 2 Sneaker's New Purple Hue Aces the Pastel Trend

These Inclusive Face Masks Provide Functional PPE to All Frontline Workers

Most Popular

WWD

Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.

Enter your Email

Sign Up Sign Up

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.