Ant Kai’s “Cloud” New Balance 550 Proves Simple Sneakers Still Hit

Cloud designs on footwear aren’t exactly novel. In fact, there’s a good chance we’ve seen more cloud-adorned kicks than we can keep track of at this point. That said, it’s a theme we’re always thrilled to see repeated time and time again, thanks to its undeniably beautiful aesthetic. Whether it be through Nike’s official releases (and yes, they have a few ) or custom designs from independent artists, the puffy cloud motif never fails to captivate. However, next in the line of cloud sneakers for us to marvel at are these New Balance 550s, created by master sneaker artist Ant Kai (@ant.kai).

Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground

Of course, if you’re someone who’s trailed the footprints of Ant Kai’s sneaker journey, you’d probably spot his unique touch on these New Balance sneakers in a heartbeat. This talented artist has steadily gained a reputation for his breathtaking sky-and-cloud designs, transforming popular sneaker models like the Air Force 1 and Nike Dunk Low into dreamy works of art. More recently, however, his creative expertise has culminated in a collaborative project with the illustrious French fashion house Balmain—impressive, right? It seems having your head in the clouds can lead to some pretty amazing creations on the ground, at least in Kai’s case.

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The Celestial-Themed Sneaker Design

Transitioning to the topic of this extraordinary custom creation, the stunning New Balance cloud sneakers are definitely another example of how creativity can elevate a simple shoe design.

The sneaker’s base is dyed an exquisite sky blue. However, subtle differences in the shading truly lift the design from a simple blue colour treatment to a dreamy sky-inspired backdrop.

In the spirit of the celestial theme, gentle touches of white clouds are delicately hand-painted onto the shoe. The clouds are spread throughout the sneakers’ upper, with only the toe box, tongue, and collar remaining untouched.

Complementing the overall vision, white accents come into play on the laces and brand markings that grace the sides of the shoe.

The dreamy aesthetic is completed with a blue midsole and a dark blue outsole. Honestly, we are pretty sure that if you sink your feet into these sneakers, you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds.

How to Grab a Pair of New Balance 550 Cloud Sneakers

While these New Balance 550 Cloud sneakers were a custom design for one of Ant Kai’s clients, you can reach out to the artist directly to inquire about creating a similar pair for yourself. Ant Kai’s unique and dreamy designs are in high demand, so be prepared to wait a while and maybe even pay a little fortune for a custom order. Alternatively, keep an eye on his Instagram page or his website for future releases of similar styles. Until then, remember to follow us for more amazing customs and concepts that can elevate your sneaker game to new heights!