Why these hiking shoes are getting a spot in your rack

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MERRELL

Close on the heels of chunky sneakers and off-gym tracksuits comes gorpcore, a style that turns your nature-loving dad’s wardrobe into your next outfit. GORP, a hiking term for “Good Old Raisins and Peanuts” is bringing hiking down to the city and making local street style give a nod to the great outdoors. Merrell is leading the pack as pioneers in hiking gear, now making its way to the fashion scene fit for whatever terrain.

What spread in recent trends was “normcore,” a style encapsulated by what its name suggested ⁠—all about the unapologetic normal. While runway fashion is preoccupied with the glamorous, normcore went back to basics from t-shirts to puff jackets. Beyond its purpose for utility, the puffer defined “Spartan, yet stylish.” It’s functional, designed for survival, yet it seeped through the seams into the world of fashion.

With trends like athleisure, function as fashion is the mantra for gorpcore outdoor wear. Gorpcore enthusiasts are getting extra mileage by investing in some durable trail kicks for the long run. The versatility is a plus⁠—while outdoor gear sticks to its roots in nature, the look doesn’t have to stay in the woods. For a large chunk of city dwellers, the urban jungle has become the playground for adventure.

Celebs have even jumped on the trend, like A$AP Rocky and Bella Hadid decked out in their puffer jackets and numerous layers. The gorpcore trend has popped out in different areas around the globe, just as is the case in Japan. In Harajuku and Shibuya, urban wear is peppered with head-to-toe outdoor style and gorpcore has even served as inspiration for Go Out⁠, a magazine dedicated to the outdoors.

Cold climate or not, we can spot the trend around store windows in the Philippines, making the trend more accessible to everyone.

When it comes to the hiking shoe game, Merrell has been the OG since 1981 with their adaptable footwear made for all-terrain⁠—and yes, that includes the big city. Merrell shoes are crafted with leather and breathable mesh lining, with waterproof tech to withstand any weather. With that in mind, we’re taking a peek at what outdoor kicks to wear on your next city and offroad crawl.

With the pouring rain, having trustworthy footwear is a must. Brave the weather with these high-cut waterproof shoes. Merrell’s Annex Trak V is adaptable with both its style and functionality, made with Vibram outsole for all-weather and all-terrain traction, and an EVA midsole for comfort and stability. It’s casual and fresh at its finest with its high-cut design and different colorways. Rain or shine, we’re taking these out for a spin.

Game for something more on-the-go? Merrell’s Forestbound can weather risky terrains and can also be worn on more leisurely walks.

Whether or not your backdrop is the city or somewhere off the map, Merrell’s Ontario could be your pick of the day. With its flexible support, this collection can conquer the mountains and side-trips to the malls without having to change your shoes.

Here’s the magic of hiking shoes. They can be paired with just about anything for an everyday outfit in the often extreme weathers in the country. I don’t know about you, but we’re welcoming gorpcore to our closet.

Art by Cathy Dizon