It hasn’t been long since the trend of dad shoes (clunky models) passed the mantle to hiking shoes, which are bulkier shoes that also look like they belong right on a hiking trail. This trend seems to be a consequence of a desire for more utilitarian options rather than just looking stylish. All the shoes listed below are designed to withstand the elements and whatever else Mother Nature throws at you. Designers this year have pulled out all the stops and their reimagination of hiking shoes as everyday casual sneakers will likely dominate 2019.
As the brand that launched the chunky Triple S, Balenciaga fittingly started a new trend last year with its Track Trainer at a retail of $850. The Track Trainer was first revealed at its F/W 2018 presentation in Paris last year. The nine-piece molded sole, double laces, and layers of overlays that take inspiration from performance sports gear pad your feet and give them a boost while walking. All eyes were on the functional shoes from Demna Gvasalia, and he delivered on another cult favorite that combined athletic and high fashion elements. Only time will tell if these sneakers will be as popular as the Triple S Sneakers and Speed Sneakers.
Off-White is gearing up for its own hiking shoes as well. At its F/W 2019 show during Paris Fashion Week, Virgil Abloh revealed the new shoes called the ODYS-1000. The completely original silhouette features a partially translucent upper, large sewn Off-White arrow, vividly colored laces, and a thick, rippled sole. This in-house sneaker was shown in a variety of colorways but it looks like the label is just getting started with more details on the way. Of course, Abloh is no stranger to tackling trends head-on and shaking up the world of footwear as he already released Off-White Jogger Sneakers with a Vibram sole last year. As his Nike collaboration winds down and creative role at Louis Vuitton heats up, it will be exciting to see where Off-White heads.
UNDERCOVER’s Jun Takahashi showcased a collaborative Nike React Element/ACG Hybrid boot at its Paris Fashion Week F/W 2019 show along with bright colorways of the Nike Air Max 720. The React Element boot incorporates the lightweight and water-resistant upper of Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear) while keeping the breakthrough React Element sole. More details will be forthcoming but the Japanese brand has been killing it with its remixes of Nike silhouettes including the React Element 87, the Daybreak (essentially an updated Nike Tailwind), and the Gyakusou Vaporfly 4% Flyknit.
Matthew Williams of 1017 ALYX 9SM revealed an oxford with a removable Vibram sole at his FW19 Paris Fashion Week show, similar to his all-black technical runner with a removable Vibram sole featuring ALYX embroidery. It has also collaborated with technical hiking brand ROA multiple times in the past on hiking boots with Vibram soles. At the FW19 show, ALYX also reworked several of ROA’s Oblique hiking boot models with smooth leather uppers and rubber toecaps. The mountain footwear models seem to be a great option for switching out between being formal and informal.
Heron Preston’s new shoe does not have a name yet but the Vibram sole sets it apart from his Nike Huarache E.D.G.E. and UGG collaborations. On the preview shared through his Instagram, the designer solicited potential names. The indigo colorway, patterned laces, and Cyrillic writing on the heel indicate a new era for Preston. His debut sneaker was also spotted in a striking yellow and black colorway at his Paris Fashion Week F/W 2019 show.
The latest JW Anderson and Converse collaboration is much chunkier than its previous iterations. Officially called the Converse x JW Anderson Run Star Hike, the lace-up fastening and platform rubber sole made it the highlight of Anderson’s Spring/Summer 2019 presentation in London last September. This marks JW Anderson’s fourth distinct offering of its ongoing Converse collaboration; his other versions came with felt, glitter, or a criss-crossing grid pattern featuring the JW Anderson logo. This bigger, bolder version boasts contrasting proportions and hardy tread bottoms, which goes to show that Anderson found a way to tap into the current zeitgeist without compromising the timeless look of the Converse Chuck 70.
Even Tyler the Creator is hopping on the new wave. For Golf Wang F/W 2018, he teased a bulky trail shoe that looks nothing like his other GOLF Le FLEUR* collaborations with the Converse One Star and Converse Chuck 70. The sneakers have still not released so expect more details soon. Tyler was also seen wearing a pair of formal leather shoes with subtle GOLF Le FLEUR* branding on the tongue so this could mean he is branching out with shoes produced in-house.
Brain Dead, the global creative collective hailing from California, revealed a new hiking shoe in collaboration with ROA as well. Brain Dead’s take on the Oblique sneakers also looks completely different from their Converse and Vans collaborations. The yellow laces and yellow pull tab are eye-catching in addition to the Brain Dead logo on the side of the heel panel. The Vibram sole sports a winter camouflage pattern.
Even Supreme jumped into the hiking-inspired trend two years ago with its release of the Nike Air Humara ‘17, a forgotten trail runner that was brought back for the F/W 2017 season. There were four different colorways with neon uppers and 3M paneling. In hindsight, I still do not like them but Supreme always likes to recognize the lesser-known silhouettes from Nike’s catalog each season.
In the midst of hiking shoes take over, you will start to notice technical details such as gores, rubber soles, and supportive silhouettes more often. Brands like Salomon, Ami, Merrell, and Saucony with an authentic heritage of hiking and action sports are just starting to attract well-deserved attention and gain notice from fashion insiders. Look forward to more entries by legacy hiking brands into the foray of fashion. By all measures, it should be a boon for everyone involved since this does not seem like a trend that will go away soon. Although it is unlikely you will wear these shoes in actual athletic pursuits, you can still balance your winter outfit with hiking shoes and be ready for any terrain.
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