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More and more, we are seeing high numbers of outdoor apparel crawling in urban jungles. It’s no longer strange to see a man wearing Arc’teryx, with its shell jackets, paired with light blue shirts, chinos and dress shoes. If anything, it’s next to normal.
You might even see a pair of Levi’s in the wild, only for it to be coupled with a hiking boot, fitted with a hook towards the ankle that was once meant for extra support, and has now become more of a symbol of style. You even see it with other brands like The North Face, Salomon, and as far back as the Fjällräven Kanken backpack that was everywhere a decade ago.
This trend of outdoor apparel being repurposed for everyday living, from the gym to the office to the bar, is known as ‘gorpcore’. But what exactly is that? And how can you buy shoes that allow you to embrace the trend?
What is Gorpcore?
In essence, gorpcore is characterised by wearing outdoor, functional clothing in more urban, non-technical landscapes. It gets its name from American slang, playing with its name on “gorp”, a nickname for a trail snack often associated with “good old raisins and peanuts.”
This recent trend isn’t the first time we’ve seen this type of crossover between sports and fashion. In the late 90s and early 2000s, trail shoes found an audience outside of runners and hikers, with other items of clothing like fleeces soon became the norm with everyday fashion. It might sound intimidating or tricky, but it’s an innovative way to combine styles and pull off an on-trend, clean look.
Here are six shoes we think you should get yourself when a sneaker isn’t cutting it anymore and want a pair that is versatile in every season.
6 Shoes to Buy to Embrace the Gorpcore Trend
1. Salomon’s XT-EVR
Price: AUD$180
An ultimate classic in gorpcore fashion. Salomon offers style, function and comfortability. It follows the classic silhouette of Salomon’s XT series, built for everyday use it’s lightweight, durable and an instant classic that feels good to walk in the city and on the trail.
2. Danner’s Moto GTX Zip
Price: AUD$485
For those who want the silhouette of a classic boot but still want to hold on to a bit of edge. Inspired by the 80s, Danner brings back a classic motorcycle shoe built for modern wearers. The Moto GTX Zip is built with 100 per cent waterproof GORE-TEX material, suitable for rain or shine, ensuring no water gets in while moisture and sweat can still come out. Fitted with a Vibram sole, this shoe provides reliable grip on any surface, so you can step forward with confidence no matter the weather and no matter the terrain.
3. Scarpa Mojito GTX
Price: AUD$334
From Scarpa’s Urban Outdoor collection, the Mojito GTX’s are designed for everyday wear meant to withstand any terrain. The Mojito collection is meant for versatility. It ensures comfort and functionality, designed for everyday walking, whether you’re trudging through the city or just wanting to wear shoes that are stylish and comfortable.
4. Keen’s Jasper Zionic Sneaker Sky Captain
Price: AUD$249
A low-profile bit of footwear that resembles a dad shoe. The Jasper Zionic combines comfort and performance. Suitable for everyday and light hiking, the brushed suede exterior gives it a refined look, able to dress it up or down.
5. Roa Katharina
Price: AUD$610
Roa’s signature hyrpi silhouette combines functionality and from to a contemporary take of an athletic shoe. It features longer suede hairs and a was impregnation to maximise its waterproofing feature. Each pair is one of a kind, due toits longer suede, giving it an appearance that becomes uniquely yours.
The shoe is designed for long distances. Durable and comfortable, it balances flexibility, stability and control so each step is taken with the utmost of trust when walking on uneven and demanding terrain if the occasion calls for it.
6. Lanx’s Ribchester
Price: AUD$463
A Chelsea boot made for more than after-office drinks and formal events. Lanx’s brown distressed boot is fully waterproof and fitted with a Vibram Ghiaccio sole, ideal for wet and icy terrain.
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