These boots were made for walking... but they look pretty good in the city too
Gorpcore is a genre of men’s fashion that revolves around having your feet on the ground. It’s all about exploring and getting outdoors (or at the very least, dressing like someone who does). Walking, hiking, trail running, whatever it may be. Perhaps unsurprising, then, that suitably rugged footwear is central to the look. But what are gorpcore shoes, and where can you get a good pair?
There are a number of footwear styles popular within the gorpcore scene, and they all have a few things in common. Like everything else in the world of outdoor style, it’s all about fusing functionality and aestheitcs. In short, they shouldn’t look out of place in a London pub, nor should they leave you high and dry if you get lots in the mountains on the way there.
With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the key types of shoes and the gorpcore brands doing them best.
Key types of gorpcore shoes
Trail runners
Trail runners are a defining feature of the gorpcore aesthetic, blending utility with an unmistakable sense of sporty style. Originally designed for rough terrain, they grip uneven surfaces with confidence. Lightweight, breathable uppers keep them practical, while sturdy soles thrive on challenging paths. Salomon and Hoka lead the way here, offering designs that balance performance with an urban edge. Their bold colours bring energy to any outfit, adding a functional flourish to casual ensembles. Pair them with cargo trousers or nylon shorts for a look that works just as well on the high street as it does in the hills.
Approach shoes
Approach shoes inhabit the space between hiking and climbing, built for rugged adventures yet finding favour more recently in city life. Their soles grip rocky terrain like a climber’s hand on stone, while midsoles provide support where it’s needed most. Toe caps shield against unexpected knocks, and cushioned heels soften every step. Once confined to mountain trails, they’ve transitioned into urban fashion with brands like Scarpa and La Sportiva leading the charge. Suede and leather styles bring a rugged elegance to their design. Pair them with cargo trousers or fleeces for an outfit that feels adventurous, even if you’re only heading to the pub.
Noughties running shoes
Noughties running shoes have made an unapologetic return, surfing a wave of nostalgia that shows no signs of breaking. ASICS, New Balance, and Nike are at the forefront, reimagining chunky soles and mesh uppers for a new generation. These shoes strike a balance between comfort and retro flair, with bold logos that wouldn’t look out of place on an old-school PE kit. Lightweight and durable, they’re ideal for long city walks or casual outings. Pair them with tech trousers or loose cargo shorts to embrace the aesthetic fully. It’s a love letter to the early 2000s, delivered one step at a time.
Slippers/mules
Slippers and mules have quietly infiltrated the gorpcore look, offering a practical yet unexpected addition to the wardrobe. Quilted slip-ons and shearling-lined designs keep things cosy, while brands like The North Face and Suicoke innovate with textured finishes and functional detailing. Rubber soles provide a sturdy grip, and padded uppers wrap feet in warmth. Perfect for lounging at home or running errands, they bridge the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor practicality. Pair them with relaxed trousers or fleece layers for a laid-back aesthetic.
Hiking boots
Hiking boots remain a cornerstone of the gorpcore wardrobe, their rugged charm and enduring practicality proving irresistible. Designed for wild trails, they handle uneven ground with ease, while brands like Danner and Merrell have refined their designs for both the outdoors and city life. Vibram soles bite into slippery terrain, and waterproof leather uppers keep feet dry in unpredictable weather. Pair them with cargo trousers, fleeces, or a sturdy puffer jacket for a look that’s functional yet effortlessly cool. Whether scaling hills or navigating a soggy commute, hiking boots offer the kind of versatility that never goes out of style.
Waterproof sneakers
Waterproof sneakers have carved out a niche as the go-to footwear for days when the weather refuses to cooperate. Rainproof uppers keep feet dry, while Gore-Tex linings ensure breathability for all-day comfort. On Running and Salomon are frontrunners in this category, with designs that handle everything from slick pavements to muddy paths. Grippy soles provide stability in wet conditions, while lightweight builds keep them practical for urban life. Pair them with tech trousers or a weatherproof jacket for a polished, functional look. Waterproof sneakers are the perfect blend of innovation and style, ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
Best gorpcore shoes brands
HOKA
HOKA catapulted from the world of ultramarathons to streetwear dominance, thanks to its unmistakable oversized soles. The brand’s shoes cushion strides with cloud-like midsoles that seem to swallow every impact. Designed for endurance, styles like the Bondi and Speedgoat have marched confidently into gorpcore wardrobes. Their bold, sculptural shapes and vibrant colours ignite outfits with a playful, futuristic edge. HOKA treads the line between technical performance and aesthetic audacity, making it a go-to for those who walk, hike, or dash through city and trail alike. With designs that cradle comfort and disrupt style norms, HOKA is a true gorpcore icon.
Salomon
Salomon scales the heights of gorpcore with its trail-blazing designs. Born in the French Alps, the brand first mastered ski equipment before crafting trail shoes that cling to uneven terrain like ivy to a wall. Models like the XT-6 and Speedcross dominate both rocky paths and urban streets, fusing weatherproof builds with eye-popping colour palettes. Their chunky silhouettes and technical details turn heads and set trends. Salomon doesn’t just perform; it roars, pushing functionality into the realm of bold self-expression. It’s not just footwear—it’s a statement of intent for adventurers, whether they’re scaling summits or pounding pavements.
La Sportiva
With roots in the Italian Alps, La Sportiva has perfected the art of footwear designed for exploration. The brand’s climbing and approach shoes—like the TX4—have an almost surgical precision, offering unparalleled grip and stability on rocky terrain. But La Sportiva isn’t content with just practicality; it infuses its designs with an understated elegance that elevates it above pure performance gear. This fusion of technical mastery and aesthetic restraint has made it a quiet but impactful player in the gorpcore scene, appealing to those who value authentic, no-nonsense craftsmanship.
ROA
ROA strides confidently through the crossroads of fashion and function, crafting footwear that marries high-performance materials with modern minimalism. Its hiking shoes, like the Andreas and Neal, harness Vibram soles and innovative fabrics to embrace the demands of the trail. But this Italian brand doesn’t stop there. Sleek silhouettes, daring details, and architectural forms elevate its designs to cult status. ROA doesn’t just walk—it prowls, carving a niche where high-spec utility meets avant-garde flair. For gorpcore devotees, ROA delivers footwear that feels as at home scaling crags as it does turning heads in the city.
ASICS
ASICS has mastered the comeback, reviving its noughties icons for a new generation. The GEL-Kayano 14 and GEL-Nimbus 9 embody retro athleticism, with their chunky soles and mesh uppers striking the perfect balance between form and function. But ASICS doesn’t just rely on nostalgia—it backs it up with advanced cushioning and support that make these trainers a dream for long days on your feet. In the gorpcore realm, ASICS represents the playful side of practicality, reminding us that even technical footwear can have a sense of fun and personality.
New Balance
New Balance marches to its own rhythm, crafting footwear that balances understated cool with a knack for practicality. Its chunky 990 series and sleek 2002R line continue to magnetise the fashion-forward and function-driven alike. Each design radiates a quiet confidence, pairing soft mesh with plush midsoles that cradle feet like old friends. New Balance doesn’t just rest on heritage—it reinvents it, weaving its retro DNA into the fabric of gorpcore. Perfect for trekking urban trails or simply standing still with style, this is footwear that never wavers in its appeal.
Subu
Subu sidles into the gorpcore universe with its unassuming yet ingenious slipper designs. These Japanese icons hug feet with quilted uppers, blending the warmth of indoor footwear with the resilience of outdoor-ready soles. Subu’s lightweight builds slip effortlessly into daily life, while their understated profiles whisper minimalist sophistication. Each pair grips the ground with subtle yet sturdy confidence, making them perfect for leisurely strolls or dashing out the door. Subu doesn’t just reinvent slippers—it reimagines comfort, turning cosy practicality into a stylish, functional asset for gorpcore enthusiasts.
KEEN
KEEN is unapologetically practical, and that’s exactly why it works. The brand’s signature toe-cap sandals, like the Newport, are built for versatility—think water crossings, rocky trails, and everything in between. Its hiking boots, like the Targhee, take the same rugged approach, with soles that grip and uppers that withstand the harshest elements. KEEN is the epitome of function-first design, but its bold, unmistakable style has made it a gorpcore staple. For those who don’t just dabble in the outdoors but fully embrace it, KEEN is a dependable, go-anywhere choice.
Danner
Danner is a brand that doesn’t just make boots—it crafts legends. With a history rooted in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, Danner is synonymous with durability and authenticity. The Mountain Light boot is an icon in its own right, stitched together with care and made to last decades. But Danner doesn’t rely on nostalgia alone; modern designs like the Trail 2650 blend the brand’s heritage with lightweight, innovative materials. For gorpcore aficionados, Danner is a badge of credibility—footwear that speaks to a love of the outdoors without sacrificing style.
Nike ACG
Nike ACG strides boldly through gorpcore’s landscape, a trailblazer of all-terrain style. Short for All Conditions Gear, ACG outfits adventurers with bold designs that shrug off weather and rough terrain. From the tech-forward Ruckel Ridge boot to trail sneakers that grip like glue, the line bursts with energy and intent. Neon colourways and daring silhouettes bring an urban edge to even the most functional pieces. ACG doesn’t just equip wearers—it empowers them to conquer environments with creativity and flair. For gorpcore disciples, ACG delivers the ultimate marriage of streetwear cool and outdoor resilience.
Merrell
Merrell has a no-nonsense approach to outdoor footwear. The Moab series, its crown jewel, is a masterclass in comfort and durability, with soles that latch onto any terrain and uppers that breathe without faltering. Merrell doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it perfects it. That straightforward reliability has made it a favourite for hikers, city wanderers, and gorpcore enthusiasts alike. In a world where flashy designs often take centre stage, Merrell is a reminder that simplicity and function will always have a place in our wardrobes—and on our feet.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx doesn’t do ordinary. Known for its high-performance gear, the Canadian brand applies the same precision to its footwear as it does to its renowned jackets. Hiking boots and trail runners from Arc’teryx are a study in minimalism, with sleek designs that pack a punch when it comes to durability and innovation. Advanced materials, like Gore-Tex, keep feet dry, while meticulously engineered soles provide traction on any surface. For gorpcore devotees, Arc’teryx is the holy grail of technical gear—subtle yet powerful, understated yet uncompromising. It’s not just footwear; it’s a philosophy of preparedness.
Next up: The best gorpcore brands in the world.