The Rise of Trail Running Shoes in Streetwear: Why Salomon, Hoka, and Merrell Are Dominating the Moment

If you follow the sneaker world closely, you have already noticed: trail shoes have left the mountains and invaded the concrete. What used to be a niche for hikers and adventure runners has become the unofficial uniform of the trendiest neighborhoods in Tokyo, London, New York, and São Paulo.

But how exactly did Salomon, Hoka, and Merrell — brands that until recently were synonymous exclusively with technical equipment — become the hottest names in streetwear? Let's dive into this story.

The "Gorpcore" Phenomenon

The gorpcore movement (an acronym for "Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts," the classic trail mix) began gaining traction between 2018 and 2019. The premise is simple: adopting high-performance clothing and footwear not for the sport itself, but for style and practicality in everyday life.

What started with waterproof jackets and technical backpacks quickly took over footwear. Suddenly, those trail shoes with lugged outsoles and rugged uppers were everywhere — from high-fashion runways to the busiest sidewalks in the world.

Salomon: From the Trail to the Throne

Salomon is the prime example of this cultural transformation. Founded in 1947 in Annecy, France, the brand has always led the ski and mountain running market. However, it was the Salomon XT-6 model that changed the game.

Originally launched in 2013 for ultramarathoners, the XT-6 was rediscovered by the fashion scene years later. With its aggressive design, heat-welded TPU panels, and the iconic Quicklace fastening system, it delivered the perfect visual contrast to break the monotony of traditional casual sneakers.

Strategic Collaborations

Salomon accelerated its urban presence through heavy-hitting partnerships:

Salomon x Palace: Connected the brand directly with skate culture.
Salomon x Beams: Brought the minimalism and sophistication of Japanese colorways.
Salomon x MM6 Maison Margiela: Elevated the technical silhouette to the level of avant-garde luxury.
Salomon x Aries: Fused outdoor DNA with a cyberpunk aesthetic.

Today, the brand's Sportstyle line fuels entire collections aimed at urban use, consolidating a success story that was born in the snow and now dictates trends in fashion capitals.

Hoka: Maximalist Comfort

While Salomon conquered the public with its sharp visuals, Hoka (formerly Hoka One One) secured its space through unparalleled cushioning. Founded in 2009, also in France, the brand revolutionized running with its oversized midsoles and Meta-Rocker geometry, which drives the stride forward.

Models like the Clifton, the Speedgoat, and the Tor Ultra line became a craze among diverse profiles:

Urban professionals who spend long hours on their feet.
Creatives and designers looking for a visual identity without sacrificing well-being.
Fashionistas who embraced the maximalist (chunky) footwear trend.

The Tor Ultra boot/sneaker hybrid became an immediate icon. Combining premium leather, a Vibram® Megagrip outsole, and a colossal midsole, the model proved that outdoor footwear can transition perfectly between a rainy commute and a sophisticated dinner.

"Hoka represents a new kind of luxury — the luxury of comfort." — Highsnobiety

Merrell: The Revival of the Classic and Innovation

Merrell forged a path of nostalgic revival. The Merrell Jungle Moc — a suede slip-on shoe focused on post-trail comfort launched in the late '90s — became a cult item coveted by Gen Z, surfing the wave of vintage utilitarian style.

On the other hand, the brand proved its capacity for modernization through high-concept artistic projects, such as its recent collaboration with artist Mr. Flower Fantastic. The partnership transformed classic trail silhouettes with floral applications and vibrant palettes, showing that the outdoor environment can also carry poetry and contemporary art.

Meanwhile, the Merrell Moab (Mother of All Boots) line, renowned as one of the best-selling hiking boots on the planet, continues to get lightweight, colorful, and technological reinterpretations to win over those who prioritize the utilitarian aesthetic in the city.

Why This Trend Is Here to Stay

The rise of trail shoes in streetwear reflects deep shifts in consumer behavior:

Absolute priority on comfort: Urban audiences no longer accept uncomfortable footwear for the sake of style.
Utilitarian aesthetic: Functional details like quick-lace toggles, technical textures, and rugged outsoles have become synonymous with authentic design.
Desire for escapism: Wearing mountain brands expresses a desire to connect with nature and adventure, even within the routine of major metropolises.
Value added by real technology: Elements like Gore-Tex membranes and Vibram outsoles deliver durability and protection that ordinary casual sneakers simply cannot compete with.

Quick Guide: Choosing Your Trail Sneaker

What to Expect in the Future?

With the boundaries between adventure sports and urban fashion completely dissolved, the market is expected to focus on:

Native hybrids: Models designed from day one to perform equally well on asphalt and dirt.
Technical sustainability: Massive use of recycled ocean plastics and eco-friendly dyeing processes without losing durability.
High-fashion: Expansion of partnerships with major luxury creative directories.

The next time you spot someone wearing a clean pair of Salomon XT-6s in line at the coffee shop, know that those shoes carry decades of alpine engineering. They might never step in the mud, but their presence there redefines what we understand as modern design, utility, and urban culture.

What about you? Have you joined the gorpcore trend yet? Do you have a Salomon, Hoka, or Merrell model in your daily rotation? Leave your comment below!