You know the memes: Hiking sneakers that have never seen anything gnarlier that an urban pothole. Crags and approaches? What are those again? It’s hard to pinpoint when exactly gorpcore sneakers infiltrated the everyday fashion uniform, but they’re unequivocally here to stay. Perhaps you own a pair (or two)—raise your hand if they’re Salomon XT-6s—perhaps you’ve questioned their grippy soles and elastic laces from afar. Whatever your stance on the sporty shoe, they’re an easy way to mix up your spring wardrobe without having to know who Dean Potter is.
Vogue’s Favorite Gorpcore Sneakers
Some would argue that gorpcore is not about looking overtly sporty, but rather about dressing with the ease and confidence of someone ready for anything: A pre-workout matcha run? A sprint to pick up a single cucumber for tonight’s tzatziki? An ambitious 8-mile hike in Bear Mountain? These sneakers get it done.
Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Hailey Bieber, and Bella Hadid have all cosigned them for stylish off-duty moments. Their appeal is obvious: they offer the comfort and practicality of performance footwear, while still possess a certain kind of edge for everyday city dressing. At their core, they’re built for function, but today’s styles on the market look pretty great, too. From novel interpretations to coveted collaborations, there is no shortage of sporty silhouettes to bring a fresh mood to your daily rotation.
Below, discover the best gorpcore sneakers to shop now, and how to style them.
The Pre-Workout
Whether you’re heading to Pilates or finally committing to that half marathon, allow Salomon’s XT-6 sneakers to ground your weekend uniform. Style them with sleek leggings, a tailored car coat, and a red sweater for a pop of color. The look is functional and polished—ready to take you anywhere, quite literally.
Gorpcore Goes Ladylike
For a lesson in contrast, try pairing your sneakers with a mix of fabrics, like Prada’s nylon pencil skirt and Allude’s cashmere sweater for a softer, technical moment. Khaite’s studded bag lends a cool finish.
Sporty Edge
With their rubber sole and asymmetric lace, Loewe’s Grip sneakers pair the technical sensibilities of climbings shoes with a fashion-forward attitude in vibrant purple. Continue the color story with Leset’s blue shorts, finishing with a track jacket by On, and Tory Burch shield sunglasses.
The Monochromatic Moment
Not just reserved for weekends, the gorpcore sneaker can act as the grounding force to more elevated looks—adding just the right dose of edge. Pair Jil Sander’s satin sneakers with Toteme’s little black dress, Mansur Gavriel’s leather tote, and Brilliant Earth’s huggie earrings. It’s a look that can take you from 9-to-9 with ease, while logging over 10,000 steps during your day.
