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
Free People Speedcat ballet sneakers
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Jil Sander suede-trimmed satin sneakers
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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.
