Who would have thought that the humble hiking shoe, with its functional, durable, all-weather-terrain style, would one day make its footprint in the urban jungle? The outdoor fitness fashion brigade has these brands and collaborations to thank as they march to a trendy beat in sneakers designed for better comfort, safety and even greater style than ever. Whether taking your 10,000 steps in the mountains or the malls, confidently put your best foot forward in these cool kicks.
Puma x Koché
Fans of inclusivity and gender diversity fashion brand Koché can vote with their feet in this collaboration with Puma. Featuring the Puma Plexus silhouette, this mid-cut sneaker with zip closure completes the nature-inspired second drop of their collaboration, where jewel-toned pieces are complemented by functional details such as reversible styles, two-way zippers and multiple pockets. Available exclusively at Puma’s 313@Somerset flagship on Orchard Road and via Puma.com.
Moncler Trailgrip Lite
First launched in Fall and Winter 2022, Moncler’s Trailgrip line has been updated with breathable, lightweight mesh fabrics and a shot of new colours, like neon pink for women and purple for men. Trailgrip Lite debuts in a slimmed-down silhouette, weighing in at 23% lighter than its winter counterpart without compromising comfort. We would get into the exclusive END and SSENSE lines, featuring neutral desert sand and classic black-and-white palettes. Available at select Moncler boutiques or moncler.com.
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Ecco Gruuv
Like petrolheads know the treads on different tyre brands, sneaker fans can tell an Ecco by the look of their Gruuvs. Ecco Gruuv’s exposed treads are two-way soles that provide as much grip and comfort as it does edgy style, planting their footprint firmly on the fashion pavement. Environmentalists will appreciate how the leather uppers — featuring brushed nubuck for men and buttery-soft Nubuck leather for women — are tanned using a sustainable, hybrid method called DriTan™, vastly reducing wastewater. Featuring elasticated laces, a signature cushioned midsole, and a customisable dual-fit comfort insole that is width customisable, the Ecco Gruuv lives up to its tagline “Made for Walking”. Available at Ecco boutiques and via group.ecco.com.
Loewe x On
Spanish fashion powerhouse Loewe and Swiss sportswear icon On continue collaborating with the Loewe x On: Cloudventure trail running shoe, which looks at home on trek paths or city pavements. Both men’s and women’s styles come in various on-trend colours, including pale yellow and pale turquoise, all crafted with On’s trademark technologies, such as the MissionGrip™ rubber outsole and Speedboard™ midsole hidden plate for added comfort. Available at Loewe stores and online at loewe.com.
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Kenzo-Dome
Adopting the aesthetic of sneakers in the 90s with their flat outsoles and puffed-up tongues, Kenzo-Dome is the first line of sneakers by the maison’s new artistic director, Nigo. Paying homage to the legendary skate spot in Paris, the Palais de Tokyo — more affectionately known as “the Dome” to skaters — the collection is available in classic skateboarding suede and grained leather. As the brand’s first foray into sportswear, Kenzo-Dome retains its fashion street cred with styles for both men and women in beige or pink suede with a tan rubber outsole and black suede with a black outsole with tan rubber detailing. A white-grained leather version with a white outsole completes the range. Available at all Kenzo stores islandwide.
Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka Tiger needs no introduction, but its latest Nippon Made series bears some discussion. The Nippon Made collection features its highest-end sneaker model: The Mexico 66™ GDX™, continuing its fashion and sports heritage. Featuring fine Japanese leather throughout the upper down to its embroidered stripes, the Mexico 66™ is designed with an Amplifoam™ midsole for superior cushioning comfort. You are assured of comfort, whether you are putting it through the paces in a long nature trek or a day-long mall trawl. The Mexico 66™ GDX™ sneaker is available in classic black or white at Onitsuka Ion Orchard #01-14A.
