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Hiking boots are going off-trail this season and if designers like Gucci and Off-White have anything to say about it, you’ll want in on the outdoor action too
What do the fashion posse get up to at the weekend? They escape the bustle and ferocity of the city and head for the serenity of the mountains, of course. Though the dust has barely settled on summer sandals, our attention has already been turned to outerwear, and if designers like Gucci and Off-White have anything to say about it, you’ll want in on the outdoor action, too.
ICYMI: 15 chunky trainers to try this summer (even if you’re not a dad)
Hiking-inspired boots have never looked grungier or more fashion-forward. The trend (I’m hopeful that this is just a trend and nothing more) is a kind of ugly dad-trainer hybrid mashup, but one that I think Irish women can get behind. Their durability and structure will withstand cold, wet winters (the type of winters that we’re so used to but often fail to prepare for). With a chunky and borderline grotesque silhouette, the Gucci Flashtrek hiking boot (below) and the similar Flashtrek trainer with removable crystals, are the next stage in the evolution of the dad-style, retro trainers. The addition of an ankle support and the sturdy sole is what separates hiking boots from the popular Instagrammable trainers that have been awash our feeds for the last season.
How to wear them? Do it with a sophisticated pencil skirt; hitting the sweet spot between office casual and street-style star. Tailored shorts and ankle-hugging boots will offer you respite during hot or wet days (and keep you buoyant!). Take hiking boots from the high road to high-brow with a pair of statement, crystal embellished socks (or DIY your own!), or pair with pretty socks for an autumnal sartorial update. Or if you prefer your shoes to do double duty, pair them with a floral-printed midi skirt and timeless leather jacket or industrial cargo pants for an injection of tough-woman modernity. Let chunky outsoles be the life of the party or trail this year; equal parts mountain explorer and retro nineties. Whether you’re taking on a mountain of grocery shopping, or an actual mountain, do it in comfort and style with our selection of durable, high-fashion hiking boots…
New York Fashion Week. Photo: Jason Llyod Evans
Flashtrek high-top sneaker, €890 at gucci.com
Sarai boots, €419 at ganni.com
Hiking textured-leather ankle boots by Off-White, €705 at net-a-porter.com
Leather hiking boots by Proenza Schouler, €600 at needsupply.com
Elm chunky lace-up boots, €55.30 at asos.com
Black leather hiking boots by MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, €490 at ssense.com
Bexley leather ankle boots by Tabitha Simmons, €174.36 at barneys.com
Ants hiker boots, €110 at topshop.com