Gorpcore Sneakers: The Best Models to Wear in the City
Gorpcore left the hiking trails long before 2025. By 2026, trail sneakers have become a staple of urban streetwear, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Salomon on the Parisian pavements, HOKA in the shopping malls: technical shoes have changed terrain without losing their identity.
This guide presents the six models you need to know to adopt the gorpcore look in the city, along with current prices and tips for everyday wear.
What is Gorpcore?
The term comes from "Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts," the iconic snack of hikers. Gorpcore is the aesthetic of outdoor technical clothing and shoes worn outside their original context: trail shoes on pavement, tech jackets in the evening, nylon cargos for grocery shopping... There’s something for everyone!
The movement took off in streetwear communities around 2022-2023, fueled by collabs between Salomon and brands like MM6 Maison Margiela, as well as Palace and Arc'teryx. What started as a fashion irony—wearing trail shoes without ever stepping on a trail—has become a recognizable dress code, complete with its own rules and references.
What gorpcore borrows from the outdoor world is primarily a palette of materials and visual codes: technical mesh, chunky soles with pronounced relief, khaki, earth, and anthracite gray colorways, quick-lacing systems. Additionally, prints inherited from military and hunting backgrounds (camouflage, foliage, woodland) regularly appear on the uppers or pieces that accompany trail shoes. These features make gorpcore pieces immediately recognizable in the city, partly explaining their adoption in streetwear as they adhere to the same codes as lifestyle sneakers, with added functional utility.
Our Selection: 6 Gorpcore Sneakers for 2026
Salomon XT-6, the Reference
For those looking for the most recognized gorpcore pair, with a technical-aesthetic balance that’s hard to match. The Salomon XT-6 is the sneaker that popularized gorpcore in the mainstream. Its Quicklace system, Contagrip sole, and technical mesh upper give it an immediate trail look. The neutral colorways (black, khaki, beige) and recent collabs have made it a reference in technical streetwear.
It fits slightly snug on wide feet: consider going half a size up if you have wide feet.
Retail Price: 180 € See the Best Price
HOKA Mafate Speed 2, the Maximalist
For those who want a trail silhouette from HOKA with a strong gorpcore aesthetic, without compromising on technical character.
The Mafate Speed 2 is one of the most visually loaded silhouettes in the HOKA catalog: reinforced mesh upper, generous sole with pronounced lugs, and a chunky profile. Its mountain trail look naturally fits into the city and integrates effortlessly into gorpcore outfits. Less known than the Speedgoat but rarer, it provides a more distinctive signal in streetwear.
HOKA generally runs wide: stick to your usual size or go half a size down.
Retail Price: 180 € See the Best Price
ASICS Gel-NYC, the Retro Runner
For those who want a less loaded gorpcore aesthetic, with a silhouette closer to the retro runners of the 1990s. The Gel-NYC doesn’t stray from the trails, but its multi-layer construction visually ties it to the gorpcore movement. It serves as a bridge between the world of retro runners and outdoor aesthetics. Its earthy colorways (gray, olive green, beige) naturally fit into gorpcore outfits without overwhelming the look.
ASICS fits true to size (TTS).
Retail Price: 150 € See the Best Price
Salomon Speedcross 6, the Practical Option
For those seeking the Salomon aesthetic with real trail performance, this shoe is perfect! The Speedcross 6 with its pronounced lug sole and technical structure clearly stays within gorpcore codes. It offers less cultural status than the XT-6 but more actual trail performance.
Like the XT-6, it fits snugly: going half a size up is recommended.
Retail Price: 150 € See the Best Price
New Balance 610, the Authentic Trail
For those who want a true trail shoe from New Balance, with gorpcore codes without compromising on technical character. The New Balance 610 is a native trail silhouette, born in 2012 and making a strong comeback since 2022 driven by the trend. Its robust upper, rugged sole, and earthy colorways (including a Realtree camo that fits directly into the hunting/outdoor aesthetic of the movement) make it a pair much more rooted in the gorpcore realm than classic retro runners. It is available in a Gore-Tex version in some colorways.
It fits true to size (TTS).
Retail Price: 130/140 € See the Best Price
Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2, the Technical Nike
For fans of Nike looking for an entry into gorpcore with a recognized silhouette. The Mountain Fly 2 is Nike's response to the gorpcore movement: technical mesh upper, functional trail sole, and a clear outdoor aesthetic. The Gore-Tex versions offer true waterproofing, useful in Paris during winter. It is less culturally established than the Salomon XT-6, but its distinctive silhouette and value for money make it a solid option.
It fits true to size (TTS).
Retail Price: 150 € (170-180 € for Gore-Tex versions) See the Best Price
How to Wear Gorpcore in the City
Gorpcore in an urban setting relies on a simple rule: mix one or two technical pieces with neutral basics. A common mistake is trying to pile on too many outdoor elements at once. A trail shoe with a cargo is enough to establish the aesthetic; the rest can stay simple.
Cargo + trail shoe: the basic combination. A nylon or ripstop cargo with a Salomon XT-6 or a Mafate Speed 2 immediately creates the expected gorpcore silhouette. Choose colorways in the same family for a cohesive look.
Wide jeans + technical jacket: for a more discreet gorpcore. A wide-leg or baggy jean paired with a hardshell jacket or a puffer, along with a pair of Gel-NYC or New Balance 610. The balance between casual and technical works well.
Monochrome technical: everything in the same shade (anthracite gray, khaki, sand), with one piece breaking the monotony through its texture or relief. Monochrome gorpcore is the easiest to construct and the most visually coherent, especially for outings in the city.
Minimalist gorpcore: a basic outfit (solid t-shirt, straight jeans) with a pair of trail shoes as the only element. The HOKA Mafate Speed 2 or the Speedcross 6 are expressive enough to carry the entire outfit on their own.
For colorways, the dominant shades of the movement remain khaki, beige, gray, and moss green. Bright colorways (technical orange, safety yellow) can work but require the rest of the outfit to be more neutral to avoid excess.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For |
|---|
| Salomon XT-6 | 180 € | Gorpcore reference, cultural status |
| HOKA Mafate Speed 2 | 180 € | Marked trail silhouette, distinctive look |
| ASICS Gel-NYC | 150 € | Retro gorpcore, discreet |
| Salomon Speedcross 6 | 150 € | Trail performance |
| New Balance 610 | 130 € | Authentic trail, multiple colorways |
| Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 | 150 € | Nike fans, technical look |
FAQ
What exactly is gorpcore? Gorpcore refers to the style that incorporates outdoor technical clothing and shoes (hiking, trail, mountain) into urban outfits. The name comes from "Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts," the hiker's snack. By 2025, the movement transitioned from niche to mainstream in streetwear.
Are trail sneakers comfortable for walking in the city? Yes, overall. Trail shoes are designed for uneven terrains and long distances, making them very comfortable on concrete as well. The Mafate Speed 2 and the XT-6 are regularly recommended for daily wear, including in the city.
Which brand should I choose to start with gorpcore? Salomon is the most direct entry into the gorpcore aesthetic, especially through the Speedcross 6 priced at 90-130 €. HOKA is an alternative if you’re looking for more comfort and a maximalist silhouette.
Is gorpcore still trendy in 2026? The trend is solidified rather than on the rise. It has moved from micro-trend status to establish itself as a sustainable aesthetic in streetwear, comparable to what "dadcore" was with the New Balance 990 in previous years.
Can you wear gorpcore sneakers with a dressier look? Yes, with certain models. The Gel-NYC and the XT-6 lend themselves better to mixing with more structured pieces than the visually heavier Mafate Speed 2.