Performance footwear has evolved far beyond its original purpose. Once designed exclusively for mountaineering and outdoor pursuits, technical shoes increasingly move between alpine environments and city streets, where advanced materials and engineering are valued as highly as aesthetics. The boundaries separating performance equipment from contemporary luxury continue to become less defined as innovation reshapes the language of modern design.
“Design must be functional, and functionality must be translated into visual aesthetics without relying on gimmicks that have to be explained,” observed Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. His philosophy continues to influence designers working across disciplines, where technical performance and visual clarity are expected to coexist. Can one shoe perform equally well on mountain trails and in urban landscapes?
This season, Moncler presents a new chapter in its footwear collection, combining technical innovation with contemporary design through new models and collaborative projects inspired by outdoor exploration.
Leading the collection is the Trailgrip Ultra, the lightest interpretation of Moncler’s signature Trailgrip silhouette to date. Developed using feedback from mountain athletes and outdoor communities, the shoe has been engineered for demanding terrain while reducing overall weight. An advanced supercritical foam midsole provides responsive cushioning, complemented by a carbon-fibre winged plate that improves stability and energy return.
Performance continues beneath the foot through a Vibram® Megagrip outsole featuring Litebase technology and Traction Lug construction, designed to maximise grip while minimising weight. A Dyneema upper reinforced with Clarino Tirrenina overlays enhances durability, while a GORE-TEX membrane protects against changing weather conditions. Reflective details complete the design, improving visibility in low-light environments.
For everyday wear, Moncler introduces the Citytrek, a model that applies technical expertise to contemporary urban life. Finished in warm stone tones, the design combines brushed suede, breathable Cordura mesh, and a leather collar, supported by a high-performance midsole and natural gum Vibram® sole engineered for lasting comfort throughout the day.
The collection also expands through a series of collaborations that explore the intersection of outdoor functionality and established design identities.
Moncler and Clarks reinterpret the iconic Wallabee through the Trailgrip Clarks Wallabee GTX, combining the familiar moccasin silhouette with mountain-ready construction, GORE-TEX protection, and a specially developed Vibram® outsole.
In collaboration with Rick Owens, Moncler presents the Trailgrip Megalace Boot, where the designer’s sculptural aesthetic meets the Maison’s technical expertise. Curved overlapping panels, a distinctive padded collar, and an unconventional rear-lacing system create a silhouette that reflects Owens’ characteristic approach to proportion and experimentation.
The Moon Boot x Moncler Grenoble Icon High Rodeo introduces another interpretation, combining the practicality of alpine footwear with references to classic Western boots. Suede construction, nubuck inserts, embroidered detailing, and refined nappa leather elements create a design first presented during Moncler Grenoble’s runway show in Aspen.
The collection also offers a first preview of Moncler’s continuing partnership with Hiroshi Fujiwara. The upcoming Fragment Design project revisits both the Trailgrip Clarks Wallabee GTX and the Altive Mid Boot through Fujiwara’s understated minimalist perspective, ahead of the collaboration’s full launch alongside a new ready-to-wear collection.
With its latest footwear collection, Moncler continues to explore the relationship between technical innovation, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Whether developed for mountain expeditions or everyday urban movement, each model reflects the Maison’s ongoing pursuit of performance without compromising its distinctive design identity.
