This Hiking Brand Has Your Summer Footwear Covered

Last summer, the breathtakingly bizarre Merrell Hydro Moc made a serious leap, from outdoorsy amphibious footwear to menswear's latest left-of-center darling. We wrote about it. So did The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. (It also wouldn't be a stretch to call that shoe a mass-brand version of Kanye West's Yeezy Foam Runner.) Fast-forward to one summer later, and Merrell's latest collection includes another eye-catching style. The tried-and-true outdoor brand is no one-hit wonder when it comes to covetable summertime kicks.

The hiking-centric brand's "Alpine" silhouette isn't quite as head-spinning as the Hydro Moc, but it  still won't be mistaken for your run-of-the-mill sandals. It is offered in three different styles-a slide sandal, a strap sandal, and a clog-as well as a variety of easy-to-wear shades. (Don't sleep on that olive green colorway.) All three make use of the same design language: a textile and neoprene upper, EVA foam insole for comfort, and a jagged rubber outsole for ultra-grippy traction. Instead of laying on the trail vibes too heavily, it has more in common with highbrow sandals made by beloved brands like Suicoke or Visvim. (Think clever use of straps, sturdy outsole, minimalist and forward-thinking silhouette.) This makes for an elevated look that is worthy of adding to any summer footwear rotation.

This type of shoe feels just at home when paired with cozy shorts or breezy lightweight trousers. Need a pair of kicks for your daily coffee run, or just something to lounge in around the house? Done and done-the Merrell Alpine has got you covered. It may not be quite as daring as the Hydro Moc, but either of these will look infinitely more stylish than those ratty pool slides that have been lurking in the back of your closet for the past six months.

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Alpine Slide

$70.00, Merrell

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© Provided by GQ

Alpine Clog

$80.00, Merrell

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