Outdoor activities (hiking, climbing, walking, wandering etc.) and skateboarding might not seem all that similar, but we’d like to argue they’ve got more in common than you might think.
At the end of the day, they’re all forms of self-expression and provide an outlet for creativity, scrambling up a stony ridge and a frontside flip over a fire hydrant might appear to be completely different, but we’re saying they’re not.
The best way for us to prove our point isn’t through arguing it logically, but instead to look at the collaboration between outdoor footwear designer Merrell 1TRL and Montreal skate brand Dime, and funnily enough, they’ve just revealed an all-new collaboration together…
The duo have come together once again to produce the latest in what is becoming a revered partnership, this time drawing influences from the red carpet.
Both brands have poured their efforts into the medium of a Merrell 1TRL – Moc Speed Streak, if you’re not fully acquainted with the Moc Speed Streak, allow us to quickly elaborate.
The Moc Speed Streak is an absolute unit of a slip-on shoe, something that we never thought we’d type if we’re being honest. Usually slip-ons’ can be a bit vanilla, but not if they’re made by Merrell 1TRL, and especially not if they’re the Moc Speed Streak – a recycled cow suede upper sits upon a rather chunky and undoubtedly outdoor-ready sole.
For their partnership with the outdoor footwear brand, Dime has predictably sprinkled in some of their classy quirkiness, mainly by swapping out the cow suede for a shiny coated leather, making the Speed Streak look as if wouldn’t be out of place in a Matrix remake if it was directed by Michael Bay.
Tasteful Dime branding can be seen on the side of the shoe encapsulated by the coated leather, as well as on the insole.
The Moc Speed Streak is available in two colours, Black and Bronzer. The black pair does what it says on the tin, and looks good doing it, but the bronzer pair is where things get really interesting.
The shoe’s mesh upper has a gradient colour starting from a dark gold at the toe, which slowly transforms to a sandy beige by the time it hits the heel. The midsole does the same, starting with black at the toe and turning to a coppery colour at the heel.
For the campaign, the brands have referenced the runway influences by shooting the Moc Speed Streak on a red carpet, surrounded by paparazzi – when we first looked at the campaign images we actually couldn’t tell if someone at the Met Gala had worn a pair – a testament to either how good the photography is, or how stupid we are.
To be honest, instead of listening to us waffle about how good the shoe is and how it proves that outdoor activities and skateboarding are in fact similar, you’re probably better off reading what Dime have to say about the Moc Speed Streak:
“Be prepared! You are now wearing heat…People will gasp and stare as you take your slip-on style coated in patent leather and breathable mesh upper. You give em a nod of confidence as you flex your neoprene stretch collar. You ever dream of flying?
Well this lightweight EVA foam midsole may be primarily for stability and comfort, but when you mix that with the Merrell air cushion in the heel it absorbs shock and adds stability. So you can’t technically fly, more like aggressive bouncing and looking fly doing it. Now, how to choose between Black and Tan colourways?”
The Dime x Merrell 1TRL Moc Speed Streak can be purchased now from Dime, and is available from Merrell 1TRL and other global retailers on Saturday 23rd November 2024.
