# Collaborative Technical Footwear Nicole McLaughlin Launches a Merrell 1TRL Collaboration By Amy Duong | Published 2023-06-23 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-2 References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/nicole-mclaughlin-merrell-collab/) Nicole McLaughlin unveils her newest collaborative project done alongside [Merrell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-and-corridor) 1TRL. The shoes surfaced online with photographs taken from Paris Fashion Week Men's. In recent years, the brand has been rebranding itself from the chunky dad shoe towards a more trendy trail sneaker model. The collaborative shoes seem to be a pair of slip-on shoes that are constructed from a meshy material with paneled accents. It features an earthy tone and will be released later this year. McLaughlin spoke to [Highsnobiety](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedarc-surge-boa) earlier this year after her [Reebok](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-white-mountaineering1) project, stating “This is just my beginning in the collaborative footwear space. I have some exciting things coming up for 2023 and beyond that, I’m really looking forward to sharing. Stay tuned!” Image Credit: Le.Syndrome ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.1/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 16% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Collaborative Footwear:** Opportunity for designers and brands to collaborate on unique and innovative footwear creations. - **Rebranding Fashion:** Brands exploring new directions to shift their image and appeal to a more trendy consumer base. - **Meshy Construction:** Utilizing mesh materials in footwear design for enhanced breathability and lightweight comfort. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Design:** Fashion designers can leverage collaboration opportunities to create distinctive and sought-after footwear products. - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can specialize in producing mesh-based footwear to cater to consumer demands for breathable and stylish shoes. - **Brand Development:** Branding agencies can assist companies in rebranding efforts to establish a new image that aligns with evolving fashion trends. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaborative Sustainable Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moclaughlin.md) - [Collaborative Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-mafate-three2.md) - [Technical Footwear Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belstaff-and-merrell.md) - [Urban-Inspired Hiking Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-and-corridor.md) - [Outdoor Performance Footwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-aw25.md) - [Progressive Spring-Ready Trail Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-4.md) - [Nature-Inspired AI-Backed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydro-moc-collection.md) - [Summer-Ready Performance Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-5.md) - [Animal Faux Fur Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-3.md)