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# Rugged Chunky Trail Sneakers
Merrell Presents Two New Colorways of the Ontario Speed Sneaker

By Amy Duong | Published 2024-05-10 | Fashion
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ontario-speed
References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/merrell-belstaff-sneaker-collab/)

![Rugged Chunky Trail Sneakers](https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/533/ontario-speed.jpeg)

Belstaff works in collaboration with [Merrell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedarc-surge-boa) [1TRL](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dime-x-merrell-1trl-moc-speed-streak) on a special trek shoe: the [Ontario Speed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belstaff-and-merrell) sneaker model gets a new iteration prepared for hiking and retains its traditional details. The two present refreshing colorways including Mineral and Aloe which is a blue-grey finish throughout the upper made from soft suede materials and rests on top of a light brown sole unit.

This is followed by a Cloud and Shell colorway which boasts an eggshell white tone throughout the upper with a cream tonal sole unit. Both of these earthy palettes have a versatile theme and reflect its adventurous function. Some tactical details include the tall mudguard that wraps around the upper to provide protection resting on top of the lightweight FloatEco foam and Vibram outsole.

Image Credit: Merrell

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.7/10
- Popularity: 90% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 23%
- 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

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Earth-toned Colorways:** Incorporating mineral blue-grey and eggshell white tones, the trend showcases nature-inspired designs for outdoor footwear.
- **Tactical Details Integration:** By featuring a tall mudguard and lightweight FloatEco foam, the trend emphasizes functional yet stylish elements in shoe construction.
- **Adventure-ready Sneaker Models:** With refreshed colorways and traditional details, the trend highlights the evolution of trek shoes for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both style and performance.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Outdoor Footwear:** The outdoor footwear industry can explore new design possibilities by embracing nature-inspired color palettes and functional enhancements.
- **Collaborative Shoe Development:** In the realm of shoe production, collaborations like Belstaff's partnership with Merrell 1TRL open doors for innovative designs that merge style with practicality for hiking and trekking.
- **Eco-friendly Sole Technology:** The use of lightweight FloatEco foam and Vibram outsole presents opportunities for the footwear industry to invest in sustainable and performance-oriented materials.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Technical Footwear Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belstaff-and-merrell.md)
- [Chunky Dynamic Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedarc-surge-boa.md)
- [Trail-Informed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-ss26.md)
- [Tactical Collab Footwear Styles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dime-x-merrell-1trl-moc-speed-streak.md)
- [Progressive Spring-Ready Trail Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-4.md)
- [Waterproof Gorpcore Sneaker Styles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-moab-speed-2-goretex.md)
- [Outdoor Performance Footwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-aw25.md)
- [Weatherized Limited Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moab-speed-2-gtx.md)
- [Urban-Inspired Hiking Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-and-corridor.md)
