THM MACROSHOTS N51
[MONCLER Trailgrip SS23 collection]
We were always fascinated by the beauty of different textiles. When you see such a detailed picture of a structure of some amazing fabric, you can definitely understand the whole world of exploration and development behind its creation. And you are just mesmerized by the beauty of it.



So we started our THM MACROSHOTS editorial series, where we explore the complexity, depth, and beauty of different fabrics, textiles, materials, and hardware through the macro lens.

We are taking an in-depth look at the new SS23 footwear collection presented by Moncler: an evolution of previous models, with the introduction of innovative materials, vibrant colors, and a new model to face the upcoming peaks on the right foot.
THM MACROSHOTS N51
[MONCLER Trailgrip SS23 collection]
We were always fascinated by the beauty of different textiles. When you see such a detailed picture of a structure of some amazing fabric, you can definitely understand the whole world of exploration and development behind its creation. And you are just mesmerized by the beauty of it.
So we started our THM MACROSHOTS editorial series, where we explore the complexity, depth, and beauty of different fabrics, textiles, materials, and hardware through the macro lens.

We are taking an in-depth look at the new SS23 footwear collection presented by Moncler: an evolution of previous models, with the introduction of innovative materials, vibrant colors, and a new model to face the upcoming peaks on the right foot.
The Italian brand's in-house design team had already amazed us last season with an eye-catching collection that embodied Moncler's mountain spirit, taking us on the path from the extreme conditions of the peaks down the valley to the crowded city streets.

This time they are doing it again by finding new spaces and new challenges for us to face.

The design evolves to ensure performance and lightness even during outdoor activities on sunny days, making us feel as free as eagles.
Mesh is introduced on the uppers of the already iconic Trailgrip in 4 different colorways, adding options to the warmer GORE-TEX of the FW22, which is still offered in the total Black and total White variants. Three more colorways are reserved for the durable and breathable polyester fabric mesh version, of which 2 are reserved for men's sizes and one exclusively for women's.

The absolute novelty of the collection is the new Trailgrip Lite model: it has the same technical features as the predecessor shoe, but is 23% lighter, thanks to the use of new materials and volume reduction.
TRAILGRIP
The elements that characterize the Trailgrip make it a high-performance technical shoe and at the same time extremely comfortable for daily use. They are easy to put on and take off thanks to the press-on lace fastener and the lace end that allows them to hook onto the upper and not make them come loose. A functional detail typical of hiking and trail running footwear that avoids the annoying sensation of laces bumping against the foot when running on an incline.
In addition, the TPU logoed spoiler placed on the heel between the sole and upper allows for hands-free removal.

We find reflective bands and details from toe to heel: webbing, laces, and heel details are reflective to create a special effect under light and add some safety at night. We also find reflective weft threads inside the ripstop fabric itself in the case of the two full-black and full-white GORE-TEX models. This time, unlike the FW22, they feature the Moncler logo embossed on the rubberized leather toe.
We couldn't miss a totally neon yellow colorway for the men's line and an all-fuchsia one for the women's, made of breathable polyester mesh fabric.

The exclusive chunky Vibram tooling is matched by picking up the colors of the leather and upper fabrics and changing materials between the EVA midsole and Megagrip tread.
The innovative secret lies within the construction and consists of the insertion of a carbon fiber rigid layer between the midsole and the tread to support walking and aid rebound.

The inner footbed is no less: premium Ortholite technology for improved cushioning and breathability.
TRAILGRIP LITE
We now welcome the newest addition to the Trailgrip family: the Trailgrip Lite. As the name suggests, this style is the summary lighter version of the Trailgrip.
Moncler wants to offer mountaineers a versatile variant by expanding the sneaker offering, keeping the same technical features but working on lightening the weight and shape. The result is an organic silhouette with rounded edges and sleek proportions.
The upper is made of semi-transparent unlined nylon ripstop, which reveals breathable "gills" on the side cuff. The toe box is lower and sharper but retains the rubberized leather toe box design. Lacing starts directly from under there, taking advantage of reflective tapes sewn to the two reinforced side flaps. We find soft convex inserts made of thermoformed neoprene on both the anatomical tongue and the heel tab, from which a little puller emerges to put the shoe on more easily. The rear spoiler for easy shoe removal also remains present.
We also note an evolution in the Vibram tooling, which retains the technical approach and the inner carbon fiber plate but is lowered by half an inch and softened in shape.

The Megagrip outsole is developed to provide excellent grip on dry and wet terrain while maintaining a superior level of durability during trekking and multisport, as well as all-season hiking and travel.
If looking at it from underneath you can see different parts that make up the tread, on the Lite version the two different colors of the compound blend together almost randomly. This happens because the amounts of material in the initial block are calculated to the milligram to get the different colored areas, but under pressure inside Vibram's production machinery, they melt almost unpredictably.
If the EVA midsoles, which provide cushioning and protection as well as more flexibility and a lightness of the shoe, are not enough, the Ortholite insole is gonna do the rest. Unlike traditional insoles, the compression set of OrthoLite insoles is less than 5% over time so the cushioning and fit never change inside the shoe, providing maximum comfort every time you put your shoes on. And it is even washable.
Both models are already available via Moncler's official website: Trailgrip in 7 new colorways and the Trailgrip Lite in five different colorways. We also can't wait to see exciting exclusives for major online retailers.

Read our quick interview for the Moncler Stories, including more thoughts on the new collection.

To know more about Moncler, check our other articles via the links below.

Produced by TECHUNTER Media.

Producer: Alexander Zabelin [THM].
Ph, direction, retouch: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Styling assistant: Elena Tash.
Technical assistant: Alexander Stepanov.
Words: SANGI (Pietro Franceschi).
Edit: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Layout: Grigory Gatenyan.