THM MACROSHOTS N44
[MONCLER TrailGrip GTX High-Top]
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.

This time we are going to explore Trailgrip GTX High by Moncler, a new silhouette on the very successful and distinct platform released this summer by Moncler. As we said in our first review of Trailgrip GTX, this alien-stomping shoe is a new vision for Moncler, whose FW22 footwear collection is a total visual and functional overhaul, representing a new and very exciting era for the brand.
"Inspired by maximum-traction mountain bike tires" Trailgrip GTX High references Moncler's mountain heritage, while having a contemporary, hiking boot-influenced style.

Materials used in the upper include premium leather and nubuck, as well as a GORE-TEX lining for extra peace of mind. A very thoughtful placement of lugs under the ankles allows for a streamlined tightening and better movement stability for the shoe, having extra levels of adjustability as an added bonus.
The "double upper" made of a single wrapped piece of leather with a split on the side harkens back to old-school hiking shoes at the same time adding a sleeker look for the lines in the design, in line with the futuristic-looking footwear collection. A neat stitched and padded achilles area of the upper allows for easier movement with less confinement for your feet. And yes, the shoe is definitely tailored for colder environments, with a well-leveled distribution of heat throughout the inside of the shoe without any single hot area experienced during testing.
Signature Vibram MEGAGRIP compound provides traction on loose and unstable surfaces while remaining flexible and durable. Carrarmato-styled lugs and a carbon fiber plate add to the visually striking and functionally superb experience. The carbon plate, which is present in most silhouettes from the collection, helps with energy return while stabilizing the sole and your feet on any uneven terrain.
While weighing 670 grams per shoe, blazing through the city or having a light hike in this pair is a breeze, with good traction and stabilization, similar if not better as in a low top version. A TPU "spoiler" is present, as in any other model with this sole base, which is a big and useful addition for ease of taking the shoes off. The TPU protective layer is doubled up around the midsole area, wrapping around the shoe and adding extra shielding for your feet.
When you don't have to balance cost-to-price questions, you can go crazy and collect all the pokemons, creating very beefy and tech-packed shoes in the process. It is actually quite rare in the industry to have a functional and fashionable shoe with all the bells and whistles, not really sacrificing anything (except for your wallet), and we believe such efforts are very commendable.

This sneaker-boot is going to be available online and in Moncler stores. We should expect new models, already presented during the brand's launch event in Milan, to be released later this year. Stay tuned.



Produced by TECHUNTER Media.

Words: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Ph, edit: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Producer, layout, edit: Alex Zabelin [THM].

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