Life Between The Stage and Trail Featuring Simiso Zwane
Balancing a busy lifestyle can be incredibly challenging, especially when it comes to making time to get outdoors. Between work meetings and family events, sometimes it can feel like there are not enough hours in a day. That’s why choosing functional footwear is an absolute game-changer. Something that can keep you comfortable all day while you excel in your career, but can also accommodate a quick trail walk with friends.
If anyone can understand this, it’s artist and creative director, Simiso Zwane (okmalumkoolkat). In this blog, we explore his journey as a performer and how he makes space to stay connected to the outdoors, with a little support from Merrell footwear.
Getting To Know Simiso Zwane
You’ve had an incredible journey in music. Can you share a little about how you got started and what keeps you inspired today?
Art performance has been a part of my life since primary school, starting mostly with dance. I was always the vibe of the dance floor at weddings or neighbourhood gatherings. But it was only after matric that I had the opportunity to develop my skills on a formal level.
I won a competition hosted by Vega School of Communications and received a scholarship for the "Imagination Lab" bridging course. The experience exposed me to like-minded people, and I learned how to turn my ideas into reality and present them to an audience.
It was there that I connected with fellow creatives, such as Sanele Xolo (known as KoolUrk). After the course, Sanele, his brother Zamani (designer and music producer), and I moved to Jozi to explore opportunities across design, music and fashion. Joburg wasn't ready for the heat we brought; we were too ahead, but the city caught up. We started with the Ama-KipKip logo and formed a loose collective of creatives with some of our connections from Vega and some from the DUT Fashion campus.
A key turning point in my career came when we joined a leading sportswear brand’s energy marketing team ahead of the 2010 World Cup, which opened doors to wider audiences and more performance-driven work. I worked on a mixtape with mentorship from Spoek Mathambo and Zamani on production, and eventually formed Dirty Paraffin, a new-age kwaito-electro duo.
Today, I am proud to look back on this journey, which began with dancing and illustration but has now evolved across multiple creative disciplines, including music, graphic design, and creative directing. I think the ability to pursue my passion for the creative arts in all these different spaces is what continues to inspire me every single day.
The theme of this blog is all about balancing work and life, especially when it comes to making time for being outside. How do you balance studio time with being outdoors and other activities?
Balancing life and work is not easy, but it’s something to learn as you go. When I was younger, I used to believe that studio sessions had to be late at night for better focus, but nowadays my preferred studio time is 18:00 - 22:00. This allows me to wake up at 5 AM, handle admin, family breakfast and gym before the day gets crazy. I love being outdoors, so figuring this out was a game-changer for me.
What are some non-negotiable features you look for in your everyday shoe?
My everyday shoes essentially have to be comfortable and be able to adapt to training, walking and dancing. When I get a new shoe, I make sure I test drive it at the gym, trail, road and on stage.
Merrell is all about versatile footwear that works in multiple settings. Which pair did you choose, and are you enjoying it? What stands out to you about your choice?
My first favourite shoe from Merrell was the Agility Peak 5, but the Agility Peak 6 has taken over since I received it.
I have always been a running shoe silhouette kind of guy, so these are just right up my alley in terms of aesthetics and mechanics. The fact that these are coming in one panel uppers makes them super light and easy to wear. The Remix and The Nova 4 are coming in very close as seconds.
If you could give one piece of advice to fans about stepping outside their comfort zones, whether in music, fashion, or adventure, what would it be?
There is no growth in comfort, so it is crucial to step outside of that if you want to grow.
Create The Lifestyle You Want By Choosing The Right Footwear
If there’s anything we learnt from Simiso, it’s that hard work and passion certainly pay off in the long run! Big dreams are never too big if you’re working hard to achieve them; you simply need to nail down the ideal routine that works for you.
Footwear might seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, but it plays a meaningful role in how you move throughout the day. From comfort and confidence to versatility across various environments, the right pair of shoes can support you wherever your routine takes you.
Merrell’s range is designed with this kind of movement in mind, helping you transition seamlessly between moments without losing momentum. Interested in finding the right pair for your lifestyle? Browse our selection of trail runners or active lifestyle footwear that will take you from the office to the trails in no time!
