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Have you ever wondered to yourself: Can I wear my hiking boots or trail runners casually?

Our answer? Why not, when they look so good!

In this blog, we’ll be diving into the rise in popularity of wearing active wear fashionably and why our Morphlites are the perfect choice of footwear to complete the look.

Can I Wear Running Shoes Every Day?

Returning to our opening question, many people have wondered if running shoes can be worn casually.

In the past, people always tended to exclusively separate their athletic wear from their casual wear. Gym attire, running shoes, hiking boots; all of these items were reserved strictly for the activity they were intended for, leaving us to purchase separate items for casual wear.

However, in recent times, we’ve noticed a rise in popularity regarding wearing active wear as casual wear. People no longer wear gym sets exclusively to the gym; instead, we see many individuals sporting these looks at malls or while running errands.

The same can be said for running shoes. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend their day running errands in footwear that provides for feet with support and comfort? Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

The Reason We Once Kept Activewear and Casual Wear Apart

Here are the most common reasons that we have come across online:

1. Unfashionable: Previously, athletic designs probably were not deemed fashionable enough, making them stick out like a sore thumb when paired with your ensemble.

2. Wear & Tear: Running shoes have been known to be pricey; therefore, many individuals probably wanted to try and preserve their lifespan by reserving their use for sports activities.

3. It felt wrong: Perhaps there wasn’t a specific reason other than our minds telling us ‘this pair is for running and that pair is for the mall’.
Today, however, we are noticing a shift in mindset. People are prioritising comfort above all else, so it’s a no-brainer that our activewear is becoming a staple in everyday casual use.

How Global Lifestyle Changes Shaped Fashion

In the past, launching a line of active apparel and footwear meant appealing to a niche target. And at first, here at Merrell, this is the approach we took as well. But over time, we began to see this mindset evolving.

One could identify the COVID-19 Pandemic as playing a role in this, since it sparked major changes in terms of work-life balance. Various industries swiftly moved work operations to a remote basis, which now meant that people were quite literally living in their ‘offices’. We saw various blogs and social media posts creating awareness for striking a good work-life balance, and remembering to take care of your mental and physical health.

So, in response, while we were cooped up indoors, a lot of individuals ditched their daily office suits for activewear that allowed them to feel comfortable throughout the day, and quickly enjoy some light activity after logging off. Since then, it’s safe to say that we grew accustomed to this comfort - even when it was time to move back into offices.

Today, people love wearing activewear as casual wear, and have even triggered new fashion trends around styling their activewear for various events. Here are some of the reasons we found that make people gravitate towards their tights and trail runners every day:

1. Enhanced Productivity: Many individuals have reported that when they feel comfortable in their attire, they feel more productive throughout the day. Nothing is pinching their feet, or they aren’t constricted to tight clothes. Instead, their activewear moves with them, allowing them to go all day on their feet without issues.

2. Encourages Fitness: By wearing their activewear daily, people found that this created a positive mindset and encouraged them to follow through on their planned workouts, since they were already dressed for the occasion.

3. Durable Products: While fast fashion is still quite prevalent, many people are enjoying the long-lasting benefits of quality clothes, and this is a strong quality often seen with activewear. Trail runners, hiking boots, gym tights, and fitness jackets are all designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and keep you comfortable, so they can be considered trustworthy wardrobe staples.

Move Freely In The Morphlite 

Naturally, as a brand, we knew that we needed to support this movement. After all, we truly believe that spending time outdoors is an experience that should be shared with all!

So, we put our heads together and brought to you a line of footwear that matches the busy lifestyle of individuals who want to do it all - but still want to look good.

This is what our Morphlite range is designed to do. Available in a variety of colourways, the Morphlite is a road-to-trail shoe that promises comfort, traction, and confidence.

But more than this, its sleek, modern design allows it to transition to a casual wear shoe in a matter of minutes! Pair it with your favourite pair of jeans and a crew neck for a fun athleisure look. Or, for a more trendy approach, pair them with relaxed slacks, a plain t-shirt with a blazer, and a cap.

The options are endless! But one thing remains: Morphlites are here to carry you through it all, in comfort and style. Ready for the adventure? Share your stories and athleisure-inspired looks with us on social media!