Outdoor Brands Redefine Summer Footwear with ‘Sandewalkers’ (샌동화)
Creatrip Team
19 days ago
Outdoor brands in Korea are rolling out hybrid summer shoes that blend sandals and sneakers—nicknamed ‘샌동화’ (sandals + sneakers)—to meet rising demand for breathable yet stable footwear for activities like valley outings (계곡), camping, and everyday wear. K2 launched three sandewalker models featuring an ‘X-GRIP’ butyl rubber outsole for wet-rock traction, drainage midsoles, and mixed materials for support and breathability. The North Face expanded its summer lineup with cushioned, high-traction sandals and sneaker-sandal hybrids offering adjustable straps, toe caps (Toe-cap) for protection, and trendy, chunky soles for comfort and height. Industry observers say these hybrids have moved beyond seasonal products to everyday fashion staples, prompting ongoing competition focused on combining design and practicality.
