Canada Goose Glacier Trail Sneaker review: Classic rugged luxury

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The Glacier Trail sneakers were made for walking — and hiking and exploring and just rocking around a city. 

Canada Goose, the Toronto-based luxury outerwear brand, first entered the footwear category in 2021 — launching a collection of boots. Included in its offering is the Glacier Trail Sneaker, a waterproof, thoughtfully-made statement shoe.

All of Canada Goose’s footwear styles have major similarities: they’re high-quality, comfortable and eye-catching. When I give them test drives, I often get stopped by inquisitive passersby asking where I purchased them. The Glacier Trails are no exception, however, they aren’t your average “sneaker,” — they’re far more technical. 

Canada Goose is known for producing high-quality, weather-protectant, luxurious garments with hefty price tags, which is why it’s important to ensure you’re happy with a product before hitting the road. I tested out the Glacier Trails and love the way they look and feel. Pro tip: don’t get them in all white if you plan to really explore outdoors. Read my full review, below.

What: Glacier Trail Sneakers (comes in low and high tops for women and men) First launched: July 18, 2023 Cost: $495 to $595 Where to buy: Canada Goose

I tried out the sneakers in white and felt like I didn’t let myself explore enough because I wanted to protect the shoes. I know this is counterproductive because the shoes are made to protect me and not vice versa, but they’re so striking and expensive, I want them to live a long wonderful sparkling clean life.

For the sake of the review, I did walk in wet weather to ensure they held up, but I would feel more comfortable taking them on trails in a darker shade. Overall, the Glacier Trails are comfortable, well made and have a unique look — below, I go into my thoughts on their function, fit and aesthetics. 

The details:

Function: They’re great hiking shoes. Trails are muddy, wet, slippery and unpredictable — the Glacier Trails are built to combat these elements. They’re also going to be a solid choice during transition seasons. Though they’re not intended to protect feet from the cold, their thick rubber soles and waterproof exterior will prove valuable heading into and out of winter. The sneakers are breathable, making them great for day-to-day wear. However, they’re bulkier than your average “sneaker.”

Fit: The shoe is nice and roomy, which is great for comfort and for adding thick (or multiple) socks, if you wish you wear them in cooler temperatures. The laces wrap around the shoe, making it easy to adjust to the wearer’s foot. I tested the high tops, which have zippers that are also waterproof. I find them most comfortable when they’re not zipped up all the way up. 

The Glacier Trails are easy to slip on and off — they have a little loop to pull them on and the extended sole to shimmy them off with your feet.

Fashion: The low sneakers have a similar silhouette to traditional sneakers, but look uniquely Canada Goose. The brand’s shoes tend to have a bold thick sole and thoughtful details. The midsole has a “shape inspired by wind-blown snow drifts,” and the bottom of the shoe is a nod to the maple leaf.

The Glacier Trails are high-quality shoes that are made for wet and wild Canadian weather — whether you like the look of them, that’s up to you. I love the look of the low tops and like the high tops, too — appreciating that they offer more protection.

Recommendation: If you love to hike and are looking for a durable shoe, the Glacier Trail are a strong option. They don’t look like a traditional trail shoe, so when you wear them in a city or around town, you don’t look like you’re a lost hiker.

Where to buy: Canada Goose

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