Vans Levels Up Its Most Capable Trail Shoe, Blending Skate Style with Outdoor Performance

The rugged Crosspath XC Gore-Tex has never looked or felt more adventure ready, thanks to its functional feature set and organic new look.

Close-up of a brown Gore-Tex sneaker heel with suede and fabric materials against a yellow background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published April 6, 2026

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Updated April 6, 2026

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Vans is no stranger to blending style and substance; in fact, that’s the foundation of the brand.

While some of its models lean more casual than capable, the Crosspath XC Gore-Tex seamlessly melds performance capability and an everyday-friendly form factor.

Pair of brown and black Vans hiking shoes with Vibram soles and Gore-Tex lining on a light background. — The neutral shades of the new Crosspath XC Gore-Tex are its most earthy rendition yet.

Its new iteration may be its most appealing blend yet, thanks to an earthy new colorway that grounds the already durable design.

Earthy energy

I covered the Crosspath XC Gore-Tex’s debut in late 2025, and now for Spring 2026, the Off the Wall brand has released an organic new version of the trail-ready shoe that leans even further into its outdoor-inspired roots.

Pair of brown Vans hiking shoes with black and blue Vibram soles, one showing top view and the other sole view. — Vans doesn’t specify the meaning of the cobalt splash on the outsole, but based on previous Vibram releases, it could symbolize enhanced traction on specific parts of the lugged outsole, which features an all-new tread profile for superior grip and durability.

The aptly named Bungee Cord Brown/Coal Black colorway balances subdued shades of grey-black and brown with rich, deep cobalt blue hits found on the tongue, sidewall, insole and as an abstract pattern on the deep-lugged outsole.

Close-up of a brown and black Gore-Tex sneaker with Vibram sole and pull tab at the heel. — The subtle Gore-Tex branding on the outside of the upper, combined with a ripstop pattern and partially obfuscated by black overlays, mimics the look of a topographic map.

Gore-Tex invisible fit technology keeps the upper waterproof yet breathable, and stands out in terms of its branding, or lack thereof.

By contract, Gore-Tex collaborations often feature clear branding that makes it obvious the leader in waterproof technology is involved.

Pair of brown and black athletic shoes shown from the back on a neutral background. — Easy-on pull tabs make getting the capable shoe simple to slide on and off, while the speedlace system complements that user-friendly quality.

Vans clearly got the brand to sign on for a different approach with this Crosspath, which has a sneaky topographic map-inspired Gore-Tex logo outlined across the outward-facing sides of the upper. There’s also a small hit on the heel, in the cobalt blue accent color.

$Close-up of a brown Vans Gore-Tex sneaker with blue Vans logo and toggle lace system.$

Subtle cobalt branding hits appear on the tongue and upper.

Vans

Apart from its soil-like color update, the revised Crosspath XC Gore-Tex maintains its functional attributes.

These include a speedlace system with clip for on-the-fly adjustments, UltraCush EVA midsole, custom outsole featuring Vibram’s XS Trek Evo rubber and easy-on pull tabs.

Availability and pricing

The Crosspath XC Gore-Tex is available on Vans’ website now, retailing for $180.

Brown and black Vans hiking shoe with Vibram sole and pull tabs on tongue and heel.

Vans Crosspath XC Gore-Tex

$180 at Vans

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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