When it comes to Barbour, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the British outerwear brand’s iconic waxed jackets, worn by the likes of Princess Diana and forever it-girl Alexa Chung. But Barbour has had a resurgence on my Instagram feed because of its buzzy collabs with Ganni, Noah, and, more recently, the Japanese footwear brand Flower Mountain. Both known for their high-quality craftsmanship and outdoor-friendly styles, the brands teamed up to design a vibrant collection that brings Barbour’s classic tartan lining together with Flower Mountain’s signature dandelion pattern — inspired by blooms the brand’s founders saw while climbing Mt. Fuji.
The collaboration is comprised of jackets, sneakers, and boots. But it’s the Barbour x Flower Mountain Yamano 3 sneaker that immediately caught our attention. The shoe has practical features like an anti-bacterial cork insole, a lightweight rubber sole with toothed tread, and trekking laces that make it comfortable for walking through urban cityscapes and trails alike. But it’s also stylish, thanks to a combination of suede and waxed technical fabrics and three eye-catching colorways that can complement an outdoor or streetwear-inspired look.
Our editors have tested their fair share of activewear and fitness gear, so naturally, we had to put the Barbour x Flower Mountain Yamano 3 sneaker to the test and see if it feels as good as it looks — no matter where we’re walking. Keep reading to see four editors’ honest thoughts on the city-to-trail sneaker.