If pasta is a runner's best friend, then Milan is carbo-loading heaven. While the Highsnob team gets the ball rolling on Not in Milan, we’re making sure to carve out time for our much needed cardio.
As part of our "Not In" series, we're teaming up with HOKA, whose made a name for themselves as a shoe that caters to runners of all levels—from newbie, to 5k runners, to elite ultramarathoners. With this ethos of accessibility and performance for running in mind, we're connecting with local running clubs who know the best of the best for their city.
For Milan, we linked up with Slipmode, an all-female run club and multidisciplinary creative collective based out of the city. Outside of running, Slipmode is made up of artists, designers and DJs. They’ve built a cult following around their bi-monthly mix series on Stegi Radio, and regularly host workshops on community knowledge sharing on a range of disciplines, from DJing to DIY textile making. Their goal is to increase cultural accessibility through community support, which in turn means providing free spaces for people who want to come and learn and expand their network, both personal and professional.
Our run route will highlight iconic Milanese architecture — both old and new. As part of Milan Design Week, we're celebrating just some of the amazing design on show throughout the city. The run guide will create a route with short stops at some of the city’s best buildings.
Naturally, running down the cobblestone streets of Milan is the perfect place for the Slipmode community to come together and sweat it all out. Strapping on our HOKA running shoes, we hit the road and caught up with the collective on their home turf.
How and when did Slipmode come together?
Slipmode began a few years ago after connecting with fellow creatives in Milan to organize our first DJing workshop. Initially it was a side project for all of us, but it evolved into a community that we now are aiming to expand. Today, we are structured around thematic cores like sports, DIY, and music, and hope to foster collaboration among participants and mentors through workshops and events on these topics.
Who makes up the Slipmode community, and how do you all come together? What role does the running club play in your social life?
The Slipmode community is made up of whoever wants to join! We are constantly hearing from new people who want to try out a new discipline, as well as old friends and collaborators that want to organize their own workshop. Running is an excuse to bring all these people together in a fun environment where we can meet on a regular basis.
How does Slipmode foster inclusivity and representation within Milan’s running community?
We aim to prioritize individuals who might not always feel affirmed in certain spaces, whether it's in music, running, or even carpentry. However, we don't claim to act on behalf of any one group as we’re aware of the limits of representation. Instead, we try to stay committed to creating inclusive spaces while recognizing our limitations and the challenges of achieving genuine inclusivity in today's world.
What sparks joy during your runs?
For many of us, it’s the sense of empowerment and freedom that comes from reclaiming activities that we may have found alienating or inaccessible in the past. It's the support we find among those who understand our experiences and the opportunity to redefine what it means to be a runner on our own terms.
Why makes running in Milan a unique experience? What are the challenges and benefits of running through the city?
Running in Milan is definitely unique. We have a big air pollution problem, with air quality regularly reaching concerning levels, which positions the city as one most polluted in the world. This problem is closely tied to mobility issues, as well as excessive car usage in the city among many other problems. We hope that in the future, we will prioritize bicycles, public transport, and be more pedestrian-friendly. Despite its issues, Milan has many beautiful parks just waiting to be explored, meaning Milan offers amazing running experiences both on both pavement and on trails.
Can you share any insider tips for running in Milan that newcomers to the city?
If you don’t know where to run in Milan we definitely recommend the parks that surround the city, where the air quality is better and you don't have to slalom between cars! These include Parco Lambro, Parco Forlanini, Parco di Porta Venezia, Parco Sempioneto name a few. If you’re feeling adventurous, we also have a lot of Cascine in our parks—farm stays that sell produce and local products that are free to visit and explore.
In what ways does Slipmode inspire the next generation of runners in Milan and beyond?
We hope to inspire the next generation to try something new and not to feel defeated by their skill level. It’s always about growth over perfection! Whether you're trying something new for the first time or getting better at your craft, try and find a group of like minded people that are also into exploration and enjoying the process together, you’ll find it much easier.
Want to go check out our Milan running route for yourself? Check out HOKA's website here to find the perfect pair for your next run.
