Outdoor gear is having a really big moment in streetwear right now, and it’s a trend that only seems to be gathering more steam. We’ve seen technical apparel brands like Arc’teryx, Snow Peak, and And Wander ride this wave, and on the footwear side, you’d have to say Salomon is the one to watch.
So let’s talk about Salomon for a bit. How did it come to occupy the top spot of “must-have technical sneaker” for fashion insiders and streetwear connoisseurs? With regards to its origins, it was founded in 1947 as a family-owned ski workshop in Annecy, France. In the years to come, they would establish themselves as makers of top-grade ski equipment. During the ‘90s, Salomon took a substantial step making footwear for serious hikers, and in the ‘00s, they made a noticeable impact with their trail running shoes.
But it’s the last decade that Salomon has really made its mark in fashion. Some of its impressive style collabs have come with respected designers like Boris Bidjan Saberi and Takahiro Miyashita. Popular wearers of the brand in the style universe include A-list personalities like Matthew Williamson of Alyx and a certain fashion god named Ralph Lauren. Also it’s worth mentioning that Salamon sneakers made a cameo in a Palace 2017 Lookbook, appearing on the feet of famous streetwear models, Blondie McCoy and Lucien Clarke.
Of all the Salomon styles, the most popular models are probably the S/Lab, Speedcross, and X-Alp. The S/Lab is the favorite amongst streetwear heads with its athletic-style silhouette, EVA-cushioned sole and bold branding. The Speedcross is more of the quintessential trek sneaker with a precision engineered outsole for maximum grip and a durable welded upper for heightened walking comfort. The X-Alp is perhaps the closest Salomon gets to its mountainous roots. It’s a rugged boot with a protective toe-cap, fortified 3D edging construction, and featherweight construction.
One thing’s for sure, Salomon is nowhere near its peak of popularity. You can definitely expect more head-turning collabs, futuristic design innovations, and even more streetwear crossover in the coming years. We suggest you get on the bandwagon now.
