Founded in 1947 in the French Alps, Salomon’s beginnings were not centered around footwear. The brand’s founder, François Salomon, initially focused on ski equipment, venturing into skiwear and clothing later in its history. Footwear production only began in 1992 with hiking shoes, marking a shift away from winter gear. The gorpcore trend, which gained momentum during the pandemic, played a significant role in Salomon’s rise as a fashion staple. With a yearning for the outdoors, hiking gear brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face became everyday fashion staples, influencing fashion houses to incorporate utilitarian elements into their designs. Prada relaunched its nylon series, while Kim Jones’s Dior Men incorporated utility buckles and cargo pockets as key design elements. Salomon shoes, particularly the XT-6 and XT-4 models, quickly gained popularity in the sartorial subculture, driven by their appearance on fashion icons like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajowski. Rihanna’s Superbowl performance, where she sported the MM6 Maison Margiela collaboration in a striking red hue, further propelled the brand’s ascent. This sparked a wave of collaborations with independent brands like Sandy Liang, Y/Project, and Comme Des Garçons, each showcasing their unique design sensibilities using Salomon’s existing models as canvases. Salomon’s runway presence in the fall 2024 season, with brands like Y/Project and Juntae Kim reinterpreting its shoes, solidified its position in high fashion. Beyond high-fashion collaborations, Salomon has built a loyal following within fashion communities through partnerships with renowned retailers like Kith, Japanese cult brand Atmos, and Montreal design house JJJJound. Each collaboration has strategically created a buzz across various sartorial tribes, from coquette-core enthusiasts to avant-garde dressers.
Vogue Singapore’s Picks of the Best Salomon Sneakers
1.
Comme Des Garçons x Salomon SR811 shoes, $2,990
– Comme Des Garçons’ interpretation of Salomon shoes sacrifices practicality for visual intensity. The shoes are adorned with hand-worked embellished charms, giving them a kitsch edge that aligns with the brand’s aesthetic. Available at Dover Street Market Singapore.2.
Pas Normal Studios x Salomon Aero Glide 2 shoes, €170
– This collaboration with Copenhagen-based cycling wear brand Pas Normal Studios enhances Salomon’s functionality. Featuring extra padded foam and a lightweight aerodynamic frame, the shoes balance comfort and performance for any intensity of cycling. Available at Pas Normal Studios.3.
MM6 Maison Margiela X Salomon XT-4 shoes, €350
– The long-standing collaboration between Maison Margiela’s diffusion line MM6 and Salomon continues to produce subversive footwear. The iconic XT-4s have been deconstructed and transformed into a mule, retaining the comfortable insole. Available at The Broken Arm.4.
11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi X Salomon Bamba 5 shoes, US$429
– 11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi’s take on Salomon features an all-over faded dyed treatment on the upper and a smudged look on the midsole. The unique collaboration piece embodies the brand’s dark avant-garde aesthetic with intricate craftsmanship. Available on SSENSE.5.
Salomon ACS Pro shoes, US$215
– The ACS Pro model is Salomon’s ultimate trail shoe. Its sleek and futuristic design incorporates a caged structure on the upper for support and protection. Strategically placed vents add functionality, making it suitable for trekkers in various climates. Available at SSENSE.6.
Salomon XT-6, US$167
– Since its launch in 2013, the XT-6 has been a popular choice for trail runners due to its cushioning and durability. It has since become a favorite among fashion aficionados and ravers for its sleek look that can be easily styled with different pieces. Available at SSENSE.7.
Sandy Liang X Salomon Speedcross Ribbon shoes, US$160
– Sandy Liang’s latest collaboration with Salomon creatively interprets the coquette-core trend. Combining the rugged look of the Speedcross with Liang’s cutesy sensibilities, this pair is a must-have for fans of the style movement. Available at Salomon from 26 July.8.
Salomon RX Marie-Jeanne shoes, US$155
– Salomon’s interpretation of the shoe of the year is impressive. The Marie-Jeanne shoes feature breathable mesh and nubuck blend upper with a rubber sole, retaining the silhouette’s essence. A worthy contender for the ultimate hybrid shoe. Available at SSENSE.9.
Salomon RX Slide 3.0 shoes
– For those who prefer easy slip-ons, Salomon’s RX Slide 3.0 is a comfortable option. Made from breathable mesh and durable ripstop with a cushioned sock liner, it embodies comfort. Available at Mr. Porter.10.
Salomon Quest GORE-TEX Advanced shoes, US$249
– The Quest shoes are a hiker’s dream. Featuring a fully waterproof GORE-TEX body and unparalleled ankle support, the pair is versatile for various terrains and can even be incorporated into daily wear. For a cool, rugged look, pair them with a palette of olive, tan, and washed gray, adding distressing or washed-out color treatments. Available on SSENSE.11.
Salomon Snowcross shoes, US$149
– The Salomon Snowcross shoes, despite their name, are not just for winter. Their sleek technical lines and black and red color palette have gained popularity among gorp-core enthusiasts. The silhouette is predicted to rise in popularity. South Korean designer Juntae Kim’s collaboration with Salomon features petal cutouts, adding an eccentric touch to the Snowcross design. Available on SSENSE.12.
