Founded in 1947 in the French Alps, the beginnings of the Salomon brand we know and love today were not steeped in footwear. The founder François Salomon started out by producing ski equipment and only ventured into skiwear and clothing later into the brand’s history. Production of footwear only started in 1992 in the form of hiking shoes, which marked the start of the brand’s direction to move away from winter gear indefinitely.
The gorpcore trend arguably catalysed Salomon’s rise as a fashion staple. Reaching its peak during the pandemic, possibly kickstarted by a yearning for the outdoors, hiking gear brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia and The North Face were worn extensively as everyday fashion. This in turn influenced many fashion brands in how they designed their clothes. Prada relaunched its nylon series of garments and accessories. Kim Jones’s Dior Men used details like utility buckles and cargo pockets as a leitmotif throughout his many collections.
When it comes to footwear choices, Salomon shoes are a huge favourite in the sartorial subculture. Spurred by the shoes appearing on today’s fashion icons like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajowski, the XT-6 and XT-4 models started gaining traction as fashion’s favourite affordable shoe. What tipped the scales, however, was Rihanna’s Superbowl performance, where she donned the MM6 Maison Margiela collaboration in a striking red hue. This kickstarted a wave of strategic collections with independent and individualistic brands like Sandy Liang, Y/Project and Comme Des Garçons—each of them displaying their unique design sensibilities with Salomon’s repository of existing models as canvases. In the fall 2024 season alone, labels like Y/Project and Juntae Kim were seen reinterpreting Salomon’s shoes on the runway according to their creative whims. While the collaborations with these brands put them on high fashion’s radar, other partnerships with renowned New York store Kith, Japanese cult brand Atmos and Montreal design house JJJJound have built a cult following within fashion communities. Each and every of these collaborations has been strategic and deliberate, creating a buzz in a diverse web of sartorial tribes, be it coquette-core devotees or avant-garde and experimental dressers.
Wondering which models to go for? Below, peruse Vogue Singapore’s picks of the best Salomon sneakers to cop right now.
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Comme Des Garçons x Salomon SR811 shoes, $2,990
Comme Des Garçons’s take on Salomon shoes takes away most of the practicality but makes up for it with visual intensity. Hand-worked embellished charms are decorated generously across the entire body, giving the silhouette the kitsch edge that the brand has always held dominion in.
Available at Dover Street Market Singapore.
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Pas Normal Studios x Salomon Aero Glide 2 shoes, $248
A collaboration with Copenhagen-based cycling wear brand Pas Normal Studios naturally means Salomon’s already top-class functionality is taken to another new level. Stacked with extra padded foam on the inside along with a light aerodynamic frame on the upper, the shoe balances both comfort and performance impeccably for a ride of any intensity.
Available at Pas Normal Studios.
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MM6 Maison Margiela X Salomon XT-4 shoes, $510
The collaboration between Maison Margiela’s diffusion line MM6 and Salomon has been longstanding and well-documented. Since they joined hands in 2022, the two brands have been churning out subversive footwear one after another–and this time is no different. In this instance, Salomon’s iconic XT-4s were deconstructed and converted into a mule with the same comfortable insole that we all know and love. A cosy statement piece indeed.
Available at The Broken Arm.
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11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi X Salomon Bamba 5 shoes, $576
11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi’s take on Salomon features an all-over faded dyed treatment on its upper and a smudged look on its midsole. Unique with every pair, the collaboration piece is an accurate embodiment of what the brand is: dark avant-garde with deliberate and intricate craftsmanship.
Available on SSENSE.
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Salomon ACS Pro shoes, $289
Salomon’s ACS Pro model is the ultimate trail shoe. Sleek and futuristic, the shoe features a caged structure on the upper that provides unparalleled support and protection. Strategically placed vents also gives it extra functionality points, especially for trekkers in this climate.
Available at SSENSE.
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Salomon XT-6, $224
Ever since it was launched in 2013, the XT-6s have been the trail runner’s choice of footwear with its unparalleled cushioning and durability. Since then, it has evolved into the main choice of footwear for fashion aficionados and ravers alike, potentially due to its sleek look that’s easy to match and style alongside different pieces.
Available at SSENSE.
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Sandy Liang X Salomon Speedcross Ribbon shoes, $215
Sandy Liang’s latest collaboration with Salomon is a masterfully creative interpretation of the coquette-core trend. Melding the rugged look of the Speedcross with the cutesy sensibilities of Sandy Liang’s designs, the pair is a must-cop for fans of the style movement.
Available at Salomon from 26 July.
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Salomon RX Marie-Jeanne shoes, $208
Salomon’s rendition of the shoe of the year might be the best one yet. Peep the Marie-Jeanne shoes, which incorporates technical details such as a breathable mesh and nubuck blend upper and a rubber sole white retaining the silhouette’s main sensibilities. A worthy contender of the ultimate hybrid shoe indeed.
Available at SSENSE.
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Salomon RX Slide 3.0 shoes, $120
If easy slip-ons are your footwear of choice, Salomon’s RX Slide 3.0 might be a good option to have. Made from breathable mesh and durable ripstop along with a cushioned sock liner, the pair is comfort epitomised.
Available at Mr. Porter.
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Salomon Quest GORE-TEX Advanced shoes, $334
Salomon’s Quest shoes are a hiker’s dream on steroids. Featuring a fully waterproof GORE-TEX body as well as unparalleled ankle support, the pair is effectively multi-terrain and can even be part of your daily rotation. For a cool, rugged look, match them with a palette of olive, tan and even washed grey along with details like distressing and washed-out colour treatments.
Available on SSENSE.
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Salomon Snowcross shoes, $200
Despite its name, the Salomon Snowcross shoes are not just for the harsh winter. The pair has gained a sizable following amongst gorp-core heads for its sleek technical lines and palette of black and red. The silhouette is certainly predicted to have a meteoric rise in popularity. Cult South Korean designer Juntae Kim has recently announced his collaboration with Salomon and his take on the Snowcross includes petal cutouts that are equal parts arresting and eccentric.
Available on SSENSE.
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MM6 Maison Margiela X Salomon Cross shoes, $499
This pair from MM6 Maison Margiela and Salomon’s collaboration is a testament that bigger is perhaps better. Featuring both a chunky rubber sole and a voluminous nylon upper, the statement pair is a head-turner no matter the setting.
Available at Farfetch.
