Salomon
Salomon is a French outdoor brand from Annecy, in the Alps, that grew big in winter sports and later with trail running shoes. Models such as the XT-6 and XT-4 were designed for mountain trails, but these days they are worn just as often in the city. The technical look, the quick-lace system and the grip make Salomon sneakers instantly recognisable.
The history of Salomon
François Salomon started the company in 1947 in Annecy, making steel edges for skis. Ski bindings and ski boots followed, turning Salomon into one of the big names in winter sports. Annecy is still the brand’s home base today.
From the 1990s the brand also turned to outdoor hiking and running shoes. Trail running in particular became important: Salomon developed shoes for long distances in the mountains, with plenty of grip and a secure fit. In recent years, fashion fans discovered those technical models, after which they earned a firm place in streetwear.
What Salomon is known for
Salomon stands for functional engineering. The Quicklace system replaces regular laces with a thin cord and a sliding lock, so you can tighten the shoe in one movement. The Contagrip outsole provides grip on wet rock, mud and asphalt. Some models also have a Gore-Tex membrane that keeps water out.
It is exactly these technical details that make the shoes interesting for wearing in the city. The layered upper, the bold colour blocks and the rugged sole suit the outdoor style that became popular in fashion. That puts Salomon in the same line-up as running brands such as On, ASICS and Saucony, but with a clear mountain background.
Popular Salomon models
- XT-6: originally a long-distance trail running shoe, now the brand’s best-known model. It comes in dozens of colours and also in Gore-Tex versions.
- XT-4: a related model with its own layered design, often in bold colour combinations.
- XT-Whisper: a newer model from the same XT family, with the same technical look.
- Speedcross: a trail shoe with an aggressive tread, made for mud and soft ground.
On top of that, collaborations with designers and fashion labels appear regularly, releasing the familiar shapes in new materials and colours. The S/Lab line, originally Salomon’s racing range for elite athletes, has also produced lifestyle versions of the XT-6.
How do Salomon sneakers fit?
Most Salomon sneakers fit true to size, but the fit is snug, as you would expect from a trail shoe. The XT-6 in particular has a narrow toe box, and the materials give very little. If you have wide feet or want a bit more room, go half a size up. With normal or narrow feet you can stick with your usual size. If you mainly wear the shoe in the city with thin socks, your own size usually works well.
Buy Salomon at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will mainly find the XT-6 in many colours, complemented by the XT-4, the XT-Whisper and other models. Choose the XT-6 if you want the best-known design and a Gore-Tex version if you also wear it in the rain. Looking for a calmer alternative? Compare it with the running models from New Balance. Filter by your size to see which colours are available.
