It’s time to jump on the Salomon sneakers bandwagon.
Of course, it’s completely up to you, but don’t be dissuaded by the fact that they’ve entered the mainstream (Lyst reports searches have been up 40% in the last six months). Yes, a lot of people (celebrities included), are wearing them—for work, play, hiking, and *ahem* faux hiking—and in some ways, they’ve become a bit of a cliché. It doesn’t help that they feature in countless “starter-pack” memes, but in my eyes, a sneaker is a sneaker, and a sneaker that you like and see wearing beyond their moment in the spotlight is worth the investment.
Originally a metal workshop that opened in Annecy, France, in 1947, Salomon began to specialize in ski and trail in the 1990s and Noughties, and most recently entered the fashion space via its “sportstyle” sneakers. There are a variety of models suited to everyday wear, all crafted using Salomon’s advanced, innovative materials. Among the most popular: the XT-6s, which are available in waterproof Gore-Tex, the XT-Slates, the ACS + OGs and the XT-4 OGs, which, according to the description on the Salomon website, are “a celebration of Salomon’s greatest performance features”. In Salomon speak, they feature an Agile Chassis Skeleton (for stability), Quicklace technology and responsive EVA cushioning.
I’m the kind of person who only commits to buying something that I’ll wear for years to come—and that’s what I did with my Salomons. I bought a cream pair in peak Gorpcore era a few years ago, with every intention of utilising their durability. Mission accomplished: they’ve been camping, hiking, on city walks, countryside walks, beach strolls, and in deep mud at festivals—and they’ve survived. Sure, they’re scuffed, but you’d still catch me wearing them in the office—after a go in the washing-machine, of course.
With their techy credentials, Salomon sneakers are by no means past their shelf-life. I’ve pushed mine (almost) to the limit, but I can vouch for the fact that you can style them out with basic wardrobe staples: a cargo skirt and a statement sock; jeans; shell pants, dresses, whatever you want. Choose your fighter.
Shop Salomon sneakers
Salomon XT-6
Salomon XT-Slate
Salomon XT-4 OG
Salomon Speedcross
Salomon RX Moc 3.0
Salomon X-Alp
Salomon ACS Pro
Salomon Marie-Jeanne
This article was originally published in British Vogue.
