The sneaker landscape has shifted significantly over the last few years. Once an industry unquestionably dominated by two to three major players, the sneaker zeitgeist has recently seen several new players meaningfully enter the chat. The list primarily includes brands known more for their functionality than form. This includes the likes of Hoka One One, On Running, and trail running giant Salomon. The latter of those three has seen their shoes become fashionable staples in the closets of tastemakers worldwide, taking them to a different level of cultural cache over the last half decade. If you’ve been curious about the brand or are thinking about getting your hands on a pair, we’re happy to help, breaking down the most popular and interesting silhouettes available on StockX today.
Salomon XT-6
The Salomon XT-6 seems to be the silhouette that has most captured the affection of the fashionable masses. Officially launched by the brand in 2012, the Salomon XT-6 was crafted to withstand the elements and support trailrunners who trained and raced long distances. Like all of Salomon’s other footwear models, this shoe was made to equip trail athletes with the best equipment they could get and that’s why it looks so particularly functional. For those who need a little bit of a cosign to push them over the edge, GQ dubbed this silhouette to be 2019’s sneaker of the year.
Salomon ACS Pro Advanced
As a brand with a storied history that stretches back more than 75 years, it’d be surprising to find out that Salomon wasn’t pulling inspiration from their extensive catalog. The Salomon ACS Pro Advanced is a perfect example of a shoe inspired by one of their older models, 2005’s GCS Pro. The ACS Pro Advanced elevates the qualities that made the GCS Pro popular almost two decades ago, delivering a more modern and functional Agile Chassis System. Like Salomon’s other shoes, the ACS Pro Advanced is a breathable sneaker with a retro-futuristic look that’s fit for the trails and the streets.
Salomon XT-4
If your first thought when seeing the Salomon XT-4 was that it looks similar to the slightly more popular XT-6, that’s because this shoe plays older sibling to that model. Recently reissued in several of the sneaker’s original colorways, the XT-4 is a classic among Salomon fans. It’s built for both durability and stability in adverse conditions and no matter whether or not you wear it to brave the elements, you can rely on it to elevate nearly any outfit.
Salomon XA Alpine 2 Advanced
The nature of Salomon’s business, one that’s built on functionality, durability, and the ability to withstand less-than-optimal weather conditions, means that they sometimes deliver a footwear model that’s not exactly traditional. The brand’s XA Alpine 2 Advanced is a great example, delivering a sock-like boot that’s designed to be both lightweight and protective in cold, wet weather. The shoe’s non-traditional look might make it a tad bit difficult to style, but if you get it right, you’ll unquestionably be praised for a masterfully crafted outfit.
Salomon Cross Low Drawstring
Over the last few years, Salomon hasn’t shied away from collaborations with some of fashion’s biggest and most iconic names. In partnership with fashion giant Maison Margiela, Salomon recently delivered a new silhouette, the Cross Low Drawstring. The shoe came in three different colorways and features a ripstop hood that’s closable via a bungee-style drawstring closure. Holding to Salomon’s traditional functional ethos, the shoes combine Margiela’s avant garde aesthetic and the trail running brand’s emphasis on designs that work in adverse weather. Like the XA Alpine 2 Advanced above, this shoe may come off as difficult to style, but for those open to the challenge, these are a must-have.
Salomon Speedcross
The Speedcross is one of Salomon’s most tried and true silhouettes. Originally debuted in 2006, the trail running sneaker was designed to provide better traction in wet and muddy conditions. It was originally doubtful whether or not the Speedcross would catch on but today, the shoe sells more than one million of the sneakers per year in Europe. The popular model has been iterated on five different times and the Speedcross 4 has even been the subject of a Palace collaboration, as seen above. If the XT series isn’t your style but you’d still like to grab one of Salomon’s most iconic styles, the Speedcross is for you.
