Salomon Mens
Founded in 1947 in the mountain town of Annecy in the French Alps, Salomon began life as a modest metalworking workshop producing saw blades and ski edges. The company’s founder François Salomon and his son Georges soon shifted their focus to skiing innovation, particularly in bindings, which set the groundwork for decades of technical advancement. By the early 1970s, Salomon had emerged as a global leader in ski binding manufacturing, thanks to designs that prioritised performance, safety, and ease of use. The company continued to expand its offerings into ski boots and skis, releasing game-changing products like the SX91 boot and monocoque ski.
Throughout the late 20th century, Salomon maintained a steady pace of evolution, keeping close ties to its alpine origins while embracing technological progress. The 1990s marked a pivotal moment for the brand with its move into hiking and mountaineering footwear. Drawing on its experience in alpine sports and outdoor terrain, Salomon crafted performance products that could withstand a wide range of conditions, both in the mountains and beyond.
In the early 2000s, Salomon turned its attention toward trail running with the release of the Raid Race in 2001. This shoe laid the foundation for the brand’s modern identity as a leader in performance running and outdoor footwear. As it grew, Salomon retained its position at the intersection of athleticism, innovation, and design, making a name for itself in both the sportswear and fashion worlds.
Today, Salomon continues to operate from Annecy and remains rooted in its mountain heritage. It combines deep technical knowledge with forward-thinking design to serve both the outdoor performance community and a growing lifestyle audience.
Key Design Features
Salomon’s modern reputation is built on a commitment to performance, durability, and user-focused innovation. The brand’s footwear showcases several in-house technologies designed to enhance fit, stability, and responsiveness. These include the Quicklace system for easy one-pull tightening, SensiFit uppers that cradle the foot for a snug fit, and EnergyCell midsoles that offer high-rebound cushioning. Profeel Film provides underfoot protection on uneven trails, making Salomon’s shoes suitable for both long-distance runners and city commuters alike.
From trail to street, Salomon footwear is characterised by a strong visual identity. Many styles feature rugged outsoles, lightweight mesh uppers, and exaggerated technical detailing that appeals to both performance wearers and fashion-forward consumers. Colourways range from practical earth tones to bold gradient fades and high-contrast palettes, often inspired by alpine landscapes.
Salomon’s design teams, led by figures like Philippe Besnard and Edenlys Beylard, place equal importance on biomechanics, materials, and emotional impact. The goal is to craft shoes that do more than function, they create a connection between user and environment. The design process begins with collaborative workshops that bring together developers, designers, and engineers to build from the ground up. That multidisciplinary approach results in footwear that feels intuitive and considered across its performance categories.
Alongside its technical focus, Salomon has also taken strong steps toward responsible production. The brand’s sustainability roadmap includes circular design thinking and localised manufacturing. Notable examples include the INDEX.01, a recyclable running shoe made from TPU and recycled polyester, and the Phantasm Made in France project, which highlights the potential of domestic manufacturing paired with reduced-impact materials.
Salomon’s alignment with contemporary trends, particularly the ongoing appeal of Gorpcore and trail-inflected streetwear, has allowed it to transition smoothly into the lifestyle category without compromising its roots in outdoor performance.
Key Products and Collections
Men’s favourites at Couverture include the XT-6, Alpinway, and XT Whisper. The XT-6 continues to be a defining silhouette in the salomon trainers category, prized for its rugged waterproof construction, supportive cushioning, and all-terrain grip. Variants such as the salomon xt-6 and salomon xt6 are core parts of seasonal drops, offering technical upgrades alongside new colourways each season.
The Alpinway brings a more streamlined look with styling suited to both city and trail. It offers a softer approach to trail design, making it ideal for men seeking salomon footwear that works just as well in everyday urban environments. The XT Whisper is known for its lightweight construction and comfort-first approach, giving it appeal among those looking for a balance of performance and low-profile design.
Our selection also features the iconic salomon xt 4, salomon xt4, and salomon xt-4 silhouettes, each showcasing the brand’s legacy in trail running shoes. These models highlight the evolution of salomon running shoes, designed for mixed terrain while remaining relevant in contemporary streetwear contexts.
Together, these men’s models offer a comprehensive mix of aggressive performance and adaptable day-to-day wear. Whether you are heading for the trails or the city, Salomon footwear brings together technical detail and effortless styling in every step.
Styling and Similar Brands
Salomon’s men’s footwear pairs naturally with brands that blend technical utility and contemporary style. Layering with pieces from Gramicci or Hiking Patrol complements the performance edge of salomon trainers while reinforcing the functional aesthetic. For a more street-leaning approach, brands like Sedan All Purpose or Stussy offer relaxed silhouettes and colour palettes that work well alongside the salomon xt-6 or Alpinway.
The XT Whisper and XT-6 are easy to style with oversized outerwear, tapered cargo pants, or utility shorts, finished with a hoodie or textured knit. Salomon’s tones often lean toward forest green, slate grey, and beige, making it simple to build tonal looks that reflect the brand’s alpine DNA.
These combinations support a versatile wardrobe built around mobility, comfort, and visual clarity. Salomon’s appeal lies in its ability to adapt to different environments, offering men footwear that transitions from activewear to everyday staples with ease.
Cultural Impact and Collaborations
Salomon’s influence extends beyond performance gear into the cultural and fashion arenas. Its Sportstyle range has established the brand as a key player in the Gorpcore movement, known for combining off-trail function with urban style. Collaborations with industry leaders like COMME des GARÇONS and Boris Bidjan Saberi reflect this crossover appeal.
Partnerships with Carhartt WIP, Palace, and BEAMS have further elevated Salomon’s presence within fashion-conscious circles, blending outdoor performance with cutting-edge design.
Discover the latest Salomon footwear at Couverture & The Garbstore. Whether you’re after trail runners, lifestyle trainers, or something in between, our curated selection brings together key silhouettes from across the brand’s archives and new releases. Shop now and find your next pair of everyday-performance Salomon shoes at Couverture & The Garbstore in Notting Hill.
