Salomon: The Ultimate Blend of Style, Quality and Durability

Born in the heart of the French Alps, Salomon is a brand dedicated to outdoor sports. They design gear to build confidence by pairing real-world experience with innovative design. The result is equipment that supports movement across diverse terrain, making this brand the first and most trusted choice for hikers, skiers, and trail runners who seek reliable performance.

Interesting Facts About the Brand

Men's Sense Ride 5
source: treelinereview.com

For hikers and trail runners, choosing Salomon footwear and gear means relying on products designed for exceptional comfort, stability, and all-weather protection. From its early days to today, the company remains one of the world’s leading global brands. Here are a few interesting facts that highlight the brand’s unique history and innovation.

  • While it’s easy and maybe obvious to think of it solely as an outdoor brand, in the 1990s, its sneakers were worn on the red carpet at major premieres with Brad Pitt, Steven Spielberg, and Robin Williams.
  • Nowadays, these shoes are a common choice for many celebrities, proving their versatility.
  • In the late 1990s, the brand launched its first snowboard, TenEighty free skis, and inline skates.
  • In 2002, the brand became popular in the adventure sport with its XA PRO shoe.
  • Its commitment to performance and innovation was shown in the following years with products like the S/LAB range in 2005 and the XT-6 trail shoe in 2013.
  • The creation of the XT (X-trail) line in 2001 is associated with the popularization of adventure races and multi-sport competitions.
  • The X-Adventure series officially ran the world championship events from 2001 – 2004.
  • In 2003, the brand also launched a full line of roller blades, which remained active until 2006.
  • In 2019, the brand opened the Advanced Shoe Factory 4.0, a cutting-edge robotic production facility in France focused on innovation and sustainability.
  • In 2022, the brand celebrated its 75th anniversary alongside its position as a leading footwear brand.
  • In 2024, the brand opened a flagship store on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, just in time for the Olympic Games.

Popular Shoe Models

From ice-ready winter runners to supportive backpacking boots, Salomon’s collection covers every type of trail demand. Here is a breakdown of key models known for their traction, stability, and reliable weather protection.

Spikecross 6 GTX

The Spikecross 6 GTX (Gore-Tex) shoes are mainly popular for their extreme winter traction. The shoes are built on a tried-and-tested Speedcross fit, while having full Gore-Tex coverage for extreme winter weather. Each shoe is fitted with 12 Tungsten spikes for reliable grip on different winter terrains, from snow and soft ice to hard ice and everything in between.

Offered in two main colours, the Spikecross 6 GTX is a unisex shoe available in men’s and women’s sizing, making it simple to find the right look and fit.

Winter Cross Spike

Winter Cross Spike is a winter trail shoe known for its excellent grip and cushioning combined with a breathable and protective upper, making it perfect for unpredictable winter weather. Unlike other low-top models, which require snow gaiters for increased protection in snowy conditions, the Winter Cross Spike is an all-in-one shoe designed specifically for ice, frozen trails, and deep snow. Like the previous model, this shoe is unisex, making it a great option for both men and women.

Women’s X Ultra Mid 4 GTX

The Women’s X Ultra Mid 4 GTX is a top choice for women thanks to its lightweight agility, which provides nimble movement without compromising on comfort, protection, or stability. It’s a hiking boot that features a softer cuff, a cradling anatomical design, and lower-density ADV-C Chassis for improved stability. 

Engineered for women’s anatomy, this boot features SensiFit construction, which wraps the foot tightly to prevent it from sliding forward on steep downhills and eliminates unwanted movement inside the boot. The Women’s X Ultra Mid 4 GTX boot features a grippy outsole, making it perfect for hiking and backpacking in all weather conditions except for winter.

Men’s Quest 4 GTX

This men’s boot is considered to be the gold standard for heavy-duty backpacking because of its armour-like protection and extreme ankle stability. It’s specifically made for long expeditions and tough conditions. It is a grippy, supportive boot that protects sensitive joints and wraps the foot for added support, without restricting range of motion.

Women’s X Ultra 5 Mid GTX

Women's X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
source: cleverhiker.com

This refined version of the X Ultra 4 offers targeted upgrades designed specifically for women. It combines an ultra-lightweight build with maximum stability, giving hiking enthusiasts the support they need when heading uphill. 

Designed to keep you safe and agile on trails, the boot features a Matryx® Kevlar upper, next-level plush comfort on the inside, coupled with Active Support wings on the sides. This upgraded model also has a roomier toe box, which makes it more comfortable than the older version. Last but not least, the boot has a PFC-free Gore-TEX membrane, making it extremely waterproof even during unexpected and heavy downpours and creek crossings.