Salomon Brand Guide
OD's Salomon Brand Guide
Alpine Engineering Meets Modern Style
1 | Brand Overview — Precision Born in the Alps
Founded in 1947 in a small workshop in Annecy, France, Salomon began as a ski edge manufacturer created by Georges Salomon and his son. The company's evolution from ski bindings to becoming a global outdoor footwear brand spans over 75 years of mountain-focused innovation.
Today, Salomon's Annecy Design Centre remains the engineering hub where the brand develops footwear, apparel, and equipment for mountain sports.
Key Information
Category: Technical footwear and outdoor apparel
Core Collections: XT-Series • Speedcross • XA Pro • ACS Pro • GRVL Range
Price Position: Mid-premium (£100–£200 footwear)
Competitor Set: The North Face • Hoka • Arc'teryx
Salomon's mantra: Alpine engineering for mountain sports, organically adopted by global street culture—utility as luxury.
2 | Heritage & Philosophy — From Ski Bindings to Street Icons
The Salomon Timeline
The Gorp-core Movement
In the late 2010s, Salomon's technical trail footwear—particularly the XT-4 and XT-6—became associated with the "Gorp-core" aesthetic trend, where functional outdoor gear was adopted for urban fashion contexts.
The term "Gorp" (Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts, traditional trail mix) became shorthand for technical outdoor aesthetics repurposed as high fashion. Salomon's decades of Alpine engineering credibility made it the authentic anchor of this movement.
Philosophy: Authentic trail engineering became the fashion uniform—utility as luxury. Salomon achieved cultural crossover because 75 years of genuine Alpine engineering backs the aesthetic.
3 | Core Technologies — The Science of Stability
Salomon's footwear incorporates several proprietary technologies designed for mountain terrain performance. Each technology also contributes to the aesthetic and functional appeal that made Salomon a fashion staple.
Contagrip® Outsole System
Salomon's proprietary rubber compound, available in different formulations:
Contagrip® MA (All Terrain)
Versatile compound designed for mixed surfaces including wet rock, mud, and pavement. Found on models like XA Pro and XT-6.
→ Urban Style Note: Wet-pavement grip essential for city rain; less slip on station tiles and bus stops.
Contagrip® Mud
Softer compound with deeper, more aggressive lug patterns designed specifically for soft, muddy terrain. Signature technology of the Speedcross series.
→ Urban Style Note: Aggressive aesthetic; worn by fashion editors for the technical look, not daily city use.
Contagrip® TA (Technical Alpine)
Compound formulated for high-grip on rock surfaces in alpine conditions.
Chassis Systems
Agile Chassis™ System (ACS)
A thermoplastic urethane (TPU) frame embedded in the midsole, designed to provide stability and support on uneven terrain. Featured in XT-6 and ACS Pro Advanced.
→ Urban Style Note: Visible caged structure creates the signature Salomon silhouette; defines the brand's technical aesthetic.
3D Advanced Chassis
Featured in XA Pro series, provides stability while allowing natural foot flex.
Fit Technologies
SensiFit™
An upper construction system where the shoe wraps the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, intended to provide a secure, customized fit.
→ Urban Style Note: Streamlined upper profile; no bulk, clean lines from every angle.
EndoFit™
An internal sleeve construction that cradles the foot.
Quicklace™ System
Single-pull lacing system using Kevlar-reinforced laces. Includes a lace pocket on the tongue to prevent snagging. Replacement kits are available from Salomon authorized retailers.
→ Urban Style Note: Clean silhouette with one-pull lockdown; stylists love the minimal tongue profile and no loose lace ends.
Waterproofing
GORE-TEX® Membrane
Licensed technology consisting of a microporous PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane that blocks liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through. Available on select models marked with "GTX" designation.
→ Urban Style Note: Year-round wearability in British weather; GTX versions don't sacrifice the aesthetic.
Cushioning
EnergyCell™ / Energy Foam
Salomon's EVA-based midsole compounds designed to provide cushioning and energy return.
4 | Cultural Presence — From Trailhead to Runway
Notable Collaborations
Salomon has partnered with various fashion brands and designers, including:
- Maison Margiela — deconstructed luxury meets trail tech
- COMME des GARÇONS — avant-garde reinterpretations
- Palace — London skate culture crossover
- Kith — New York streetwear authority
- END. — UK-based heritage retailer collabs
- Sandy Liang — feminine, fashion-forward designs
These collaborations positioned Salomon as a bridge between performance and high fashion, creating collectible pieces sold through fashion boutiques rather than outdoor retailers.
Seen On:
When the fashion world pivoted from logo-driven luxury to functional credibility, Salomon became the uniform of cultural relevance.
- A$AP Rocky — Made the XT-6 a symbol of "performance aesthetic"; wore Salomon in music videos and street photography
- Bella Hadid — Cemented status as fashion-week footwear; paparazzi shots in XT-6 went viral
- Hailey Bieber — Off-duty model uniform; Salomon as elevated casualwear
- Rihanna — Paired Salomon with designer pieces, legitimizing trail tech as luxury
- Drake — Featured in music videos; Toronto street style adoption
- Frank Ocean — Quiet luxury through utility; Salomon as understated status symbol
- Kendrick Lamar — Worn during appearances; West Coast cultural endorsement
What This Means:
Authentic trail engineering became the fashion uniform—utility as luxury. The XT series now stands where Nike's Air Max once did: the street's authentic choice for technical credibility. No other trail brand achieved this cultural crossover because no other brand had Salomon's decades of genuine Alpine engineering to back the aesthetic.
OD's Take:
That cross-cultural pull is why we stock Salomon. It's engineering with edge—performance with cultural currency. Our customers aren't choosing between fashion and function; they're choosing both.
5 | Top Picks & Fit — Fashion-First, UK-Ready
For universal sizing guidance and how to measure yourself, see our Master Size Guide. Below are Salomon product-specific fit notes and OD's curated picks.
We curate Salomon for modern wearers—people who value both Alpine engineering and cultural relevance. These five models represent the intersection of performance and style.
1. XT-6 GTX — Year-Round City/Travel
Best For: Urban explorers, travelers, year-round British weather, fashion-conscious buyers
Why We Recommend It: The street icon with real wet-weather credentials. Originally a long-distance trail shoe, the XT-6 became fashion's technical uniform through organic adoption by stylists, musicians, and designers. The GORE-TEX membrane handles British rain, Contagrip® MA grips wet pavements, and the Agile Chassis™ provides all-day urban stability.
Key Technologies:
- Agile Chassis™ System (ACS)
- Contagrip® MA (All Terrain)
- GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane
- Quicklace™ system
Sizing: True to size for standard fit. +0.5 for thick winter socks or relaxed streetwear comfort.
UK Climate: GTX version essential for year-round British use. Standard mesh XT-6 is summer-only.
2. ACS Pro Advanced — Fashion Flagship
Best For: Fashion-forward buyers, collectors, runway-inspired looks, everyday comfort
Why We Recommend It: The runway-ready Salomon. The ACS Pro Advanced showcases Salomon's signature caged chassis aesthetic in its most refined form. This is the pair fashion stylists shoot first, the model worn in lookbooks, and the silhouette that defines Salomon's modern design language.
Key Technologies:
- Prominent Agile Chassis™ structure (visual signature)
- Contagrip® outsole
- SensiFit™ upper
- Quicklace™ system
Sizing: True to size. Many fashion buyers prefer +0.5 for relaxed fit with premium socks.
UK Climate: Standard mesh; not waterproof. Consider for dry conditions or apply water-repellent treatment.
3. XT-4 OG — Heritage Icon
Best For: Sneaker collectors, heritage aesthetics, casual wear, Salomon purists
Why We Recommend It: The lower-profile XT aesthetic that predates the XT-6. Slightly sleeker silhouette, same trail DNA, different cultural moment. Notable collaborations with Palace, COMME des GARÇONS, and END. have made certain XT-4 colorways collectible.
Key Technologies:
- Agile Chassis Skeleton
- Contagrip® MA
- Quicklace™ system
Sizing: True to size for snug fit. +0.5 common for relaxed streetwear fit.
UK Climate: Standard mesh; not suitable for wet weather without treatment. Dry-weather lifestyle shoe.
4. Speedcross 6 — Mud Specialist
Best For: Trail runners, muddy UK conditions, fell racing, technical terrain
Why We Recommend It: Deep chevron lugs designed specifically for British mud. This is the Lake District/Wales weapon—purpose-built for soft, slippery terrain. The aggressive tread aesthetic is worn by fashion editors for the technical look, but this is genuinely a performance tool.
Key Technologies:
- Contagrip® Mud (deep 6mm lugs)
- SensiFit™ system
- Quicklace™
- Available in GTX and standard
Sizing: Snug trail fit. True to size for running. +0.5 for hiking with thick socks.
UK Climate: Standard drains quickly. GTX for Scottish/Welsh year-round hiking.
5. Sense Ride 5 — Road-to-Trail Trainer
Best For: Runners mixing surfaces, parkrun, canal towpaths, fast-paced hiking
Why We Recommend It: Lighter than hiking shoes, more versatile than pure trail models. The Sense Ride handles both pavement and light trails without sacrificing either. Lower-profile lugs won't chew up on tarmac like Speedcross, but still grip wet grass and dirt paths.
Key Technologies:
- Contagrip® MA (lower-profile lugs)
- EnergyCell™ cushioning
- Quicklace™ system
Sizing: True to size with slightly relaxed toe box.
UK Climate: Not waterproof. Best spring/summer/early autumn when trails drier.
Gravel Running Hub — Road → Trail (2025 Range)
The UK reality: most runs aren't purely road or purely trail. You start on tarmac, cut through a park, hit a towpath, cross grass, then finish on pavement. Traditional road shoes lack grip; pure trail shoes wear fast on concrete.
Salomon's Gravel (GRVL) line solves this.
AERO GLIDE 3 GRVL (Women's):
- Plush cushioning for long mixed-surface runs
- Durable outsole that handles both pavement and gravel
- Ideal for: Canal towpath long runs, parkrun to trail extensions
AERO BLAZE 3 GRVL (Men's & Women's):
- Lighter, more responsive daily trainer feel
- Versatile compound balances road durability with trail grip
- Ideal for: Daily training miles on mixed UK surfaces
UK Climate & Terrain Considerations
Scottish Highlands (e.g., Cairngorms, Ben Nevis):
- Rocky, technical terrain with unpredictable weather
- Consider: XA Pro 3D GTX, Speedcross GTX
- Waterproofing highly recommended year-round
Lake District (e.g., Scafell Pike, Helvellyn):
- Muddy slate paths common
- Consider: Speedcross series for aggressive grip
- GTX versions valuable in wetter months
Peak District (e.g., Kinder Scout, Stanage Edge):
- Mixed terrain including peat bogs and gritstone
- Consider: XA Pro 3D, XT-6
- Versatile models handle varied surfaces
Welsh Mountains (e.g., Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons):
- Wet, boggy terrain prevalent
- Consider: Speedcross GTX for mud performance
- Waterproofing valuable most of the year
Urban/City Use:
- Pavements, stairs, public transport
- Consider: XT-6, XT-4, ACS Pro for urban durability
- GTX versions recommended for year-round British weather
Salomon Sizing Guidelines
Performance Trail Models (Speedcross, XA Pro):
- Designed for a snug, performance-oriented fit
- This allows precise control on technical terrain
- Consider sizing up 0.5 UK if using thick hiking socks or preferring more toe room
Lifestyle/Urban Models (XT-6, XT-4, ACS Pro):
- Generally fit true to standard UK sizing
- Some wearers size up 0.5 for a more relaxed, casual fit
- Fit preference depends on intended use (technical vs. casual)
Width:
- Most Salomon models use standard width (D for men, B for women)
- Women's models use narrower lasts; not just scaled-down men's versions
- Select models like XA Pro 3D available in Wide (2E) fit
The Downhill Space Test
Critical fitting check: With shoe on and laced, stand on a stair and lower your heel one step down (simulating downhill). If you feel toe-nail pressure or your toes hit the front, size up 0.5. This one test prevents most sizing-related returns.
6 | Salomon-Specific Care Notes
For universal care rules (washing, drying, storage), see our Master Care Guide. Below are material-specific instructions for Salomon's technical footwear.
Golden Rules
❌ NEVER:
- Machine wash or tumble dry
- Apply direct heat (radiators, hairdryers, car heaters)
- Use harsh chemical cleaners or bleach
- Store while damp
- Wear same pair consecutive days
✅ ALWAYS:
- Clean after muddy or salty use
- Remove insoles and air-dry after use
- Store in cool, dry place
- Rotate pairs when possible
GORE-TEX® DWR Maintenance
GORE-TEX models have a DWR coating that helps water bead off. This coating wears over time.
Testing: Pour water on upper. If it beads and rolls off, DWR is working. If water soaks in, reapply DWR.
Reapplying:
- Clean shoe thoroughly and dry completely
- Apply GORE-TEX-approved DWR spray (e.g., Nikwax TX.Direct)
- Follow product instructions
- Allow to dry and test
Why this matters: DWR coatings sit on fabric surface. Detergent buildup clogs the coating, causing water to soak in rather than bead off. Proper rinsing and heat reactivation restore performance.
Quicklace™ System Replacement
- Inspection: Check regularly for fraying
- Cleaning: Wipe with damp cloth; remove mud from toggle
- Replacement: Use official Salomon Quicklace Kit (available at OD's)
Replacement Process:
- Remove old lace
- Thread new lace through eyelets
- Pass through toggle mechanism
- Adjust tension
- Tuck excess into tongue pocket
After Trail Use — Outsole Care
- Rinse mud off promptly
- Use brush to clean between lugs
- Remove embedded debris
- Check for damage
After Urban Use
- Wipe clean regularly
- In winter, rinse after salted surfaces
- Inspect for uneven wear
7 | Sustainability & Authenticity
Salomon's Sustainability Initiatives
Salomon's sustainability initiatives are organized under the Play Minded program.
Company Targets for 2030:
According to Salomon's public sustainability reports:
- 100% of key products to be eco-designed or recyclable
- 30% absolute carbon reduction vs. 2019 baseline
- Expansion of Salomon Foundation for inclusive mountain access
Key Initiatives:
Advanced Shoe Factory 4.0 (ASF 4.0): Opened in France in 2019. This facility uses automated production processes and represents a significant emissions reduction lever through EU-localized manufacturing—reducing transport distances compared to Asia-sourced production.
Index.01: A running shoe designed to be fully recyclable, demonstrating Salomon's exploration of circular economy principles.
Certifications: Salomon's Annecy Design Centre maintains ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management) certifications.
Transparency: Salomon publishes annual Impact Reports detailing supply chain information, emissions data, and progress toward sustainability goals.
OD's Perspective: We view sustainability initiatives as most meaningful when they result in measurable changes to materials, manufacturing processes, and product design. Salomon's approach focuses on engineering changes (localized EU production, recyclable design, certified facilities) rather than purely marketing-driven initiatives.
OD's Authenticity Guarantee
- OD's is an authorized UK Salomon retailer
- All Salomon products sold by OD's are genuine and sourced through official distribution channels
- Full manufacturer warranty support
Manufacturer's Warranty
Salomon products carry a two-year quality warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
What's Covered: Defects in materials and workmanship are assessed against normal usage patterns. This includes manufacturing flaws not caused by wear or misuse.
What's NOT Covered: Normal wear and tear, damage from improper care, or use beyond the product's intended purpose.
Making a Warranty Claim
If you purchase from OD's and believe you have a warranty-eligible issue:
- Contact OD's first with proof of purchase and photos
- OD's will assess whether issue appears warranty-eligible
- OD's handles claims end-to-end—we manage the process with Salomon on your behalf
8 | FAQs — Salomon-Specific Intelligence
For universal sizing, care, and store policy FAQs, see our Master FAQ Guide. Below are brand-specific questions about Salomon.
How does Salomon sizing compare to Nike or Adidas?
Salomon generally fits close to standard UK sizing. Trail models tend to fit snugger than casual trainers due to their performance-oriented design. We recommend trying on with your intended sock thickness.
Do I need to size up for GORE-TEX models?
GORE-TEX models have the same sizing as standard versions, though the additional membrane layer may create a slightly snugger feel. If between sizes, consider the larger size for GTX models.
Are wide-fit options available?
Yes, select models like the XA Pro 3D are available in Wide (2E) fit. Check specific product listings or inquire with our staff about wide-fit availability.
Will the shoes stretch over time?
Salomon's engineered mesh and synthetic materials have minimal stretch. Initial fit should be comfortable as significant stretching should not be expected.
What's the difference between XT-6 and XT-4?
XT-4 has a lower-profile aesthetic that predates the XT-6. Slightly sleeker silhouette, same trail DNA. XT-6 became more popular in fashion contexts, but XT-4 remains the heritage choice for collectors.
Is the XT-6 actually good for hiking or just fashion?
Originally designed as a long-distance trail shoe, the XT-6 is genuinely trail-capable. The GTX version handles British weather excellently. It works for both hiking and urban wear—that's why it crossed over successfully.
Which Salomon is best for UK mixed-surface running?
The GRVL range (AERO GLIDE 3 GRVL, AERO BLAZE 3 GRVL) is specifically designed for UK mixed-surface conditions—pavement, towpaths, parks, and light trails.
Are Salomon collaborations worth the price premium?
Collaborations with brands like Palace, COMME des GARÇONS, and Maison Margiela command higher prices due to limited production and collectibility. If you value the design and cultural significance, yes. For pure performance, standard models deliver identical tech.
9 | Why OD's × Salomon — Where Alpine Meets Urban
OD's curates Salomon because it translates Alpine engineering into modern style—performance with cultural currency.
What Sets OD's Apart:
- Authorized UK Retailer — 100% genuine Salomon products with full warranty support
- Fashion-Forward Curation — We stock models based on cultural relevance and UK utility
- Expert Guidance — Staff trained on both technical performance and style context
- Comprehensive Support — Sizing guidance, care expertise, Quicklace™ replacement kits in stock
- Independent Perspective — Honest assessment of what works for specific needs
OD's Philosophy:
Salomon is the translator of Alpine engineering into modern style. Our job is to help you find the intersection of function and fashion that works for your life—whether that's Scottish Highlands hiking or Shoreditch coffee runs.
We don't sell you everything. We sell you what works.