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Step onto any trail system, into any gym or any sort of treacherous terrain and you’re likely to spy at least one pair of Salomon shoes.
The brand also boasts a strong presence in the skiing (both downhill and cross-country) and snowboarding industries, as well as activewear clothing and bags/packs, but for most users, the name “Salomon” is synonymous with footwear. With shoe models that range from hiking, trail running, road running and training, these shoes are meant to be worn — and worn hard. There’s a reason that elite trail runners, hardcore (and not-so-hardcore) athletes and even the Special Forces favor the brand’s footwear.
Since its inception in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon has dominated the premium outdoor footwear space. At its Annecy Design Center, teams of engineers, designers and athletes constantly collaborate to improve current products and identify the future of outdoor sports experiences. It’s a collaboration that shows in Salomon’s products — an obsession with crafting products that allows users to make the most of their time outside.
True to form, Salomon continues to release models that either improve on their classics or enter new technical categories altogether. (This author has a 16-year-old pair she refuses to give away, and they’re still kicking.) We decided to break out the best pairs of Salomon shoes into specific categories: hiking boots, trail running and road running, which you can find below.
Hiking Boots
Some prefer mid-height boots, while others swear by low-slung running-style hiking boots. Whatever your trail destination and footwear preference, Salomon has options ranging from lightweight to burly and waterproof. Most feature GORE-TEX liners for permanent, hardcore waterproofing while retaining breathability.
Trail Running Shoes
Thanks to Salomon’s well-respected trail running heritage, the brand produces new styles every spring season. Those who are loyal to certain models can anticipate updates and improvements, and those who haven’t yet found their Cinderella-perfect fit have a variety of shoes from which to sample. There are options for every type of trail runner, whether they’re looking to run faster, run farther or find the perfect all-around shoe.
Road Running Shoes
Salomon’s newest road running shoes use the brand’s energy foam midsole, a lightweight, responsive foam created by combining EVA and Olefin [OBC] to deliver long-lasting cushion and bouncy energy return. The signature rocker geometry, R.Camber, ensures a quick and smooth transition — so you spend less time on the ground and more time moving forward. The Road Contagrip outsoles combine wide lugs for grip on flat hard surfaces, with a compound that balances durability and adhesion, ideal for road running.
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