Ripples Turquand
By Ripples Turquand
As a self-proclaimed “extreme hiker,” I’m always on the hunt for new and fashionable running shoes. I religiously wear Hokas to avoid blisters on hills (even though they’re nonexistent in Dallas) and to run on what feels like clouds.
Founded in 1947 in Annecy, France, Salomon is taking the streets by storm 78 years later, blending hiking flair with casual luxury. Traditionally, Salomon has been long cherished by those who appreciate active lifestyles. They have a shoe for all things active: S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 for trail running, Aero Glide 3 for road running, and X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex for hiking.
Outfit inspiration is all around us – on social media, Pinterest, and around town. In Dallas, girls want to look their best when walking into workout classes. Any locker room is full of Golden Goose Super Star Sabots and the occasional flip-flop. Now, Salomon running shoes are also becoming a staple. So, while you might not see Salomons conquering rocky terrains as often as they once did, they’ve found a new frontier: the city.
People want to look good while working out, but also make sure that their clothing is functional. Some people opt for fashion over function because function isn’t always “sexy.”
The shoes’ transition from Mother Nature to the streets of Dallas has never been clearer. Last week, I purchased my first pair of Salomons for the sole purpose of casual wear, and not for trail running. In the past, I have used Salomons and Hokas to hike across Spain, but I now have the perfect shoe to stroll around Dallas without feeling like I just stepped out of the gym – the XT-6 is the ideal crossover shoe in a way. I’ve found that I’m not alone in this thought process either – on TikTok, creators are even cleaning their Salomons after use to ensure the “fresh out of the box” look.
So why are Salomons everywhere except on hiking trails? The “Dad Sneaker” started with Nike, and gained momentum with New Balances, and is now being taken over by Salomon. Some of the newest adopters are Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski. The celebrity effect cannot be overstated. When Bieber steps out in Salomon XT-4s or Ratajkowski sports them during a casual stroll styled with cargo pants, it’s not just about aesthetics or star power. There’s a cultural shift at play. In an era where comfort is valued – think sweatpants as a classroom staple – Salomons offer a rugged twist on cozy. They’re built for endurance, yet feel right at home in urban settings.
Now that Salomons are being worn by the “big dogs” of society, they need to play with the “big dogs” of the shoe industry. As a repeat collab with Maison Margiela, Salomon recently launched its Fall/Winter Collection on October 16th, adding new styles and colorways to its array of shoes. The collaboration began in 2022, blending Maison Margiela’s sophisticated, polished look with Salomon’s adventurous spirit. Salomon is stepping into a new middle ground for athletic fashionistas.
Whether you’re chasing trends or just craving comfort with a fashionable edge, everyone is stepping into Salomons – just don’t expect to see them on a hiking trail anytime soon.