Salomon was founded in 1947 in Annecy, France, by François Salomon and his son Georges. Originally focused on producing saw blades, the company soon shifted to manufacturing steel edges for skis. By the 1950s and '60s, Salomon had become a key innovator in ski bindings, introducing products that increased safety and performance for alpine sports enthusiasts.

The brand’s ski equipment gained widespread acclaim throughout Europe and North America, and by the 1970s, Salomon had established itself as a global leader in winter sports technology. Its expansion into ski boots in the 1970s and full ski production in the 1990s cemented its place in alpine sports history.

n the early 2000s, Salomon pivoted toward trail running and hiking, launching products like the XT-6 and Speedcross shoes. These models were engineered for performance in rugged terrains, featuring advanced cushioning, aggressive traction, and the brand’s trademark Quicklace system. Their functional aesthetic—bold lines, tech-forward materials, and vibrant colorways—began to draw attention beyond outdoor communities.

Salomon also launched S/LAB, a premium, athlete-tested product line that emphasized innovation, lightweight materials, and top-tier engineering. S/LAB items were initially designed for elite trail runners, mountaineers, and adventurers, but their distinctive look would soon catch the eye of an entirely different audience.

The Fashion Cross-Over: Gorpcore and Beyond

By the mid-2010s, Salomon began to emerge as a surprise fashion icon, driven largely by the rise of gorpcore—a style trend that embraced utilitarian, outdoor-ready clothing and gear in urban settings. Fashion insiders, stylists, and influencers started pairing Salomon sneakers with designer garments and streetwear, drawn to the brand’s tech-meets-style appeal.

Collaborations with influential fashion labels like:

• MM6 Maison Margiela – Fused haute couture with Salomon’s trail-ready functionality.
• Comme des Garçons – Reinterpreted Salomon sneakers with minimalist and avant-garde flair.
• The Broken Arm – A Parisian boutique that helped bridge the gap between Salomon’s technical gear and fashion-forward presentation.

These collaborations helped legitimize Salomon within the fashion world and turned functional trail sneakers like the XT-4, XT-6, and ACS Pro into cult items.

The unique aesthetic of Salomon shoes—sleek, technical, often featuring gradient color fades and mesh overlays—made them a favorite among stylists, fashion week attendees, and trendsetters. Salomon’s performance-first design resonated in an era where fashion was shifting towards practicality and comfort.

The brand’s sneakers began showing up in editorial spreads, Instagram mood boards, and the feet of tastemakers like A$AP Rocky and Bella Hadid. At the same time, Salomon maintained its credibility with core outdoor consumers by continuing to innovate in hiking and trail running gear.

Ownership and Growth

In 2005, Salomon was sold by Adidas to Amer Sports, a Finnish sporting goods company. Then, in 2019, Amer Sports was acquired by Chinese sportswear giant ANTA Sports, which also owns Arc’teryx and Wilson. Despite these transitions, Salomon has retained its unique identity, continuing to invest in design, R&D, and selective fashion collaborations.

The company has grown significantly, expanding its product lines to include apparel, gear, and lifestyle footwear. With a careful balance of performance and style, Salomon is now sold in both outdoor retailers and high-end boutiques.

Conclusion

Salomon’s journey from the ski slopes of the French Alps to the front rows of fashion shows is one of the most remarkable brand evolutions in recent memory. By staying true to its performance roots while embracing contemporary culture, Salomon has become a symbol of how function and fashion can coexist. As gorpcore and techwear continue to influence the industry, Salomon stands as a trailblazer—both literally and stylistically.

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