Mountains to Mainstream: The Unexpected Comeback of Salomon

16th December 2024 EDT FEATURES

Mountains to Mainstream: The Unexpected Comeback of Salomon

How the brand became the fashion frontrunner nobody saw coming.

Mountains to Mainstream: The Unexpected Comeback of Salomon

Salomon, a brand historically known for its outdoor gear and performance footwear, has seen a fascinating trajectory in the sneaker scene. Let’s delve into its unexpected rise, fall from grace, and recent triumphant return.

Early Days and Unexpected Popularity of Salomon

Salomon emerged in the ‘70s, focusing on technical outdoor footwear for mountaineering and hiking. However, in the ‘90s, the chunky aesthetic of their hiking shoes resonated with fashion trends, leading to a surprising crossover into the casual sneaker market. The Salomon XA-Comp became a cult favorite, particularly in techwear and outdoor enthusiast communities.

Fall from Sneaker Fame

Despite the initial hype, Salomon’s popularity in the sneaker world gradually faded. The brand’s focus remained on technical performance, and their designs struggled to keep pace with evolving sneaker trends. Additionally, the rise of chunky, fashion-oriented sneakers from other brands overshadowed Salomon’s offerings.

The Recent Resurgence

Salomon has seen a dramatic comeback in recent years. Collaborations with luxury giants like MM6 Maison Margiela and fashion houses like Kith brought fresh takes on their classic designs, grabbing the attention of a new generation.

Beyond the fashion world, Salomon’s commitment to bold colorways and its core focus on performance features perfectly aligned with the rise of gorpcore and the continued demand for technical footwear.

This combination of style and functionality has Salomon sneakers hitting the mark with hikers, runners, and fashion-conscious consumers alike.

Celebrities Endorsing Salomon

Rihanna’s Super Bowl Boost

Rihanna’s iconic Super Bowl halftime performance in 2023 further fueled Salomon’s rise in popularity. Her custom-made Salomon pair cemented the brand’s association with fashion and created a major buzz online. This high-profile endorsement significantly boosted Salomon’s comeback.

Rihanna wasn’t the only A-lister to embrace the Salomon sneaker trend. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have been spotted sporting various Salomon shoes, adding further fuel to the brand’s fire.

Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid has become a regular on the Salomon scene. She’s been seen sporting various styles, from chunky XT-6s to sleek Speedcrosses, often incorporating them into her signature street style looks, further proving the brand’s appeal transcends individual taste.

The Influencer Squad

The trend extends beyond Bella Hadid. Influencers like Kendell Jenner and Hailey Bieber have been seen sporting Salomon XT-6s, showcasing the shoe’s versatility and ability to elevate even casual outfits. This endorsement from the fashion world’s elite further cemented Salomon’s place in the trend cycle.

Beyond the Runway

Actresses like Lily Collins and Emily Ratajkowski have also jumped on the Salomon bandwagon. Ratajkowski, in particular, caused a stir by pairing the Salomon XT-6 Advanced with a more unexpected choice—a sleek, form-fitting dress. This unconventional pairing highlighted the shoe’s ability to blend functionality with fashion-forward style.

The impact of these celebrities goes beyond just individual sightings. Collectively, they’ve helped to normalize Salomon sneakers in everyday wear. Whether it’s rocking them on the street, during errands, or even with a dressier outfit, celebrities have shown that Salomon’s functionality doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. This shift in perception has been a major factor in Salomon’s resurgence.

The Future of Salomon

Salomon’s recent success demonstrates the brand’s ability to adapt and cater to evolving trends. By embracing collaborations, creating exciting colorways, and staying true to its performance heritage, Salomon has found a new lease on life in the sneaker world. With its commitment to both fashion and function, Salomon is well-positioned to maintain its place at the forefront of the footwear industry.