Is Salomon The New It-girl Sneaker Brand Of 2024?
Just when you thought the “dad shoe” trend was over, Salomon sneakers make a comeback.
Sambas have long been a staple in many of our wardrobes. They’re casual, comfortable, and versatile enough to pair with most of our outfits for various occasions. But as time passes, it appears that our cult favourite sneakers have a new contender in the market – one that has been gaining popularity over the last few months. Enter the Salomon sneakers.
Earlier in February, Salomon and GR10K teamed up to launch the X-ALP GR10K model, a karting and motorsports-inspired shoe that incorporates ultra-resistant firemen's uniform fabrics.
French footwear brand Salomon has been gaining momentum recently – spotted on A-listers like Emily Ratajowski, Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, Rihanna and Bella Hadid. Initially designed for hiking and trail running, the crunchy sneaker has become a must-have for street style enthusiasts.
At first glance, you might think that a pair of hiking shoes making their way onto city streets would be a wildcard, but when paired correctly, they are surprisingly stylish.
In fact, the sneakers are reminiscent of the iconic “dad shoe” trend that skyrocketed in popularity in 2018. Although New Balance, Nike, and Adidas have each experienced their own phases of popularity with “it” shoes, lesser-known brands Salomon’s with its signature silhouettes like the XT-6 are currently rising to prominence in the footwear industry.
Having been seen on many moodboards on Instagram, including accounts like Salomonology, it comes as no surprise that the sporty sneakers were spotted at London and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks earlier this February.
Other brands Salomon has collaborated with include MM6 Maison Margiela, as seen in the Cross Low model from their Spring/Summer 2023 collection.
With its ongoing surge in popularity, Salomon earned the title of the fastest-growing sneaker brand on StockX earlier this year, thanks to its celebrity endorsements, designer collaborations, and rising demand for outdoor gear post-Covid.
In late May, Salomon opened its second store in Singapore, located in Bugis Junction (pictured above).
In 2024, the trend continues unabated. With a range boasting a vibrant colour palette and practical, subtle technical features including its grippy soles and drawstring closures, these sneakers remain a popular favourite amongst the masses as they strike a balance between the popular gorpcore and quiet luxury trends. Taking cues from our favourite street style inspirations, you can easily pair it with an oversized shirt and cargo pants, or your favourite pair of biker shorts – the options are aplenty.
However, while Sambas have long been a wardrobe staple, priced at $179, the Salomon sneakers, particularly the XT-6, come with a higher price tag, averaging around $290 per pair in stores. Despite this, their appeal remains strong as they continue to dominate the market.
This article first appeared in Her World.