Early Years (1947–1960s)

Salomon originated as a small family workshop producing ski edges and woodworking tools in the French Alps, quickly gaining recognition for its engineering expertise in ski hardware. Founder Georges Salomon held the conviction that innovation should address genuine problems faced by athletes, a philosophy that became foundational to the company’s culture.

A significant early breakthrough occurred in 1957 with the introduction of the Skade ski binding toe piece, which enhanced both safety and performance for skiers. This invention was instrumental in establishing Salomon as one of Europe’s premier ski equipment manufacturers.1

Expansion in Ski Technology (1970s–1990s)

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Salomon emerged as a dominant force in the global ski market through several key innovations:

• SX90 ski boots
• SNS Nordic boot and binding system
• Advanced ski bindings
• Monocoque ski construction

These developments substantially improved skier control, comfort and safety, cementing Salomon’s position as a technological leader in winter sports.1

Entering New Outdoor Categories

From the late 1990s onwards, Salomon diversified beyond skiing into new categories including trail running, hiking, snowboarding, inline skating and outdoor apparel. The launch of the XA PRO trail shoe in 2002 marked a successful transition into the outdoor footwear market.

Subsequently, the S/LAB performance collection (2005) and the XT-6 trail shoe (2013) became flagship products. These lines have earned widespread respect among athletes and have also gained significant traction within lifestyle fashion circles.1

Salomon has undergone several ownership changes throughout its history:

• Originally family-owned
• Acquired by Adidas in 1997
• Sold to Amer Sports in 2005
• Amer Sports later became majority-owned by Anta Sports-led investors

Despite these transitions, Salomon continues to operate independently, maintaining its headquarters in Annecy, France.2

Salomon manufactures products across multiple outdoor disciplines.

Footwear

The footwear range encompasses:

• Trail running shoes
• Hiking boots
• Trekking boots
• Road running shoes
• Recovery footwear
• Lifestyle sneakers

Notable shoe series include:

• XT-6
• Speedcross
• XA PRO
• Genesis
• Aero Glide
• Sense Ride

Winter Sports

Salomon remains one of the world’s largest manufacturers of winter sports equipment, producing:

• Alpine skis
• Ski boots
• Ski bindings
• Nordic skiing equipment
• Snowboards
• Ski helmets
• Goggles

Apparel

Technical clothing offerings include:

• Waterproof jackets
• Running apparel
• Hiking clothing
• Ski wear
• Mid-layers
• Base layers

Equipment

The brand also produces a wide array of accessories and gear:

• Running vests
• Hydration packs
• Backpacks
• Trekking poles
• Gloves
• Socks
• Hats
• Outdoor accessories

Salomon is known for developing proprietary technologies tailored to outdoor performance.

Quicklace™

A one-pull lacing system that replaces traditional shoelaces with durable Kevlar cords, allowing for quick tightening and easy adjustment.

Contagrip®

A family of outsole compounds engineered for specific terrains, balancing grip, durability and traction on surfaces such as mud, rock, snow and pavement.

EnergyCell™

A cushioning material designed to enhance shock absorption and energy return during running.

SensiFit™

A construction system that wraps the foot from the midsole to the laces to provide a secure and stable fit.

Advanced Chassis™

A stability platform integrated into many hiking and trail shoes to improve support whilst reducing fatigue.

GORE-TEX®

Many Salomon shoes feature waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membranes for protection in wet conditions.

Salomon adheres to a design philosophy centred on performance-first engineering, lightweight construction, durability, precision fit, innovation through athlete testing and mountain-inspired functionality. The company frequently develops products in collaboration with elite trail runners, mountain guides, skiers and outdoor professionals.1

In recent years, Salomon has expanded its sustainability initiatives by increasing the use of recycled materials, developing lower-impact manufacturing methods, opening the Advanced Shoe Factory 4.0 in France, reducing production waste and designing longer-lasting products. The company regards sustainability as an integral component of its long-term innovation strategy.1

Although established as a technical outdoor brand, Salomon has become highly influential in contemporary fashion. Models such as the XT-6, ACS Pro and Speedcross are widely worn as lifestyle sneakers. Collaborations with fashion designers and retailers have helped bridge the gap between performance footwear and streetwear whilst retaining the brand’s technical identity.3

Salomon sponsors athletes across various disciplines, including trail running, ultra-running, ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, freeride skiing and mountain running. Athlete feedback plays a central role in product development, particularly within the S/LAB line.1

Salomon products are available through brand-owned retail stores, outdoor specialty retailers, sporting goods stores, official online stores and authorised distributors. The company operates globally across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, South America and other regions.2

Salomon’s core values are imagination, family spirit, commitment, simplicity and diversity. Its stated mission is “to unleash the best in people through mountain sports.”1

From its origins as a small family workshop making ski edges in the French Alps, Salomon has evolved into one of the most influential names in outdoor sports. Its innovations in ski equipment helped shape modern winter sports, whilst its trail running shoes have set benchmarks for performance and garnered a strong following in contemporary fashion. The brand remains closely associated with technical excellence, mountain culture and product innovation.1

1. WHO WE ARE | Salomon
2. Salomon banks on Milan Cortina 2026 to revive winter sports roots
3. Salomon has built the outsider’s guide to cracking high fashion