What Are Salomon Sneakers and Why Are They Getting Popular?
Have you heard of gorpcore?
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(SPOT.ph) In the mid-2010s, athleisure took over every fashion enthusiast’s Pinterest mood boards. You know the look: Leggings-as-pants, sports-bras-as-tops, cozy zip-ups, sporty sneakers, no actual gym membership required. In the years that followed, more overtly feminine aesthetics like cottagecore or dark academia have since brought us back to an era of dressing up rather than dressing down. But that doesn’t mean blending sport and style has gone away completely. In fact, the philosophy has only taken on new meaning thanks to sneaker brand Salomon, which you can now buy on Lazada and Shopee.
Also read: This Local Brand's Upcycled Sneakers Are a Step Towards Sustainability
What is Gorpcore?
Where athleisure was mostly about wearing your gym clothes in casual settings, gorpcore takes it to a whole new level. Coined in 2017 by The Cut’s Jason Chen, the term gorpcore refers to “good ol’ raisins and peanuts,” according to British Vogue, “a hiker’s snack of choice.” The trend brings recreational pieces typically meant for hiking, trail running, or mountain climbing to the city and beyond. Think The North Face windbreakers, Patagonia tees, Columbia caps, and the like—and yes, it’s not lost on us that the look screams “one with nature,” but the price tags say “tech bro.”
But irony aside, you don’t really need trend forecasts and style analyses to see why the aesthetic is getting so much attention. Ever since lockdown restrictions loosened up following the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, what the heck has everyone in your social circle been up to? They’re off planning camping trips, setting up group hikes, training to run marathons, i.e. they’re already doing the activities so might as well dress the part.
Where athleisure focused largely on figure-hugging fits, gorpcore leans more towards a rugged, utilitarian look, not unlike normcore that came before it or even the workwear trend popularized by brands like Carhartt and Timberland. Think cargo pants, functional fanny packs, pocket-filled vests, fleece jackets, and most notably, trail shoes.
In fact, you’ve probably seen your trendiest friends casually rocking sneakers from a brand called Salomon on their travels and weekend escapades. And perhaps this has sparked your curiosity. After all, you’ve gotten used to seeing Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and the like on people’s feet—and such brands typically just take turns creating the latest “It” shoe. But Salomon still has that air of “if you know, you know” to it. And let’s face it—we don’t all know. So where the heck did it come from?
Also read: 10 Hiking Trails Near Metro Manila for Weekend Warriors
What is Salomon?
Founded in the late 1940s, Salomon is a French sports equipment brand focusing mainly on outdoor sports like hiking, trail running, and even skiing—so yes, gorpcore activities. For most of its history, the brand has been known for function rather than fashion. Their shoes have long been embraced for what they can do (thanks to features like waterproof technology, traction-providing lugs, and supportive cushioning), and not necessarily what they look like. Though the sports brand first forayed into fashion in 2015, it was in 2023 that Salomon slowly but noticeably took the sneaker world by storm.
Why are Salomon sneakers popular?
Perhaps it began with Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII halftime show performance in February of that year. The singer wore red Maison Margiela MM6 x Salomon Cross Low sneakers. But the trend really took off thanks to celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, who have all been spotted strutting around in the Salomon XT-6. And yes, much like the brand’s other trainers, the shoe was made primarily for harsh conditions, world-class athletes, and ultra-distance outdoor races. So what could be more gorpcore than wearing them to go get groceries?
What is the Salomon XT-6?
Originally released in 2013, the XT-6 (starts at P11,500) is available in a variety of styles and colorways boasting waterproof Gore-tex material, hefty EVA cushioning, a durable-but-lightweight build, a descent-control chassis, lugs for traction and stability, and even shoelaces that need not be tied—lest you accidentally trip on an undone lace mid-hike. The shoe features a distinct zigzag pattern on the outer sides and the Salomon logo plastered right down the center of the tongue. What you get is a sneaker that, let’s be honest, may not be for everybody, but signals an eye for the outlandish—not unlike the appeal of other trendy pairs like the Nike Air Max 97 or On Cloud shoes.
What other styles does Salomon have?
Many of Salomon’s pairs boast the same unusual look. So whether you’re planning your next hike or you just want to give the gorpcore trend a try—or maybe both—you’ll be glad to know you can buy them locally both online and in stores. Check out some of the styles we’ve been eyeing:
Salomon Thundercross in Plum Kitten/Black/Pink Glo (P8,990)
Available on Lazada, Shopee, and R.O.X.
Salomon Speedcross 6 in Orchid Petal/Black/Sulphur Spring (P9,990)
Available on Lazada and R.O.X.
Salomon XT-6 in Aloe Wash/Feather Gray (P11,500)
Available on Commonwealth.
Salomon Sense Ride 5 in Lunar Rock/Shocking Orange/Fiery Red (P7,990)
Available on Lazada, Shopee, and R.O.X.
Salomon Speedcross 6 in Black/Phantom (P9,990)
Available on Lazada, Shopee and R.O.X.
Where to buy Salomon sneakers
Salomon sneakers are available on Lazada, Shopee, and at their stores in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Aura, and Glorietta 4. They’re also available in R.O.X stores.
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