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Adidas Sambas have been everyone’s go-to trainer over the last year or so,– but there’s a new shoe in town that you’ll soon be seeing everywhere.
However, the sneakers making waves in the world of fashion aren’t to everyone’s taste, with some even describing them as ‘ugly’.
Originally founded in 1947 as a hiking brand, Salomon footwear has quickly become a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts and the style-conscious alike.
Known for their cutting-edge materials, grippy soles, and signature toggles, these kicks are a serious blend of practicality and flair.
Proving their credentials, trendsetter Bella Hadid has been spotted in them multiple times, Sophie Turner is a fan, and even Emily Ratajkowski has jumped on the Salomon hype.
The model was recently seen rocking a pair with a sheer dress and visible underwear – because if anyone can work that look, it’s EmRata. And since she gave her seal of approval for the XT-6 SKYLINE style, it’s been a sell-out for the brand.
Salomons are now flying off the shelves, despite their somewhat steep price point of between £130 and £350, and recent collaborations with the likes of MM6 Maison Margiela mean the craze is likely to get even crazier.
If you’re an Adidas Samba or Spezial stan – or even a Gazelle girl – you’ll know all too well how hard it can be to secure your shoe in the desired colourway, so it’s worth jumping on the trend early.
That is if you’re a fan of course, as the Salomon is a rather controversial choice of trainer.
On @taynnabrito’s TikTok about finding bargain Salomons, @bigdaddyamyy joked, ‘What are thoseeeee,’ while @stephaniedelarua added: ‘Those are not it.’
And when Katerina Valdez took to the social media platform to share her new pair, she received a number of negative responses, including one from a user named AJGF who said: ‘No one can ever convince me a Salomon trainer is wearable anywhere but on a mountain path’.
The haters were in the minority though, as Katerina’s clip also garnered comments like ‘damn nice shoes’, ‘cute’ and ‘Salomon forever’.
It seems that it’s something of a Marmite brand, but those that love Salomon trainers really love them.
‘These shoes are my religion I don’t care who says they’re ugly,’ wrote @itsjorjjj, with @someones_valentine_ echoing her sentiment, commenting: ‘People who think Salomons are ugly do not have taste!’
We’ve long celebrated the ‘ugly trainer’ so it’s not a total surprise that theseshoes are having a moment.
Megan Watkins, head stylist at SilkFred tells Metro: ‘Salomon trainers have found their niche in fashion by embracing functionality and aligning with the Gorpcore trend that’s been all over our socials for the past couple of years, where practical, outdoor-inspired gear becomes chic and seriously cool streetwear.
‘While some may label them as “ugly” due to their utilitarian and ‘dad shoe’ design, that very aesthetic has become a go-to for anyone looking to push the boundaries of traditionally polished fashion, whilst being super functional and comfy.’
An interest in wellness – including trends such as the ‘hot girl walk’ – has won the brand points among what Megan calls ‘the adventurous-but-chic’ crowd, who want high end products that are versatile enough to fit into their active lifestyle.
‘The beauty of utility or hiking footwear like Salomon trainers is how easily they can be styled in a way that mixes both fashion and functionality,’ explains Megan.
‘For a modern, on-trend look that fits into the popular Gorpcore aesthetic, pair them with loose-fitting cargo pants or tailored utility trousers for that effortless streetwear vibe. Fabrics such as fleece, denim and waterproof materials will all go well with utility footwear – and are a great choice for the upcoming autumn/winter season.’
Alternatively, juxtapose your pair with softer silhouettes ‘like a flowy midi skirt or a structured blazer for a super fashion-forward look.’
‘As a stylist, I’d also recommend layering oversized jackets or technical outerwear with minimalist basics — this creates balance while staying true to the aesthetic,’ Megan adds.
‘It’s all about the contrast between practical pieces and more refined ones, making the outfit feel considered but still laid-back.
‘Fashion designers like Virgil Abloh for Off-White, Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga, and Matthew M. Williams for Givenchy have all tapped into this trend, showcasing utility wear and outdoor-inspired footwear on the runway. Their collections feature chunky silhouettes and technical fabrics, proving that utility wear does have a place in the high fashion zeitgeist.’
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