Salomon is an outdoor company well known for their skis and boots, but they’ve long been making quality shoes and apparel as well. At this year’s Outdoor Retailer 2010 Summer Market, Salomon has put the focus on high performance sport equipment for mountain athletes who trail run and enjoy light and fast hiking and backpacking.
The Salomon XR Crossmax shoe is designed for “door to trail” running. It features a Contagrip sole that works well on both pavement and dirt, a Sensiflex toe box for comfort and a good fit, and Salomon’s OS Tendon in the outsole for stability and a comfortable ride. The Crossmax shoes come in both Guidance and Neutral models and also women’s specific versions.
Salomon is also making footwear for the after-workout, including the new RX Break flip flops that aren’t really flip flops at all. They’re actually a performance recovery shoe disguised as a flip flop. You slip them on right after a trail run to help your feet recover from the pounding. They’re made from a bi-density EVA and split suede leather upper with an EVA shaped footbed, and non-marking Contagrip outsoles.
Salomon has also come up with a form fitting hydration pack for long-distance runners. It’s called the XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set. It sets itself apart from other hydration packs because it uses a harness wrap to keep it snug on the body, sort of like a hydration vest. It uses self-adjustable fabrics that conform to the body, eliminates buckles and straps so there’s no chafing, and comes with an exclusive Salomon bladder by Source to make hydration easier and faster.
Salomon also has a new backpack coming out called the Sky 30. It’s built for hikers and backpackers looking for a light and fast bag. The Sky 30 is anatomically shaped with the new Airvent Contact system. It combines a frame with a 3D mesh tensioned backpanel. The pack also features an external bladder compartment with quick access from side, and can carry skis, poles and ice axes for backcountry touring and mountaineering. The Sky 30 is also light weight at only 14 ounces.
On the apparel side of things, Salomon will be releasing technical shirts for running like the XR 3/4 Zip Tech Tee. It’s a light weight, very breathable shirt with mesh underarms to wick away sweat, and a 3/4 zip at the neck for extra ventilation when needed.
Running shorts are also getting the Salomon touch, such as the XR Shorts. They have an EXO Sensifit brief underneath that uses compression technology for better motion efficiency, muscle stimulation and support. On top of that is a lighter, longer short so you don’t get that skin tight look while running.
I have been a fan of the Salomon line for a while. I’m really looking forward to trying a few of the new things.