When experienced trail runners, supermodels, and the most stylish person in your office are all wearing the same brand, you know there’s something special about it. The best Salomon shoes really do have something for everybody: They’re comfy and genuinely trendy (gorpcore isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, folks), but durable and built to perform too.
“Many of [Salomon’s] shoes offer outstanding support, cushioning, and traction; key factors that are important in hiking and trail running,” Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, tells SELF. She adds that most pairs are designed with longevity in mind, so you can expect to have your Salomons for the long haul (which helps justify some models’ over-$150 price tag).
Whether you’re upgrading your trail shoes or taking sneaker cues from Rihanna and Bella Hadid, there’s a great pair of Salomons for you. We selected the best options the brand has to offer, then took a closer look at what makes Salomon an exceptional maker of cute, cool, capable footwear.
Our top picks
- Best Trail Running Shoe: Salomon Speedcross 6, $145
- Best Everyday Sneaker: Salomon XT-6, $180
- Best Hiking Boot: Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-Tex, $185
- Best Hiking Shoe: Salomon XA PRO 3D V9, $140
- Trendiest: Salomon RX MOC 3.0, $100
- Best for Mixed Terrain: Salomon Sense Ride 5 SR, $150
In this article
Shop the best Salomon shoes
Wear them to the mountains or flaunt them on the street—these sneaks will be right at home either way.
Best Trail Running Shoe: Salomon Speedcross 6
Both Dr. Daughtry and multiple outdoor experts recommend the Speedcross—it’s protective, grippy, and flexible. That combination makes it capable over easier and more technical trails alike. For how rugged it is, the Speedcross still lets you feel in touch with the terrain, which will help you maintain your footing if things get rocky.
“I’ve yet to find a pair [of trail runners] that performs better than the Salomon Speedcross,” Gaby Pilson, an outdoor educator for Outdoors Generations, previously told SELF. “[It’s] made with one of the burliest outsoles I’ve ever seen on a women’s trail running shoe, so they’re perfect for use in muddy and varied terrain.”
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 9.24 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters
Best Everyday Sneaker: Salomon XT-6
At first glance, the XT-6 may look like any other chunky sneaker, but it’s far from a throwaway trend. Thanks to Salomon’s decades of designing technical footwear for hikers, backpackers, and climbers on the move, it looks good and arguably feels even better.
“There are very few shoes that are both functional and fashionable—but the Salomon XT-6 is one of them,” one SELF writer says. “I’ve seen them on just about every street style-related Pinterest board. But what I love is they’re so comfortable and durable.” She adds that she can wear them all day without complaints—she’s never noticed pinching or blisters after walking in them for hours.
If you want something similar (but different enough to stand out), our staffer points to the ACS + OG. They’re just as comfy and versatile—and she spotted them all over the streets of Copenhagen.
Sizes: US 4 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 12.88 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters
Best Hiking Boot: Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-Tex
The Ultra line “offers a good balance of agility, protection, and durability,” Dr. Daughtry says. The Mid style is specifically well-suited for day hikers who may encounter loose rocks, wet weather, or muddy terrain. Its Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out (but allows air to flow through), while its rubber toe cap, lug sole, and abrasion-resistant upper keep your feet safe from underfoot hazards.
But don’t think your foot will move around too much inside this boot. Its internal design cradles and conforms to your foot’s shape, so you feel comfortable and supported with every step.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 13.76 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A
Best Hiking Shoe: Salomon XA PRO 3D V9
A hiking shoe is a great alternative to boots if you are heading out on a shorter trek or prefer lighter-weight footwear on the trails. The bestselling XA PRO 3D V9 has a nimble, sneaker-like design with tons of protective features to help you move confidently. It’s well-cushioned and supportive, with a chassis between the outsole and midsole that protects your foot and stabilizes your stride. And, because this shoe is technically a trail runner, you can pick up the pace and trust it’ll help you stay in rhythm.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 10.58 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 11 millimeters
Trendiest: Salomon RX Moc 3.0
It’s little wonder why the RX Moc 3.0 is such a crossover success: It’s a camp shoe, a recovery slipper, and an aesthetic slip-on in one cool package. It’s gotten at least one designer makeover but still has the same highly cushioned foam midsole that made it a winner among active outdoor enthusiasts in the first place—and we love it when someone can grow and stay true to themselves.
Whether you’re finally embracing ugly shoes or looking for a blissfully plush walking sneaker, you won’t regret giving these a try.
Sizes: US 4 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 7.13 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters
Best for Mixed Terrain: Salomon Sense Ride 5 SR
If your road runs occasionally veer onto pebbly, gravel, or dirt trails, you need a shoe that can handle a wide range of surfaces. Enter the Salomon Sense Ride 5 SR, a versatile running shoe that grips uneven terrain and softens your steps on hard pavement.
We reviewed a previous version of the Sense Ride in 2020, and Salomon kept the best features of that model (and even improved upon them) in this current pair. That includes a balanced level of cushioning through the midsole, the brand’s convenient QuickLace fastening system, and durability over long distances.
Sizes: US 5 to 15 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 10.34 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters
Frequently asked questions about Salomon
What makes Salomon shoes special?
As we mentioned earlier, Salomon is one of a handful of outdoor brands (along with The North Face, Arc’Teryx, and Merrell) to make the jump to mainstream streetwear. That’s because its shoes are genuinely good-looking: They come in cool colorways that rotate with the seasons; they pair well with activewear and more casual outfits alike; and they share aesthetics with other popular chunky sneakers on the market.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t dig into the functionality of the brand too, which might not be what initially draws sneakerheads to it, but it definitely keeps them coming back.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Salomons are made for the outdoors from the inside out. Dr. Daughtry shouts out the brand’s foam midsole, which absorbs shock without feeling wobbly, and the stabilizing, protective chassis technology that appears between the midsole and the outsole in many models. These internal features keep your feet safe and comfy.
Externally, Salomons stand out for their secure QuickLace fastening system, which ensures a snug fit around your midfoot, and their often-utilized Matryx mesh material, which keeps the shoes’ uppers flexible and breathable. Finally, just about all of the brand’s shoes are built on a solid foundation—a.k.a., its proprietary ContraGrip rubber, complete with specialized lugs.
All of these design elements add up to seriously trail-ready footwear. “Their durable construction leads to longevity and support on difficult terrain,” Dr. Daughtry says.
Who should try Salomon before other sneaker brands?
Like its fellow sportstyle brand Nike, Salomons tend to run narrow, Dr. Daughtry says. She explains that their snug shape should help you feel more secure and stable on the trail, even while sidestepping debris or rounding a sharp bend. That fit is obviously a major plus if your feet themselves are on the narrower side, but it can also feel comfy for those with high arches, Dr. Daughtry says.
If your feet run wide or tend to swell, you may find that brands like New Balance and Brooks suit you better, though Salomon offers a small selection of wide-sized shoes to consider too.
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