
Salomon
A French mountain-sports brand known for ski equipment, trail-running footwear, hiking gear, outdoor apparel and technically driven sportstyle products.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Salomon is a French outdoor and mountain-sports brand founded in Annecy in 1947 by François Salomon. It began as a family workshop making and repairing saw blades and ski edges, then developed specialized skiing hardware as the postwar Alpine leisure industry expanded. The company’s early technical focus helped it become associated with bindings, skis and boots designed for control, safety and performance in demanding mountain conditions. Over time, Salomon expanded beyond winter equipment into hiking, alpine footwear, trail running, apparel and accessories. Trail running became one of its most important growth platforms, with products such as the Speedcross, XA and S/LAB families helping establish the brand among competitive runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Salomon’s product development model has generally linked elite testing, athlete feedback and technical experimentation with broader commercial ranges. The S/LAB label represents its high-performance development tier, while more widely distributed products translate selected technologies into everyday use. The brand’s ownership history has connected it to several major sporting-goods groups. Adidas acquired Salomon in 1997, but later sold the brand to Amer Sports in 2005. Amer Sports was acquired and taken private in 2019 by a consortium led by Anta Sports, with other investors including FountainVest, Tencent and Anamered. Amer Sports returned to the public market in 2024, while Salomon remained one of its principal brands alongside Arc’teryx, Wilson and Atomic. Salomon historically communicated primarily to technically serious skiers, climbers, hikers and runners. During the 2020s it broadened its ambition toward a younger, more urban audience without abandoning its Alpine credentials. The XT-6 trail shoe became particularly important in this transition: originally designed for ultra-distance mountain use, it gained visibility as a city and fashion product. This helped Salomon occupy a distinctive position between performance equipment, outdoor lifestyle and contemporary sneaker culture. Its current positioning combines mountain heritage, technical innovation, outdoor participation and modern design. The brand sells through specialty outdoor and ski retailers, sporting-goods chains, digital commerce, Salomon stores and direct-to-consumer channels. Its public-facing campaigns increasingly invite ordinary consumers into outdoor activity rather than presenting sport only as elite achievement. Salomon remains active across ski, snowboard and mountain categories, trail and road running, hiking, outdoor apparel, footwear and sportstyle, with global distribution and a strong base in Europe, North America and Asia.
History
Salomon was established in 1947 in Annecy, in the French Alps, by François Salomon. The original family business worked with metal and woodworking components, including saw blades and ski edges. As skiing became more popular after the Second World War, the company applied its manufacturing skills to ski equipment and developed a reputation for practical engineering. The company’s growth was driven particularly by ski bindings and related hardware. Salomon’s products were designed to improve the relationship between skier, boot and ski, and the firm became an important European supplier as Alpine resorts and recreational skiing expanded. The business later developed skis and boots, building a broader winter-sports portfolio and an international distribution network. Salomon gradually diversified into year-round mountain sports. Hiking footwear, backpacks, outdoor apparel and trail-running products gave the brand a presence outside the ski season. Its trail-running footwear became especially influential because it combined aggressive traction, protective construction and a performance-oriented fit. The company’s athlete and laboratory-development culture was expressed through the S/LAB program, which served as a high-end platform for testing and showcasing specialized designs. In 1997 Adidas agreed to acquire Salomon, bringing the French brand into a large international sporting-goods group. The ownership relationship did not last permanently: Adidas sold Salomon to Amer Sports in 2005. Under Amer Sports, Salomon continued to operate as a distinct mountain-sports brand while benefiting from the group’s international resources and portfolio relationships. Amer Sports was taken private in 2019 through an acquisition consortium led by Anta Sports. The consortium also included financial and strategic investors associated with FountainVest, Tencent and Anamered. In 2024 Amer Sports completed a U.S. IPO and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under AS. Salomon remained a major Amer brand, alongside Arc’teryx, Wilson, Atomic and other sporting-goods businesses. During the 2010s and 2020s Salomon’s trail footwear acquired significance beyond specialist running. The XT-6, initially associated with demanding trail and ultra-running use, became visible in urban creative and fashion communities. This development allowed Salomon to extend its meaning from technical mountain equipment to a broader modern outdoor and sportstyle identity. The company’s marketing subsequently emphasized cultural relevance and participation, not only elite performance. The 2022 “Tomorrow is Yours” platform marked a formal identity refresh and a stated effort to connect with younger, more urban audiences. The 2024 “Welcome Back to Earth” campaign continued that direction by presenting outdoor time as accessible and valuable to everyday consumers. Salomon therefore operates today across ski, trail running, hiking, outdoor apparel, technical accessories and sportstyle, balancing its original Alpine roots with global lifestyle ambitions.
- 2025
2024 Impact Report published
[9]Salomon publishes an impact report reviewing progress in product circularity, community engagement and environmental and social commitments.
- 2024
Amer Sports begins NYSE trading
[12]Amer Sports completes its initial public offering and begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange, making Salomon part of a listed parent group.
- 2024
Footwear exceeds one billion dollars in reported revenue
[5]Amer Sports reports that Salomon footwear surpassed one billion U.S. dollars in fiscal-year revenue and that the brand opened 100 new shops in Greater China.
- 2023
Milano Cortina 2026 partnership announced
[10]Salomon becomes a Premium Partner of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
- 2021
Guillaume Meyzenq becomes Salomon CEO
[4]Guillaume Meyzenq becomes President and CEO of Salomon after a period of leadership transition.
- 2019
Amer Sports acquired by consortium led by Anta Sports
[12]Amer Sports is acquired by a consortium led by Anta Sports, while Salomon remains an operating brand within Amer Sports.
- 2018
Golden Trail Series created
[8]Salomon creates the Golden Trail Series to promote short-distance, high-profile trail racing and build the sport's international audience.
- 2018
XT-6 enters Sportstyle
[7]The XT-6 is re-released through Salomon's Sportstyle range after originating as a technical S/LAB trail-running shoe.
- 2005
Acquired by Amer Sports
[14]Adidas sells Salomon to Amer Sports, bringing the brand into a multi-brand sports and outdoor portfolio.
- 1997
Acquired by Adidas
[3]Adidas acquires the Salomon Group and the combined corporate structure becomes Adidas-Salomon AG.
Products and positioning
A premium, innovation-led mountain-sports and outdoor lifestyle brand combining Alpine technical credibility with trail running, everyday outdoor participation and urban sportstyle relevance.
Winter sports equipment · 1957
Alpine ski equipment
Alpine skiing remains a foundational Salomon category. The range includes skis, ski boots, bindings, poles and related protective equipment. Salomon's historical authority in bindings and boots supports a product architecture that combines fit, release safety, edge control and downhill performance. Contemporary families such as QST cover freeride and all-mountain use, while race and piste products serve more specialized skiers.
Winter sports equipment · 1980
Nordic skiing equipment
Salomon's Nordic range grew from the Salomon Nordic System of integrated boots and bindings. The category includes cross-country boots, bindings and related equipment for classic and skating techniques. Nordic skiing is part of the brand's technical heritage and continues to connect Salomon with snow-sport athletes and winter consumers.
Performance footwear
Trail-running footwear
Trail-running footwear is one of Salomon's most important modern categories. Models such as Speedcross, Sense Ride, Ultra Glide and S/LAB products address different combinations of grip, cushioning, speed, distance and terrain. The range is supported by athlete testing, specialized outsole compounds, quick-lacing systems and a strong connection to Salomon's trail-racing activities.
Outdoor footwear
Hiking and fast-hiking footwear
Salomon hiking footwear includes low-cut shoes, mid-height footwear and boots for day hikes, fast hiking, trekking and mixed outdoor use. The XA Pro and X Ultra families are associated with stability, traction and protection, while the Quest line targets longer hikes and backpacking. The products extend Salomon's trail-running expertise to a wider outdoor audience.
Sportstyle footwear · 2013
XT-6
The XT-6 originated as a technical S/LAB trail shoe developed with elite trail athletes and was introduced in 2013. Re-released through Sportstyle in 2018, it became a signature Salomon silhouette outside conventional running and outdoor retail. Its foothold, quickLACE system, traction outsole and layered technical construction remain central to the model's identity, while seasonal colors and collaborations have made it influential in fashion and streetwear.
Elite performance platform
S/LAB
S/LAB is Salomon's athlete-led development platform for high-performance footwear, apparel and equipment. Products are developed around the needs of elite trail runners, skiers and other mountain athletes, then used as a source of technology and design ideas for broader product lines. The platform represents Salomon's performance credibility and its emphasis on rapid testing and technical refinement.
Outdoor apparel
Technical apparel
Salomon apparel covers ski clothing, shells, insulation, base layers, running tops, shorts, tights and outdoor lifestyle pieces. The apparel range is intended to connect mountain performance with everyday outdoor use. Recent brand positioning has also emphasized modern mountain-sport lifestyle products that can move between trail, city and travel contexts.
Outdoor accessories
Technical packs and hydration
The accessories business includes trail-running vests, hiking packs, hydration reservoirs, soft flasks, belts and storage systems. These products are designed around movement efficiency, weight distribution and quick access to food and water. They complement Salomon's footwear and help the brand participate in trail races, ultramarathons and fast-hiking activities.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025Invented / Reinvented
Global
Amer Sports described Salomon's 2025 brand platform as Invented / Reinvented, a communication idea intended to connect the brand's history of technical invention with its reinvention as a modern mountain-sport lifestyle brand.
Outcome. The platform supported Salomon's dual emphasis on performance innovation and broader lifestyle relevance.
- 2023Milano Cortina 2026 Premium Partnership
Italy · Europe · Global
Salomon joined the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as a Premium Partner. The partnership connected the brand's winter-sports heritage with event staffing, volunteers, judges, torch-relay personnel and official licensed consumer products.
Outcome. The agreement expanded Salomon's visibility within the Olympic and Paralympic ecosystem and created a platform for licensed footwear, apparel and accessories.
- 2021Play-Minded sustainability program
Global
Salomon developed Play-Minded as a sustainability framework covering product materials, circularity, event practices, athlete activity and broader environmental and social commitments.
Outcome. The program became a recurring element of Salomon's impact reporting and sustainability communications.
- 2020Time To Play Inside
Global
During the COVID-19 period, Salomon adapted its content strategy for people staying at home. The initiative used social media, Salomon TV archives, athlete interviews, podcasts and home workout guidance.
Outcome. The campaign maintained contact with the outdoor community when races, travel and organized sport were heavily restricted.
- 2018Golden Trail Series
Europe · North America · Asia-Pacific · Latin America
Salomon created the Golden Trail Series as an international competition and storytelling platform for short, fast trail races. The series uses prominent mountain locations, elite athletes, broadcast content and community participation to make trail running more accessible to a broad audience.
Outcome. The series became one of Salomon's most visible athlete and event properties and expanded into a wider Golden Trail ecosystem.
Brand decisions
2024
Greater China retail expansionStrategyBackground
Amer Sports identified Greater China as an important growth region for its premium sports and outdoor brands.
Action taken
Salomon opened 100 new shops in Greater China during fiscal 2024 while continuing to expand footwear and direct-to-consumer distribution.
Aftermath
The expansion increased Salomon's physical retail presence in a major international market and supported the brand's shift toward a more direct relationship with consumers.
Salomon footwear revenue. More than USD 1 billion (Fiscal year 2024)
2024
Milano Cortina 2026 licensed product programProduct launchBackground
The Olympic and Paralympic partnership created an opportunity to translate event association into consumer products.
Action taken
Salomon developed official licensed footwear, apparel, accessories and winter-sports products connected with Milano Cortina 2026.
Aftermath
The program broadened the partnership beyond event operations and gave Salomon a new platform for seasonal and lifestyle merchandise.
2023
Milano Cortina 2026 Premium PartnershipStrategyBackground
Salomon sought to reinforce its winter-sports credentials while expanding its visibility among general sports and lifestyle consumers.
Action taken
Salomon signed a Premium Partnership with the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and agreed to supply apparel, footwear and accessories.
Aftermath
The partnership created a high-profile platform for technical equipment, event apparel and licensed consumer collections.
2019
Amer Sports acquired by a consortium led by Anta SportsM&ABackground
Amer Sports was taken private in a large-scale acquisition involving Anta Sports and financial partners.
Action taken
Salomon remained within Amer Sports while the parent company changed from a listed Finnish group to privately held ownership.
Aftermath
The transaction gave Amer Sports a new ownership structure and was followed by renewed investment in direct-to-consumer growth and international expansion.
2018
Expansion from technical outdoor equipment into SportstyleStrategyBackground
Salomon had developed strong technical credibility in trail running and hiking, while urban consumers were increasingly interested in functional outdoor design.
Action taken
The company re-released the XT-6 through its Sportstyle range and expanded collaborations and lifestyle distribution while maintaining performance products.
Aftermath
The XT-6 became a visible bridge between trail footwear and fashion, increasing Salomon's relevance beyond specialist outdoor communities.
2018
Creation of the Golden Trail SeriesStrategyBackground
Trail running was growing internationally, but the sport lacked a unified, highly visible competition and media platform.
Action taken
Salomon established the Golden Trail Series around prominent mountain races, elite athletes, digital storytelling and a celebratory final.
Aftermath
The series strengthened Salomon's role as both a product company and an organizer and promoter of trail-running culture.
2005
Amer Sports acquires SalomonM&ABackground
Adidas decided to sell Salomon as part of a portfolio and strategic refocusing process.
Action taken
Amer Sports acquired Salomon and integrated it with its sports and outdoor brand portfolio.
Aftermath
Salomon became a core Amer Sports brand alongside businesses such as Atomic and later Arc'teryx and Wilson.
1997
Adidas acquires Salomon GroupM&ABackground
Salomon had grown into a diversified winter and outdoor-equipment company with strong positions in bindings, boots and related sports products.
Action taken
Adidas acquired the Salomon Group and operated it within Adidas-Salomon AG.
Aftermath
Salomon gained access to a larger international sports group but retained a distinct technical and Alpine brand identity.
Sources16 sources
- 1Salomon About Us and Brand Historymy.salomon.com
- 2Salomon History of Innovationsalomon.com.au
- 3Salomon Groupen.wikipedia.org
- 4Amer Sports Executive Managementinvestors.amersports.com
- 5Amer Sports Annual Report 2024 Announcementamersports.com
- 6Amer Sports Annual Report 2025s21.q4cdn.com
- 7Salomon XT-6 Brand Historysalomon.com
- 8Salomon Golden Trail Seriessalomon.com
- 9Salomon 2024 Impact Reportsalomon.com
- 10Salomon Milano Cortina 2026 Partnership Announcementgmcomunicazione-net.s3.amazonaws.com
- 11Salomon and Milano Cortina 2026 Licensed Productssalomon.com
- 12Amer Sports 2025 Form 20-Fsec.gov
- 13SX90 ski boot introducedsalomon.com
- 14Acquired by Amer Sportss3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com
- 15Time To Play Insidesalomon.com.au
- 16Play-Minded sustainability programsalomon.com
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