Having grown up in the (snowy) mountains of Northern California, Salomon is one of those brands I've come to associate with the mountains my whole life. I'm pretty sure the first pair of downhill skis I ever owned (when I was 11 years old), were Salomons, sold to my dad by @mikelaroche 's dad when he was a rep for the brand. Through Ski Swaps and thrift stores - Salmomon boots and goggles and pants and all kinds of ski gear have passed through my hands over the years, but I never really gave their shoes a chance...until...I saw one of my least favorite sneakerlebrities mention something about them a couple of years ago...and I found a pair for DUMB cheap on one of those UK sites and thought I'd give them a shot.
I bought 3 pairs over the years (for ~50% off retail) and I wear them every now and then...and I do like them. Although, I didn't get roped in to the whole brand as I have with others. I mean...like...I couldn't pick an XT-6 out of a lineup. But, as is with any brand that's been around for 20+ years, there exists this whole Salomon ecosystem of legacy pairs they've released that have been gaining some popularity (I think, due to some sick colorways and collaborations by @bryandiaz ).
Over the past few weeks, I've seen a handful of semi-popular sneaker people talking about how ugly they are or how they hate the whole brand even taking up space in the (space)...and...I dunno...I never really understand the negativity. I absolutely do not give a sh*t in either case - I'm gonna wear what I'm gonna wear - but, personally, I think it's cool when these different (brand) cultures meld and cross pollinate one another...and those in one (brand) culture can learn about those in a different (brand) culture entirely...like where else can mountain culture meet street culture?
One of my good friends thinks that Salomons are not made for the streets - they're made for the mountains and my retort to that is like... were Jordans made for the streets or were they made to be basketball shoes?
I dunno...anyway...how y'all feel about Salomons?