We love hiking shoes as much as the next guy, but most outdoor-focused footwear simply looks awkward anywhere other than the trail. That’s not the case for Salomon, whose hikers, such as the XT-6, have made their way to other environments in a big way. However, this speaks more to the French imprint’s knack for style than anything else. And with its first-ever collaboration with London-based streetwear label Aries, it continues to show how versatile it is.
Salomon Is the Real Deal
What once began as a ski equipment manufacturer in the 1940s has now turned into a preeminent player in the urban sneaker scene. However, just because Salomon’s streetwear and gorpcore presence is strong doesn’t mean that it’s ever dispatched its propensity for technical footwear. Despite its higher price tag, the XT6 still does a great job out on the trail. Meanwhile, I’m literally wearing a pair of the Acs Pro walkers while I’m typing this; they’re the most comfortable shoes I own and totally reliable and supportive on both wet and dry surfaces.
Salomon’s eye for visual design and thoughtful utility makes them a desirable destination for other fashion-forward names, such as MM6 Maison Margiela, Pas Normal, and Y/Project.
Salomon Snowclog Aries Arise Basics
Available in these striking colorways, “Gecko Green” and “Lunar Rock,” the new Snowclog will surely be a conversation starter, even more so than other Salomon sneakers. Aries says they took inspiration from the aforementioned XT-6 as well as Salomon’s XT-QUEST 2, but opens up the 3D mesh uppers in a way that’s significantly less busy than other Salomon shoes. This allows the brands to really play with the design here, with a pattern that almost looks like its mimicking a reflection effect.
As far as construction, Salomon really takes over here, utilizing its recycled TPU-based InfiniFOAM for the midsole, which is designed to be recyclable as well. Inside, you have a molded OrthoLite sockliner for comfort and to match the contours of your foot. Meanwhile, the tire-like All Terrain Contragrip outsole helps it achieve traction on a variety of surfaces and conditions. Surrounding the aforementioned 3D open mesh is a full-grain nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant TPU material for superior durability. Function-wise, these don’t zero in on one category but can do just about anything.
The cherry on top of many Salomon sneakers is the Quicklace system, which uses a sort of bungee drawcord and a cinch to lock these shoes into place around your feet and allow for on-the-fly adjustments throughout the day if needed. And since these shoes are designed to slip on and off easily, you won’t be wasting much time getting out the door. There have been days when I opt for my Salomons simply because I don’t have time to lace up my other sneakers.
Spec Sheet
Uppers: 3D open mesh, full-grain leather, abrasion-resistant TPU
Midsole: TPU-based InfiniFOAM
Outsole: All Terrain Contragrip synthetic
Lacing: Quicklace bungee system
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Available now from both Salomon and Aries websites, the Snowclog is priced at just $160, which is at least $50 less than either the XT-6 and XT-QUEST 2.
Recap
Salomon x Aries Snowclog
Salomon teams up with London-based streetwear brand Aries on these attractive Snowclog sneakers for city environments.
