Footwear that transitions seamlessly across environments is rare, especially when water enters the picture. Salomon’s latest offering brings a compelling solution to rainy days and wet hikes with the XA Pro 3D Amphib, taking the French brand’s popular trail runner and redesigning it for amphibious adventures. Taking cues from their trail heritage while stepping boldly into hybrid territory, the alpine outfitter has created something that stands apart in today’s footwear landscape by offering a utilitarian water shoe that maintains legitimate trail capability and urban appeal in one concise package.
FROM ALPINE ROOTS TO URBAN WATERS
Beginning their life in the 1940s as a ski equipment manufacturer, Salomon has risen in recent years to become a gorpcore mainstay. But unlike some outdoor brands whose streetwear popularity feels more fleeting, the French outfitter’s has already proven itself worthy through intuitive technical construction and clean aesthetics.
SUMMER-READY EVOLUTION
Despite the XT-6 having more ubiquity of the Salomon silhouettes, those who have laced up the XA Pro 3D can attest to their legitimate performance, especially on more rugged terrain. And the Amphib variant of the shoe takes that to a new level, making them optimal for both hot weather and wetter conditions.
The most obvious innovation here is the dramatically opened upper, featuring cutouts in the heel and along the side of the foot which improve drainage and ventilation. While these elements aren’t necessarily groundbreaking, as hybrid sneakers have existed for a while, the implementation within Salomon’s design ethos is incredibly impressive. Instead of awkwardly perforating an existing design, the brand has reimagined the entire upper architecture to accommodate airflow. From far away, you might think these are your standard XA Pro model.
Likewise, the quick-drying EVA sockliner is a thoughtful addition that precludes the annoying squish that trail runners undoubtedly face following any water crossings. And luckily, Salomon’s iconic Quicklace system remains intact, offering one-pull adjustment when lacing these up. These are a feature I’ve done nothing but praise, causing me to turn to my own Salomons daily over standard laced sneakers.
CITY-TO-TRAIL VERSATILITY
What makes the XA Pro 3D Amphib truly compelling is how it becomes even more versatile than even your standard Salomon trail shoes. Available in all black, “Vanilla Ice,” and a BEAMS exclusive brown colorway, the sneakers also include Salomon’s 3D Advanced Chassis between outsole and midsole that delivers stability without unnecessary weight. They weigh in at around 345g each (~12oz). Underfoot, they feature the brand’s All Terrain Contragrip for both wet and dry surfaces.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Salomon XA Pro 3D Amphib
Upper: Synthetic with quick-drying textile and open mesh fabric with strategic drainage cutouts
Midsole: EVA with 3D Advanced Chassis
Outsole: All Terrain Contagrip rubber
Lacing: QuickLace system
Weight: 345g (~12.1oz)
Drop: 12mm
Colorways: Vanilla Ice/Almond Milk/Curry, All Black, and BEAMS exclusive Brown
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
The Salomon XA Pro 3D Amphib is available now through Salomon’s international website for £110 (~$140) with Stateside availability hopefully coming soon. The BEAMS exclusive colorway will see more limited distribution through their retail channels.
Recap
Salomon XA Pro 3D Amphib
Salomon took its XA Pro 3D trail runners-turned-streetwear sneakers and gave them an amphibious twist, but without losing their style points.
