Salomon had its humble beginnings as a saw blade manufacturer in 1947, thanks to François Salomon's metal work expertise, which was based in Annecy, France. Around 1955, the focus began shifting away from saw blades and into ski edges and bindings, eventually introducing industry changing innovations such as the releasable toe binding. Over the next 10 years, they would become one of the most forward-thinking ski hardware companies, moving into and revolutionising the aesthetic appeal and fit system of ski boots.

This same drive and curiosity was applied to the hiking boot market, trying to find new ways to incorporate Gore-Tex® into a boot without the bulk. During the early 1990s the lightweight hybrid hiking sneaker became popular in clubs, and applying the unique colour combinations used on their Ski-boots to their footwear, they caught the attention of Vogue and were featured in an issue. 

Sticking to their roots, Salomon has continued to provide equipment for skiers, mountaineers, hikers and snowboarders. Over the years, Salomon's footwear has been the choice of brand for trail runners, with each of their designs tested under gruelling conditions by ultra-endurance ambassadors like Kílian Jornet Burgada. 

Salomon S/LAB was born from the interaction between the designers and athletes like Kilian, by creating a process of making dedicated products to meet individual fit and performance needs. Working through every step of the product development to alter a millimetre or gram from the design, to result in a product that ensures pure performance.

Taking avant-garde silhouettes from this performance range, like the Speedcross, which was developed from a functional perspective to handle the hostile playground of a mountain. Each design begins with the focus on the function, then building out to consider the materials, resulting in a uniquely strong aesthetic.

In 2015, Salomon extended their Lifestyle program outside of collaborations and rolled out the Black Edition, which were S/LAB models that were redone in all black. There were no plans to target the fashion crowd, but stylists, fashion editors and designers were beginning to wear the shoes including Ralph Lauren and Marine Serre.

The lifestyle program was the first main project that Jean Philippe Lalonde worked on, when he moved from Arc'teryx Veilance to take on the role of program manager, eventually overseeing the Boris Bidjan Saberi collaboration "11 by BBS". Since taking on this role, the lifestyle program has expanded to include the S/LAB Advanced range, which are progressive models of their archives, collaborative projects like 11 by BBS and Broken Arm and finally the sports collaborations, with brands like Satisfy Running and District Vision.

With the strength of its history that has been moulded by decades of trial and discovery, Salomon S/LAB Advanced acknowledges the influence our environment has upon us. Sharing this globally reaching consciousness, the combination of their ethos and the innovation driven by their community, Salomon S/LAB Advanced aims to empower a relationship with sport and the natural world.

SUPPLY are proud to introduce the Salomon S/LAB Advanced range to our stores.

They are now available in stores and online.

Images via Salomon and Alexis Berg