Salomon

Salomon: Tactical Boots and Sneakers

Salomon is a French brand that started out with ski equipment and is now best known for trail and mountain footwear. Its Forces line brings that know-how to military footwear: a light build, Contagrip outsoles with deep lugs and Quicklace laces you tighten with a single pull. These boots and shoes go on duty, marches and range days as well as hikes and hunting trips.

Boots or Sneakers: Matching the Shoe to the Job

For long movements under load over rough ground, look at tactical boots. The Salomon Quest 4D Forces 2 High GTX has a tall suede and nylon upper, a 4D Advanced Chassis and a puncture-resistant insert, so the foot stays stable under a heavy pack. The XA Forces Mid GTX and X Ultra Forces Mid GTX are lower and lighter, comfortable for a full day on your feet.

Salomon tactical sneakers are built for speed: the Speed Assault 2 with a ripstop upper and reinforced rubber toe, the XA Pro Forces with a 3D Advanced Chassis, and the Speedcross 6 Forces with aggressive Mud Contagrip lugs for mud and wet slopes. For running and unloaded training there are civilian models such as the Sense Ride 5, Genesis and Aero Glide 3.

Gore-Tex Membrane or Mesh

GTX in the name of a Salomon shoe means a Gore-Tex membrane: feet stay dry in dew, rain and wet snow, which makes these the pairs for autumn, spring and winter. The Speed Assault 2 comes both with and without a membrane. In summer a membrane runs hot, so the X Ultra Forces Mid with its textile and mesh upper or the XA Forces Jungle with drainage ports, both quick to dry, make more sense. For freezing weather there is the insulated Toundra Forces CSWP.

Sizing and Care

Salomon sizes are usually given on the UK scale, and the EU equivalents come in fractions such as 42⅔, so check the insole length in centimeters. The SensiFit fit wraps the foot closely, so with thick socks or wide feet it is worth going slightly larger. After each trip, clean mud off the sole and upper and dry the shoes at room temperature away from radiators: this helps the membrane and glue last longer.