Men’s Fitness UK – October 2019

IN FOCUS TRAINER FASHION

Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon is a brand

committed to pushing the boundaries of mountain sports

through the creation of innovative equipment that allows

people to play, progress and challenge themselves in their

chosen outdoor sports. And while the brand’s ethos remains

the same (and it's doing it well), such is the ever-changing

world of trainers that this o -road specialist has crept its way

into high-end fashion.

 e Speedcross 5 – arguably the brand's most iconic

silhouette – isn’t easy to upgrade, but that’s exactly what its

done with the latest version. Salomon took the essence of

the original Speedcross and used advances in technology

to capitalise on the values that made it a legend in the  rst

place. By adding attitude, it made the Speedcross attractive.

Design-wise the changes are subtle, such is the

desirability of a simple-but-e ective trainer, but

performance-wise it o ers enhanced grip, a more dynamic

upper for improved  t, and more stability – the

makings of a good casual shoe.  e sole has larger,

more aggressive lugs with extra space between them

and an updated geometry, delivering better push-o

power and braking traction on all surfaces.  e heel unit

of the shoe creates a cradle for your rearfoot, ensuring clean

foot strike and stability through the stride. It also has a

completely welded upper, with dissociated Sensi t arms and

increased toe volume, so it moves more naturally with your

foot and dials in the comfort.  e shoe’s appearance returns

to its original silhouette with a higher shape and big heel

counter, while also highlighting the aggressive grip.

Although the particulars of a trail shoe sound perfect

for, well, trail, they’re also suited to the modern-day sneaker.

Simple, yet totally e ective.

SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 5

£120, salomon.com

Photo credit

Cristo Sjostrom