OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC, UTAH
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
Salomon’s S/S 2011 apparel and footwear are so all encompassing; we could have spent at hour at their gargantuan exhibit space and just touched the surface, in a manner of speaking.
AND all with an emphasis on performance wear for athletic pursuits outdoors, wherever.
Though a lot of what we saw would do just fine, indoors at some urban gym, given the modern color waves set for Spring 2011.
Right off, the front display showcased mannequins ---outfitted from head to toe for activities from “fast to slow.”
Featured footwear was the buzzed about SALOMON XR CROSSMAX ($130)…a “Perfect Grip, Perfect Fit, Perfect Ride” running shoe (Guidance style for pronaters, Neutral style for neutral runners)---that’s designed as a “door to trail” kicker ---going the distance of either trails or paved roads.
For guys, the green XR ¾ Zip Tech Tee ($85) with EXO SENSIFIT ---is a lightweight, highly breathable garment with mesh under the arms for active sports in cooler weather.
The gals' XR Tech Tee (here in Bay Blue $90) is fitted specifically to support muscles (EXO SENSIFIT) ---and is breathable, moisture wicking, and (actiLIFE™ Smartknit)…with reflective front/back braiding.
FYI: EXO SENSIFIT being Salomon’s exclusive technology using proprietary materials aimed at providing stability, agility and motion (and or either)--- so the wearer can run easier with improved body alignment on uneven surfaces, run longer without soreness, and recover faster.
An ultramarathoner’s dream form fitting, fast wicking running vest, the new XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set $180…comes deep pockets, able to carry 1.5 liters of water. PLUS: the fit (EXO SENSIFIT, harness construction) is high and tight so it doesn’t shift around, reducing abrasion---and is totally adjustable too.
We eyeballed the outfits…including a a compression XR SHORT…a hybrid supportive EXO SENSIFIT brief under a light overshort ($80)---with braiding front and back and with a handy gel pocket.
The fleece insulating (actiTHERM™ uneven twill)) Whisper Midlayer Hoody, with feminine details like a princess curve for a flattering silhouette…and techy functional…with 2 zipped pockets and reflective braiding.
What else makes this hoody so special is that one can zip it all the way up so no cold air seeps in---and the zips have rubber grips that are ergonomic. And the hood itself is shaped “scuba” style…so it fits tight without pulling a gal’s hair. There’s even a ponytail pocket.
It’s the small things that make Salomon products high-end…and with this item ($90), it makes it wearable year round. Also with matching Whisper III ¾ Pant ($55) a soft jersey fabric Whisper Skirt ($50)---with a gear pocket, nice seam details, and Whisper II tanks and tees…with wicking, flattering cuts, and with ClimaUV™ 50+ for protection against the sun’s rays.
What we wanted to walk out with was a the XA 3/4 performance tight $75)…Salomon’s most techy running tights with UST seamless technology, Lycra for stretch, and a mesh panels behind the knees---easing freedom of movement (and cooler too).
There are Recovery Shoes too… the RX line with a lot of science behind it.
New is the RX Break- LTR the “flip without the flop” designed to help feet recover--- with ultra cushioning footbed (EVA---“muscle foam”) all away around the insides…so with each step the heel stays on the footbed, protected…. helping to avoid the painful Plantar Fascilatis.
Not a high mileage shoe…but great for traveling and just hangin' out...and in a lace-up and slides too-with mesh, upper.
