Last week, we showed you a sneak peak of the Speedcross 3 Forces, part of Salomon’s upcoming Forces line of footwear for Law Enforcement and Military. Now, we are honored to have been selected by Salmon to host a giveaway. Here’s a chance for 4 lucky readers to get their hands on a pair of this new model for themselves.
To enter, we want to here how you’d “twist” any currently available Salomon footwear to make it more in line with Military or Law Enforcement purposes. What design adjustments or products technologies would you add to make your ideal Military/LE Salomon shoe or boot?
To enter:
1. In the comments section of THIS article on SSD, share your “twist” on any currently available Salomon footwear. Text, photos, and drawings are all accepted – for any image entries, we suggest providing a link through a popular image sharing website such as imgur or Photobucket. Only entries here are eligible to win.
2. Comments are open from now until 1700 Zulu December 12, 2014.
3. Use any alias you want to post but be sure to use a valid email address since that’s how we’ll contact the winner.
4. Four (4) winners will be chosen by the Salomon Forces team based on their selection from among best submissions.
5. Winners will be announced on December 24th, 2014.
6. One entry per email address. We will delete entries that violate this policy.
7. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited.
Good luck!
Tags: Salomon Forces
I would make an insert that can be pulled out of the shoe and wrapped around it to reduce signature and protect against certain elements.
I think all these suggestions are awesome.
I’d like to see something that can hold polish.
Actually, I don’t – but my bosses would.
And maybe a non- GTX XA mid….
Ok, a ton of awesome ideas have already been talked about but I’ll throw my two cents in anyway:
– All black 4Ds with eVent or the newer more breathable Gore-Tex Pro…it seems like Gore has improved the breathability in their pro fabrics but I’ve yet to see any major improvements in GTX footwear membranes.
– I love the lacing system for the current 4Ds but a little innovation and getting rid of the tails would be a big help, I LOVED MARK’S CAM SYSTEM IDEA LIKE TEAM WENDY HELMETS! But maintain the ability to separate how tight the foot is from the ankle.
– Find a way to make the 4Ds a bit lighter.
– Interchangeable insoles that allow comfort for different types of feet.
– XA Pros with a slightly wider outsole like the 4Ds, I feel like I have slightly less balance when I switch from the 4Ds to the XA Pros.
– Outsoles that don’t squeak – I’m not sure why but even when dry, my XA Pros squeak about half the time.
You guys are awesome for actually incorporating our input into the forces line. Keep up the good work!
The camo color pattern is cool, but two items that would really make the Speedcross great would be these:
1) Ratchet type laces (http://www.cogsnob.com//S1-M_PARTSKIT-256.jpg)
2) Programmible IR light (Hel-Star type: http://coresurvival.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/HEL-STAR-family1.jpg)
With ratchet laces, I don’t have to worry about loose laces and the IR marker helps with night ops, especially night jumps.
dc
Love Salomon shoes, but hate the short life span of the soles.
Keep the Contragrip soles currently used, but make them resoleable to extend their life span, and introduce the option for AO specific soles (i.e Panama for jungle ops, etc) to make them more modular.
everyone who is someone wears Salomons!
place a small slit somewhere on the shoe to hide SERE items
My idea is something for LE. I am not longer in the military so for the times I am in camo now, I can wear whatever on my feet because I am hunting or shooting and AR 670-1 doesn’t apply. When I was contracting overseas I loved my Salomon Quest boots.
I am a big fan of a good polish job for LE uniform wear. I have stopped wearing certain brands of boots because the leather does not polish well. I would like to see a Salomon boot with an upper (above the pants cuff/hidden by the pants) like the Quest boots but with a stichdown (more conservative sole like a Vibram model) and solid black leather for the toe and heel area. Even bring the laces farther down towards the toe. I realize these ideas may be more of a brand new model of boot than a “twist” but bear with me, I think the Skunk Works at Salomon can make it work. The leather on the top and heel area needs to be “hard” leather so that it cna polish to a high luster. The guts of the boot can be like a standard Salomon boot ie comfortable for all day rough use along with the ankle and lower calf area. This model could be called the Salomon Quest Street Edition. A bonus for us out on the roads up here in ND would be to offer it with 200g of insulation to year-round wear, not too hot in the summer not too cold in the winter or in a warm car or building.
Thanks for the great products and I would love to rock a pair of Speedcross shoes in the summertime in alternate uniforms!!!
Since all the color changes were mentioned above and those will be implemented in Salomon Forces collection (like black and tan Quest), hooks will be replaced by loops which was quite obvious for MIL/LE use, I would like to suggest following changes in the Quest 4D.
– sole which would not squeak on wet surfaces. It must be easier to clean from mud too.
– sides reinforced for fast roping
– front rubber cap should be stitched to the boot as it tends to come apart after long use. Currently it is glued.
Also, the “Jungle” lightweight, non-lined version of Quest 4D with side drainage holes seem to be cool idea.
Make an AR670-1 compliant boot in both Gore and non-Gore versions that are not just a “garrison” boot.
I wear my Speedcross 3s a lot; as a general use shoe, for walking more docile mountain routes, for PT (they are a godsend for indoor/outdoor mixed circuits!) and for work (at present, SAR related stuff). A few buddies also wear them and swear by them. They have lasted well, even in some punishing Snowdonia winters!
I wouldnt change much, just a couple of small changes.
A length of material over the speed laces, similar to that featured in the original design for the Oakley LSA Water Boot – it had a length of material that partially covered the laces, thereby reducing any snagging hazard when moving through undergrowth. You could even use materials that would provide greater protection and resistance when roping/climbing.
I own a pair of Speedcross 3 shoes (for the record, they are awesome!) and a pair of GTX Mids and I do wish this feature was on both; I have got them snagged in brambles and undergrowth a few times, and when you’re running, it can occassionally be enough to send you flying.
It would also make them more comfortable if they are worn with fins, or if you need to conceal certain items.
Coupled with the above, I would offer them in a few more patterns/colours; maybe even “Limited Edition” sets in AOR1/2, Multicam, Woodland, with a certain amount of the proceeds going to the SEAL Foundation/MARSOC Foundation or other Service charities. I know I’d buy a set, having been properly impressed with every Salomon product I’ve owned!
Cheers,
Matt (Wales, UK)
Full black models for LE, coyote and the New Canadian Brown colour US and Canadian mil folks. Especially the Quest and XA Pro mid models.
#1) Colors that reflect the Mil/LE customer you are targeting. Remembering Tacti-cool sells and is highly sought after by both low and high speed buyers
#2) Gortex Mids – with added features in both in-sole comfort and shock absorption. Reinforced outer panels on the insides of the shoe for rope work. A reinforced toe (that’s padded on the inside) for kicking things and not killing those over grown toe nails. A reinforced sole or steel shank (removable insole?), for kicking things such as a crow bar/shovel and not killing your arch and also not allowing penetration (nails/etc). All while Keeping it stupid light! And add #3 & #4 to the Mid as well. – for those that want it all!!!
#3) Speedcross tread pattern for boots and mids. The Speedcross tread is extremely effective for stealth over broken glass & gravel will giving excellent traction.
#4) Add an aggressive toe guard that over laps the top of the toe/shoe. To aid in climbing grip (think rock climbing) and not trash the shoe when repeatably sliding into position on knees. The toes are the first thing to wear out
#5) A Speed cross in both Kryptek Typhoon and Multicam Arid, the last is probably just for me.
Despite loving my Quest 4D I would like to see better ankle support in them as well as to be able to dry out quicker once they have been in that inevitable river at some point on patrol.
XA Pro Mid based with mods of:
Non-GTX, Wide width, better drainage / mesh, earthy color choice without any reflective material, choice to switch from quick lace to regular (without breaking the quick lace), and shorter quick lace or better lace garage design.
Would love to see the Quest 4D GTX in coyote/tan/foliage/blackout.
tan on the plastic bottom with black mesh and multicam going up the tongue.
Blacked out version for LE uniforms. That’s what I’ve been looking for.
first a height of 6 inches. toughen up the inside and outside of the shoe in order to use multiple times for fast roping.third open up the toe box a little bit more to give stability across a broad number of physical activity. rework the bottom sole in order move freely across any terrain without having to worry about having mud or rock clinging to the bottom of your feet. Lastly add drainage holes as a version to be in wet hot climate. And gore-tex in more insulation to be used and cold environment
A new Coyote Brown/OD Green Color scheme with IR reflective decals and a none gortex/high breathable version for hot summers in the south, and a Med-Height version. A version with non-speed laces would be nice.
I would say Tan/coyote. Make the tread more durable. Also make sure all the stitching is doubled or hell tripled.
I think working on lace system durability is paramount… and maybe even a mid cut hiker would be well recieved giving a bit more ankle support… over all amazing kicks… still rocking my climbing boots! two decades later!
I like them but the branding needs to be tweaked so it’s not so loud and large.
I’d like to see sage colored for all the Air Force folk to use while in garrison
I would like to see a lightweight dedicated snow gaiter that can be attached or removed in just a few seconds, with dedicated attachment point on the shows themselves. I love Solomon’s for the snow but hate when it gets inside my ankles, this could be used by servicemen on deployment I’m the mountains or snowy climates.
*shoes, *in
A simple request… Please put some color in your winter boots and PLEAASEE make an Army compliant boot so I can wear my favorite brand to work everyday.
A taller all black boot for LE duty use
Stamp an Eagle Globe and Anchor for the Marine Corps into the Solomon Quest 4D GTX 🙂
size 14 please and take my money.
Flat dark earth color scheme, kryptek highland color scheme. Those two adjustments would sell like hotcakes to anyone in the tactical field of work.
Composite toe and heel. A place to add ID Tag or information.
Highland and Mandrake Kryptek that is all.
A all black combat boot with a polishable toe. Vented sides, speed lace system. Tread pattern that allows for good mud shed in field situations. Gel insoles for all day comfort.
I had a pair of Amphibians that I loved, but it would be really nice to have a pair that’s a bit lower-key, or with a slightly more “formal” appearance so they can be worn out to dinner, in the office etc. Subdued color schemes, a more conventional-looking heel (maybe stretchy material rather than the adjustable straps), and less aggressive-looking treads. These would be my go-to all-purpose shoe.
Ultra Mid X in solid black. Light weight composite toe so i don’t have to wear steel toes.
I’d like to see versions with a shine-able toe box for LE use and a Quest that is non-GTX.
Buy OTB from new balance. Add Salomon tech. Done.
love em, feet didn’t get the screamy barfys my hands did after long night rides back to earf.
I don’t think the shoe needs to be reworked in multicam, just remove reflective material and bright colors- pretty simple. This shoe has done a great job being original, dont fu@k it up with fads.
I love anything in multicam and ir respect. Hot weather options without gortex for max breathabilty. Composite toe on some titles as well. I like the pocket idea for secure laces.
Speed cross in a high boot version for ankle support.
Other than the colors that have already been said the biggest change for me would be making the sole lower to the ground while still providing the rigidity of the shoe. Making it similar to a high end basketball shoe. Keeping the user low to the ground for a tremendous confidence in their footing, as well as reducing ankle and foot injuries from instability.
More toe room in the XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX models, and subtle colors that don’t have highlighted accents that sharply contrast. Brown and less brown, gray and darker gray.
Make up to size 14 and wide sizes.
IR lights on the back of the heel to keep track of your movement….just like the blinking lights found on the back of shoes for kids…
A cross between a flexible shoe and a boot is key. Coutless soilders I have worked with in the field enjoy wearing a minimalist type boot similar to the Mini-Mil from Belleville.
The XA PRO MID GTX is the ideal canidate to start with for a MIL/LE shoe. It provides a light weight, water proof package that provides some ankle support which is ideal in any enviroment.
Slight improvements to this package would be as follows:
1.) Roll the back of the heel slightly to allow for quieter movement on multiple surfaces.
2.) Improve quick lace design to accept 550 cord. Ideal for survival situations. Being able to break down the 550 cord to its components would allow the user access to more materials in a survival type situation. Sewing thread to repair gear, or to be used as fishing line etc.
3.) A composite tow cap. To prevent injury if something was dropped on the toes or to provide protection when kicking.
4.) Lower the center of gravity of the entire sole. This would require research and development into materials used for the bottom sole and interior padding. Reducing the center of gravity of the sole will lessen the possibility of rolling an ankle. Providing a stable base for the end user. (Look at strongmen and power lifters who lift bare footed in order to keep a stable base
5.) Remove all reflective materials. Provide various colors in a matte finish.
Overall Salomon boot/shoes are fantastic minimal changes are required to move it into the realm of MIL/LE….although countless MIL/LE already enjoy using them.
A more innovative lacing system on the quest boots. I love the laces on my XAs so I’d like to see something on my boots that’s quick, easy, and (surprisingly) durable on my boots as well. You’d have to do it in such a way that everyone would still be able to achieve the different lacing configurations according to personal preference, so simply throwing the XA laces on the quest would not be enough to get the job done.
I want a solid black xapro and quest for duty.
First of all, I got a pair of Salomons for work and I will never go to a different shoe. These are the best shoes that I’ve ever had the opportunity to put my feet in.
I would like to see a black pair of Salomon boots, for duty wear. Also, as I’m a bicycle officer, I would love for Salomon to come out with a black mountain bike shoe, that clips in (see Dave’s comment). I have heard people say that they can’t wear Salomons because they are too narrow. Thus, I believe that it would be wise to have different widths available.
Blacked out version with subdued logos and remove able footbeds for custom inserts. A location to insert a foot pod would be a nice addition for runners who use one on treadmill during the winter months.
Take the Speedcross 3 -> http://i.imgur.com/OlrZzhv.jpg
Toe Cap/Box: Remove the hard rubber bits from the front (seen here -> http://i.imgur.com/kCkS45p.jpg), from around the gray front tread area and make them out of the same mesh that is right behind that area (seen in this picture -> http://i.imgur.com/IdbPGCl.jpg) The more breathable the better since these are summer-type shoes.
Heel area: (referencing this picture -> http://i.imgur.com/J0TRbkY.jpg) move the back-strap “salomon” logo higher up like the XA Pro 3D (reference picture taken from tacticalgear -> http://assets.cat5.com/images/catalog/products/2/2/8/3/0/4-650-salomon-xa-pro-3d-forces-mid-gtx-black-black-black.jpg) but remove the rubber piece between the strap to the bottom rubber sole area, replace with mesh like the toe area – thinner/lighter/more breathable.
Outer-sole: I really like the XA Pro 3D sole, huge fan of it as it is way more durable than the speedcross 3’s sole for EDC wearing. I understand it is a mountain/trail running shoe but most guys (like me) wear them every day.
Color combo’s: the arc’teryx wolf gray is pure sex, and I have a pair of multi-cam XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX I would buy a pair of Speedcross 3’s or the XA Pro 3D Ultra 2’s in kryptek Typhoon in a heart beat, especially if it had a base layer of arc’teryx wolf gray.
Other considerations – I am a fulltime LEO I wear the Salomon XA Pro 3D Mid GTX on duty year round (before you guys had a blackout version, used a sharpie to black out the white parts) I’d rock a speedcross 3 in blackout on duty in the summer with a less aggressive toe tread.
Most pictures used in reference are from my review of the Speedcross 3’s (http://vdmsr.blogspot.com/2014/06/salomon-speedcross-3-3-cs-trail-running.html)
Thanks for putting on the contest!