Last month I visited the Salomon Footwear headquarters in the French Alps and got a look at how they develop products as well as what’s in store for the Forces line in 2018. First off, they’ve updated the Speedcross 4 Wide Forces with new sizing. Salomon is also introducing unisex sizing for the Toundra CWSP boot which is great as more and more women join the military, law enforcment and first responder communities.
Speedcross 4 Wide Forces
Long a trail running staple, the Speedcross 4 has been very popular with Forces cuatomers who prefer its light weight and Contragrip deep lugs in soft terrain. But, many North American customers have complained about the tight fit across the instep. Salomon has listened and is introducing a new last with wider toebox for the Speedcross 4 in 2018. I received a sample pair this Fall and can definitely tell the difference. You won’t have that tight feeling you’ve noticed with the existing last. From here on out, new footwear will incorporate this new last and as existing models are updates, they’ll be rolled out with this new fit as well. But interestingly, this Wide option will not be introduced to the commercial line. Turns out, North American and European feet are the same size. We are just used to a wider toe box here in the US. However, according to Salomon, that’s doesn’t mean everyone around the world shares the same footshape. Apparently, Asians actually do have wider feet.
Toundra
Available in Black for both men and women, the Toundra is Salomon’s warmest winter boot for extreme environments. It will keep your feet warm when the temps drop down to -40°C/°F, at just 660 grams per pair (23.3oz for size 8.5UK/9US), it is by far the lightest boot in the extreme cold weather segment.
These products will be fully available after the first of the year. Contact your favorite Salomon Forces dealer for details, or visit www.salomon.com/us/men/collection-forces.
