Vision, the first recyclable trail running shoe

After the INDEX, the first range of recyclable running shoes, and the Brigade INDEX, the first recyclable ski helmet, Salomon unveils Visionthe first recyclable trail running shoe. Vision combines Salomon's expertise in the development of trail running shoes with the lessons learned from the INDEX range of running shoes to create a trail running shoe as high-performance as the Sense Ride 5.

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At the end of its life, the Vision can be cut in two (separation of upper and sole) and recycled as ski boots, reducing its carbon footprint by 54% compared to a Sense Ride 5. It was developed in collaboration with François D'Haene and tested on the trails of the French Alps to guarantee a level of performance comparable to that of the Sense Ride 5.

"Every new shoe (including the Vision) has to perform at least as well as our benchmark trail running shoe, the Sense Ride 5," explains Romain Berger, trail running product manager at Salomon. "From there, we look at all aspects of the shoe where we can reduce its carbon footprint, without reducing performance. The aim is to create a shoe that is recyclable but versatile enough to accompany runners on their daily jogs, longer runs and even races!"

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Vision is 54% less impactful than Sense Ride 5

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The Vision's carbon footprint is 9.2 kg of CO2 equivalent, 54% lower than the Sense Ride 5's carbon footprint (19.85 kg of CO2 equivalent), with an identical level of performance in terms of support, grip and dynamism, and better in terms of cushioning and terrain filtering, according to a life cycle analysis and performance tests carried out by Salomon's teams. This calculation was made by examining every stage in the life cycle of both shoes, including raw material extraction, component manufacture, assembly, packaging, shipping, use and end-of-life.

"In thinking about how we could reconcile performance and sustainability, and in looking to create a single-material sole for trail use, this project actually led us to change our manufacturing process with a technical solution that could be more sustainable," explains Thibaut Poupard, Innovation Program Manager at Salomon.

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A Trail Running shoe tested and approved by EcoTrail Paris experts

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Christian Epanya, Salomon ambassador and finisher of the Trail 80km of the EcoTrail Paris 2024, had the chance to try out the Vision during several outings in the Paris region. Here's what he had to say: "I found these shoes very suitable for trails, where I had a very good feeling. I was pleasantly surprised by the grip, which gave me the impression of running with the same support as with S/Lab Genesis. Now I'd like to push them even further, especially on more technical trails, to see where they can take me. The potential is definitely there!"