Salomon Synapse: Footwear for fast hikes and mixed adventures
The 2012 Synapse and Synapse Mid combined running-shoe comfort with hiking support, using seamless construction and a Contagrip outsole.
Salomon’s 2012 Synapse and Synapse Mid were lightweight walking shoes for fast hikes and outings that combined walking with running. Seamless construction emphasized comfort, while a Contagrip outsole was designed to provide grip across varied surfaces. The range was aimed at hiking and multisport use, as well as everyday wear.
“Many people want to both walk and run on a hike,” said Christer Lidgren, Salomon’s head of Sweden. “They need a light shoe with a good stride and grip, combining the comfort of a running shoe with the stability of a hiking shoe. That is what we developed Synapse for.” He predicted that people who tried hiking in it would leave heavier boots behind.
After studying existing hiking footwear, Salomon’s development team took a different approach with its Natural Motion technology. Rather than building a shoe that constrained the foot’s movement, the team used a distinctive midsole material and shoe shape intended to help the foot roll forward naturally, even on difficult terrain.
- Synapse: SEK 1,200.
- Synapse Mid: SEK 1,400.
