London is like Paris: it’s always a good idea to go. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been there a million times, if you’re going for a day or a week, if you’ve planned everything down to the last detail, or if you’re the type to wing it (a move that’s become increasingly impossible, if I’m honest)—it’s a trip that always ends up being rewarding. My recent jaunt had absolutely nothing to do with Fashion Week, but working in fashion, you’re somehow always on. That trained eye—or perhaps just the way my brain works—always leads me to notice certain details; this time around, it was the shoes everyone was wearing. Which, you ask? Salomon sneakers.

Shop Our Favorite Salomon Sneakers:

The Sleek Black
Salomon XT-6 sneakers
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$185 FREE PEOPLE

The Bright White
Salomon XT-6 sneakers
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$180 NORDSTROM

The Pop of Red
Salomon XT-6 sneakers
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$180 NORDSTROM

The Tonal Style
Salomon XT-6 sneakers
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$200 NET-A-PORTER

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 06: A guest wears red jacket, black crossbody bag, black Adidas sweatpants, black Salomon sneakers, outside Mugler, during Day Five of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 06, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Lavenia/WireImage)
Claudio Lavenia

Their ubiquity on the streets of London made complete sense to me. Their comfort is unbeatable, especially in a city where there’s so much to explore (not to mention the fickle weather patterns). Boots don’t quite work when you’re planning to be on your feet for many miles and even more hours, whereas Salomon sneakers—especially the models lined with Gore-Tex—are your ally, rain or shine.

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Although black proved to be the most popular choice, most Salomon pairs (at least those in neutral colorways) tend to go with pretty much anything, from jeans to track pants to pleated miniskirts. Their rugged shape acts as a welcome counterpoint, toughening up outfits with a particular cool girl edge. The XT-6 model is arguably the brand’s hero style, but there’s plenty more to choose from—discover them for yourself, below.

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Salomon
XT-6 sneakers
$180 NORDSTROM

Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Salomon
XT-6 sneakers
$185 FREE PEOPLE

Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Salomon
XT-6 sneakers
$180 NORDSTROM

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Save to wishlist
Salomon
XT-Pathway 2 sneakers
$130 SHOPBOP

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Save to wishlist
Salomon
XT-6 sneakers
$200 NET-A-PORTER

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Salomon
XT-Whisper sneakers
$145 SHOPBOP

Frequently Asked Questions
Heres a set of FAQs based on the topic I just got back from London and these are the sneakers that were everywhere

1 What sneakers are actually trending in London right now
The ones you see most on the street are chunky retro runners Adidas Sambas and Gazelles Nike Air Max 95s and Dunks and classic white trainers from brands like Veja and Axel Arigato

2 Why are chunky dad sneakers so popular in London
Theyre comfortable for walking all day they go with everything from jeans to dresses and the retro look fits Londons casual street style Practicality plus nostalgia is a winning combo

3 What is a retro runner
A retro runner is a modern rerelease of an old running shoe design from the 80s or 90s Think New Balance 530 Nike Air Max or Asics GelKayano they look sporty but are worn as everyday fashion

4 Are Adidas Sambas still in style in London
Yes Theyre still everywhere though theyve moved from hype to staple People wear them with everything so theyre a safe buy rather than a trend piece now

5 Whats the difference between Sambas and Gazelles
Sambas have a lowprofile gum sole and a sleeker footballinspired shape Gazelles have a slightly thicker sole and a more classic trainingshoe look Both are Adidas classics with similar styling

6 Why do Londoners wear sneakers instead of other shoes
London is a walking city people commute on foot and public transport so comfort matters The weather is also unpredictable and sneakers handle rain and cobblestones better than many dress shoes

7 What are the most popular sneaker colors in London
Neutral tones dominate white cream grey black and beige Youll also see pops of color like green or burgundy but muted shades are the safest bet for blending in

8 Are white sneakers practical in Londons weather
They can be if you treat them Look for leather or coated styles and use a protective spray Many Londoners keep a clean white pair for dry days and a darker pair for wet