As the holder of an advanced diploma, Georges Salomon has no intention of acceding to his father’s wish to become a teacher. He expresses a desire to join his father’s business. At the time, the small workshop based in historic Annecy produces beveled ski edges, for which a patent is filed (Patent No. 948 013 of 28 May 1947). From then on, Georges becomes interested in the development of skiing as a leisure pursuit in the neighboring mountain villages, which are installing ski lifts.

The champion skier Emile Allais agrees to lend his name to this toe piece developed by Georges Salomon, which combines a twisting motion with a forward motion. (Patent No. 1 130 484 of 7 May 1955). Two years later, the first binding - the Lift - replaces the traditional leather straps. This first safety binding is a success. The company recruits, expands, and develops new products.

It is the first boot with rear entry and heel retention. Salomon commissioned the TGV designer, Roger Tallon, to design it. To manufacture it, the Annecy-based company mastered the process of plastic molding and multi-injection of technical components, as well as the use of special fabrics and composite materials. Initially launched in France and then worldwide in the following year: the famous orange boot is a dazzling success.

The first models, with a highly original design, are sold in France and Sweden. Salomon becomes the world number one for this equipment in just three years. The SNS is based on a new principle that aims to incorporate flex into the binding rather than into the boot. The company creates a japanese subsidiary. Salomon records sales of 329,183,000 francs despite having gone into debt to develop its ski boots.

Since 1984, Salomon had prepared itself and invested 350 million francs in an ultra-modern, automated plant in Rumilly, Haute-Savoie, in order to develop the new ski segment. Salomon had not adopted the most widely used “sandwich” structure (where the components are layered on top of each other, embedded in resin and then pressed). Instead, the new S9000 arrives with a monocoque structure designed as a fiberglass “self-supporting beam”, which should ensure improved adhesion, and is made without using solvants.

The Adventure range is launched in spring 1992. It is a huge success. A New York Times article is entitled: “Hiking into the future with a lighter boot.” That same year, Salomon is the most successful manufacturer at the Albertville Olympic Games, providing equipment to legends like Edgar Grospiron. The Integral ski boot is designed in collaboration with the great champion Ingemar Stenmark.

After a pre-marketing of 3,000 units in 1996, Salomon launched a full range of boards, shoes and clothing (under the Bonfire brand). The company relies on its control of the global “foot-transmission” issue to bring real innovation to snowboard boots and bindings. The success and the philosophy of the new department (“Be serious, have fun”) inspires the rest of the company, so the “rounded” logo created for the snowboard market will be carried over into the communication of the brand in general.

Contacted by former Canadian mogul skiers, Salomon took up the challenge of designing the first twintip ski dedicated to new school freestyle... an emerging discipline inspired by snowboarding as well as freestyle skiing (bumps and accro). This emblematic orange model became its first commercial success.

The launch of inline skating is the expression of a know-how at Salomon: that of starting from scratch to launch a diversification and make it a success within 2 or 3 years, just like for skiing. Salomon applies its skiing culture to the industry, and develops innova-tive frames to transmit energy from the foot to the wheels and also introduces speed lacing with quicklace.

The XA Pro, a precursor to trail running, is the technical benchmark for multisport raids. Notions of lightness and speed are rising, while the very first model is re-released for the street fashion market.

A thunderclap in the ultra world: an almost unknown young 19-year-old runner broke the UTMB record and won ahead of the discipline’s veterans. It was the start of the fantastic trail running boom of which Kilian Jornet would be the most inspiring symbol. Salomon creates the Skin bag and pioneers the trend of minimal equipment.

The historical XT-6 model, very identifiable, graphically strong, was originally designed for long distance trail runs. It then made a surprising breakthrough in the urban field, especially in fashion. At the same time, patented technology “My Custom Fit 3D” revolutionizes instant comfort when entering a ski boot, placing Salomon as the fit leader in the 100 mm segment.

Salomon relocates part of the production of its high-end shoes to France. A partnership with supplier SME Chamatex, which specializes in technical textiles, is behind the construction of this production site. One pair per minute will be manufactured on this site operating in 3x8 with around fifty operators.

Tomorrow is Yours refers to Georges Salomon who repeated: “What fascinates me the most is what I’m going to invent tomorrow!” By connecting the heritage of inventiveness and positive openness to the future, Salomon opens the field to draw its next curves, its next paths, and its next adventures.