The Salomon logo stands out uniquely and reflects the brand’s character. Its originality distinguishes it and skillfully conveys the company’s philosophy while remaining true to the traditions established in previous versions of its identity. The emblem is rich in information, yet its content is harmoniously balanced—it is not overloaded with unnecessary details and remains easy to perceive.
Salomon’s identity possesses many distinctive features but does not seek to draw attention with excessive visual effects or bright colors. The classic color palette gives the logo a sense of restraint and elegance, making it one of the most successful versions in the brand’s history. Thanks to its simplicity and aesthetic appeal, this logo has every chance of lasting much longer than its predecessors, maintaining relevance and originality in the future.
Salomon: Brand overview
Salomon’s history began in 1947 in the small town of Annecy in the French Alps. François Salomon founded the company by setting up a small workshop where he, his wife, and his son produced wood saws and ski edges. The choice of these products was strategic, as Salomon saw potential in creating equipment for winter sports, with the region being famous for its ski resorts.
In its early years, the company focused on producing ski edges. Thanks to its innovative approach and high-quality products, the business quickly became known as a reliable manufacturer among local skiers.
The 1950s were a period of growth and innovation. 1955, the company introduced its first major invention: automatic-release ski bindings. This breakthrough revolutionized the ski industry and greatly improved skier safety.
The brand continued to improve its bindings in the 1960s. 1962, the company launched the Le Lift binding, which became the industry standard for years. These innovations helped the company dominate the ski bindings market.
In the 1970s, the business expanded and diversified its product offerings. In 1972, the company began producing ski boots, applying its expertise in bindings to create comfortable and functional footwear for skiers. By the end of the decade, the business had become the world’s largest producer of ski bindings.
The 1980s saw tremendous growth. The company ventured into the summer sports market by producing hiking and trekking footwear. In 1984, it released its first hiking boot, the SX90, which combined hiking boot features with ski boot technology.
Throughout the 1990s, the company continued to expand its product range. The business began manufacturing snowboards, skis, and winter sports apparel. The first snowboard was introduced in 1992, followed by the first skis in 1994. These moves helped the brand establish itself as a major player in the winter sports equipment industry.
A pivotal moment for the company came in 1997 when Adidas acquired it for $1.4 billion. This acquisition gave Adidas access to its global distribution network and new business opportunities.
In the early 2000s, the brand continued to push the boundaries of winter sports innovation. In 2001, the company launched the groundbreaking “X-Scream Series” ski technology, greatly improving ski performance in various snow conditions.
Another major change occurred in 2005 when Adidas sold the brand and other assets to Amer Sports in Finland for 485 million euros. This sale allowed the company to focus on its core outdoor gear and winter sports equipment business.
Over the following years, the business continued to refine its technology and expand its product line. The company gained a strong foothold in the trail running market with popular models such as the Speedcross and S/Lab Sense running shoes.
The 2010s were marked by further innovation and product line expansion. The brand introduced several new technologies, including the Sense running shoe and the Custom Shell for ski boots. The company also increased its presence in the urban apparel and footwear markets, focusing on performance and functionality.
In 2016, the business celebrated its 70th anniversary, affirming its status as one of the most respected and established names in the outdoor industry.
In 2019, another key moment occurred when Amer Sports, the parent company, was acquired by a group led by Chinese company Anta Sports. This acquisition opened up new opportunities for the brand to expand in the Asian market.
Despite global challenges, the company adapted to changing market conditions in 2020 and 2021, strengthening its digital marketing and e-commerce efforts while boosting its online presence.
In 2022, new collections and innovative products were introduced, further cementing the brand’s position as a leader in the sports footwear and outdoor gear industries.
By 2023, the company had become one of the most recognized names in outdoor activities, trail running, and winter sports. It continues to grow while staying true to its core values of performance, innovation, and a passion for an active lifestyle.
Over 75 years, the business has evolved from a small family workshop into a global name known for its cutting-edge products and strong ties to the sports and outdoor industries. Despite the industry’s challenges and changes, the company has remained innovative, contributing to advancing sports and outdoor technologies.
Meaning and History
What is Salomon?
This brand was born in the French Alps and is closely associated with mountain sports, especially trail running and alpine skiing. The company is widely known for its high-performance skis, bindings, and boots, which numerous Olympic champions have used. In addition, the brand offers a variety of outdoor products, including hiking boots, trail running shoes, and technical outerwear. The company’s products stand out for their creative design, often incorporating modern materials and technologies that enhance performance in extreme conditions.
1947 – 1960s
The company’s first logo can be considered one of the most complex. This level of detail was crucial during the brand’s market debut. After all, the company was just starting, and its primary goal was to establish itself and solidify its presence in consumers’ minds through carefully crafted elements. The desire to become one of the most successful and recognizable companies was the foundation for selecting each graphic and text element.
The logo’s creators achieved the desired effect—the graphic elements and text attracted attention. On the right side of the logo, an angel was depicted in simple, concise lines. This figure symbolizes protection and reliability, representing the quality of the innovative French brand’s sporting equipment. Despite its simplicity, the angel’s image evoked feelings of kindness and calm, adding a friendly tone to the logo. Its comic nature was part of its charm, making the image memorable and pleasant to the viewer.
Though the angel illustration wasn’t large, it appeared proportionate to the main element—the letter “S.” This letter, which became the brand’s key symbol for many years, made its first appearance in this emblem. It was rendered in bold black, later becoming a primary color in the brand’s identity. All elements—letters, symbols, and drawings—were depicted against a clean white background in this tone.
The logo’s text component was quite extensive. In addition to the word “Salomon,” the emblem also featured words and phrases describing the quality and features of the sporting equipment offered. Illustrated in an unconventional black color, four snowflakes were scattered across the logo in a seemingly random arrangement. These snowflakes added visual dynamism, maintaining a balance between complexity and simplicity.
1960s – 1976
The next version of the logo gained individuality but lost its former complexity. All illustrations were removed, and the text elements were reduced to a single keyword—”Salomon.” Given the company’s success, no other word or phrase could convey more than the brand name itself. This decision proved effective: the black square with the white letter “S” created an impressive visual effect. The brand name, placed at the bottom of the logo, stood out thanks to the unique font, which gave it added expressiveness. This logo thus became the foundation for all subsequent transformations in the brand’s identity.
Special attention should be given to the letter “S,” which is perceived more as a graphic symbol than a standard typographic character. It is rendered in a graphic style that combines elegance and strength. This symbol conveys confidence and stability, emphasizing the brand’s reliability and durability. The logo seems to communicate to the consumer that the products can be trusted, as they represent quality. Additionally, the sense of dynamism and motion is also conveyed through the visual design. Thanks to the carefully selected color palette, the word appears light, almost weightless, as if it is floating in space, adding even more sophistication and appeal to the logo.
1976 – 1980s
In the updated version of the logo, the square geometric shape was removed, as it no longer carried significant informational weight. This decision made the identity more concise and focused on the core elements. The color palette shifted entirely to contrast: black letters and the symbolic mark stood out against a white background. At the center of the logo confidently sat a large, bold letter “S.” Its straight lines and curves created the illusion of depth, giving the symbol a sense of solidity, representing the brand’s stability and confidence.
By this time, the brand, with its French roots, had achieved significant success, and the letter “S” remained an integral part of its logo, holding its place and importance across several generations. It had evolved, changing its shapes and proportions, but always remained recognizable.
Below the massive “S” was the brand name—”Salomon.” The font added weight and scale to each character, drawing attention to the word as a whole. The bold letters emphasized the unity and strength of the brand. For the first time, the spaces between the letters were minimized, highlighting the harmonious integration of all elements. The rounded shapes of each letter transformed them into smooth, aesthetic lines. Completing the composition was a period after the letter “N,” placed not at the bottom, as punctuation rules dictate, but in the upper right corner, giving the emblem a sense of completeness and unique elegance.
1980s – 1996
The update to the “Salomon” logo reflects modern trends in brand identity. The goal was to maintain its informational value and recognizability while enhancing the graphics to emphasize the brand’s individuality and relevance. As a result, the letter “S” took on a unique design, becoming the key element that captures attention and resonates positively with the audience.
The duality of the “S” shape significantly increased the logo’s recognition and strengthened the brand’s reputation. The large symbol, rendered in black, stood out, but its defining feature was the white line running through its center. This line created a sense of depth, giving the logo volume and elegance. Moreover, how it extended beyond the letter’s contours evoked the idea of “infinity,” and some interpreted this element as a road marking. This graphic choice made the logo dynamic and full of movement and energy.
The brand name, written in italics, further emphasizes speed and motion, connecting the logo with athletic activity. This design choice perfectly embodies the brand’s spirit, representing the excitement and joy of active outdoor pursuits. In the new identity, sport and brand are unified in a harmonious concept where dynamism and modernity play a central role.
1996 – 2012
The new logo of the brand reflected professionalism and a drive for success. A monochrome color scheme, clear graphics, and stylized elements created a unique version of the identity while staying true to classic principles. Black and white dominated, giving the logo a refined elegance. The brand name was rendered in elegant italics, with black superscript letters arranged in a continuous line, like links in a chain. Each letter conveyed confidence, creating a sense of dynamism and strength, emphasized by their large size and harmony with the symbol.
The stylized element, reminiscent of a whirlwind, a gust of wind, or a powerful wave, became the key feature of the new logo. The familiar letter “S” could be seen within this geometric pattern. Now positioned horizontally, it added uniqueness and a subtle sense of mystery to the design. This element symbolized movement and strength, highlighting the brand’s individuality and fearless character.
2012 – 2022
In 2012, the brand returned to one of its classic logos, where the square first appeared, now again taking center stage in its identity. This element represents a solid geometric figure that symbolizes stability and confidence. The square’s interior is traditionally filled with black, serving as a background for the key symbol—the letter “S.” Despite being slightly smaller in proportion to the square, the letter is strategically positioned to avoid touching the edges, creating a visually balanced composition.
The letter “S” in the logo stands out with its elegance and stylish design, accentuated by smooth curves and sharp lines. Its design conveys the strength and dynamism of the brand, which is crucial for a company that produces high-quality sporting equipment.
Below the square symbol, the company name is displayed. This element deserves special attention due to its unique font. Each letter is crafted with an individual approach, giving the logo a creative distinctiveness. The unconventional letter shapes highlight the brand’s originality and aim to stand out from competitors while maintaining its identity and high status.
2022 – today
In 2013, the Salomon brand transitioned to a more simplified and minimalist version of its logo, retaining only the key elements that highlight its professionalism and reliability. This step created a visually concise yet impactful identity that conveys the company’s strength and stability.
The letter “S,” now the central element of the new logo, gained a unique foundation. It appears static and impressive, drawing attention with its commanding presence. The white background emphasizes its boldness, making it the focal point of the design. “S” now serves as the primary symbol of the logo, and its central placement underscores its significance.
The brand name remains at the bottom of the logo, but it is now written in italics. The gentle slant of the letters, positioned closely in a straight line, gives the text a sense of flow and elegance. The soft rounding of the characters adds a friendly and approachable touch to the identity. The new emblem exudes confidence and reliability, reflecting the brand’s power. The interaction of each element forms an overall perception of Salomon as a trustworthy company.