{"id":778716,"date":"2025-12-01T09:41:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T06:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=778716"},"modified":"2025-12-01T09:41:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T06:41:21","slug":"trail-shoe-to-fashion-trailblazer-the-rise-of-salomons-acs-pro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=778716","title":{"rendered":"Trail shoe to fashion trailblazer: the rise of Salomon\u2019s ACS PRO"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Salomon ACS PRO 20 year anniversary campaign<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n
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\"Salomon<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
\"Salomon<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
\"Salomon<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Gallery \/ 3 images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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There\u2019s a common belief that fashion trends repeat themselves every 20 years, and the first half of the 2020s has only solidified that theory. So far, nostalgic 00s style has been the defining aesthetic of the decade \u2013 we\u2019ve seen the resurrection of low-waisted jeans, ultra-skinny eyebrows and flip phones, while catwalk shows of the past five years have been dominated by Y2K silhouettes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But beyond the bubblegum-hued, Paris Hilton-esque stereotypes of noughties fashion that dominate today\u2019s trends, streetwear and sportswear brands are also paying a visit to their archives. For Salomon, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of its ACS Pro adventure shoe \u2013 the beloved style that started as a technical trail shoe and evolved into a cult footwear staple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Salomon’s ACS PRO 20 year anniversary campaign<\/span><\/span>Courtesy of Salomon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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To mark the occasion, Salomon has announced a very special anniversary pair of ACS PROs, honouring its DNA with the original sample colour from 2005, while moving it into the future with a gleaming gold colourway. The ACS PROs 20 year anniversary Archive Gold pair are enough to get any collector\u2019s pulse racing, coming complete with accompanying campaign (see gallery above), special packaging and accessories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a major milestone for the legendary footwear brand, but how exactly did a function-first trail shoe become a modern fashion giant? Below, we chart the history of Salomon\u2019s ACS PRO.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A NEW ERA FOR ADVENTURE<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
\"Salomon<\/span><\/span>
Salomon’s ACS PRO 20 year anniversary campaign<\/span><\/span>1994: General view of Raid Gauloises in Malaysia. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Bilow \/Allsport<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In 1989, the Raid Gauloises \u2013 known as the first modern expedition adventure race \u2013 was held in New Zealand. A multidisciplinary team sport, the Raid took place over several days and involved trekking, mountain biking and canoeing. The event was symbolic of the 90s adventure mindset, ushering in a new dawn for exercise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The concept of \u201cathletic outdoor\u201d was born, and with it, a new aesthetic. Chunky hiking boots and heavy layers weren\u2019t going to cut it anymore, and were replaced by lightweight alternatives. Adventurers needed shoes that could adapt to multiple terrains, from rocky trails and mountain paths to fields and even bike pedals. \u201c[At first] the shoes needed to be robust and grippy, and all of a sudden, they had to be lightweight and runnable,\u201d explains Salomon\u2019s Jean-No\u00ebl Thevenoud, head of softgoods prototyping. \u201cSalomon was quick to become the staple brand for these adventure shoes for any terrain, any conditions, and over a long period of time. \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brand\u2019s first shoes designed for adventure racing came out in 2001, the XA Raid Race, followed by the XA PRO a year later. Soon after, the Salomon team realised the brand needed a shoe that was less niche and catered to an audience beyond sponsored athletes. Enter: the GCS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

BEFORE THERE WAS THE ACS, THERE WAS THE GCS<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
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