Where Are Salomon Shoes Made

Salomon is one of the most recognized names in outdoor footwear, known for its trail running shoes, hiking boots, and performance gear. But many people wonder: where are Salomon shoes actually made?

The answer isn’t just “France.” Today, Salomon uses a global supply chain, with most shoes produced in Asia and a growing share made in a high-tech factory in France.

This mix helps the brand keep costs competitive while also focusing on speed, quality, and sustainability.

In this article, we’ll look at where Salomon shoes are made, why the brand chose these locations, and what entrepreneurs can learn from its manufacturing strategy.

Who Owns Salomon? (Quick Background)

Salomon is a French outdoor sports company originally founded in 1947 in Annecy, France, by François Salomon and his family.

While it started as a small workshop producing ski edges, the brand gradually grew into a global leader in skiing, trail running, and hiking gear.

Today, Salomon is owned by Amer Sports, a Finnish sporting goods group. Amer Sports itself is part of the Anta Sports conglomerate (based in China), which also owns other well-known brands like Arc’teryx, Wilson, and Peak Performance.

This layered ownership structure is important because it explains Salomon’s global manufacturing model:

As part of Amer Sports, Salomon operates through an international supplier network.
Under Anta Sports, Salomon benefits from Asian manufacturing expertise and scale, while still maintaining innovation hubs in Europe.

In short, Salomon is still deeply connected to its French roots but operates as part of a global brand family, which directly influences where and how its shoes are made.

Where Are Salomon Shoes Manufactured?

Short answer: The majority of Salomon footwear is manufactured in Asia, primarily Vietnam and China, as part of Amer Sports’ global supply network.

Amer Sports reports that roughly one-third of its production value comes from China and almost half from the broader Asia-Pacific region, with the rest spread across Europe and the Americas.

At the same time, Salomon has invested in automated, local production in Europe with the opening of the Advanced Shoe Factory 4.0 (ASF 4.0) in Ardoix, France.

This facility, launched in 2022 in partnership with Chamatex Group, has a projected capacity of around 500,000 pairs per year, with approximately 50% dedicated to Salomon.

It focuses on speed, automation, and sustainability, offering a regional alternative to Asian manufacturing for certain models.

Let’s talk about the the two pillars of Salomon footwear production:

1) Asia – The Backbone of Production

Vietnam

Vietnam has become Salomon’s primary manufacturing hub in recent years. The country offers strong footwear expertise, competitive labor costs, and a maturing supply chain for athletic and outdoor shoes.

Many of Salomon’s high-volume trail running and hiking models are made here, particularly those aimed at global markets where price competitiveness is key.

Why Vietnam: Brands like Nike and Adidas have also shifted large portions of their production here, making Vietnam a hotspot for skilled shoemaking labor and specialized factories.

Impact: For Salomon, this means stable quality, lower costs compared to Europe, and capacity to meet worldwide demand.

China

China still plays a major role, especially in specialized materials and large-scale production runs. Roughly one-third of Amer Sports’ total production value still comes from China.

While labor costs are higher than in Vietnam, Chinese factories provide access to advanced textile technologies, precision tooling, and massive capacity.

Why China?

China remains unmatched in its ability to scale production quickly and handle complex supply chains, including sourcing of midsoles, outsoles, and advanced synthetic fabrics.

Impact: Many of Salomon’s global bestsellers, especially footwear that requires technical components, still flow through Chinese facilities.

In short, Vietnam provides volume at competitive cost, while China offers scale and specialized expertise. Together, they anchor Salomon’s global output.

2) France – High-Tech and Regional Strategy

ASF 4.0 (Ardoix, France)

In 2022, Salomon made headlines by opening the Advanced Shoe Factory 4.0 (ASF 4.0) in Ardoix, France. This wasn’t just another factory, it was a statement.

While most sports brands continue to rely almost entirely on Asia, Salomon decided to bring part of its production back home, and do it in a completely different way: with robots, digital workflows, and automation.

Instead of hundreds of workers on the floor, ASF 4.0 runs with far fewer people per shift, supported by advanced machinery. The goal? Faster prototyping, shorter production cycles, and a smaller environmental footprint.

Capacity & Focus

The French plant is designed to produce around 500,000 pairs per year, with about half of that output dedicated to Salomon. Compared to Asia’s massive capacity, that number might sound small, but strategically, it’s a big deal.

Why? Because this factory is built for speed and sustainability, not volume. By producing closer to its European customers, Salomon can cut delivery times, reduce transport emissions, and test new manufacturing methods that simply aren’t possible in its large Asian plants.

Models Produced

Certain shoes, such as the S/LAB Phantasm 2 supershoe, are produced exclusively in France.

These models showcase innovation, lightweight design, and Salomon’s “Made in France” branding, which appeals to European consumers who value local production and sustainability.

Limitations

Of course, ASF 4.0 isn’t perfect. While assembly happens in France, many of the components still come from abroad.

Outsoles, midsoles, and technical fabrics are often sourced globally, since building a fully European supply chain is a long-term challenge.

Still, the factory marks an important step. It shows that Salomon isn’t just thinking about making more shoes, it’s thinking about making them smarter, faster, and cleaner.

How Salomon Manages Its Supply Chain

Salomon’s supply chain reflects its position as part of Amer Sports (and ultimately the Anta Sports Group). Instead of relying on a single factory or region, the company uses a flexible global manufacturing network that balances cost, quality, speed, and sustainability.

1. A Network of Qualified Suppliers

Salomon doesn’t own most of its factories. Instead, it partners with a network of qualified footwear manufacturers across Asia and Europe.

These factories are selected for their ability to handle high-performance shoes, technical materials, and complex production processes.

This outsourcing model lets Salomon scale production quickly without the overhead of owning every facility.
It also allows the company to leverage specialized expertise in different regions, for example, advanced textile work in China and high-volume assembly in Vietnam.

2. Global vs. Local Balance

Most of Salomon’s shoes are still produced in Asia, where labor and material costs remain competitive. But the brand is also investing in regional production capacity closer to its core European market.

The ASF 4.0 factory in France represents this shift: a way to produce select models locally, reduce shipping times, and lower carbon emissions.
This balance means Salomon can serve global demand efficiently while also responding faster to European trends and sustainability expectations.

3. Component Sourcing Around the World

Even when assembly takes place in France, many components, such as specialized outsoles, midsoles, and advanced fabrics, are still sourced from Asia.

Salomon has stated it aims to increase European sourcing for future models, but for now, the supply chain remains globalized.
This hybrid approach ensures consistent quality while giving the brand flexibility to test local sourcing options over time.

4. Technology and Automation in the Supply Chain

One of the biggest innovations in Salomon’s supply chain is the move toward automation and digitalization at ASF 4.0.

Automated production lines speed up the time from design to finished shoe.
Digital workflows reduce human error and allow for smaller, more customized production runs.
This represents a model that could be scaled to other regions if successful.

5. Sustainability as a Supply Chain Priority

Salomon has also begun to integrate sustainability into its supply chain strategy.

Producing shoes closer to the European market reduces transportation emissions.
The ASF 4.0 facility was designed with energy efficiency in mind and uses fewer workers per shift thanks to automation.
Long-term, Salomon has committed to building a lower-carbon supply chain, though challenges remain around material sourcing and scaling greener practices.

Why Are Salomon Shoes So Popular?

Salomon, originally known for its high-performance outdoor gear, has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. This transformation can be attributed to several key factors:

Alignment with Fashion Trends

Salomon’s chunky, athletic designs perfectly fit the “gorpcore” and “ugly sneaker” aesthetics that have dominated fashion circles. The brand’s eye-catching colorways and technical details appeal to style-conscious consumers seeking a blend of function and fashion.

Celebrity Endorsements and Collaborations

High-profile endorsements, such as Rihanna’s support, have significantly boosted brand awareness. Limited edition releases with renowned fashion designers have further elevated Salomon’s status in the fashion world.

Technical Excellence

The brand’s reputation for performance and durability in outdoor gear has translated well to the urban market. Innovative features like high-traction soles and drawstring closures attract both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers.

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Post-Pandemic Market Shifts

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked increased interest in outdoor activities and comfortable, versatile footwear. Salomon’s products, which seamlessly transition between outdoor adventures and urban settings, perfectly cater to this new demand.

As of 2024, the popularity of Salomon sneakers shows no signs of slowing down, making them a top choice for both fashion enthusiasts and outdoor sports lovers.

What Salomon’s Manufacturing Can Teach Entrepreneurs

Salomon started in a small French workshop in 1947. Today, it’s a global brand that sells millions of shoes each year. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built on smart manufacturing decisions.

And if you’re an entrepreneur thinking about your own products, there’s a lot you can learn from how Salomon manages its supply chain.

1. Don’t Depend on One Factory

Salomon makes shoes in Vietnam, China, and France. If one region faces delays, say a port closure in China, production can still continue elsewhere.

What this means for you: If you rely on a single supplier, one disruption (like shipping delays or rising costs) can stop your whole business. Even if you can’t afford multiple suppliers right away, always have a backup option or at least test samples from more than one. That way, you’re never caught off guard.

2. Use Different Suppliers for Different Goals

Salomon uses Vietnam for high-volume, lower-cost production and France for smaller, high-tech runs. Each location has a purpose.

What this means for you: Don’t think of suppliers as “good” or “bad.” Think of them as tools. Maybe one is great for bulk orders, and another is better for faster, custom projects. You can mix and match depending on your goals, just like Salomon does.

3. Efficiency Beats Cheap Labor Alone

In France, Salomon built a robot-powered smart factory. It’s not about chasing the lowest wages, it’s about reducing waste, speeding up production, and improving quality.

What this means for you: You don’t need robots, but you can still use the same principle. Automate small tasks with apps, use better inventory tracking, or create a clear system with your supplier to avoid mistakes. Cutting waste often saves you more money than cutting corners.

4. Build Sustainability Into the Business

By producing closer to Europe, Salomon lowers shipping emissions and appeals to eco-conscious customers. It’s not just good for the planet, it’s also smart branding.

What this means for you: Even if you’re sourcing from overseas, think about where you can reduce your footprint. Use recyclable packaging, offer carbon-neutral shipping, or highlight any sustainable materials your supplier offers. Customers notice these details.

5. Stay Global, But Act Local

Salomon produces globally, but adapts locally. The French factory mainly serves European customers, ensuring faster delivery and a “Made in France” appeal.

What this means for you: If your supplier is far away, focus on how you can feel local to your customer. Maybe it’s faster delivery options, maybe it’s custom packaging in their language, or maybe it’s local warehousing for your best-selling items.

Overall, there’s a lot you can learn from Salomon as an entrepreneur. And if you’re looking to get deeper knowledge then you can also read about other popular brands we’ve written on:

Read More:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All Salomon Shoes Made in France?

No. In fact, the vast majority of Salomon shoes are still made in Asia, mainly Vietnam and China. That’s where the brand can produce high volumes at competitive costs while maintaining quality standards.

The French factory (ASF 4.0) is much smaller in scale and focuses on specialized production. Its capacity is around 500,000 pairs per year, which is a fraction of Salomon’s global output. Shoes made here are mainly for the European market, and they highlight Salomon’s push toward faster, more sustainable, and more localized production.

So, if your Salomon shoes say “Made in France,” they’re part of a limited batch. If they say “Made in Vietnam” or “Made in China,” that’s completely normal and represents the bulk of global supply.

Which Salomon Models Are Made in Europe?

Currently, only select models are produced in Europe, primarily in the ASF 4.0 factory in Ardoix, France. One of the most notable is the S/LAB Phantasm 2, a high-performance road running shoe developed with elite athletes and marketed as Salomon’s first “Made in France” carbon-plate supershoe.

Other models may be added over time as Salomon expands the factory’s role, but the focus remains on specialized, innovation-driven shoes for the European market rather than high-volume bestsellers.

In short: if you’re buying popular trail running or hiking models like the Speedcross, XA Pro, or X Ultra, they’re almost certainly made in Vietnam or China. If you’re buying one of Salomon’s premium S/LAB shoes, you may find that it was assembled in France.

Is Salomon a good brand?

Yes, Salomon is widely regarded as a premium brand, especially in the fields of mountaineering, hiking, and trail running. Their shoes are known for:

Excellent traction suitable for various terrains
High durability to withstand harsh outdoor environments
Good comfort for long-term wear
Innovative designs, such as quick-lace systems

Customer reviews are generally very positive, particularly praising the quality and performance of Salomon shoes. Many users report that their Salomon shoes perform excellently even after years of use.

Does Adidas own Salomon?

No, Salomon is no longer owned by Adidas. The ownership changes of Salomon are as follows:

1997: Acquired by Adidas, company renamed to Adidas-Salomon AG
2005: Sold to Amer Sports
2019: Amer Sports acquired by a consortium led by Anta Sports

Therefore, Salomon is currently a brand under the Anta Sports group.

How Can I Find Shoe Manufacturers?

Finding the right shoe manufacturer is crucial for producing high-quality, innovative footwear like popular brands. Here are some effective strategies:

Research Chinese manufacturers: China is a global hub for shoe production. You can find comprehensive lists of reputable shoe manufacturers in China that specialize in various types of footwear, from athletic shoes to fashion sneakers.
Explore wholesale options: Many manufacturers that supply wholesale sneakers in China also offer custom manufacturing services. These suppliers often have the capacity and technology to produce innovative designs and high-quality footwear.
Attend trade shows: International footwear trade shows are excellent venues to meet potential manufacturers and see their capabilities firsthand.
Utilize sourcing agents: Experienced sourcing agents can connect you with reliable manufacturers that match your specific requirements.
Network within the industry: Build relationships with industry professionals who can provide valuable recommendations and introductions.

Finding a Shoe Manufacturer with Niche

Salomon’s manufacturing story shows how modern brands balance scale, cost, and innovation. Most of its shoes still come from Asia, where Vietnam and China provide the backbone of high-volume production.

At the same time, the brand is investing in Europe, where its French factory represents a new approach built on automation, sustainability, and regional agility.

For entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: a strong supply chain isn’t about finding the cheapest supplier, it’s about creating a flexible, resilient network that supports your long-term vision.

At NicheSources, we specialize in connecting businesses with the ideal shoe manufacturers in China.

We go beyond just sourcing by offering:

Industry expertise to streamline product development, reducing time-to-market and associated expenses
Private label services to create unique, branded footwear
Customization capabilities for tailored designs meeting specific market needs
Optimization of logistics routes to reduce transportation costs

Our team understands the intricacies of shoe manufacturing and sourcing. We’re not just finding manufacturers – we’re your partner in creating high-quality, cost-effective footwear solutions that give you a competitive edge.

Ready to revolutionize your shoe production process? Request a free quote from NicheSources today. Let us help you transform your footwear vision into reality while optimizing your supply chain and maximizing profitability.

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