It's no longer uncommon for legacy outdoor brands to reach outside of their bubble to collaborate on surprising new pieces of gear. Today, all-around alpine brand Salomon launches its first collab with Pas Normal Studios, a new-school cycling apparel company based in Denmark that quietly exudes an unmistakable Scandinavian design style in high-performance apparel for riding.
To be released in two distinct drops—the first hitting e-shelves 2 February and a second coming "later in 2023"—the Pas Normal Studios x Salomon collaboration delivers fresh takes on a modest number of the French brand's most popular "sportstyle" designs, leaning heavily on S/Lab icons. Thursday's two-piece release consists of a refreshed XA Alpine 2 Advanced shoe (sadly sans spd compatabililty) and the Active Skin 8 hydration vest, both available from Salomon and Pas Normal Studios directly 2/2.
Focusing first on the footwear, we find a techno-futuristic bootie in the Pas Normal Studios x Salomon XA 2 Alpine Advanced ($295). Its drab gaiter protects a brilliant yellow sneaker underneath, providing light coverage against the wet and cold of harsh environments.
At its base, Salomon’s proprietary Contragrip sole provides a durable grip with a side of supple comfort. Clipped-in riders will be better served by a stiffer, cleat-compatible sneaker since Salomon hasn’t quite yet entered that product space, but maybe that's something will see in round two of this partnership.
Pas Normal Studios next focuses on the Salomon Active Skin 8 hydration vest ($200), where they made some changes to better adapt the design for on-bike use. There's been a recent trend of gravel endurance riders reaching for trail running vests & packs, so this design refresh makes more sense than it might first seem. Beyond the dark, earthy color and co-branding, you’ll also find a modified fit to better balance cargo and hydration on the rider’s body in the leaned-forward handlebar position.
Stay tuned for more drops to come from the collab collection throughout the season. The Pas Normal Studios x Salomon collaboration is available direct from PNS and Salomon from 10am EST 2 February 2023.
Published 02-01-2023
