This Limited-Edition Salomon Collaboration Is Made for Relaxing Outside

Salomon is following up August’s friends-and-family exclusive collaboration with Tokyo-based designer Uchida “Uchi” Ryunosuke by giving the project a wider public release in a new color and material makeup.

After working with Uchi on two community events and the aforementioned exclusive footwear, Salomon is once again tapping the designer for the duo’s first-ever global launch. The project centers around the French sports equipment company’s RX Slide recovery shoe, which Uchi has redesigned as the RX-Enro Uchi with a new look inspired by the meditative mood of Japanese gardens.

This translates to a breathable 3D mesh upper that’s been covered in a gradient fade that shifts from green to brown. The soft mesh material is supported by a more structured premium green hairy suede, and it all sits atop a flat sole that’s been updated for a more minimal look than the typical RX Slide build. 

The shoe’s slip-on construction also makes it especially garden-ready, and a Water ContraGrip outsole ensures the shoe can handle slippery surfaces. 

According to Salomon, the minimalist design of the collaboration is intended to “embrace calm, daily living and a close connection with nature.” 

In August, Uchi worked with Salomon on the brand’s RX Slide 3.0 model for the aforementioned friends-and-family release. Limited to just 100 pairs, Uchi’s first Salomon shoe was inspired by pine needles and natural dyes and was highlighted during the designer’s “Slow Series” workshop at the Ace Hotel. 

Despite its continued relevance with fashion-forward consumers, Salomon’s president and chief executive officer Guillaume Meyzenq told Footwear News in May that the shift toward street style was an unexpected one for the company. 

“We are not a fashion brand,” Meyzenq said. “And we wouldn’t know how to make it just solely as a fashion brand, either. But what we’re good at is anticipating what could be the next essential for the consumer. We’ve also realized it’s OK if we want to make people dream and get inspired.”

The Uchi x Salomon RX-Enro will be released Thursday from salomon.com, Salomon boutiques and select retailers. The collaboration’s full colorway is Deep Lichen Green/Black Olive/Walnut U.S. retail pricing is $120.