Once upon a time, men waged war over land, money and religion – but now they wage war over whether cycling or running is the superior hobby. Instagram comment sections are their battlegrounds, and however much Satisfy or MAAP clothing they own is their ammunition. But as of yesterday, a peace treaty has developed, ending this seemingly eternal conflict – and the signatories are Pas Normal Studios & Salomon.
That’s right. Pas Normal Studios – an out-and-out cycling brand has joined forces with Salomon – an out-and-out running brand. For a collaboration that proves you don’t have to base your personality around one outdoor pursuit – you can do it with multiple.
At the heart of the collaboration is a piece of footwear that meshes trail running tech with cycling influence. Named the GRVL Concept, the silhouette takes cues from road-running super shoes, packing a PEBA foam midsole and dual full-length carbon blades designed to give every stride that trampoline effect modern runners have become addicted to.
Underfoot, the outsole borrows from cycling tyre tread patterns, with shallow lugs that grip loose terrain without making you feel like you’re running in Dixie Dean’s boots the second you hit pavement. There’s also an integrated knitted gaiter and Salomon’s quickLACE™ system, because stopping to tie your shoes is obviously not peak performance.
The colourway is irrefutably Pas Normal Studios: muted tones, minimal branding, and luminous greens paired with earthy browns.
Then there’s the apparel side of things – which continues that green-and-brown theme – this time incorporating subtle polka dots into a running vest. Named the RACE SKIN 2, the vest is built for long efforts across mixed terrain, with a close-fitting construction designed to stop things bouncing around.
Then, from what we can tell from the campaign photos, there’s a slew of other equally tasteful apparel on offer. Some cycling vests we’re pretty sure. Shorts – maybe? We’re not entirely certain – which means you’ll have to wait until May 27th, when the collection officially launches, to find out for yourself.
Together, the collaboration proves Pas Normal Studios and Salomon aren’t really interested in whether you classify yourself as a runner or cyclist anymore. And you know what? No one else is either. As long as you’re outside, moving around, and not exceeding five Instagram stories in the process, you’re doing just fine.
The Pas Normal Studios & Salomon collaboration is set to launch on the 27th of May from Pas Normal Studios
