Home / Style / Sneakers

Salomon’s New City Sneaker Almost Looks Too Technical for Its Own Good

One of Salomon’s most progressive trail technologies defines its latest pavement pounder.

Salomon Orava AdvancedSalomon
Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Jack Seemer

Published

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

GORP may be short for “good ‘ol raisins and peanuts.” But as far as Salomon is concerned, it might as well mean “running performance.”

Founded in 1947, the company sets the pace on innovation and technology in trail-running gear — the results of which have a habit of showing up in streetwear circles.

Perhaps no shoe in world better encapsulates Gorpcore sensibilities than the brand’s acclaimed XT-6.

However, that won’t stop another Salomon silhouette from trying.

Salomon Orava Advanced
The Orava Advanced (pictured) borrows one of Salomon’s most recent and progressive trail technologies.
Salomon

Trail tech, street style

Already available overseas, the Orava Advanced co-opts one Salomon’s most advanced trail features, RelieveSphere, which first showed up on the S/Lab Ultra Glide in early 2025.

Salomon running shoe
RelieveSphere first showed up in the S/Lab Ultra Glide (pictured), released in early 2025.
Salomon

According to Salomon, the technology is the culmination of more than half a decade of biomechanical research, kicked off to help athletes combat pain and fatigue during ultramarathons across technical terrain.

True to its name, bulging spheres sit under nearly a dozen different pressure points, resulting in a wavy pattern underfoot for the ultimate expression of comfort.

Salomon Orava Advanced
Bulging spheres cover nearly a dozen pressure points underfoot.
Salomon

This isn’t to say the Orava Advanced is the same shoe as the S/Lab Ultra Glide, nor that it cuts any corners.

While the two midsoles shares the same oversized proportions, the new design features Salomon’s OptiFoam+ as found in the latest iteration of the iconic S/Lab Pulsar.

Salomon Orava Advanced
While the oversized midsole looks just as chunky as the one found in the S/Lab Glide Ultra, it moves to OptiFoam+ as found in the S/Lab Pulsar 4.
Salomon

It also boasts a rather airy Matryx upper, ensuring optimal breathability and durability, especially with the addition of TPU reinforcements around the toebox and heel.

Salomon Orava Advanced
Synthetic overlaps around the heel and toe box give the shoe an added dose of surability.
Salomon
Salomon orava advanced
The shoe comes in black or “Fallen Rock” beige, both showcasing Salomon’s Matryx upper technology.
Salomon

In fact, the shoe’s only urban-focused attribute might be the colorways.

The Orava Advanced comes in two streetwear-adjacent hues — “Fallen Rock” beige and black — both of which come with tonal midsoles and detailing.

In Australia, where the shoe is already available for purchase, it costs $400 Australian dollars (approximately $260).

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

Read More

,