# Protective Winter Runner Footwear The Salomon S/LAB XA ALPINE 2 Sneakers are Optimized for Winter By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-12-04 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-slab-xa-alpine-2 References: [werd](https://www.werd.com/54241/salomon-has-you-covered-for-winter-running/) & [salomon](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/xa-alpine-2-adv.html) Braving winter weather for a run in regular sneakers can leave feet feeling icy and lacking required traction to maintain their footing, so the [Salomon S/LAB XA ALPINE](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-snowclog-advanced) 2 has been created with this in mind. The upper section of the sneaker features a protective design that will encapsulate the foot with a snug fit and also prevent splashes or snow from permeating. The side-zip design of the shoe closure will keep users feeling agile when gearing up to head out for a run or hike. The Salomon S/LAB XA ALPINE 2 sneaker is finished with a premium [Contagrip](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nirvana-blue-nights) heavy-lugged outsole that will work to keep runners feeling more secure when running in [wet or snowy environments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nnormal-kjerag-brut). This could prevent potential slips and falls when running during the cold weather months. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Winter-optimized Footwear:** An opportunity for footwear companies to design winter-specific running shoes that offer traction and protection from harsh weather conditions. - **Protective Footwear Design:** An opportunity for companies to innovate in creating supportive and weather-protective running shoe designs. - **Heavy-lugged Outsoles:** An opportunity for shoe companies to focus on developing outsoles with increased traction for running shoes, especially in winter months. ### Where This Applies - **Athletic Footwear:** Companies in this industry could capitalize on the trend towards winter-optimized running footwear by developing shoes with unique features that offer safety and comfort in cold weather conditions. - **Outdoor Sports and Recreation:** Opportunity exists for companies in this industry to target outdoor enthusiasts in cold weather by creating winterized footwear for activities like hiking, running and walking. - **Winter Sports:** An opportunity for winter sports companies to develop and market footwear for runners, hikers, and skiers that offers both protection and grip on slippery winter surfaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Quick-Lace Winter Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerios-nivalis-gtx.md) - [Winter Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norvan-nivalis.md) - [Long-Distance Alpine Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norvan-nivalis-gtx.md) - [Winter-Ready Sneaker Styles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winterized-running-shoes.md) - [Modular Winter-Ready Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-snowclog-advanced.md) - [Hybrid Outdoor Shoe Upgrades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alpinway-advanced.md) - [Technical Trail Leather Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xalp.md) - [Winter-Ready GORE-Tex Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertex-gtx.md) - [Premium Leather Technical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/expanse-leather.md)