Shoes
Product 2026
Femme, Homme, Enfant
The Salomon S/Lab Waterway stands apart within the brand’s range. We appreciated the strong focus that Salomon has placed on this type of product, designed specifically for use in water, on very wet trails, and for canyoning. It can also be used for activities such as kayaking.
This is indeed a highly specialized product that must provide excellent grip during approach hikes. It also needs to drain water quickly and dry fast. Foot protection is equally important in streams and during wet rappels.
We liked the Salomon S/Lab Waterway for its precision and its excellent balance between weight and performance. It features a very precise fit, and its quick-lacing system remains secure even in water, ensuring constant contact between the shoe and the foot. The system is also very fast to use. Excess lace can be stored in the pocket located at the top of the tongue to prevent snagging. The same attention to detail applies to the heel strap that helps with putting the shoe on: there is no exposed loop that could get caught on branches or obstacles.
Its grip was judged to be good in most conditions. The Salomon S/Lab Waterway remains a flexible shoe that preserves a strong sense of ground feel and proprioception. However, this is not a “big” shoe with a thick sole — it clearly belongs to the lightweight category. The sole and its grippy rubber extend over the front of the shoe as well as around the heel.
The foot is nevertheless well protected at the front thanks to the reinforced toe cap. The upper reaches just below the ankle bone, no higher. The Matrix mesh, which incorporates Kevlar threads, is highly durable and does not retain moisture.
Overall comfort is good. The shoe features an 11 mm drop and light cushioning. Stability is solid, with rather direct ground contact. There is very little torsional rigidity.
A lightweight and comfortable shoe for aquatic hiking, canyoning, and any activity requiring fast water evacuation and quick drying. The sole delivers excellent grip.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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