By: XEONIQ [ Instagram | Tumblr ]
Contents
1. Introduction
I’ve owned the Salomon Techamphibian 4 for over a year now, never planning on giving them a review. However, being used on a semi-frequent rotation for my footwear, and seeing as how Salomon and many retailers are still selling this 2019 design brand new without a successor, I felt it would be worthwhile to give my impressions of this amphibious 2-in-1 mule sneaker.
The Salomon Techamphibian 4 retails at $AUD135 but can be found as low as $AUD80 new today on a number of retailers such as Amazon. My pair were purchased at Australian adventure store specialist Wild Earth.
2. Performance Specifications
Salomon offers the following performance claims for the Techamphibian 4:
- Full welded construction
- Salomon Quicklace system equipped with storage pocket located in tongue
- Fully synthetic construction (vegan friendly)
- Collapsible heel allowing the sneaker to be worn as a mule
- Contragrip FD that is designed for adhesion on wet or smooth surfaces
- Protective toe cap for grip and protection
- Adjustable heel strap for a tight fit (important while the shoe is submerged in water)
- Single layer highly breathable mesh upper
3. Design Features
One of the reasons I was interested in the Techamphibian beyond its two-tone colourway was the fact it had a sole that was more suitable for urban use than the typical trail sole you will find on a majority of technical Salomon sneakers. Deep lugs on a shoe worn primarily on cement will wear down quite quickly and provide less surface area contact compared to a flatter sole with groves such as the Contagrip FD sole used in the Techamphibian 4.
Another design feature I found attractive was that unlike a majority of hiking boots and trail sneakers from Salomon, the Techamphibian has a form fitted pattern and a slim silhouette. This makes the sneaker considerably more versatile for styling in urban and casual outfits than large, bulky-soled hiking boots. Despite this, the sneaker is still more than capable for trail running, and if you don’t require ankle support these can work as well outdoors as they can at the beach or on cement.
The ability to turn the sneaker into a mule works well enough. It is not the most refined looking or comfortable mule, but the only time I’ve used it was to test the function for this review. Mules don’t interest me and I purchased these sneakers for the amphibious function; however if you wanted a pair of technical mules for the pool or beach, these work well enough in that configuration.
In the last 18 months of ownership, I found myself using the Techamphibian 4’s more as a lightweight and ultra-breathable gym or trail sneaker more than I ever used them in the water. The Contragrip sole has been firm, robust and very stable on cement and fine for trails and the gym as well. I dislike spongey, thick soles for running or gym because of the risk of rolling one’s ankle in them, and this is not a concern with these sneakers. While a thicker, softer sole will cushion better for cement running, these are more stable for other activities. Further, I’ve found Salomon’s claims that the Contragrip sole provides anti-slip in the wet are well-founded and these do not slip excessively as some other sneakers I have on wet cement or other slick surfaces.
The fit and finish of these sneakers is top notch, a lot better than most of my Nike sneakers, and they are loaded with technical hardware and details, giving them a very modern look as well as providing adjustability for wear at the sides of the heel. Overall, the shoes feel over-engineered for their retail price and good value.
4. Issues and Concerns
4.1 Problematic Salomon Quicklace Pocket
The Salomon Quicklaces work well to loosen and tighten when putting the shoe on, however, I find that when wearing the shoes with the Quicklaces stowed in their storage pocket under the shoe’s tongue, the plastic lace holder is prone to slipping out semi-frequently. This is not the end of the world but because there is a plastic grip anchor at the furthest point down the lace loop, there is a noticeable feel as it bumps against the shoe when walking or running once it has slipped out.
4.2 Amphibious Design Limits Year Round Use in Colder Climates
This is not a critique on the design of the shoe as it is fully marketed and intended as an amphibious sneaker, however it should be said that the mesh panels are going to take in water. In a warm climate like Australia or Singapore, this will be fine in the summer especially without socks on. However, if you want a pair of sneakers that will get year round use and you live in an area with a cold, wet climate, these are not going to be suitable unless you pair them with membrane socks.
4.3 Mesh Panels are Prone to Damage
I’m quite rough on my sneakers and the weak point of the Techamphibian 4 are the mesh panels on the side. They’ve taken significant aesthetic damage while out on trails due to abrasion, but remain wearable. If they were used in urban contexts alone, I wouldn’t anticipate this sort of damage occurring however.
5. Use Case and Styling
I’ve included two looks that feature the Salomon Techamphibian 4 below: one urban and one outdoor look. The two-tone green and black on the sneaker works well from an aesthetic perspective for a more graphic look that is still muted and coordinated with your typical technical looks. Again, the slim profile lets the sneaker work well with tapered pants better than a bulkier-silhouette sneaker or boot will.
Urban Outfit Summary
- Veilance Mionn Vest
- Guerrilla Group Quickdraw Holster
- Nike Run DriFit Top
- Triple Aught Design Talon Guide Pants (heavily tailored)
- Nike ACG Karst Backpack (SHELLZINE REVIEW)
- Salomon Techamphibian 4
Outdoor Outfit Summary
- Cut-sleeve cotton tee
- Customised karate gi pants
- Casio G-Shock G-8000
- Sony Smart B Trainer
- Nike ACG Karst Backpack (SHELLZINE REVIEW)
- Salomon Techamphibian 4
6. Summary
6.1 Pros
- Modern technical aesthetic with plenty of adjustability, welded construction and a slim profile for casual styling
- Flat grooved Contragrip FD sole is superior to lugged trail soles for urban use
- Excellent breathability and quick-dry for summer and wet-environment use with or without socks and converts into a mule
- Form-fitted design and firm but slim sole make them suitable as both a gym and a running shoe
- Inexpensive purchase price and robust/long-lasting
6.2 Cons
- Storage pocket for the Salomon Quicklaces system can be problematic when worn at times, allowing the laces to slip out
- Mesh panels in upper are going to take in water (these are an amphibious shoe after all), unless you wear Gore-Tex socks these are not going to be suitable for cold, wet days.
- Mesh panels are prone to damage if the shoes are abused heavily, especially on trails
6.3 Verdict
While I purchased the Salomon Techamphibian 4 as a niche amphibious sneaker for summer use that would be fine being submerged, they have turned out to be quite versatile in performance and styling and have lasted significantly longer than anticipated for urban use and infrequent trail and training sessions. If you are a Salomon fan and want something with a slimmer profile for warm weather use, this may be an ideal sneaker to check out. Avoid if you want a year-round sneaker that will also be fine in cold, wet weather.
Ethical Statement: This product was purchased by myself with my own funds and is in no way endorsed or otherwise sponsored by the manufacturer (Salomon) or the retailer (Wild Earth).