Most water shoes are – if we’re being completely honest – ugly looking things that we wear purely for their practical applications (and quickly kick off once we’re clear of the wet stuff). Salomon Amphib Bold 2 water shoes, however, are an entirely different kettle of fish. Immediately impressed by their stylish look, I was quick to put these versatile, smart shoes on long before I was anywhere near the water, and I have henceforth always been happy to keep wearing them long after leaving the beach behind.
But good looks only get you so far – I wasn’t so bedazzled by their beauty that I’d be willing to give them a free pass or forgive them for any poor performance issues during the testing process. So, to discover how they compare to the , for the last nine months I’ve been putting the Salomon Amphib Bold 2s through their paces, tackling shore-hugging trails, exploring rocky beachside paths, going , wading out into the waves for sessions, doing the occasional SwimRun adventure and wearing them while paddling a range of craft, from canoes and kayaks to SUPs. In order for any water shoe to work effectively, it’s imperative for the chassis to drain very quickly – this happens automatically with of course, but with sneaker-style shoes such as the Amphib Bolds, it’s more of a challenge.
To facilitate rapid draining, the designers at Salomon have stretched a loose-knit mesh across a TPU skeleton, forming an upper that protects the top of your foot from the sun.