Designed by Boris Bidjan Saberi, the Athletic Bouldering Shoe 1 (Black) is built upon and adapted to a hand shaped, downturned last, created by Fred Nicole. The unique collaboration of designer Boris Bidjan Saberi - a climber for 30+ years, and climbing legend Fred Nicole resulted in an incredibly soft shoe that meets the creators unique demands of high design and maximum performance. Boris partnered with Salomon beginning in 2016 and has continued to collaborate with the brand to design/develop high end pieces. Half German and half Persian, Boris’ biographical factors play a fundamental role in his formation: combining dual systems such as West/Middle East traditions and form/formless garments with a passion for numerology. For the first time, Boris’ partnership with Salomon incorporated footwear, along with apparel, and packs through a unique athletic bouldering concept (11 by Boris Bidjan Sabieri / Salomon Athletic Bouldering).
Originally created as a one-off featured in the 11 Athletic Bouldering Exhibit for Paris Fashion week in 2023, the Athletic Bouldering Climbing Shoe model quickly turned into a house favorite so, naturally, we had to share it with you.
Featuring the iconic and patented Salomon Quicklace System, this regular volume, very soft shoe is marked by a two-piece, unlined, durable + comfortable vegan microsuede upper with a padded mesh tongue. The tongue includes a centering elastic strap to secure the fit, along with a perforated inner upper panel for breathability. A thin midsole is included to provide support/structure while the single piece outsole is fitted with a proprietary rubber that creates an incredible combination of resilience and friction resulting in support and sensitivity. Athletic Bouldering 1 is great for bouldering, large volume climbing, and projects involving precise toe placement.
Boris Bidjan Saberi & Fred Nicole patterning Athletic Bouldering 1 prototypes.
Working with the Salomon Quicklace system.
Designer Boris Bidjan Saberi examines the closure for Athletic Bouldering 1
Boris Bidjan Saberi & Fred Nicole make refinements to the Athletic Bouldering 1 prototype.
Boris Bidjan Saberi fit tests the Athletic Bouldering 1 during stage 2 of prototyping.
Paris Fashion Week
Originally created as a one-off featured in the 11 Athletic Bouldering Exhibit for Paris Fashion week in 2023, the Athletic Bouldering Climbing Shoe model quickly turned into a house favorite so, naturally, we had to share it with you.
BOULDERING IS FREEDOM. Climbing without ropes or harnesses over rock formations or artificial walls offers unique mental and physical challenges. As a keen climber, Saberi wanted to expand and enhance the apparel possibilities of bouldering. His personal connection with the sport together with his existing partnership with leading mountain sports brand Salomon resulted in a paradigm shift in bouldering style: the Athletic Bouldering FW23 collection. Created in collaboration with legendary climber Fred Nicole and So iLL, the collection brings together technical footwear, clothing and backpacks in a specific design language that both embraces and transcends utilitarianism.
