Summary:
- Carhartt WIP and Salomon reunite after three years for another X-ALP sneaker collaboration
- The shoe features black leather construction with suede overlays and camouflage lining
- Available December 18 through official websites and retail stores from both brands
Carhartt WIP and Salomon have joined forces once again to release a new version of the X-ALP sneaker. The collaboration marks the first partnership between the two brands in three years. This latest design targets consumers who appreciate workwear aesthetics and gorpcore styling.
The X-ALP model serves as the foundation for this collaboration. Salomon originally developed this silhouette for technical outdoor activities. The French footwear company has built a reputation for producing trail running and hiking shoes with advanced performance features. Carhartt WIP brings its workwear heritage to the partnership, adding utilitarian design elements to the athletic base.
The upper uses black leather as the primary material. Suede panels overlay sections of the shoe, creating textural contrast and adding durability to high-wear areas. The brands incorporated a camouflage pattern on the interior lining and tongue. This detail adds visual interest while maintaining the shoe's subdued color palette.
Both logos appear on the sneaker through co-branding elements. These marks distinguish the collaboration from standard Salomon releases. The placement of these branded details reinforces the partnership between the two companies.
The technical specifications align with Salomon's outdoor footwear standards. The construction supports activities that require stability and traction. At the same time, the design works within urban streetwear contexts. This dual functionality reflects the gorpcore trend, which blends outdoor performance gear with everyday fashion.
Carhartt WIP operates as the streetwear and contemporary line of the American workwear company Carhartt. The brand adapts traditional work clothing designs for fashion-conscious consumers. Over the past decade, Carhartt WIP has established numerous partnerships with footwear and apparel companies. These collaborations typically emphasize durability and functional design.
The previous Carhartt WIP and Salomon collaboration took place three years ago. That release also featured the X-ALP model. The brands modified the shoe with materials and colors aligned with Carhartt WIP's aesthetic. Consumer response to the earlier collaboration influenced this new release.
Gorpcore continues to influence footwear design across multiple brands. The term combines "gorp", outdoor enthusiast slang, with "normcore", a fashion trend emphasizing ordinary clothing. Shoes in this category prioritize technical features while maintaining style versatility. The Carhartt WIP and Salomon X-ALP fits within this category through its combination of outdoor performance and urban wearability.
The release date falls on December 18. Both brands will sell the shoe through their official websites. Physical retail stores operated by Carhartt WIP and Salomon will also stock the sneaker. Pricing information has not been disclosed. Previous collaborations between the brands typically positioned products in the premium footwear segment.
The black leather and camouflage color scheme differentiates this version from standard X-ALP releases. Salomon frequently produces the X-ALP in brighter colorways suited for outdoor visibility. The darker palette chosen for this collaboration aligns with Carhartt WIP's preference for neutral tones.
The partnership demonstrates how outdoor brands continue to engage with streetwear audiences. Salomon has expanded beyond specialty outdoor retailers in recent years. Collaborations with fashion-oriented brands help the company reach consumers who value technical design but do not participate in traditional outdoor activities.
This release adds to the growing number of workwear and outdoor brand partnerships. The combination addresses demand for footwear that transitions between different environments. Consumers increasingly seek shoes that perform across multiple contexts rather than single-purpose designs.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.