Summary:
- Salomon partners with Aries on the XT-Whisper shoe, combining vintage running aesthetics with modern technical materials
- The design features leather, suede, metallic foiling, and a reinforced chassis for stability across different terrains
- The collection launches globally on November 18 through ariesarise.com and salomon.com
Salomon has partnered with London-based streetwear brand Aries for a new edition of the XT-Whisper trail shoe. The collaboration draws from running culture of the 1980s and 1990s, pairing vintage aesthetics with contemporary technical construction.
The XT-Whisper sits within Salomon's XT design family. Aries founder Sofia Prantera approached the model by mixing materials from different eras. The upper combines leather and suede with technical fabrics. Metallic foiling and gradient treatments add visual contrast to the construction.
The shoe retains core technical features from Salomon's trail running heritage. A wavy Sensifit application works with the Quicklace system to secure the foot. The reinforced chassis provides stability on varied terrain. These elements maintain the functional foundation of the XT line while Aries adds surface-level design changes.
Prantera founded Aries as a non-gendered luxury streetwear brand. The label operates from London with manufacturing in Italy. Her design approach comes from training at Central Saint Martins and draws from outsider art and graphics. Aries functions beyond clothing as a cultural platform. The brand publishes art books, hosts exhibitions, and works with artists across different fields.
Photographer Rollo Jackson shot the campaign for the collaboration. Jackson documents underground culture through film, photography, and direction. His work for this project shows the shoes in woodland settings at night with water elements. The visual approach frames the product within sport and fashion contexts.
Salomon designs and produces footwear, apparel, and winter sports equipment in the French Alps. The company operates the Annecy Design Center where designers, engineers, and athletes work together. The brand positions itself within mountain sports lifestyle rather than pure performance athletics.
The XT-Whisper collaboration reflects ongoing interest in vintage running silhouettes within streetwear. Brands continue to mine archives from the 1980s and 1990s for design references. Trail running shoes offer chunky proportions and technical details that align with current fashion preferences.
This partnership follows other collaborations between outdoor brands and streetwear labels. These projects allow outdoor companies to reach fashion-focused audiences while streetwear brands access technical expertise and heritage archives. The arrangements benefit both sides through expanded market reach.
The layered construction of the XT-Whisper shows multiple materials and finishes across the upper. This textured approach differs from minimal sneaker designs that dominated previous years. The shoe presents a busy visual profile with contrasting elements throughout the build.
The collection becomes available for purchase on November 18. Both ariesarise.com and salomon.com will stock the collaboration. No pricing information was provided in the announcement.
The partnership brings together two distinct brand identities. Salomon operates within performance and mountain sports. Aries works in luxury streetwear with roots in art and graphics. The collaboration attempts to bridge these positions through a product that references both worlds.
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.