There was a time when you’d spot a pair of Salomon sneakers only at the business end of a mountain trail. The sort of shoe worn by people who own trekking poles and a hydration vest. That’s no longer the case. Somewhere between the rise of Gorpcore and the flattening of men's dress codes, Salomon (or at least a part of it) became a fashion brand – whether it wanted to or not.
That’s not to say it’s forgotten its roots. The French label still makes gear for serious runners and off-piste adventurers. But the styles that now line the shelves of END. and Dover Street Market are the ones designed to move through cities, not scree. Below, a guide to the models shaping this new era – trail shoes that blur the line between performance and polish, grit and gloss.
Table of Contents
- Why did Salomon sneakers go 'fashion'?
- Salomon sneakers: The key models
- How do Salomon sneakers fit?
Why did Salomon sneakers go 'fashion'?
Salomon became fashionable largely by accident – the perfect storm of function, timing and taste. As the Gorpcore trend gathered pace, its trail shoes offered a kind of quiet authority: all weatherproof uppers and serious-looking laces, but without the self-consciousness of big-brand trainers. Collaborations with the likes of Dover Street Market and Margiela gave it cultural capital, while the XT-6 – lean, technical, quietly aggressive – became the shoe of choice for stylists, skaters, and downtown creative directors who wanted utility without posturing. Crucially, Salomon arrived without baggage. No sneakerhead lore, no forced heritage. Just good shoes that looked the part.
Salomon sneakers: The key models
XT-6
This is the one that did it. The sneaker that launched a thousand TikToks. Originally designed as a long-distance trail runner, the XT-6 has become the defining silhouette of Salomon’s lifestyle output – lean, agile, and techy without shouting about it. It’s got the DNA of a mountain shoe (Contragrip outsole, Quicklace system, dual-density EVA cushioning), but wears more like a style piece now. Put simply, if you only buy one pair, this is it.
XT-4
Think of it as the XT-6’s beefier sibling. Slightly more assertive in its proportions, but otherwise cut from the same cloth... or more accurately, the same tightly woven mesh and thermoplastic overlays. The XT-4 reads as a bit more trail-first than the XT-6, which is probably why it’s the go-to for those who want something with a bit more bite.
XT-Whisper
First released in 2009 as a women’s model, the XT-Whisper has re-emerged as one of the most intriguing propositions in Salomon’s Sportstyle portfolio. It retains the signature elements – technical outsole, streamlined last, no-nonsense lacing – but softens the aesthetic with wavy Sensifit panels and a more fluid, feminine profile. Where the XT-6 is all jagged edges and speed, the Whisper feels slower, softer, more considered. A sneaker that looks as if it’s been art-directed, rather than engineered.
ACS Pro
If the XT-6 is Salomon’s hit single, the ACS Pro is the cult B-side. A reissue of a mid-2000s design, it’s chunkier, more experimental, and arguably more fun to style. It’s also runner up the the XT-6 as the one that’s most likely to appear in a collaboration – DSM, Margiela, and Jah Jah have all had a go. Built around the Advanced Chassis System (hence the name), the ACS Pro has a slightly retro, Y2K flavour, but feels very now.
XT-6 GORE-TEX
Same shoe, but waterproof. And suddenly, the XT-6 becomes a winter staple – more practical than a loafer, more city-appropriate than a hiking boot, and still a breeze to style.
XT-Wings 2
A lesser-known gem from the Salomon archive, the XT-Wings 2 sits quietly in the background doing everything the XT-6 does, but at a slightly lower price point. There’s a touch less hype, but arguably more charm – especially if you enjoy digging through second-tier silhouettes before they hit saturation point.
X-Alp Suede
If the XT-6 is a trail runner in disguise, the X-Alp is a proper approach shoe. Suede uppers and climbing-inspired detailing give it a more luxurious look than its synthetic siblings, but don’t let that fool you – it’s still a serious piece of outdoor kit, just dressed up a bit. The sort of shoe that could anchor a pair of wide-leg pleated trousers and still feel plausible.
XT-Slate
Salomon’s newest and most outdoorsy lifestyle crossover. The Slate builds on the XT template but adds a rocky, geologic design language and a bit more structure through the midsole. It’s lightweight, breathable, and extremely stable – whether you’re navigating a damp hiking trail or a Soho pavement slick with oat milk. One of the more technical-looking styles in the current lineup, but still wearable with cargos and a heavyweight hoodie.
How do Salomon sneakers fit?
Salomon sneakers generally fit true to size – but with a slightly performance-orientated feel. They’re snug through the midfoot, supportive at the heel, and fairly narrow across the toe box. That’s because they’re built first and foremost for function, not fashion. The Quicklace system adds to that precision, offering a locked-in fit that’s great for stability – but can feel tight if you’re used to looser, more lifestyle-focused trainers. If you have wide feet, you might want to go half a size up – especially in models like the XT-6 or ACS Pro. Otherwise, stick to your usual size and let the cushioning do its job.
For more detail, check out our Salomon size guide.
