First presented in 2013, Salomon XT-6 aims to equipping some of the world's most renowned ultra-trail runners, led by UTBM winners Kílian Jornet and François D'Haene. Benjamin Grenet: Salomon’s chief designer had searched the dusty archives of the French Alpine village of Annecy for inspiration for a light and durable shoe, with a fit that would withstand many hours (sometimes days) of running in extreme conditions. The result was the XT-6, an updated version of the XT-5, XT-4 and the original X-Wings design.

"The XT-6 offers a good compromise between stability, protection and performance, making it the best shoe for ultra-trail running" - François D’Haene 

XT-6 on the front row  

Since its launch, the shoe has slowly but surely found its way into major cities and can today be seen as a functional everyday shoe. The distinctive colours and technical design create an eye-catching pair of shoes. In 2019, the XT-6 gained great influence within several style circles. When the gorp-core trend took off (the gorp-core trend is rooted in a style where outdoor garments and equipment are used daily, often deliberately "misplaced" in big cities).

The functional garments began to spread to more wardrobes and for some, it even went so far that those around could think that the wilderness and the mountains were the destinations for the day, when a cappuccino on the go was in fact on the agenda.

Following the latest trends is not always the most sustainable fashion alternative, but one thing you can give the gorp-core trend is that there's a functional foundation - where clothes, shoes and gear can withstand harsh conditions such as heavy rain, high winds and sleet. The practical properties will be useful for those living in cities where the sun only appears in warm summer.

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Advantages for running

The XT-6's technical properties make the shoe a safe bet for both walking and running. Advantages include:

SensiFit - An external structure in the upper part of the shoe that reinforces a snug fit.
EndoFit - An inner case that surrounds the foot in the correct places and provides an optimal fit.
Agile Chassis - Provides stability and shock absorption along with the EnergyCell midsole.

Other technical details include Mud Contragrip, which provides optimal grip on loose, soft and uneven surfaces, and the "Quicklace" system that allows you to quickly put on - and take off - your shoes.

Why the XT-6?

If you appreciate design, functionality and comfort in a versatile shoe, then the Salomon XT-6 is the optimum choice. The shoe is available in several different colour combinations. For those who appreciate a more minimalist style, it is available in all black and all white. There are also colours for those who like more earthy shades, or for those who want something louder. If you are not ready to swap your derbies or leather sneakers with technical trail shoes for everyday use, you can always go full gorp-core and head out into the wilderness using the shoes solely for that purpose. The XT-6 offers something for everyone.