Carhartt WIP and Salomon reunite on the X-ALP for a second collaboration built around function, durability, and performance. The project centers on shared priorities that guide both brands’ work. Carhartt WIP approaches the partnership from its long-standing position within workwear, where clothing and footwear respond to real use and physical demand. That perspective informs the reworking of the X-ALP, a model associated with technical terrain and controlled movement.
SNEAKERS
The X-ALP Carhartt WIP arrives engineered for varied conditions. The upper relies on robust grainy leather paired with suede overlays, materials selected to support wear across unpredictable environments. These surfaces give the shoe a dense, grounded feel, reinforcing its utilitarian intent. Carhartt WIP’s signature camouflage appears as an accent rather than a dominant graphic, adding texture and recognition without overt display.
The collaboration draws strength from the accumulated design experience behind both brands. Salomon’s technical background informs the structure and performance logic of the X-ALP, while Carhartt WIP brings a measured approach to material choice and finish.
The accompanying campaign extends this disciplined approach into a narrative space. Directed by Bailey Marklew, the visuals unfold in a remote research outpost affected by electromagnetic disturbances and distorted gravitational forces. The setting establishes a tense, isolated environment where a team of researchers attempts to uncover the cause of these anomalies. The atmosphere feels unstable and uncertain, mirroring the shoe’s readiness for demanding terrain. As the campaign progresses, an unseen presence begins to emerge. The figure remains largely imperceptible, revealed only through writhing, thread-like tendrils that move through the frame.
The Carhartt WIP x Salomon X-ALP retails for $160. The pair launches globally on December 18 and will be available through Salomon and Carhartt WIP websites.
