Stylish, Comfortable, and a Must-Have for 2025
I may own a lot of great shoes on the market, but I love telling you what the best of the best are—especially when it comes to comfort (and style, obviously). So gather ’round, dear readers, because I have something to tell you: You need a pair of Salomon sneakers.
Before the French sports brand became known for its hype-worthy footwear, it started as a company creating gear for the skiing and hiking communities. And while Salomon has become a household name for performance ski, running, and outdoor gear, it’s quickly become a staple among fashion lovers with its “sportstyle” line—a collection of trendy sneakers meant for the moments when you aren’t making your way down a mountain.
You’ve likely seen a pair of Salomons before—the gorp-forward shoes have become favorites among city dwellers and celebrities alike (a pregnant Rihanna wore a pair from the MM6 Maison Margiela collaboration during her 2023 Super Bowl halftime show!). And now, with collaborations with fashion brands like Sandy Liang and campaigns featuring It girls like Laila Gohar and her sisters, it’s as clear as day that Salomons are your next must-have brand to have at the top of your list.
An image from the Salomon x Sandy Liang’s latest campaign.
A shot from the Salomon XT-Whisper campaign feature the Gohar sisters.
It took me a minute to get on board the Salomon train, and then I acquired the ever-popular XT-6 ahead of a personal trip to Europe (hello, walking). Admittedly, Salomon’s signature Quicklace system takes a minute to adjust to, but rest assured: It’s as easy as it sounds. All you have to do is tighten the laces to your comfort and slide down the buckle; after that, roll up the excess slack and tuck everything underneath the pocket on the tongue. That’s the most complicated part of the shoe—but after that, you never have to worry about your ultra-cool sneakers getting loose or untied. And that, my friends, is priceless.
I fell in love with these shoes after a day, to the point where I wondered why I hadn’t gotten myself a pair sooner. I love the way they hug my nearly flat feet, and it’s not so cushy that it feels like I’m swaddled in foam. They’re also just sleek enough to work perfectly under my looser, more relaxed jeans.
The editor wearing the XT-6 sneakers.
Next up on my list was the XT-Whisper. This might be the buzziest of Salomon’s sportstyle silhouettes at the moment. Its latest Sandy Liang launch featured a pink-ified version of what I’m dubbing the brand’s take on the dad shoe. This is no exaggeration: These are the sneakers made me forget about any others. Available in a number of colorways, the XT-Whisper has become my go-to option. I’ll slip these on when I’m running a quick errand, jumping on a plane, or even heading to the office.
The third style I opted to try was the XT-4 OG. This silhouette feels a little more futuristic in aesthetics, but it’s also one of the most iconic styles the brand has to offer, with a design that feels both technical and visually pleasing. These felt like the most “streetwear-ready” style, given that it’s just a little chunkier than the others, but I felt they were equally great for my routines.
I am, without a doubt, a Salomon evangelist—and honestly, it’s not hard to be. The colorways are intriguing enough to catch the eyes of nearly anyone (including my therapist, who added the XT-Whispers to her wish list after seeing mine), as well as my fashion-curious friends. On top of that, the fit and comfort feel unmatched. So, I just have one question for you: If you don’t already have a pair…what are you doing?!