If the wilderness had a twin in the city, it would wear the Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX "Concrete Jungle." Gorpcore’s undisputed king, Salomon, has once again proven that hiking shoes aren’t just for summits—they’re for the streets, too. And this time, they’ve partnered with Tokyo's atmos to craft a sneaker that feels as at home on a mountain trail as it does pounding pavement in a metropolis.
The XT-6 has always been a sneaker beloved by both trekkers and trendsetters, a shoe that marries rugged performance with runway-ready style. But with this new “Concrete Jungle” iteration, Salomon and atmos have taken things to a whole new level—like a climber who’s reached the peak, only to find there’s another mountain left to conquer.
A sequel to their previous Stars Collide collaboration, this pair swaps celestial inspiration for the gritty beauty of city life. It’s as if the shoe has descended from the heavens of fashion into the raw, urban jungle where survival takes on a whole new meaning.
What makes the "Concrete Jungle" so captivating? Start with the base—literally. The grippy, traction-hungry sole that hikers swear by has been given an urban edge, like treads leaving their mark on the tough, unforgiving streets. Black splatters across the midsole mimic the speckled wear and tear of concrete, while the upper, awash in shades of gray, evokes the cold, industrial strength of a city skyline. This sneaker doesn’t just walk the streets—it becomes a part of them, blending into the architecture while still standing out in style. It’s the sidewalk’s silent warrior, armored with GORE-TEX for whatever storms lie ahead.
Reflective paneling lines the shoe, as if to say, “I’m ready for the night shift.” Just like the streetlights that guide late-night wanderers, these details shimmer in the dark, ensuring that no matter how deep you venture into the urban jungle, you’re never fully lost.
And while the co-branded atmos and Salomon logos sit proudly on the tongue, the rest of the sneaker maintains its subtlety—like a hunter blending into the wilderness, waiting for its moment to strike.
Of course, this isn’t just a pretty face—underneath its fashionable facade, the XT-6 GORE-TEX is still every bit the rugged trail shoe. It's built for those who, like the shoe itself, straddle two worlds: the untamed outdoors and the urban maze. It’s as ready to tackle the trails as it is to navigate subway steps—proof that even in the city, the wild spirit of adventure remains untamed.
And while an official release date remains under wraps, Hirofumi Kojima, atmos’ creative mastermind, has already sparked flames of anticipation with a sneak peek on Instagram. Fire emojis lit up the comments, echoing the buzz of excitement from fans who are eager to see this urban beast unleashed.
In the end, the "Concrete Jungle" XT-6 isn’t just a shoe—it’s a metaphor for life’s duality. It’s for those who can hike a mountain one day and conquer the city the next, for the adventurers who find beauty in both nature’s serenity and the chaotic pulse of the urban sprawl. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are—whether on top of a peak or deep in the city’s heart—the right pair of shoes can carry you through the wild unknown.
So, ready to step into the "Concrete Jungle?" Keep your eyes peeled for this Japan-exclusive drop later this holiday season. Because in this game of survival, only the strongest—and the most stylish—will thrive.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of koji198139 / Salomon.
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