Back to Basics
Salomon XT-4
The Salomon XT-4 didn't start out as a city sneaker. Born on the trail for mountain runners, it eventually conquered the streets without changing its structure. That's the paradox of this silhouette: a high-performance shoe that has transformed into a style piece, worn by gorpcore fans and those who have never set foot on a single track alike. At The Last Step, we offer it in the most sought-after colors and sizes, often sold out in traditional stores.
Salomon XT-4: from alpine trails to urban streets
Salomon is first and foremost a mountain story. Founded in 1947 in Annecy by Georges Salomon and his father François, the brand spent its first decades revolutionizing ski bindings. A world leader in bindings from the early 1970s, it then turned to ski boots, snowboarding, and finally, from the 2000s, trail running. It was during this transition that everything changed.
The XT-4 was initially released in 2012. A trail shoe with enough technology for long outings: Contagrip sole with thick lugs, Skeleton Chassis, dual-density EVA cushioning. Nothing superfluous. In 2023, it was reissued under the name XT-4 OG with the same profile, same technical palette, but this time with the necessary hindsight to be called an "archive silhouette." The reissue came just as gorpcore exploded on social media and Salomon multiplied collaborations with fashion houses. The timing was not innocent.
Design and construction of the Salomon XT-4
What strikes you at first glance about the XT-4 is the stacking of textures. The upper combines an anti-debris mesh—a fine grid that prevents gravel from getting between the foot and the insole—with abrasion-resistant TPU reinforcements. The visual result is dense, almost aggressive, with material overlays that are more reminiscent of technical mountain equipment than classic city sneakers.
Underneath, the full-length Agile Chassis Skeleton ensures stability and works in conjunction with the EnergyCell foam of the drop. The Mud Contagrip outsole, with its wide and deep lugs, offers grip on soft or wet ground—useful on trails, surprisingly effective on wet cobblestones. The XT-4 OG GTX version also incorporates a GORE-TEX membrane, giving it complete waterproofing in rainy weather. Salomon's proprietary Quicklace system pulls tight with a single tug and stores in a dedicated pocket on the tongue.
The color palette plays on two registers: neutral and desaturated versions (off-white, deep black, charcoal gray) for those who want a versatile shoe, and more colorful versions, with green, orange, or blue accents, for outfits where the model clearly becomes the central piece.
How to wear the Salomon XT-4 and what size to choose
The XT-4 generally fits true to size. If you have wide feet or high arches, go up half a size. The Quicklace lacing holds very well, but if you wear thick hiking socks, keep that in mind when choosing your size.
In terms of style, the model easily integrates into gorpcore or techno-utilitarian looks: technical cargo pants with straight leg openings that allow the shoe to be visible, an oversized T-shirt or a light softshell, and you're all set. It also works very well with straight-leg or baggy jeans with a tapered bottom—the contrast between the technical silhouette of the XT-4 and the simplicity of denim is often the highlight of the outfit. Avoid slim cuts or narrow joggers: the wide sole of the XT-4 visually needs space so as not to weigh down the silhouette.
Buy the Salomon XT-4 at The Last Step
The Last Step was founded in Toulouse in 2021 with a simple idea: to bring together in one place models that are impossible to find elsewhere. Since then, the stores in Biarritz and Montpellier have joined the adventure, and the website constantly offers more than 4,000 authenticated references. For the Salomon XT-4, we're talking about colorways that sell out in a few hours upon their official release—pairs you'll find here long after their initial online release, in sizes that really fit.
Each pair is 100% authentic, shipped within 24 to 48 hours from the stores or warehouse. Click and collect is available in the three French stores. Returns are free. And if you have a question about size or model, customer service generally responds quickly on the same day.
What is the difference between the Salomon XT-4 and the Salomon XT-4 OG?
The Salomon XT-4 OG is the "original" version reissued in 2023, faithful to the design of the first release in 2012. It retains the same technical construction (Agile Chassis, Contagrip, Quicklace) but benefits from new color palettes and some material updates. The XT-4 OG GTX adds a GORE-TEX membrane for complete waterproofing in rainy weather.
Is the Salomon XT-4 suitable for city use?
Absolutely. While technically designed for trail running, the XT-4 is now one of the most worn silhouettes in urban environments. The Contagrip sole adapts well to urban surfaces, the dual-density EVA cushioning ensures comfort during long walking days, and the silhouette naturally integrates into technical streetwear codes.
Does the Salomon XT-4 fit true to size?
The model generally fits true to size, but the shape is quite snug. People with wide feet or who wear thick socks would benefit from taking half a size up. If in doubt, The Last Step's customer service can guide you to the correct size according to your foot shape.
Where to buy the Salomon XT-4 in France in the right sizes?
The Last Step offers the most sought-after colorways of the Salomon XT-4, often sold out in major retailers. Delivery within 24/48 hours from France, click and collect available in Toulouse, Biarritz, and Montpellier. All pairs are authenticated before shipping.