Celebrating 20 years of innovation, END. teams up with Salomon for a jewel-inspired take on the XT-6. Honouring traditional anniversary gifts, the sneaker features platinum silver mesh with bold emerald accents on the outsole, tongue, and stitching. A co-branded insole mimics emerald’s rich texture, while Salomon’s quickLACE™ closure ensures the perfect fit. Shot against the dramatic backdrop of Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, this collaboration shows ENDs attention to detail, marking a milestone in END.’s journey. We sat down with Callum Hill (Senior Collaborations Design Manager) for the details.
END. is celebrating its 20th anniversary with this collaboration, how did you approach designing a sneaker that reflects two decades of the brand’s identity?
Designing our first sneaker to mark END.’s 20th anniversary was about more than just aesthetics, it was about storytelling. We wanted to create something that reflected where the brand has come from and where it’s headed. The XT-6 was the perfect canvas for that. It’s a silhouette that embodies both heritage and evolution, just like END. itself. The design takes cues from our connection to both fashion and function, blending premium materials with performance tech to create something that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. Our colour palette was built around 2 of the key gifts linked to the celebration of 20th anniversaries and birthdays, Platinum and Emeralds.
Salomon XT-6 has seen a surge in popularity within the fashion and sneaker space why do you think that is and why did you choose it?
The XT-6 has become a staple in both performance and lifestyle spaces because it’s got that perfect mix of innovation, utility, and design. It’s technical without feeling over-engineered, and that’s exactly why we wanted to work with it again. The sneaker sits at the intersection of outdoor and street fashion, which aligns so well with how END. curates its product and storytelling.
Can you walk us through the design choices, particularly the use of reflective overlays and the marbled outsole?
Every detail was considered to make sure this shoe felt both premium and functional. The metallic overlays are a nod to the XT-6’s performance roots, but they also add this really dynamic element to the design, catching the light and shifting depending on the environment. The marbled outsole was something we were really excited about, it’s unpredictable as every sole is different, no two pairs are exactly the same, which ties into the idea of individuality and organic materials like uncut emeralds. We signed off with END. branded tongue labels and 20th anniversary call out on the tongue taping.
How did you ensure that the sneaker maintains its technical performance while introducing lifestyle-oriented design elements?
The XT-6 is built for endurance and stability, so we had to be really mindful when bringing in lifestyle elements. We worked closely with Salomon to ensure that any material tweaks or aesthetic changes didn’t compromise the shoe’s technical DNA. It’s still the same trail-running powerhouse, just with a fresh perspective that makes it even more wearable in different settings.
Were there any experimental design ideas that didn’t make it into the final version?
There were a few things we experimented with that didn’t make the final cut. We played around with different colour applications, at one point the XT-6 was completely green with all over pattern-work on the mesh panels. But in the end, it was about refining the details rather than overcomplicating the design. The final product is exactly what we envisioned—something that respects the XT-6’s legacy while feeling distinctly END.
What was the most challenging aspect of bringing this design to life?
The XT-6 has such a strong identity already, so it was about adding something fresh without losing what makes it special. Every detail had to feel considered, from the material choices to the way the overlays interact with the light. Making one of the biggest challenges was getting the right texture on the metallic overlays, we eventually went with a brushed finish to give it a rougher look.
How do you see this sneaker being styled, more as a trail-ready performance shoe or a streetwear staple?
I think that’s the beauty of this shoe, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. It’s built for performance, so it can absolutely hold its own on the trails, but it also slots seamlessly into a more fashion-forward rotation. Whether you’re wearing it in the city or out in nature, it works. That’s the balance we wanted to achieve.
What do you hope people take away from this collaboration, beyond just the sneaker itself?
More than anything, I hope people see this collaboration as a celebration of everything END. stands for, thoughtful design, quality, and the crossover of different worlds. It’s about pushing the conversation forward, not just in terms of sneakers but in how we see performance and lifestyle working together.
As a designer, what’s your personal favourite detail in the END. x Salomon XT-6?
I think my favourite detail is something tiny, it’s the small green stitches on the upper below the eyestays, it’s something we only added on the final sample and it just felt like finally we’d nailed it. The tiny little pop of colour just broke up the upper.
END. x Salomon XT-6 ‘Emerald’
Urban Syndicate takes no responsibility for the content on third-party / external websites, and may receive a commission for any purchases made
The END. x Salomon XT-6 celebrates 20 years of END. with a platinum and emerald-inspired design, blending performance and luxury.
