The worlds of sneakers and motorsport are converging more closely than ever. Salomon is the latest brand to embrace this trend with their newest collaboration. In anticipation of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, Salomon has partnered with fashion’s favorite car dealer, Arthur Kar, to release race-inspired versions of the Speedcross 3 and XT-4.
Drawing from his French heritage and memories of growing up in his parents’ repair shop, Arthur Kar infuses the designs with elements of the legendary endurance race. The two silhouettes pay homage to 90s sports car liveries, featuring colors inspired by the French flag. The Speedcross 3 showcases a gradient upper transitioning from red to purple to navy, complemented by overlays in blue, white, and gold, reminiscent of the vintage racing car logos. The XT-4 presents a contrasting color scheme with a white base adorned by a blue tribal swirl, and a red carbon-fiber-effect cage with gold branding.
Both models honor the Porsche 911 GT1 mobil1, which claimed overall victory in the 1998 Le Mans race—the last race for the GT1—and marked Porsche’s 16th Le Mans win. This nostalgic nod to the golden age of motorsport is sure to resonate with both sneakerheads and car enthusiasts alike.
Design and Inspiration
The design inspiration behind this collaboration is deeply personal for Arthur Kar. Growing up in a family that owned a repair shop, he was immersed in the world of automobiles from a young age. This background, combined with his passion for motorsport, is evident in every detail of the sneakers. The vibrant gradient of the Speedcross 3, transitioning smoothly from red to purple to navy, is a visual representation of the dynamic energy and speed associated with car racing. The overlays, featuring a mix of blue, white, and gold, echo the eclectic mix of logos and sponsorships that are a hallmark of racing liveries.
On the other hand, the XT-4’s design with its white base and blue tribal-style swirl captures the sleek and aggressive aesthetics of race cars. The red carbon-fiber-effect cage adds a touch of modernity and innovation, while the gold branding ties everything together, creating a bold and cohesive look.
A Tribute to Motorsport Heritage
This collaboration is more than just a fashion statement; it is a tribute to the rich heritage of motorsport. The reference to the Porsche 911 GT1 Mobil1 is particularly significant. This car is not only a symbol of engineering excellence but also a part of racing history, having secured Porsche’s 16th Le Mans victory in 1998. By incorporating elements of this iconic vehicle into the sneaker designs, KAR and Salomon are celebrating the legacy of endurance racing and its impact on automotive and sports culture.
Availability and Release Dates
Fans of both fashion and motorsport won’t have to wait long to get their hands on these exclusive sneakers. The KAR x Salomon L’Art De L’Automobile collection will be available from June 14th on LARTKAR.COM. A wider release is scheduled for June 18th on Salomon.com, as well as at select retail stores. This staggered release ensures that fans across the globe have the opportunity to purchase a pair from this unique collection.
In-Store Experience
For those attending Paris Fashion Week, there’s an added bonus. Both pairs from the collection will be showcased at the newly opened Salomon Sportstyle store in The Marais. This store, a recent addition to Paris’s vibrant fashion scene, provides the perfect backdrop for the unveiling of the KAR x Salomon collaboration. Visitors can experience the intricate details of the sneakers up close and appreciate the craftsmanship that has gone into creating these race-ready designs.