Anniversary drops tend to go heavy on the fanfare—gold embossing, numbered pairs, maybe even a confetti-flecked box. END., to its credit, skipped the gimmicks.
For its 20th year, the British retailer partnered with long-time collaborator Salomon on a limited XT-6 that’s anything but overdesigned. Instead, it’s clever, clean, and just dressed up enough to whisper: this one’s special.
Our editor-in-chief had his hands (and feet) on the END. x Salomon XT-6 ‘Emerald’, and here’s what you need to know: this sneaker is all about restraint—and that’s its power.
Let’s start with the foundation. The XT-6 has been a go-to for ultra-distance runners since 2013, and it’s only become more beloved by the fashion crowd in recent years. The silhouette is utilitarian at heart—Quicklace™ system, TPU and mesh uppers, OrthoLite® sockliner, Contagrip® sole—but this iteration elevates the blueprint with subtle upgrades that bring a refined, almost luxe feel to a performance-driven shoe.
Visually, it’s all about balance. The upper is clad in brushed platinum silver mesh—modern, but never sterile. Then come the deep emerald hits—on the outsole, tongue, and bar tack stitching—that cut through the neutral base like fine jewelry. The contrast is deliberate, smart, and quietly confident. Even the outsole mimics the shimmer of an uncut gem—noticeable, but only if you’re really paying attention.
This is a sneaker that doesn’t need to scream. It just assumes you’re already looking.
Styling-wise? It’s surprisingly versatile. Worn with relaxed denim one day and cargos the next, they held their own with both. There’s a sleekness to the palette that works in nearly any setting—from muddy ridgelines to monochrome city fits.
But what really sets this pair apart isn’t just the look—it’s the story. END. and Salomon didn’t just make a sneaker; they marked a moment. The platinum and emerald tones aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they’re rich in symbolism, nodding to 20-year anniversary traditions with thoughtful intent. Even the campaign, shot on the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, underscores that spirit. No sterile studios, no flashy sets. Just stone, sea, and sky—a tribute to roots, resilience, and the raw beauty of origin.
The takeaway? The XT-6 ‘Emerald’ is everything an anniversary collaboration should be: not a reinvention, but a refinement. A sneaker that honors the past, feels right in the now, and looks sharp enough to carry you into the next decade.
At £165 / €195 / $195, it’s also a surprisingly accessible grail. Offered in unisex sizing, it reinforces the kind of inclusive, effortless cool that END. has always stood for.
Available exclusively at END Clothing in-store and online. Price: £165 / €195 / $195. Unisex sizing.
