The 5 Most Unexpected Salomon Comme Des Garçons Collaborations And The Ultra-Rare 2025 Release
The Salomon Comme des Garçons collaboration has fundamentally redefined the "gorpcore" trend, transforming high-performance trail footwear into a staple of high-fashion runways and urban street style. Starting with their first drop in October 2020, this partnership between the French outdoor engineering powerhouse, Salomon, and Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde Japanese fashion house, Comme des Garçons (CDG), has consistently delivered some of the most sought-after and visually arresting sneakers in the market, blending technical function with an unconventional, often provocative, design philosophy. As of December 24, 2025, the collaboration continues to push boundaries, with new and highly anticipated models confirmed for the upcoming year.
This dynamic partnership is not just about slapping a logo on a shoe; it’s a methodical, seasonal exercise in deconstruction and elevation. CDG takes Salomon’s rugged, performance-focused DNA—the Quicklace system, the Contagrip® rubber sole, and the protective chassis—and dramatically alters the silhouette, most famously through the addition of exaggerated, towering platform soles. The result is a footwear line that is both a functional piece of hiking gear and a runway-ready statement, making each release an instant collector’s item that commands premium prices on the resale market.
The Evolution of Avant-Garde Performance: A Chronology of CDG x Salomon Models
The collaboration’s history is a masterclass in progressive design, moving from subtle, monochrome updates to bold, structural overhauls. Each model selected from the vast Salomon archive has been treated with a unique CDG twist, primarily focusing on monochromatic colorways (Triple Black or All-White) or, more recently, complex, multi-color prints that defy traditional sneaker aesthetics. This list details the most significant and structurally unique models released since the partnership began.
- Partnership Commencement: First revealed in October 2020, with the official launch shortly after.
- Core Design Philosophy: Fusing Salomon’s engineered design approach with CDG’s unconventional point of view, often resulting in an elevated silhouette.
- Key Collaborators/Entities: Rei Kawakubo (Founder of CDG), Dover Street Market (primary retailer), Salomon (French sports brand).
1. The Foundation: XA Alpine and Cross (FW2021)
The earliest drops set the stage by focusing on Salomon’s most aggressive trail models. The XA Alpine and the Cross were given monochrome makeovers, updating these seasonal, technical shoes with tonal shades of black and white. This initial phase was less about dramatic structural changes and more about introducing a clean, high-fashion aesthetic to the aggressive, protective hiking DNA of the shoes. The XA Alpine, in particular, with its high-cut design and protective gaiter, became an immediate favorite among fashion insiders.
2. The Game-Changer: Pulsar Platform and SR90 (FW2022)
The collaboration took a dramatic, structural turn in the Fall/Winter 2022 collection with the introduction of the Pulsar Platform and the SR90. The Pulsar, a lightweight trail running shoe, was transformed into a stunning fusion of high fashion and performance with a dramatically elevated platform sole—hence the name, *Pulsar Platform*. These models often featured a laceless, slip-on style, emphasizing CDG’s desire for a minimal yet impactful look. The Triple Black and All-White colorways of the Pulsar Platform became instant icons, symbolizing the peak of the platform sneaker trend.
3. The Iconic Update: XT-6 Expanse Platform (2024)
The Salomon XT-6 was already the brand’s most recognizable "it" sneaker, celebrated for its durability and technical excellence, featuring the signature Quicklace system and Agile Chassis System. For the October 2024 release, CDG reunited with Salomon to rework the XT-6, retrofitting it with an elevated platform sole, officially calling it the XT-6 Expanse Platform. This model took the beloved trail runner silhouette and gave it a compelling, fashion-forward proposition, often retailing around US$360. The platform sole maintained the shoe’s technical integrity while pushing it firmly into the luxury sneaker category.
4. The Sensory Spectacle: SR811 Platform (SS24)
Perhaps the most visually audacious model to date, the SR811 Platform was first showcased as part of CDG’s Spring/Summer 2024 women's presentation. This model is a true sensory spectacle, combining Salomon’s sporty DNA with CDG’s runway-ready flair. The SR811 features a substantial platform sole (with a heel height of approximately 6cm) and a complex design that includes geometric-pattern prints and metal eyelet detailing. The most exclusive version, the Multi-Color SR811 Platform, was noted for its striking visual complexity and a luxury price tag of up to $1545 USD, solidifying its status as a high-fashion collectible. It also utilizes the reliable Contagrip® rubber sole for functional traction, despite its avant-garde height.
5. The Ultra-Rare Future: Phantasm Platform (2025)
The collaboration shows no signs of slowing down its momentum into the future. The most recent and highly anticipated model is the Salomon x Comme des Garçons Phantasm Platform 'Black'. This model, with a potential release date as early as February 21, 2025, is set to be the next major structural evolution in the partnership. While specific details on the Phantasm’s design are still emerging, the "Platform" designation confirms the continuation of the elevated silhouette trend, taking the Phantasm—a shoe typically associated with high-speed road running—and injecting it with CDG's signature deconstructed luxury. This upcoming release ensures that the CDG x Salomon partnership remains at the forefront of the high-fashion trail runner movement, continually blending technical fabric with an uncompromising avant-garde vision.
The Unconventional Design Philosophy: Why CDG Elevates Salomon's Trail Runners
The enduring success of the CDG x Salomon line lies in its ability to challenge the conventional boundaries of footwear. Rei Kawakubo’s approach to design is inherently rebellious and anti-establishment, and applying this ethos to a highly functional, utilitarian brand like Salomon creates a powerful juxtaposition. The platform sole is the key entity in this narrative.
By adding a massive, often monochrome, platform to a technically sound shoe, CDG transforms the wearer’s relationship with the ground. It’s a deliberate move away from the shoe’s original purpose of agility and speed, replacing it with a focus on conceptual form and an exaggerated, powerful stance. This platform not only elevates the wearer but also elevates the shoe’s status from a piece of athletic equipment to a piece of wearable art. Retailers like Dover Street Market (DSMNY) and La Garconne consistently showcase these drops alongside curated CDG lines, cementing their position in the luxury sphere.
The collaboration also frequently introduces unexpected materials, such as stretchy technical fabric and leather overlays, ensuring the shoes feel more luxurious than their performance counterparts. From the Platform Mary Jane style to the aggressive lines of the SR90, every element is a calculated push against the norm. The result is a shoe that resonates with those who appreciate both the meticulous engineering of a trail runner and the fearless, experimental spirit of avant-garde fashion.
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