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We’re big fans of animal print sneakers. From faux bear fur to classics like cow print and snake skin, the animal kingdom has given the sneaker industry some of its most creative ideas and opened the door for fun concepts to come alive. In a new collaboration, Chinese fashion label COSTS is bringing an underutilized animal print to a pair of Salomon XT-4, adding bright fish stripes to the trail runner.
The COSTS x Salomon XT-4 starts with a simple base layer, blending grey mesh on the upper with an ocean-blue toe. The side panels are where things get fishy, with multicolored blue-green gradient striping flowing over a white base on the synthetic stability panels. A yellow racing stripe separates the white midsole from the upper, with even more grey mesh on the tongue and grey laces. COSTS branding is featured on the yellow tongue logo and the insoles, which get the same striped fish pattern alongside graphics of the swimming inspiration.
Shenzhen-based COSTS has been a spotlight of the Chinese sneaker industry for years, selling its own label alongside global sneaker and streetwear favorites. COSTS has been a frequent collaborator for brands around the globe, dropping colorways with Vans, Asics, Saucony, Diadora, and a past partnership with Salomon. The XT-4 collab hasn’t been officially announced yet, and we’re not great with the lures, so we can’t identify the exact fish that motivated the colorway, but if you can, please let us know.
The COSTS x Salomon XT-4 will be released sometime in the Fall/Winter 2025 season through COSTS in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the price is still TBD. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
