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
Carpet Company is running things in the Baltimore skate scene. Between the brand’s newly minted retail store and its C-Star-branded warehouse that can be seen from passing Amtrak cars, it's hard to push around Charm City without encountering the brand in some form or fashion. On the streets, Carpet’s imported red 1995 Honda Acty Street Van with devil horns, aka the Habibi Express, can be seen careening through the city on important business.
The Habibi Express served as inspiration for Carpet’s latest sneaker collab, a Salomon XT-Whisper Void. On Salomon’s second skate industry collab, the Carpet pair features a red upper just like the van, with black on the backing mesh and midsole for the tires, yellow on the outsole, and blue on the sockliner. A gradient blend of blue, green, and yellow is added to the tongue stabilizer, and a C-Star logo hit pops off the lateral toe. Only 1,720 pairs of the shoe were made as a shoutout to the brand’s warehouse address at 1720 Llewelyn Ave, where the Habibi Express is parked.
“Working with [Carpet founders] Ayman and Osama brings a fresh perspective to the product we know so well, encouraging us to explore new ideas while reinforcing the spirit that defines Salomon,” George Egan, Salomon’s North America Sportstyle Director of Merchandising. “As with all of our collaborations, it’s rooted in an authentic connection and a strong narrative that allows our brand to engage with the consumer in a meaningful way. This partnership embodies that commitment to pushing boundaries while staying grounded in Salomon’s community and culture.”
The Carpet Carpet Company x Salomon XT-Whisper Void Habibi Express will be released May 16, 2026, through Carpet Company’s Baltimore retail location, followed by a Carpet Co. online drop the following day, and finally, a global release through Salomon on May 21, 2026. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is still TBD. For all the latest Salomon collab news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.
