Not every automotive sneaker collaboration needs racing stripes and oversized logos. Paris-based L’Art de L’Automobile and Salomon have teamed up on the XT-Quest 2 “Mechanic Walking Shoe,” taking inspiration from the garage rather than the racetrack. Built on Salomon’s rugged hiking silhouette, the sneaker pairs olive-green nubuck with workwear-inspired canvas, a chunky black toe guard, metal lace hooks, and a marbled midsole that looks almost oil-stained. There’s even a subtle nod to the original Volkswagen Golf GTI on the heel, a fitting detail for Arthur Kar’s car-obsessed lifestyle brand. It’s a more understated take on automotive footwear unlike the recent Acura x Vans collab, celebrating the people who work on cars rather than simply those who drive them. The collaboration launches October 28 through L’Art de L’Automobile, followed by a wider release November 2. Whether anyone actually wears these while wrenching is another question.
