We Would Love This Unreleased Carpet Company x Salomon XT-Whisper Colorway To Drop in the Future

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When Baltimore-based skate imprint Carpet Company announced its highly anticipated collaboration with Salomon, the sneaker world immediately took notice. The resulting XT‑Whisper Void “Habibi Express” perfectly encapsulated founders Ayman and Osama Abdeldayem’s DIY ethos, merging Salomon’s rugged, trail-ready heritage with Carpet Company’s playful, skate-driven appeal.

Leading up to the reveal, the brand dropped a series of conceptual Instagram reels that captured their distinctly irreverent vibe. Tinged with retro-nostalgia and offbeat humor, the narrative centered around a custom, red-horned minivan – the physical embodiment of the “Habibi Express” – decked out with Salomon’s logo alongside Carpet Company’s recognizable star-shaped motif. This gradually culminated in the grand unveiling of the campaign visuals, showcasing a sneaker that heavily echoed the custom vehicle: a bold vermillion exterior topped with a warm gold iridescent shimmer, anchored by a black mesh base, and tied together with hits of blue, yellow and metallic silver across various sections of the shoe.

Almost a week later, Carpet Company co-founder Osama Abdeldayem revealed an unreleased, alternate colorway of the collaborative sneaker on his personal Instagram account. While Abdeldayem’s caption explicitly noted that this predominantly white version “didn’t make the cut,” the community response has left many wondering: could this discarded sample eventually see the light of day?

This unreleased sample of the “Habibi Express” sneaker appears alongside the official version and offers a brighter, cleaner take on the design. Instead of the original’s bold red color scheme, this sample features a crisp, iridescent white upper, making it feel more versatile while still keeping the shoe’s playful energy. Like the released version, it has a black mesh base under the iridescent layers, which adds depth and helps keep feet cool. Bright red details on the Salomon logo, lace loops, and sole give the shoe a vibrant look.

In the world of streetwear today, what people say really matters. When Osama shared his designs, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with sneaker and skate fans quickly voicing their preference for the white and red version. Unlike larger brands that plan things far in advance, smaller companies like Carpet Company can move quickly. If fans clearly want something, these companies are often able to deliver for their dedicated followers.

To predict the future of this white and red XT-Whisper Void, we have to look at Carpet Company’s historical playbook. The Abdeldayem brothers are notorious for their unconventional release strategies and deep appreciation for their core community. When they released their legendary Nike SB Dunk High in 2021, the duo didn’t just stop at the retail pair. They produced wildly limited Friends & Family (F&F) versions, special boxes and surprise shock drops at their Baltimore storefront. They have a well-documented habit of creating ultra-rare samples and eventually distributing them to the people who support them the most—whether through hidden website drops, local pop-ups, or intricate scavenger hunts.

Further stoking the demand for this white alternative is the reality of the initial “Habibi Express” release. Dropped with strict exclusivity and in highly limited quantities, the vermillion pair sold out almost instantly, leaving a massive portion of the fanbase empty-handed. This scarcity has only amplified the community’s hunger. Those who missed out on the official launch are now redirecting their hopes toward this unreleased sample, fueling an even louder push for a second chance to own a piece of the collaboration.

 

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A post shared by Osama Abdeldayem (@0samalama)

Currently, the company is officially calling this just a sample. However, the fact that Abdeldayem shared it publicly suggests it’s more than that and they’re considering its potential. It’s unclear whether this item will be released to the public widely, sold in very limited quantities online, or remain a rare item for a select group. Regardless, Carpet Company pays close attention to what its fans want and is heavily influenced by their dedicated community. While the brand usually releases very limited, seasonal items, they sometimes bring back popular products – like t-shirts, hoodies, or skate decks – if they receive a lot of positive feedback or are resold at high prices. They’ll either re-release the original item or create a slightly updated version to satisfy those who missed out.

This white version is a Salomon collaboration, so it takes a lot of time and effort to produce. Unless it’s a limited release they’re planning to reveal later, it seems unlikely we’ll see it. However, if enough people show interest, Carpet Company might consider making it available.

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2026-05-22 16:26