Author: Jake Archer

Sneaker collaborations aren’t anything new. In-fact, they’ve been around for decades and often symbolise the more sought sneakers when it comes to collectors. Most of the time, it signals a coming together between a brand and a fan favourite persona. Other times though, we’ll get occasions whereby two brands come together. This can often bring two different sorts of markets together. If it’s not the latest rapper or athlete who is taking their relevant fields by storm, sportswear brands often or not team up with the giants within streetwear. You only have to look at the Nike Supreme collaborations or Palace with their New Balance efforts of even the likes of Salomon over recent years. 

Sometimes though, polar opposites come together to create a standout moment and usually this involves sportswear brands and high end fashion designers. 

From Gucci and adidas, Converse and Maison Margiela or even Nike and Louis Vuitton. Throughout the years these collaborations have become elusive beasts within the world of sneakers. They have the power to create such a juxtaposition that they can stop the sneaker world in its tracks and creates a sense of excitement. 

With Paris fashion week kicking off this week, we take a look back at some of our favourite collaborations to date…

Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1

When it comes to the Nike Air Force 1, it’s steeped in so much history that we don’t think we need to tell you about its beginnings. Since that debut in 1982 however, the silhouette has often been the base for many special iterations from both Nike themselves and collaborative partners. 

Back in June 2021 though, a collection of Air Force 1’s made their way down a runway at Paris Fashion Week. That show was of course Louis Vuitton. Conceived by the create mind of the late Virgil Abloh who brought the pair together with his close ties to the Swoosh and his Creative Director role he held at Louis Vuitton at the time it was a masterclass of the pairing. A silhouette made for the court but taken by storm on the streets, these pairs were handcrafted with the finest materials in Italy. With a showcasing of 47 different variants and an exhibition for the pairs, only 9 made it to retail and even then, you had to be a special customer to be able to acquire a pair.

Converse x Maison Margiela 

An original within the world of sneakers Converse entered the world of high end fashion collaborations with one of the most illusive and secretive within the game, Maison Margiela. Founded back in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela and Jenny Meirens, the French luxury brand became known for their use of white paint. Perhaps an odd thing to be known for but since has become synonymous with the brand. When moving into their headquarters the duo collected furniture to furnish the building but wanted a sense of cohesion and decided that every single thing would be painted with white emulsion. 

“There are two reasons for white – one practical, one conceptual”. 

Known for its matte finish and impossible nature to clean, any wear and tear becomes a story telling piece and it was this concept that became the foundation for this coming together. With a Chuck Taylor High and Low receiving the MM treating, both were coated in a thick layer or white paint. With multiple colours hidden underneath the paint, once worn the story telling would start with cracking and peeling to reveal a colour.

Loewe x ON

One of the more recent collaborations, Loewe x ON is one of those duos that just makes perfect sense. Having only been founded in 2010, ON have been taking the sports world by storm. With their modern and frankly eye-catching technology it’s been a brand on the rise. Over the last couple of years, its become a want from brands to collaborate with them and create a juxtaposition of concepts. However, this doesn’t always need to be the case.

This is to be said with their collaboration with Loewe. With JW Andersons Jonathan Anderson now at the helm, this collaboration was a synergy of approaches. Things started out with a colourful array of Cloudventures. Again, fitting in with Loewe’s experimental approach to colours, this caused quite the stir within the fashion world and became an alternative to a designers own take on sneakers. This however was just the beginning. Returning in late ’23, early ’24 the pair developed the CloudTilt which turned out to be a more bespoke offering. This follows in the same footsteps of a rainbow of colours but also introduced the brands latest tech ‘CloudTec Phase’.

Dior x Air Jordan 1 High OG

Prior to Nike and their venture with Louis Vuitton, It was Jordan brand to create a storm within the world of sportswear and high end fashion collaborations. Making its debut back in December 2020 at the Dior Mens Miami show with Kim Jones, the collaboration became known as ‘Air Dior’. It was a symbol of two iconic logos merging and it’s safe to say, the sneaker world went crazy. It was all perfect timing. The Air Jordan 1 high has always been an icon and a must have but over the last few years thanks to an influx of desirable launches, it was a must have. This was always going to be a win win.

Jil Sander x PUMA

These days designer collaborations have cemented their place within the mainstream market, merging high-fashion and sportswear as one entity. However, how did it all begin? Believe it or not, PUMA was the first brand to introduce this concept to the wider market. In 1998, PUMA led the charge partnering with fellow german designer Jil Sander to elevate and rework their already well established PUMA King Football boot – famously worn by footballing legend Pelé. In an interview with I-D magazine Jil Sander mentioned how the shoe is her interpretation of a casual sneaker constructed in a high-class way.

Gucci x adidas

Having first teamed up in 2022, adidas and Gucci are becoming frequent collaborators and in ’23 continued this partnership with another helping of graphical designs. A landmark launch, this collaboration brought two power houses from their own respective sectors together to celebrate design and innovation. Tapping into their archive, the bring together a sense of heritage and prestige to a sportswear focussed offering to capture the minds of both the fashionistas and sneakerhead.

Junya Watanabe x Nike

When you search for Nike’s first collaboration, you get a multitude of answers. Most highlight Michael Jordan as their first, others would say early player PEs or even SMUs such as the 1994 Nike GTS produced for the Seinfeld show. From our strenuous digging through the internet trying to find Nikes first true retailed brand collaboration, we landed on this, the Junya Watanabe x Nike Zoom Haven. Released in 1999, this was the world’s first introduction into what we now know as the modern CDG collaboration. This collaboration not only sold well, but also helped push the Nike Zoom Haven’s popularity within the wider market. 

To kick start our Frequent Players franchise in ’24, we travel from Birmingham to Copenhagen with Bayden. Having grown up within a family who constantly had on the likes of Reggae, Soul and Rock but the current sound on his estate being Grime and Jungle it meant we’re in for a real journey of genres for our latest mix.

We sit down with Bayden to learn more about his move to Copenhagen, the music scene out there and how those influences have helped him on his journey within the world of music.

Footpatrol: Hey Chad, hope you’re well and your christmas + new year has been chilled. We’re looking forward to kicking off the year with you and I’m personally excited it’s with someone so close to home.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what it is you do?  

CB: All good thanks, family time at Christmas is always special. I’m looking forward to ‘24 and this is a great place to start, appreciate the opportunity! So, I’m born and raised in Birmingham, lived some time in Manchester and then moved to Copenhagen. At the moment, I’m a DJ and work in events and projects. 

FP: Why the move to Copenhagen?

CB: Truthfully, I just wanted to experience living outside of the UK but didn’t necessarily want to take that carefree traveler route! I was finishing up my Bachelor’s degree in Manchester and applied for a Master’s in Copenhagen and that was that, it gave the move a purpose.

FP: And how was the transition? You’ve been there a while now? 

CB: Yep, 7 years. It was actually pretty smooth, it helped to have that grounding as a student but I always had aspirations to get involved and explore the subcultural scenes of the city. 

I’ve met some good people and made great friends through shared interest in music, culture etc. It’s essential to have a strong network!

FP: Where does the interest in DJing start? And what have been your past and present influences?

CB: I come from a household that always had music playing and grew up listening to Reggae, Dancehall, Soul & Rock through my family. But being raised on a council estate, the sound at the time was Grime, Garage, Jungle etc. That blend of influences will never leave me, I love the pirate radio sound and looking to the past for music. By the time I actually stepped to the decks though, I was into House, Disco, Modern Soul & Boogie records. Recently, I guess I’ve been banging Hip Hop, RnB, Afrobeats, Amapiano & UK club stuff  so… Yeah, it fluctuates a lot. I just love tunes. 

FP: You’ve frequented Balamii, NTS, and other community channels, can you tell us about your connection to the channels and their importance in pushing music from around the world?

CB: Authenticity. That’s what it’s about for me. This kind of radio is so great as it champions authentic music, sounds and real people. It connects the dots within a local community and extends that across the world. There is so much amazing music out there. Personally, I just love the freedom and formless nature of doing radio, you can really experiment and just play what you feel without the pressure of keeping a dance floor moving. 

FP: Can you also tell us about VIM and elaborate on just what is the ‘VIBESCAPE’

CB: VIM = Energy. The VIBESCAPE is found in the tensions of cultural heritage and diaspora futures. It’s that continuum of energy that stems from pre-colonial Africa through to the current day and beyond. It’s about exploring, celebrating and championing creativity, music, dance and big positive vibes and again, energy! 

We’ve been putting on parties and events with this foundation in mind for a couple of years now and the support and love from our community has been amazing. Huge thanks and love to them and of course to Kai and Edem, we’re a strong team and good friends!

FP: How does DJing in Copenhagen compare to the UK? On the face of it and when we’ve previously visited, Copenhagen seems a lot more laid back and relaxed. Is there a big nightlife scene?

CB: This is actually mad but I’ve never actually played physically in the UK. But generally, the UK has a long history of respect and reverence for club music and DJ culture and it’s embedded into the culture. Copenhagen, not so much, it’s a much more homogenous place and the scene is naturally a lot smaller. Though there is definitely a nicely bubbling nightlife scene which is growing for sure. Dane’s love to let loose. 

FP: Often the connection between music and sneakers is tightly knitted, whether its origin story of Air Force in NYC or the constant dispute between which UK city ‘owns’ the 110.

How does Copenhagen compare to other cities in this regard? Does the ‘sneakerhead’ exist? 

CB: The sneakerhead definitely does exist out here, there’s a lot of enthusiasts. It’s a little more of a trend-based model though I find. Once a trainer is hot out there you cannot move for it but you’ll find them discarded at flea markets by the next year. Birmingham owns 110’s by the way haha. 

FP: Do you have any scheduled shows or upcoming mixes people can keep an eye out for? 

CB: You know what, I’ve had a bit of a break from radio but I really enjoyed doing the Frequent Players mix in a similar style. I’m enthused to get back on radio so keep an ear out! Also, keep an eye on VIM @vim.1.25 as there’s a lot to come this year!

FP: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Chad, we wish you all the best in 2024 and if there are any shoutouts or words of wisdom to bestow on readers for 2024 then the floor is yours. 

CB: Appreciate it. _____ TBC

To celebrate the launch of the latest Eames x Reebok collection, we headed down to well known mid century furniture store 2&4 Vintage. A treasure trove of delights, we sat down with owner Maurice to learn more about the shop, the unique criteria of product they deal in and of course, a closer look at the latest Eames x Reebok collection.

Shop the Eames x Reebok collection online at Footpatrol here.

FP: Hey Maurice, hope you’re well, thank you for letting us come down and work with you on the latest EAMES x Reebok Collection. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what it is you do?  

Maurice: We specialise in the curation & restoration of mid-century furniture & lighting. Mostly items from the 1960’s, 70’s & 80’s. Scandinavian & British modernist items are a staple for the shop.

FP: How did 2&4 Vintage come to be? 

Maurice: 2&4 Vintage have evolved from a background in furniture & interior accessories design and production during the late 90’s & early 00’s. A dissolution with mass production & disposable culture led to re-visiting past history of modernist design & hence 2&4 Vintage furniture began. 

FP: With 2&4 offering a constantly evolving range of iconic Scandinavian and British design, what are some of your favourite styles to date? And why do you think these styles are showing permanent relevance and appeal, as opposed to a passing trend?

Maurice: The standout features of mid-century style is how ergonomically correct they are for todays modern living. Furthermore, the build quality is something that modern production often doesn’t have. Obviously, most, if not all, of the timbers used are not available on the market today. Timbers like rosewood, afromosa and burmese teak are rainforest protected, so it is very important that the furniture made from these materials are brought back to life by restoration, and kept for the next generation.  

FP: Are there any patterns in what you see being bought or even sold at the moment? A particular chair? Light? table?

Maurice: This year we have seen a younger informed shopper buying items, aware of the history of the product, conscience of sustainability & also understanding the timeless quality of these items.

FP: Now, we know that there is also a restoration service. Is it a case of no job is to big, or do you thrive off the challenges that may come with repairing such intricate and delicate designs?

Maurice: The restoration is dedicated to our own inhouse carefully selected items. It’s very rewarding to see design classics restored, and brought back to their original state. 

FP: Do you have any current favourite designers that have adopted that mid-century style? 

Maurice: I’m aware that there are modern designers that are influenced by mid-century style, but for me they never match the elegance of the originals. 

FP: How often do you see EAMES coming in and out of the shop? And have you done any recent restorations on their products? 

Maurice: Eames designs are obviously classics, and fit perfectly into the shop mix of Scandinavian wood based items. We don’t see Eames items as often as we like.

FP:  What are some of your favourite EAMES pieces?

Maurice: The original Herman Miller designs are the favourite.

FP: Can you give us any do’s and don’ts when it comes to handling and restoring not only EAMES items but infact any from a similar period? 

Maurice: It’s very important to do your research into techniques, as each item has its own requirements, and authenticity is upmost in all restoration.

FP: We know you also host events and exclusive showcases like the recent John McLusky James Bond exhibit. Can you tell us more about what might be planned for 2024? 

Maurice: The first showcase of the year will be at the end of January with a series of ten one-off chairs. Details to be announced on Instagram. 

FP: Well, again thank you for letting us come and talk with you, and if there are any shoutouts or words of wisdom for people perhaps looking to get into restoration or even thinking of opening a store themselves? 

Maurice: You should have a passion for and understanding of the product you sell.

In terms of innovation, the running world has seen it all. Over the years the gap between brands has become smaller and smaller. Designers are now examining running shoes the same way a scientist builds a rocket ship. Extracting the absolute most, from the absolute minimum. What we now know as ‘super shoes’, each brand are constantly exploring and developing ways in which to help propel their athletes to the top of the leader boards.

This boundary pushing obsession has always been prevalent within running. Starting with lower profile, lightweight runners such as the Nike Daybreak worn by Joan Benoit Samuelson in 1984 or the Nike Zoom Streak Ekiden worn by Paula Radcliff in 2002. In 2017 though, things began to change. The 2 hour marathon was in the eyesights of Nike and INEOS. An elusive time never before thought to be achievable. This was of course the ‘Breaking 2’ project. 

With one eye looking back 63 years into the past, when the famed Sir Roger Bannister ran the first sub-four-minute mile, and the other focused on this new phenomenon. It led running giants Nike, into a whole new world of super shoes. One which made every other running brand take note. Though the barrier wasn’t broke (all be it by only 25 seconds), it showed the possible, may in fact be possible. 

Fast forward to 2023 however and the carbon plated super shoe is now a normality within all major performance brands. Nike with their NEXT% line, adidas with the Pro Evo 1 and now brands such as ON, HOKA, Mizuno and Saucony have entered the game. 

So, why are they called super shoes we hear you ask. This comes down to the technology housed within each shoe. Each with similar concepts in-terms of tech but each doing it in their own unique way. All in aid of pushing the boundaries of possible. It sure has made sure the racing regulators are doing their jobs! 

Super shoes tend to be composed of three key design components. Although the specifics between each brand varry, the overall template stays the same: 

Highly reactive midsole foams : Giving greater energy return and additional cushioning reducing strain to the joints. Most brands utilising PEBAX foams. 

Carbon fiber plate : Offering a greater energy return within each stride, propelling the athlete that little bit more than the standard running shoe can offer.

Rocker type design : Reducing the amount of flexion within the ankle joint, creating a better stride pattern for the athlete as well as conservering more energy. Encouraging the wearer to land more so on their forefoot than anywhere else. 

Here are some technological variants between some brands: the Nike Alphafly has been known to feature additional Air units, adizero Adios Pro utilises carbon rods (rather than a carbon plate) to replicate the metatarsals in the foot, whilst Saucony uses their Speedroll technology as their ‘rocker’ mechanism. 

The list could go on! 

Although the giants continue to battle it out for this year’s elusive top spot, it’s evident that everyone wants a slice of the pie. adidas athlete Tigst Assefa stormed through Berlin in a pair of Adizero Adios Evo Pro 1’s with an incredible women’s world record of 2:11:53, only for Kevin Kiptum two weeks later to do the same in Chicago in Nike’s unreleased Alphafly 3, dominating the course with a new men’s world record of 2:00:35. 

Check out our running offering in-store and online here.

As well as on the center stage though, these super shoes are becoming more and more available to the everyday runner. With the most extreme versions hitting the online stores to be purchased but also filtered down versions to make products available to all types of runners and all types of runs. 

Make sure to stay locked to our social channels for updates on the launch of the Nike NEXT% Alphafly 3, coming soon to Footpatrol!

We recently had the pleasure of visiting The Design Museum to take a closer look at the transformative trajectory of skateboard innovation, progression, ingenuity, and community. 

SKATEBOARD showcases the riveting journey of skateboard design from its grassroots origins in the 1950s to its cutting-edge present-day evolution. This pioneering exhibition, curated by author and designer Jonathan Olivares, delves into the intricate narrative of skateboard design, marking the first-ever comprehensive exploration of its kind in the UK, developed in collaboration with Converse. From its rudimentary inception as DIY creations to the contemporary realm of professional, technologically advanced models.

With a stunning display of rare and distinctive skateboards, alongside a diverse array of objects, encompassing wheels, trucks, unusual safety gear, archival photography and video on VHS tapes, and magazines, the exhibition becomes a fascinating story of the sport’s technical advancements and its ever-evolving societal embrace.

SKATEBOARD hosts an eclectic spectrum of contemporary boards interwoven with relics from skate boarding’s origins, featuring iconic pieces such as Tony Hawk’s inaugural professional skateboard. Venture through the narrative of how skateboarders have reshaped sidewalks, swimming pools, and skate parks, crafting boards that complement their skill, style, and environments.

The exhibition also features a skateboard ramp, providing skaters with a unique chance to skate within a museum and become a vibrant part of the experience.

Last week, ourselves and ASICS came together for an end of year celebration of their ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ mantra.

Delving deeper into its meaning, we can often jump straight into the idea of being active through sport or through soul-searching practices such as yoga or breathing exercises. This time however, we wanted to explore food. You see, a sound mind and sound body can also come from the things we put into our bodies and food is a key part of that. To explore this further, we ventured to Silo in East London. A world renowned restaurant that’s built on the idea of ‘Not having a bin’. This led the team to think in new ways and explore how we create and dispose of food.

With that said, last week we took over the restaurant and asked for your help. As a way of giving back to the community, we of course asked for your help. We wanted to find those doing great community initiatives that deserved to be recognised and you sure did come through!

Below is a recap of the evenings events, a memorable one for sure.

It’s nearly time to close out 2023 and thus brings an end to another year of our Frequent Players platform. From a journey through the world of dub to the warm shores of a Balearic special, we now tune into the sounds of Uncle Fats.

Someone who we’ve had on our radar for a long time now, we’re excited to finally learn more about him and his passion for music… and collectibles.

As well as handing over Guest Mix 47 for our Frequent Players platform, we close out the year with a special edition to finish the year. Also known for his online series ‘Uncle Fats Chats’, Fats sits in-front of the camera to discuss life and life experiences. For this latest episode, Uncle Fats talks to us about togetherness. A time that’s focussed around the subject. Check out the feature over on our TikTok and Youtube.

Footpatrol: Hey Fats, it’s great to be here at your home with you today! Over the years, you’ve been involved in a variety of endeavours, from music and photography to blogging and clothing production. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience and share a bit about what you do?

Fats – Thanks for coming by, so my name is Fats Shariff, aka Fatsarazzi,aka Uncle Fats.

Yes for real I have done many things & worn many hats. I like to say I am a Jack of All, Master of some when it comes to our industry. I have done many things in my long Career & have had the privilege of working with some of the Pioneers of what we term ‘Streetwear’ today. But throughout that I have always been doing clothing production, that is at my Core. My family was in the Business since the 60’s & guess it rubbed off on Me. This is where I am the mad professor hah. I know production inside and out. A blessing & a curse sometimes. However we still managed to work with some amazing people & clients who have all gone on to do big things 

FP: It must have been incredibly exciting in those early years, being part of this melting pot with influential brands and individuals who still hold sway today. Back then, did you ever envision the heights it could reach?

FS – It was an amazing time, imagine no internet, so you had to travel & be dedicated to the game to see & absorb all that was going on in The States, Japan & London. I don’t think we thought we would be where we are today with many Labels now being at the Forefront of what is Fashion these days. There is no way at the time you would have thought ‘Stussy’ & ‘Dior’ team up. For me I was so in the moment & excited to be pushing boundaries & creating a new genre of clothing. Truth be told, it was not till I got to Japan in 1994 that I really saw what could happen. In Tokyo they were not messing around & they already knew & were putting our Genre on the Map.

FP: What was it that led you to delve into photography and blogging, documenting the era and environment you were in?

FS – my dream was always to be a Photographer in Tokyo…from the age of 16-17 – that is what I wanted to do. So I studied photography…did all the work & then didn’t do it. I went into the clothing business. But on that trip in 1994 to Japan, I was introduced to the 1st Casio Digital camera & this programme/software called Photoshop & boom I was back. That is where the real birth of FATSARAZZI came from that trip. I am so into technology & this totally blew me away. From that moment I was shooting everything. Through the notoriety of Fatsarazz & who I was producing for i was approached by, Slam X Hype, Hypebeast & Highsnobiety plus a few more to. I would blog about different things on different blogs. I even got called ‘The Blog Father’ after a while. But that all ended for me when I found out that most of the blogs were owned by ECKO & he we all were giving our Ideas & thoughts for Free. As for continuing to take pictures, it was always there. I would travel a lot with Stash & Futura, shot a lot of early days with them at shows & openings here & there. It was Acyde & Steve Bryden that got me to put my photography out there. At the time apple had a free website application. So I chose a template & uploaded a lot of pictures from my Travels, but a lot of our own scene, Bond, the Bench & all the good stuff we used to do. The website crashed on launch as too many people were on it. I blew the bandwidth hah. That is when Fatsarazzi & my Photography took off. I was doing all of this for me. No fees, as I was earning all my living from Clothing Production. So it was a passion & a lot more fun. There was always something going on.

FP: Now, with No Brand Apparel as your current business and working with emerging brands and individuals, does it remind you of your early days? 

FS – Good question. It is different now, but I am still excited & inspired to be working with these new brands. Thanks to my son Che (my business partner & Guru) we have a lot of amazing new labels coming through our door. Between his current know how & my knowledge of the industry we offer new labels a solid base to start their journey. The excitement never changes with me, I am inspired by the labels we work with. They do things differently, & that is what I like. I am learning new ways to do the same thing. Keeps me on my toes & always at the forefront of it all. Plus nice to know that I still have a lot to offer, but also learning new techniques everyday.

FP: Back when you were blogging, it was ahead of the social media era. How do you see today’s young brands and individuals using platforms like social media to propel themselves further and reach new heights?

FS – Social Media has broadened the exposure horizon, but I also feel it makes it harder for you to stand out. Brands need to find their handwriting before they walk the walk on Social. There are so many that  many try to emulate. So once you find that Handwriting, Following & more importantly your Product lives up to it. You are good to go. Bening involved with PATTA & seeing how we have a whole division working on this tells you how much things have changed. The Marketing & Social teams are what used to be your Salesman. They have to be so good as this is the prime window for Sales. But what I 100% like, is the using of the tools available to make things work for you. We never had that. You can have a presence on social media in a matter of seconds once you have your product & media ready. We had to go to sell our product at shows, & retail was king, We would travel to other countries to buy product. Now, all available in the pal of your hand. Social Media is now Part of the Human Experience. It cannot be ignored & has to be part of the growth strategy.

FP: Listening to your Frequent Players mix, it’s so varied in terms of genres and really took us on a journey. Could you delve a bit more into the selection process behind the mix?

FS – Thanks for the kind words. You nailed it there, my mixes are about a Journey. There is so much good music out there, & being an eclectic listener & collector, I like to put it all together in my own way & hope it all flows & keeps the listener tuned in. The mixture of sounds & genres makes for a more interesting & engaging experience. I would like all to be guessing as to where I go next. My Vinyl collection goes everywhere, & is like a Diary for me. I know where I was when I bought each piece. Also being from such a multi cultural, genetic background I like to express that in my mixes also. I hope your listeners will like it & if they want to hear more I have a monthly show on ECHOBOX.RADIO  in NL – Uncle Fats Far Out Sounds – says it all really hah.

FP: Similar to your music choice, your fashion sense is an eclectic mix of styles. What influences your fashion choices?

FS – Wow, how do I answer that? I don’t know really, my Mum has always said I am a cross between a Peacock & a Maharaja. I like that hah. There was a time when I described my style as a ‘Mafia B Boy’, but today I see what I like & just manage to put it together where it works. I am inspired a lot by Movies & Art. Vintage is a big thing for me also, this is the most Sustainable fashion that exists & we should be wearing more & more. 

FP: If you had to describe your style in just three words, what would they be?

FS – Hmmm ? Eclectic Ivy Dandy ! There you go, that will do hah.

FP: You’ve recently started Uncle Fats Chats, a platform where you share words of wisdom on life, work, rest, play, and much more. What inspired you to launch this platform?

FS – this is something that i have wanted to do for a long time & finally started it at the beginning of this year 2023. I have been through so much in my life that I wanted to share some of this experience. Whether it be Business, our Industry or Life in General. Plus I have few tales to tell too, I have had some silly times with some great people. I hope by telling my tales & outlooks that not only I better myself, but perhaps I can help a few people along the way. I have no qualifications other than my life, being a Parent, being a Business Owner, knowing the Ins & Outs of this Game of Ours.  Plus I have been on a pretty philosophical & spiritual journey in my life, that there are a few pearls to share. Let alone being a person of colour & the challenges that that has brought throughout my life. But all in all it is about positivity, to see the good & find tools to navigate the path to a place of calm & joy for all of us.

FP: And when it comes to Uncle Fats Chats, how do you determine which stories to share on the platform? Additionally, do you have a favorite story or piece of wisdom that you’ve shared to date?

FS – The stories come to me & I make a list & work through them. I used to have a long list of subjects to cover. But I have found that when I go with what I feel & experience l from day to day, are the chats that work better. They are more spontaneous, & rarely have a script or bullet points to cover. Actually, the Uncle Fats Chats I am doing for Foot Patrol is the 1st time in a long time that I have listed pro’s & con’s for the subject. I have only done this before when it comes to one to one sessions, where you have to hear, list & then apply my outlooks to the situation, otherwise it is mostly freestyle. As for a favourite piece, I just did one on the book ‘The Prophet’ – I talk about the book a little & how it is one of my go to books, but this was more about my Dad. He gave me the book when I went travelling, I was so shocked that my Dad had this book let alone read it. My Dad was poles apart from the Philosophy of this Book. It showed me a whole side to my Dad. We had a troubled relationship, my father & I, but this Book always reminded me that he had  this Book & read it & therefore some of this must be in him. I have a series that I do hashtagged #dadstories always a tale of Dad, some good, some bad, but these help me find peace with my father & the traumas I carry from him. I also do this for my Son’s as they need to see & hear that it is good to be open, it is good to talk & share a challenge, rather that sit alone & fester in your own thoughts. 

FP: As this interview is going out over the festive period, a time known for togetherness and being with family, you’re doing a special Uncle Fats Chats feature for Footpatrol on this but how does an ideal festive period look for you?

FS – may I say thanks for asking me to do an Uncle Fats Chats Special for Footpatrol, means a lot. For me, I like the total opposite of what it is, where I am now I just want to chill the F out !.

The Holiday Season is always busy for our family, Xmas Day is at Mickey’s (my ex wife’s) house, all of us together, 26th we then do the same at my Mum’s, but we do Indian Food hah, & the 27th is my 2nd son Solo’s birthday. So non-stop for us. I know that sounds a bit bah humbug & all that, but sometimes wish it was a little more chill. Thankfully we all get along so it is always fun in the end.

FP: Thank you for your time today. To wrap up, what is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation?

FS – Thank you ! In closing, I would say never be afraid to ask for help or for that next big step. If you get a no, you are no worse off than when you started, but if you get a Yes, it can all change for you. Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you asking & moving forward. If we do not fail we never learn. But remember failure is easy, that teaches. Success, now that is a challenge, as you need to maintain & keep the success going. Not that it can’t take you all the way, but you have to work at Scucces, it needs feeding & nurturing. Succeed has to evolve for it to continue and Damn it I am still learning this everyday. Life is a Rollercoaster. Twist’s, Turn’s, High’s & Low’s, but what an Amazing Ride. Thank you FP & Be well.

It’s that time of the year again where we sit down with the team to discuss our ‘Shoes of the Year’.

As always, it leads to a lot of debate and not one person can agree on one shoe. We see this as the beauty of sneakers. Everyones different tastes and styles will mean it would be very rare for someone to have the same pick. A great declaration for individuality!

This year, the team kept things mixed. With a great mixture of inline and collaborative product. Subdued colour ways to outlandish cheetah prints, the team were very clearly varied! Some even turned their SOTY’s into a forever shelf shoe with the addition of getting their pair signed. That was of course the Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6.

Head over to our Instagram post to let us know what you chose as your shoe of the year!

Sneaker culture has long been the province of men. Attend any sneaker conference or weekly store drop and you’ll notice the crowd is almost completely composed of young men. And while there is a huge number of devoted female sneakerheads out there – a market that has been valued at 79 billion dollars and growing – major sportswear brands have continued to underserve this consumer group for years. Whereas men have long enjoyed a diverse product offering, their female counterparts have often been left with hand-me-down versions of men’s products made in smaller sizes and released in more feminine colours. But a growing number of womenswear brands, that specialise in the feminine and whimsical are suddenly dipping their toes into the sneaker culture and squashing the “shrink it and pink it” design philosophy that has plagued the industry for years.

Over the past year, names like Simone Rocha, Cecilie Bahnsen and Kiko Kostadinov’s womenswear creative directors, Laura and Deanna Fanning have envisioned a completely new vision for sneakers that tap into the mentality of the modern female sneakerhead. Rocha for example added her trademark touch of romantic elegance by embellishing a pair of cream-coloured lambskin ballet pumps with glass pearls. These coquettish designs, chimed with this year’s #balletcore wave which saw Ballerina footwear options like Mary Janes, flats and pumps become a go-to style for many women. The Fanning twins Hybrid Ballerina Flats and Pink Ribbon Hybrid trainers at Kiko are a great example of how the trend further plays out in sneaker culture. The Smooth-grain leather shoes with self-tie fastening ankle straps are fused with sneaker sole technology to create an unexpected mix of romance and performance. It’s no surprise the trainers are the proverbial hotcakes of the sneaker world.

While these independent labels have successfully cracked the code with their own branded sneakers, others are collaborating with established sneaker brands as a way to bring their dreamy designs to life. Cecilie Bahnsen’s alignment with ASICS has been a huge hit. Pushing the boundaries between intricate couture detailing and technical function, the Copenhagen-based designer fuses her feminine DNA with ASIC’s technical expertise. The debut SS23 collection included seven collaborative sneakers including the ASICS GEL-1130 and GEL-1090, each of which was covered with cut-out applique flowers that added a soft meadow-like feel to the 90s runners.

“I’ve always been drawn to the juxtaposition between something that is hyper-feminine with elements that are more technical and sportive,” Bahnsen told Elle of her design process. She reveals that it was the style of the girls in her atelier and community that inspired the capsule, specifically, ”how they style the collection for everyday wear, often pairing a big poufy dress with denim and trainers.” The designer adds: “It felt like a natural decision to collaborate with ASICS, finding common ground between our two distinct universes. I want our community to feel the same wearing our ASICS sneakers as they would wearing one of our voluminous dresses—simultaneously elevated and effortless.”

Her intuition proved right with the sneakers getting swept up by her loyal fans and ASICS inviting Bahnsen back for the second season. This time round she re-interpreted the ASICS’ GT-2160 trainer, one in pink and white and the other in blue and silver — with both featuring straps across the laces detailed with elegant floral patterning, as typical of the brand handwriting.

Salomon is another label that has been opening the doors to its archive to a growing roster of female designers. From Comme des Garcons platform PULSAR ADVANCED to Sandy Liang’s playful pink XT-6 Expanse, and PHILEO’s most recent XT-SP, which is adorned with a soft and tactile knitted upper, these creative collaborations completely reimagine Salomon’s products outside of the gorpcore realm that helped popularise it within streetwear some six years ago.

Speaking on this new era of hyper-femme sneakers, Hannah de Silva, co-founder of Gorp Girls says, “I love that I am able to bring my sporty side out but in a more delicate and feminine way.” Though she typically wears traditional hiking styles when out on hikes with her community in the city she likes to style something totally different. “This sneaker trend allows me to blend the two worlds in a way that fits my personal style,” she says going on to reveal that a pair of Simone Rocha’s is her favourite pair right now. “I love to wear my Simone Rochas with tights or dainty socks to show off the cute cross ribbon detail. But on days I want to be super comfy, a pair of baggy jeans also work!”

Aside from the popular #balletcore crossover, what makes these sneaker drops so successful is the fact that most of them are exclusive to women’s sizing, with the exception of Cecille Bahnsen’s whose ASICS collab included a full size runs up to men’s. Titi Finlay, who is a creative for Nike and has been collecting sneakers for years explained to Pop Sugar that sizing has been one of the main issues where the industry lacks in terms of inclusivity. “To give some context on sizing, the majority of the time, the hype sneakers only release in a UK6 and upwards, so people with smaller feet (mostly women) miss out on so many great releases. There is sometimes a grade-school (GS) version released alongside the adults’ drop, but these usually have cheaper materials or altered design features. It’s frustrating not to be recognised in that sense, and I’d love to see brands work on releasing sneakers in a full-size run for all the drops.”

There are of course some brands that have been loyally serving female sneaker fanatics with the type of feminine-focused styles that are taking over right now. Comme des Garçons longstanding collaboration with Nike is perhaps the best example of this, serving up obscure styles like the Premier Heeled Lace-Up Sneakers in AW21 as well as the Iced-Out Nike Shox Models for SS19 which featured delicate frayed accents alongside statement metal chains. 

Martine Rose is another Swoosh luminary who has consciously kept inclusivity at the heart of her seasonal collaborations. Crossing fashion with sport, the London-based designer perfectly merged classic formalwear with the renowned look of Nike Shox to create one of the best unisex sneakers of the past few years. To further emphasise the focus on women in football, Rose rolled out the collab during the UEFA Women’s EURO tournament. It’s a game-winning formula that’s as disruptive as it is revolutionary, which is why you can find pairs reselling for as much as Thanks $600.

Given the hype around the movement and a growing appetite for gender fluid fashion among young consumers, its natural these footwear styles are attracting a broader audience. “We’re excited to see where these trends head not only women’s sneaker fashion but also how guys take to it too,” says Jake, Footpatrol who note the shifting attitudes in the sneaker world from a boys club to something more inclusive. “Female collaborators are being welcomed by some of the biggest sportswear names and it’s opening up the space for females to be expressive and inclusive to everyone who loves sneakers,” they say. They highlight the recent Sandy Liang and PHILEO Salomon collaborations which both bring a softer, often pinkier tone to what is normally a rugged outdoor offering. “But that said, it hasn’t stopped the guys being drawn to it whereas before, things may have been a bit more gender specific.”

Customisation is another element that is helping bolster the trend on social media. The Queen of sneaker upgrades Caterina Mongillo aka metagirl.studio has been going viral on Tiktok and IG with her eye-catching shoe designs which include styles like New Balance 1906R’s adorned with pearls, lace and ruffle embellishments. Her innovative approach, infusing femininity into sneakers, forges connections with an entirely new audience within the sneaker realm. sofiamcoelho who is one of the lucky few to secure a pair of the one-of-one designs, plays into the romantic feel of the sneakers by styling them with feminine pairings like lace skirts and ruffle accent socks.

Speaking with Knockturnal on how her femininity inspires her designs Mongillo says “I adore sneakers, but I couldn’t find any that exuded the level of femininity I was looking for, so I created them.” Having started out as marketing manager at adidas, she was all too familiar with issues of gender inclusivity in the footwear industry. “Throughout my career in corporate settings, there were people advising against making them ‘too girly’ and discouraging the idea of “shrink it and pink it,” as if there was shame in producing hyper-feminine shoes,” she says going on to detail femininity has historically struggled to gain validation in a predominantly male-dominated sneaker world. “Personally, femininity holds great significance for me, and I express it through my designs. If we aim for a more equitable society, there should be no shame in incorporating hyper-feminine elements into footwear.”

Though Mongillo has been tapped by big name brands like adidas and Vans, she says there are a lot of creative constraints when it comes to working with corporations. “It’s important to respect a brand’s provided strategy framework; however, when there are too many constraints and rules, they hinder the authenticity of the creative process,” she says. “The key difference lies in the final outcome. I might have a well-thought-out concept, but even minor alterations during execution can dilute the core essence of the concept. Given the success of her designs and growing demand for female-first sneakers, she hopes that corporations will level the playing field when it comes gender disparity and stop shaming female designers who want to incorporate hyper-feminine elements into footwear.

Last week saw the return of the ‘Lunar’ technology. An absentee from Nikes arsenal for a number of years now, the technology burst back on to the scene with the Lunar Roam ‘Alabaster’. A sleek, streamlined silhouette, the Lunar Roam proves to keep people happy with a number of hark backs to previous fan favourite Nikes. With the Lunar midsole in an eye-catching yellow, the upper is a tribute to the old Flywire technology. It’s definitely a refreshing way to end ’23.

To celebrate this, we took over the entire Royal Greenwich Observatory for a lunar exploration and invited you along for the journey. With food and drink on tap, we headed into the planetarium for an in-depth look into our solar system with one of their astronomers.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, take a closer look at the events below and make sure to take a closer look at the Nike Lunar Roam ‘Alabaster’ here.