Author: Bradley Martinez
Over the last year or two it’s become more and more essential for teams to be more than just a group of people. Earlier this year, members of Footpatrol and Your Friendly Running Club teamed up with ASICS to take part in their London 10km race that weaves its way through some of the most iconic streets of London. For 2021, we’ve once again been asked to take part in their latest running venture… they must like putting us through our paces!
The Ekiden is a 100 year old Japanese relay race with the name meaning, “relaying station”. Celebrating movement, the race was based, leading from the old capital of Kyoto to the new Tokyo. Using multiple team members, the Ekiden is essentially a long-distance relay race. A team event where teamwork is deep within the heart of the race. Each member passes on a traditional sash or tasuki to symbolise the next leg of the race.
With the difficulties of the last couple of years and people being apart from one another, ASICS have made this 2021 race virtual. An opportunity for you and your wider friends, family colleagues to come together as one to complete this challenge. It’s also been the perfect opportunity to find balance and focus within your mind. We’ve all heard people say running is great for the mind but after this, really, it is! Listening to your body (and a podcast/music), its a great way to see the outdoors, discover new things where ever you live and of course stay fit both mentally and physically.
Set at a marathon distance, this virtual race was made up of teams of six to complete different amounts of set distances in a particular order. A 5km, 5km, 10km, 5km, 10km and finishing with a 7.2km. This gave us at Footpatrol the opportunity to connect with one another and to push each other on to complete our individual goals. It also gave us an opportunity to push this idea of ‘team work’ and ‘virtual’ to the test with many of us not being in the same location. Bradley found himself visiting family in Spain, Sam was back home in Birmingham and Footpatrol Paris member Tancrede was at home in Paris whilst Jake, Sam and Henry were able to take part in London.
With each team member taking it in turns, once completed a notification would ping the next person instructing them they had been handing the Tasuki and it was now their turn.
As a team, we completed the 42.195km distance in 3:10:44, finishing in 328 out of 6047 teams worldwide.
It looks like a mystery draw has found its way on to the Footpatrol blog…
To find out more about this mysterious package, click on the link below to enter!
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The in-store mystery draw is now closed!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
2020 was the year of collaborations with all brands seeking out creative partners to bring their unique visions to their brands. For 2021 though, this creativity has been taken to a new level and we’ve seen the rise of three way collaborations.
At the forefront of this has been Nike and their partnership with Chitose Abe’s Japanese label, sacai. Allowing a number of people to take over their LDWaffle silhouette, we now move on to the Blazer Low. Though we’ve seen Nike and sacai use the Blazer silhouette in previous collaborations, Chitose Abe reworks the Blazer Low once again with the help of American Artist, KAWS. Having already sliced off the top of the Blazer, KAWS reimagines sacais signature design touches like the stacked swooshes, tongues and double lacing with added KAWS eyes and a recognisable colour palette thats become known with KAWS.
Take a closer look below and make sure to get your entries in for your chance to purchase!
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The London in-store draw is now closed!
The ONLINE draw is live over on the Footpatrol Launches App, CLICK HERE to download!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
To sign up to the Online draw, you will need to download the Footpatrol Launches app and complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until completion of the draw. Those successful will have their win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn.
When it comes to collaborations, adidas are often known for thinking outside the box and are often welcoming in new members to the Adidas family. The newest of those is Midwest Kids. Founded by designer, Darryl Brown, the former Kanye West stylist creates collections that are made to be timeless. Not just for the now, but for future generations to come. All the collections to date have been built on inspiration that has come from all the people he’s met across the States and learning about each individuals stories.
Now teaming up with the German giants, adidas have Midwest Kids loose on a collection thats inspired by vintage B-Ball. With apparel serving as part of the collection, the main feature within the collaboration has to be the Forum ’84 Low. Combining an archival design with the timeless vision of Midwest Kids, the Forum ’84 Low brings a vintage college feel with the help of hairy suedes and the Forums chunky gum sole taking dominance.
Bringing a customisable aspect to the collection, adding to that timeless ethos, the Forums iconic ankle straps come in a mix of colours ready to be swapped out at any point.
The Midwest Kids x adidas Originals collection is now available to shop in-store and online (Apparel online only), click here to shop!
At Footpatrol we’ve always liked to put the products we sell to the test so when Salomon’s latest collections come around, its a great opportunity to head away from the concrete jungle. The last 18 months or so have brought a really appreciation for whats on our doorstep and the beautiful wilderness thats on offer. With the arrival of Salomon’s latest fall collection hitting the shelves at Footpatrol, some of the team ventured out into the vast openness of the Dartmoor National Park with the French outdoor performance brand on foot!
With a tight offering of Salomon available at Footpatrol, we took our latest range of Salomon FW XT-4, XT-6 and the brand new Raidwind with us to test on the vast, open landscape. This gave us an opportunity to see just how comfortable and adapting they can be to what’s thrown at them. This was very quickly tested from the beginning with a 5km walk across loose gravel to where we planned on pitching up our tent and calling home for the night. All three of the options hugged the ground underneath them with a sense of security whilst their TPU mesh upper offered both breathability and stability.
Situating ourselves next to Foggintor Quarry, the landscape quickly became rocky, challenging and slippery underfoot however, with all of them featuring a rugged outsole there wasn’t any moments of worry… after all, this is what Salomon are known for! After testing the product over the course of a couple of days, we felt we got a real glimpse into the possibilities of what this brand has to offer and their values.
Take a closer look below at TEAMFP’s journey below and make sure to check out our range of Salomon available online!
Shop the latest Salomon collection here!
Behind the scenes we have had the opportunity to work with multiple creatives across a wide variety of disciplines. Styling is one area though that isn’t as widely spoken about… You know about them, but you don’t really hear much.
We wanted to meet up with london based Jack Ray to give a little more insight into what it takes to work within the industry. From music videos to marketing campaigns. Jack has had his little tastes of it all.
For the launch of the Mizuno Wave Rider 10 we wanted to work with Jack to show us a bit of a behind the scene look of what he would normally get up to. We linked up at Jacks Sons of Craft studio to make some magic and give people a little more insight into the world of a stylist.
Click here to shop the Mizuno Wave Rider 10!
Footpatrol: Jack it’s great to sit down and chat to you! How have you been?
I’ve been good thanks mate, how have you been?
FP: Not bad thank you! We have had the pleasure of working with you a fair few times now and have gotten to know you fairly well. For those Footpatrol followers who may not have had the pleasure of being introduced, could you give them a bit of backstory as to who you are and what you do?
So, my name is Jack Ferguson-Ray and I am a stylist, designer and creative consultant and currently based in east London.
FP: Let’s start from the very beginning. Bath born and bred, moved to London and now establishing yourself as a stylist. What was the kick starter into this journey, was this something you have always planned on getting into?
No definitely wasn’t something I planned on getting into. Initially I wanted to work in skiing. I’m not sure what career that would have led to but I just wanted to ski. I did that for a bit whilst in Canada. Then for one reason or another which I won’t get into now, I found myself back in the UK. From there I moved to London not really knowing what to do and soon after found myself working at Harvey Nichols, believe it or not that was my entrance into working within the fashion industry hahaha. I later went to a small boutique store in old street station called Ejder [which unfortunately isn’t around anymore] doing the styling, which was my first real taste of the role. I have done a plethora of other jobs; dabbled in wholesale for A Cold Wall, opened a store for a Japanese company and all sorts of freelance bits really.
At the moment I have been working on a company called Sons of Craft founded by two friends of mine. Sons of Craft is a collective which has outlets within a number of creative mediums like art, fashion, music etc… My role is very much fashion based though. I am also a design intern at Oswald Boateng and I am currently working on a brand with a friend. We are hoping to launch our first capsule in the coming months.
FP: Was there anyone that helped influence you to want to be a stylist?
Jack Ray: To be honest with you, not really. There are obviously people whose style has influenced and inspired me and I’m sure there are stylists behind them. But before getting into fashion I didn’t really know that styling was a job, let alone a viable career path. I probably still wouldn’t even call myself a stylist as this is only the start of my career. I am a long way off from fully establishing myself yet.
FP: How has it been trying to make your mark in what you do? It’s not an easy industry to get into.
JR: To be honest I don’t think I’ve really made all that much of a mark yet to talk about! Check in a couple more years and I will let you know though! From what I have been a part of though, So far, so good. It’s had its moments!
FP: How did you stay on top of what you do?
JR: That is a great question!
FP: Thanks!
JR: Write stuff down and don’t put things off. A lot of the time, it doesn’t feel like I am on top of everything I need to do. It’s just a case of being as proactive as you can as well as being as organised as possible. I feel that’s one thing I didn’t really think about when getting into a creative career. You don’t really think of the oragnisational side of it and how on top of it you need to be. So it’s definitely been a learning curve.
FP: Having worked with brands, retailers, music artists recently styling a few music videos. Is there a specific type outlet that you try to dedicate your focus on or is it something you try to be diverse in?
JR: At the moment, aesthetically I think I am finding my niche. In terms of how I want to apply it I am open to anything, it’s still early doors………………………….. other than e-comm.
FP: And is there a list of dos or don’ts on a shoot?
JR: Depends on who you’re shooting with. Aside from the obvious, don’t cuss anyone out haha! Be proactive and don’t be afraid to try things out and ask questions. Make sure you know your role, there will be times you may only get to steam and pin things. If that’s the case, respect that and make the best of it. There will be other points where you have more creative control and it’s about being able to identify those opportunities and make the most from it.
Be nice to people, it costs nothing and at the end of the day it’s about making organic connections with people. Try to have a nice time…
FP: What about projects you’ve worked on. Any that have stuck with you as the most memorable?
JR: Of course I love working with Footpatrol! Salomon, Kiko Asics to name a few. I am sure there will be many more! Styling Brent Faiyaz was also great. I have been able to also work with some amazing people, particularly photographers; Alma Rosa, Marlon Francis, Tyler Little and of course Tom from Footpatrol. All definitely worth a watch if you’re not already.
FP: Let’s take a little side step now. I wanted to talk to you about Mizuno and the model we brought you in to shoot, the Wave Rider 10 OG. What are your thoughts on the shoe and the moves the brand has been making within the lifestyle market over the last 3 years?
JR: If I am completely honest. 3 years ago I didn’t know Mizuno at all. BUT! Over the last couple of years with some of the silhouettes they have been releasing, they have caught my eye. The Wave Rider 10 being one of them. I love the all grey pair! The Wave Prophecy is my favourite shoe from the brand though, it looks so hard! I think that shoe is mad slept on and I have no idea why. Also the Mizuno Right Here Right Now [RHRN] is one of your favourite shoes from them, I don’t have them yet but I will.
For a performance brand to come into a new market the way they have and be accepted across both footwear and fashion with such intrigue is a nice change from the general hype.
Put it this way. I would pick a pair of Mizunos over a pair of Nikes anyday.
FP: Jack it has been a real pleasure to talk to you. Before we let you go we want to ask if there was any exciting project or anything happening in 2021 that you want to give the FP followers and readers the inside scoop on or just get people excited for?
JR: There’s not a lot I can shed all that much light on at this precise moment, but there’s irons in the fire. We have some really exciting projects coming out with Sons of Craft. Also some music videos as well which should be exciting! As I mentioned earlier, I am working on a brand with a partner and the first collection should hopefully be launching in the not too distant future.
First founded way back in 2002 when physical publications were at their peak and were sought after collectables, Sneaker Freaker has turned itself from a DIY zine style into a global documentation that covers everything footwear related that makes them a go to for any sneaker collector.
For their 15th anniversary, Sneaker Freaker went all out with the creation of their frankly massive ‘The Ultimate Sneaker Book. What served as a massive back catalogue of 15 years of Sneaker Freaker, the book was a 700 page journey down memory lane that covered sneaker history in its most detailed and now, the guys over at Sneaker Freaker have worked their magic once again for their latest book, ‘Soled Out’.
When people say ‘Good things come to those who wait’, that couldn’t be more true than this latest book. 10 years in the making, Sneaker Freaker have curated another 700 page masterpiece that takes all us sneaker fans back in time to look at over 900 vintage advertisements. Covering 13 brands, ‘Soled Out’ looks back at some of the biggest, the best and opens our eyes to campaigns you may never have seen before but you need to see including certain brands going toe to toe within their advertisements but not to spoil anything, we’ll let you spot those!
Take a closer look at the book and some of the ad’s below and if you’re anything like us, this’ll be one that will be added to the coffee table!
Shop the Sneaker Freaker ‘Soled Out’ book here!
Coming into those winter months, it’s quite possibly the best time to shed light on a brand you should consider to have within your winter rotation. Where to begin when it comes to Columbia Sportswear… Based in the Pacific North-West, the brand began life back in the 1930’s and ever since they began, Columbia have continued to be at the forefront when it comes to innovating and exploring the world of the outdoors garments and footwear.
As mentioned, with the brand being based in the Pacific North-West, you can only imagine the amount of rich forests, snow covered mountains and rugged coastline that lays on their doorstep and it’s this terrain that has helped Columbia Sportswear become experts within the world of outdoors for 80 years!
Though Soho doesn’t quite have those luxuries, London does boast some of the most unique patches of scenery based within it. Whether thats Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath or Richmond, there is plenty of places to test Columbias latest offerings. For Fall 2021, we headed out to Richmond Park with the Columbia Flow Asphalt and Flow Borough Low to see how they’d fair up on the wet, muddy terrain.
Both silhouettes utilise a chunky, rugged outsole and both focus their attention on usability and function with the idea of tackling all conditions in mind. The uppers are both constructed from a mixture of mesh suedes that make the most of waterproof protection and non-marking traction rubber.
To shop this latest offering from Columbia, click here!
The YZY FOAM RUNNER VERMILION features injected EVA foam to provide lightweight durability. This model is made using algae harvesting technology that helps to keep lakes clean. The soft top layer in the footbed offers immediate step in comfort. The strategically mapped vents around the foot provide air flow and breathability. Additionally, the YZY FOAM RUNNER will usher in a new box construction that requires less material, which leads to less cardboard material waste.
Take a closer look below and make sure to get your entries in!
Please note, the in-store draw will be available in adult sizing only. A full family raffle will be available to enter over on the Footpatrol Launches App.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The in-store draw is now CLOSED!
ONLINE raffles will now be over on the Footpatrol app, CLICK HERE to download!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will need to download the Footpatrol Launches app and complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Nike and sacai are back once again bringing in another three way collaborator who adds their take to the Nike x sacai Collaboration. After bringing in the likes of Fragment Design and CLOT, Chitose Abe now looks towards another streetwear giant in Jun Takahashi’s UNDERCOVER label. After those previous two collaborations brought in inspirations from their own previous Nike colabs or archival colour ways from within the brands, Jun Takahashi also goes down this route bringing in those instantly recognisable UNDERCOVER colours from past colabs with the Swoosh.
After CLOT making the massive design change when it came to the materials on offer, UNDERCOVER instead go back to what we knew with the LDWaffle and brings a mixture of nylons, suedes and leathers.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The in-store draw is now CLOSED!
ONLINE raffles will now be over on the Footpatrol app, CLICK HERE to download! online raffle sign ups close on ?
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will need to download the Footpatrol Launches app and complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
