Author: Bradley Martinez
The Raven x Footpatrol pop-up has been created solely for UK fans of the Call of Duty franchise, offering a chance to experience a community driven activation after over 18 months of uncertain times. Our aim is to provide a safe event, with exclusive lifestyle garments on retail and an opportunity to meet and greet globally recognised content creators.
When designing out the team’s collections, we wanted to focus heavily on personifying each brand. This allowed us to draw inspiration from each team’s history in esports, and also their regionalised foundations. The challenge was going to be creating a design language that makes every garment unique, yet still work in an eight piece collection.
For LA Thieves, everything was about identity. As a parent company, with owners such as Drake and Scooter Braun, 100Thieves have re-written the script for esports merchandise, so for us, this was about adding our own chapter. After spending time exploring numerous design directions, it became evident that anything too graphic heavy wouldn’t work. We decided to strip everything back, blow up the text logo lockup, print seam to seam and allow the brand to take centre stage.
Atlanta FaZe has such a rich history in esports and wider gaming culture, one that has been littered with streetwear icons and collaborations with brands such as Premier League team, Manchester City. The main inspiration came from their trademark hand sign, we used this as a silhouette to house their iconic camo texture. For us, using a box fit tee and oversized hoodie would be a clear fan favourite for FaZe’s demographic.
OpTic Chicago was an opportunity to look beyond esports and dive into the rich landscape of Chicago street fashion and culture. Taking the iconic oversized bomber and coupling it with a boxy graphic heavy tee felt like a nice balance between past and present. Throughout the design we included subtle nods to OpTic’s past, after all, when you think competitive Call of Duty, it’s impossible not to nostalgize about their profound impact on the space.
To round off the collection, London Royal Ravens was an opportunity to explore inspirations close to home. As a brand born in the UK, the foundations built for UK Call of Duty are a shared heritage with ourselves. For the rich red tee, we designed a unique, festival esc take on the typography. For anyone who has attended a UK LAN event, the connection here will be unmistakable.
Creative Director of Raven, Adam Cooper, explains the narrative behind the collection “We wanted to make sure every item offered something different to what can already be purchased. It was a joy to collaborate with Footpatrol and get lost in the collections on detailed construction, all the way from the contrasting sherpa knit and polyester to the debossed coach jacket aglets. We’re incredibly proud to be leading the way for CDL merch in Europe and are very excited to see where the long term partnership will take us.”
Sam Hodgkinson, Marketing & PR Manager of Footpatrol, speaks on the merging of esports and sneaker communities “With our store being within the heart of Soho and having such a strong sense of community cemented within it, the last year has proven a real challenge so having this opportunity to immerse ourselves within the world of esports and work on this project with both Raven and CDL has been a great experience. We hope that with this collection, we can further cement the connection between the gaming community and the sneaker community! Launching the project locally in our neighbourhood of Soho, we can’t wait to see these two worlds collide, we look forward to seeing you all there!”
All four collections will be sold exclusively at the Raven x Footpatrol pop-up store in Soho, London on 10th July 2021.
The pop-up will also feature global peripheral brands ASTRO Gaming and Scuf Gaming, along with meet and greet sessions with UK based Call of Duty content creators Liam ‘Jukeyz’ Lunt and Angelika ‘Angelika’ Slon. The event will be open to all to attend, for one day only. CLICK HERE for more information.
Now more than ever, it’s important to be taking notice of your surroundings and those within your local community, finding ways to help each other and spread their messages. So when we learnt that New Balance were reintroducing their iconic 990 line beginning with the 990 V1, we wanted to touch base with a local charity and delve into the individuals who tirelessly work to bring good to our community.
The House of St Barnabas is a social enterprise and charity that works to support those affected by homelessness and aims to bring them back into long-term employment. They work with a vision of the future whereby a lasting good work environment is coupled with a secure home and provide a supportive network for those who pass through their doors. This is their end goal, to provide people with the support and training they need to find lasting paid employment.
So, to celebrate the upcoming launch of the New Balance 990 V1, we headed over to the Grade 1 listed building in the heart of Soho that House of St Barnabas calls home to sit down with our first guest, Ollie Stewart. Having been working for a youth hostel, Ollie now heads up the employment programme and ever since her first visit to the House, instantly fell in love with the place and what it was doing to give back to the community.
To learn more about The House of St Barnabas and what you can do to help, click here!
The New Balance 990 V1 will be launching in-store and online on Friday 9th July. Sizes will range from UK – UK, priced at £200.
Footpatrol: How did your journey begin with HOSB?
Ollie Stewart: I used to work for a youth hostel and one of my colleagues came here to do some recruitment. I came down with the young people who were going to go on and do an art employment program. When I came to the House I fell in love with it. I mentioned that if there was ever a job here I am going to go for it. Fortunately enough a role opened up and I got it!
FP: What was it about the House you loved so much?
OS: It marries two of my passions. Art and the eradication of homelessness or supporting people who are at risk of homelessness. I have always worked in the supporting people sector and I just felt it was perfect for me. Beautiful building and amazing people I get to work with.
FP: Would you say that basically your specific reason behind wanting to work for HOSB?
OS: Absolutely! As said, all my career choices have been based around supporting adults or young people. Working in this building as well, marrying that love of art and supporting homlessness.
FP: Could you talk to us a bit more about that marriage between your two passions?
OS: Of course. I have always loved art, working in a grade one listed building. It’s beautiful. That on its own gives me a zest of wanting to come in and work. Supporting those people who are vulnerable as well just makes me want to get and go to work everyday. Seeing people’s faces as well as they walk through the door and see the staircase is amazing. It really gives you passion to want to do your work especially with this team you have here around you.
FP: Could you tell us in a bit more depth what your role is within the House?
OS: We run an employment program that participants do lasting 8-10 weeks. After the program they come onto what we call progression which means we support them in getting sustained employment, London living wage, no zero hour contract, making sure we support them for a year and ensuring they pass probation. If there are any teething problems we will meet with the employer and graduate and work out any differences. We also support people with their transition from benefits into employment.
FP: What’s it like seeing people working on creating the best versions of themselves?
OS: The difference from start to finish of the program is incredible. The confidence that some end up leaving with is immeasurable. We just finished a program now and I just met with 2 of the people who graduated. The zest and the feel in them wanting to get into employing is amazing. At first when they walked through the door that confidence wasn’t there and now they are flying through the roof with CVs being sent out left, right and centre. I am so happy and honestly I cannot wait to see the results!
FP: If there was one thing you would say to people to help further encourage their support what would it be?
OS: Check out our website, look at the stories. We are always updating it. There is also a lovely little donate button if you would like to donate. Become a member! Just come in and we would love to show you around. It’s a members club with a difference.
Now a long standing partnership, Nike and Jun Takahashi return once again for another take on his GIRA (Gyakusou International Running Association) line. Once again, the collaboration is a coming together of minds that puts functionality and aesthetics firmly balanced alongside each other to create a striking proposition that you wouldn’t normally get when it comes to active wear.
As well as a host of apparel pieces, the stand out from the collection has to be the ZoomX Vaporfly Next%. Often being let loose on their most advanced technologies, Takahashi brings the famous elite runner and adds his GIRA spin to it creating a visually different silhouette with all the benefits of the standard Vaporfly Next%.
To celebrate the launch, our friends over at ‘Vaporfly World Wide’ got an early look at the collection and offered us their insights to this latest collaboration. We sat down with Arran who heads up their Instagram who tells us more about his love of running and why this latest collection is that good!
The Gyakusou x Nike apparel and ZoomX Vaporfly Next% will be launching online on Friday 9th July (Available online from 08:00AM BST), priced from £45 – £260.
Footpatrol: Hey Arran, thanks for joining us at Footpatrol, how have you been?
Arran Mcaskill: Very very well thank you. A lot of exciting stuff is coming up this summer with the Euros and then the Olympics so there’s plenty of good vibes. Also been training a lot for the Berlin Marathon in September so that’s keeping me busy.
FP: So, you’re one of the cogs over at Vaporfly Worldwide, could you give our audience a bit more information about who you guys are and what it is you do?
AM: Vaporfly Worldwide was originally founded back in 2017 by my friend Jerry, soon after Nike announced the Breaking2 project. The account was originally created towards sneakerheads with Nike’s new ZoomX technology at the time. Gradually, the account shifted into the runners community we have now – which is when I got involved. I now curate our instagram feed and run our website – giving runners all the information they need on upcoming releases for the Vaporfly variations. Now we have started to create a lot of our own content, allowing me to be a lot more creative.
FP: Forgetting the odd injury here and there, this last year, running has been a real saviour to a lot of people and I think we’ve seen a lot more people take it on. What is it about running you enjoy so much?
AM: I entered the London Marathon 2018, and fell in love with running. The feeling you get once you’ve finished a run is unmatchable in my opinion. It gives me a sense of freedom and exerting myself to the fullest within my individual limits. You get out what you put in from running, and I find that very rewarding.
FP: Though it has its many physical gains, we can’t help but ignore the mental health benefits also, is this something you’ve found a benefit also?
AM: 100% agree. For me and so many other runners, it offers so much more than keeping physically fit. When I’m running, I don’t have to talk or listen to anybody else – it gives me that headspace with minimal distractions that I wouldn’t get from anything else.
FP: The real reason we’re here to talk today is because Nike and Undercover Lab have come together once again for their next Gyakusou instalment. What is it to you that makes this collection so special?
AM: As with any Gyakusou collection, it provides functionality alongside aesthetics. Normally with activewear functionality comes first – but with this Gyakusou release they get the balance just right. There are some great new materials that are used in the new apparel and shoes. Such as a new proprietary knit technology used in the new half tights. The colours and graphics are also a modern twist on some of Nike’s iconic graphics from their early days of track and field – I really appreciate these well thought out details. What I also love about this collection is that there has been consideration taken that runners do more than just run. Pockets now giving me the ability to carry more than just keys, so I can enjoy the city of London after my run.
FP: We must admit, we do enjoy the almost secretive nature that comes with the Gyakusou collections, we don’t know what it is but it always has a sense of mystery about it…
We can’t chat and ignore the main piece to this latest collection, the Vaporfly NEXT%. Though visually based more on the first iteration of the NEXT%, there are a lot more changes going on the more you look, how are they to run in? Are there any noticeable differences?
AM: The new Vaporfly NEXT% x Gyaksou has some very cool new updates, with clear iconic Gyakusou branding, but it still feels familiar to run in. It’s very much based on the first iteration of NEXT% with it still having predominantly the Vaporweave upper. There is additional support around the arch of the foot and surrounding the toe box which is a noticeable difference compared to the previous models. I now find myself running in these more for my speed sessions compared to the updated NEXT%2. The lockdown and structure of the shoe just works for me a lot more – although every runner will have their different preferences.
Another obvious change is the lacing system. Despite the laces being thicker and weighing more, with the new eyelet lacing system it now puts less pressure on the top of my feet.
FP: Which colour way will you be choosing most?
AM: I’ve been using the ‘Midnight Spruce’ colour for my training, and I’ll be saving the Red colour for an upcoming race I have.
FP: Massive thank you for joining us, look forward to seeing more from you and the team in the future.
What has definitely become one of the most popular silhouettes within the Air Jordan signature collection, the Air Jordan IV has played host to some of the most sought after iterations whether its been retro colour ways or the string of collaborations like Travis Scott or Union LA.
Every so often, Jordan Brand will delve back into their history books to bring inspiration into their latest iterations and this latest ‘White Tech’ is no different. Bearing similarities to the ‘Oreo’ colour way we first saw way back in ’99 which was later revisited in 2015, this latest take however features a more reversed monochrome colour palette. Mostly dressed in a crisp white upper, subtle hits of grey are placed upon the eyelets and midsole trims which also features the iconic cement print that is heavily featured across past and present 4’s!
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
RAFFLE 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.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to 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!
The YEEZY BOOST 700 MNVN ‘Blue Tint’ features an upper composed of lightweight polyester with no-sew overlays offering enhanced breathability, flexibility and comfort. No-tie bungee laces allows for easy on and off wear, while reflective material throughout specific areas of the model adds unique design cues and visual interest, The full-length drop in BOOST midsole provides the ultimate underfoot cushioning experience, while the PU midsole adds comfort and durability.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to 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!
The Air Jordan 1 has been cemented as one of the most popular and sought-after models, especially in recent years. The Peter Moore designed silhouette doesn’t seem to be resting on its laurels as more newer retros seem to be on their way.
The sleek hightop sneaker seems to be a perfect subject for fresh and updated looks such as new colourways to an updated take on cushioning.
With a host of AJ1 Zoom already released over the past couple years, this up and coming release adds to catalogue, perfect for the summer season.
The Air Jordan 1 High Zoom CMFT is a modernised women’s exclusive take on a timeless classic. The reworked model has surfaced in an eye-catching ‘Sesame/Psychic Blue’ colour palette. With deconstructed outlook, the upper is made up of a combination of tumbled leather and mesh. The ankle collar. tongue and Swoosh provide an exposed aesthetic while the outsole is in a translucent white. The signature Wings logo is done in black and a leather Zoom Air tongue table in psychic blue.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to 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!
As of recent, Jordan Brand have been focusing a lot on one of the classic Jordan silhouettes in the AJ6. As for its 30th anniversary, the inevitable retros, OGs and collaborative efforts are expected with the likes of Travis Scott, Carmines and recently the Electric Green.
In addition, Jumpman have been casting their attention to more women’s based exclusive releases such as the Air Jordan 3 x A Ma Maniere as well as having style icon Alaeli May in their roster – who has also had her own iteration of the AJ6.
For SS16, the latest release in the AJ6 line is the ‘Barely Rose’ silhouette. Also dubbed ‘Gold Hoops’, this version is inspired by gold earrings as well as a potential ode to hooped jewellery MJ was known for wearing. The upper is constructed in a white tumbled leather throughout with hits in barely rose on the midsole, heel tab and tongue. Translucent white for the outsole and signature perforations for breathability along the upper. The standout aesthetic are the 3 gold hoops on the shroud with an added gold Jumpman trinket and lace toggle.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to 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!
A few years ago, the world of fashion began to look towards the trail/outdoor world for inspiration, focusing on technical fits and materials for their latest designs but when it came to footwear, there was clearly one winner and that was Salomon. Use to being seen on the trails and mountains around the world, Salomon were becoming a focus at runways being seen on the feet of many attendees.
At their core, Salomon are a brand who’s reputation is built deep within competition. After originally founding themselves with Skiing, they very quickly expanded and became pioneers for technological breakthroughs and have been pushing their innovations ever since to the point where they’re a leading brand within the world of trail running.
As always, Salomon continue to develop their XT-4 ADV silhouette which is a firm favourite with us at Footpatrol. The ease of the shoe with its quick lacing system and full-length Agile Chassis™ System (ACS) makes it provide a perfect blend of stability and cushioning.
When the 2002R was reintroduced to the market, it came with a flurry of collaborations and in-line colour ways that sent the sneaker community into melt down. Thisisneverthat and fdmtl x coststore both brought their own takes to the silhouette but another stand out collaboration was with Salehe Bembury.
The first of his collaborations saw Bembury bring his new found love for the outdoors with a trail inspired iteration that featured unique materials and a colour palette inspired by the colours of the Antelope Canyon’s making this one of the most eye catching collaborations of 2020.
Continuing this love of the outdoors, the duo return once again however this time, they’re following the flow of the river through with a collaboration dubbed ‘Water be the Guide’.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
RAFFLE 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.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to 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!
The gift that keeps on giving… The Air Jordan 1 has had an impressive couple of years and thankfully, we are continuing to see retros, new colour ways and collaborations continue on the famed silhouette.
Since it’s introduction over 35 years ago, the Air Jordan 1 moved from the court to dominating the streetwear scene and is a main stay within many collectors cementing itself within sneaker history and to honour this journey, Jordan Brand revisit the ‘Neutral Grey’ colour way.
Recently launched as part of the ’85 line up which saw the Air Jordan 1 Retro High 85 ‘Neutral Grey’, we now have the addition of a Low. Featuring the same super simple, yet instantly approachable colour blocking of ‘White’ and ‘Neutral Grey’, this AJ1 Low is a must, don’t you agree?
Take a closer look below and make sure to get your entries in for your chance of purchasing and adding to your collection!
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
RAFFLES 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.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to 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!
