Author: Bradley Martinez
With releases like the Air Force 180 ‘Clerk Pack’ from 2005, Union LA are no strangers in creating unorthodox styles as well as thinking outside the box as opposed to just changing colourways and adding different materials. In 2018, we saw the release of Union LA’s collaboration with Jordan Brand on the cultivated Air Jordan 1 silhouette, giving consumers 2 releases both inspired by a concoction of OG colours. Fast forward to 2020 and those AJ1s are touted as classics, respectively.
In addition, Union LA owner Chris Gibbs gives consumers another look at another Jordan Brand collaboration, this time with another fan favourite, the Air Jordan IV.
Still keeping with the unorthodox approach, the suedes and meshes remain but are given new depth and dimension. Gibbs shifts an element of the vamp to more overtly frame the toebox. The hallmark Wings are slightly reimagined. And then there’s a noticeable, even dramatic, reimagining of the tongue.
“With the IV — maybe it’s the angle of my ankle — but I had a problem with the way the tongue hit my shin,” says Gibbs. “When I was younger, I’d often fold it over and tie it down. I wanted to shorten the tongue. But, I am a fan of collaboration and compromise. So we decided to fold over the tongue and stitch it down, allowing for easy removal to reveal the traditional tongue.”
This is all sat on top of an aged yellow to give a vintage feel with Nike Air branding on the heels to capture the 80’s and early 90’s holistic view.
To enter the ONLINE raffle – RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle – RAFFLE CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will be contacted with further information on how to purchase their pairs. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win and pick up dates. Due to current government laws surrounding Covid-19, the store is working on an appointment only basis. You will need to contact the store to make an appointment for a time during the stated pick up dates.
Reconnecting with old friends is something we love to do especially when it involves music into the conversation.
Making his return to Frequent Players we linked up O-Dessa to rekindle the fire that was left at the 110 Mantra Party earlier in the year. With so much time passed since that memorable night we wanted to catch up with O-Dessa to find out what he’s been up to and also put together a mix.
Take a read at the interview below and enjoy this Frequent Players Guest Mix feature with O-Dessa.
Footpatrol: O-Dessa welcome back! It’s great to be able to bring you back and this time have you throw down a mix for us, how have you been?
O-Dessa – Yes, big ups FP gang!! Thank you for having me do a mix, means a lot. I’ve been good thank you. Maintaining through the madness.
FP: Last time we saw you was for the 110 Mantra party! How have you been keeping yourself busy?
O-Dessa – Wow that was a great night, impromptu b2b with Ollie Rant was a vibe. I think that was the last time I played in a club, glad that was the one to go out with. I’ve been keeping busy with a few projects at the moment. Working on a compilation with my label Ghost Notes Worldwide. It includes some of our homies from around the world, super talented and making a lot of noise right now. You can hear a few tracks from the comp and other forthcoming bits in the mix. Excited to drop that very soon. I’ve also been working with a good friend on Flock Together, an outdoor focused initiative representing non-white communities, we have some great projects in the works there.
FP: What about DJing have you been able to work on anything both live or virtually?
O-Dessa – I recently got to play on this dope platform Free Yard and Fiya Wata have put together. Filmed in an amazing liquor store called Harry’s in Tottenham. Literally stacks and stacks of rare alcohol, confectionary and smoking goods. It’s like your favourite bodega in New York times a million, wild.
FP: Now I know you already have mentioned your label Ghost Notes Worldwide, but how did you end up creating it?
O-Dessa – Being a producer and around so many talented music makers I realised there was a tendency for artists/producers to release music with labels who wanted everything defined by genre. If you make grime, you should only make grime, if you want to make something else, you release it under another name/label. I’ve always experimented with all kinds of tempos as others do and realised there’s a ton of music that gets overlooked. I’m interested in the music that is there but doesnt get heard, the ‘Ghost Notes’. I did a few parties under that name and asked DJ’s to come play whatever they wanted, those parties were LIVE. I later teamed up with Impey and we set up the label with the same notion. We’ve since recruited Nicky Soft Touch, who’s a serious producer too. Watch out for him!
We also do every first Thursday of the month 10 – 12am on NTS. It’s an honor being on a platform that allows us to express our ethos through their airwaves. 4 years strong!
FP: What about the new music you have in the works is there anything else you can tell us about that?
O-Dessa – You’ve got good intel there! I’ve been making music on and off for years now. It’s something I love to do when I have the time, which is very rare these days. I’ve got a tune coming out on our compilation I made a year ago. It’s 95bpm so I guess you can say it’s hip hop? For me, it’s just an expression of what I’ve been listening to at the time all in one track. You can peep it in the mix :).
FP: How about the wider music scene have you been enjoying what’s been releasing lately? Is there anyone artist you recently discovered you can’t get enough of?
O-Dessa – The UK music scene is so healthy right now. Loving what Pa Salieu and M1llionz are doing. Potter Payper, Nines, Meeks, OFB, V9, Central Cee and all the others from that pocket. Then you got the jazz dons like Yussef Days and his trio with Charlie Stacey, Rocco Palladino and Mansur to name a few. Come to think of it, besides the odd thing here and there I’m mainly listening to UK sounds at the moment. I think the mix really sums up what I’ve been rinsing of late.
FP: With us being Footpatrol we have to ask about sneakers, what’s your collection like? What do you look out for when buying sneakers?
O-Dessa – I think my misses would wish it ended with me collecting trainers for me. LOL. I tend to collect a lot of shit people probably don’t care about…vinyl, swing tags, stickers, magazines among other things. I always think I’ll need things like that for a reference at some point. Trainers on the other hand are a mix though, some hype like the Wotherspoons and Visvim FBTs but also then I got the odd ‘luxe’ trainer from some suede america cups from prada to margielas which are based off the german military shoe. I managed to pick up the Stranger Things ‘Upside Down’ Nike Cortez QS for 40 euros the other day. What a steal! I’m definitely a nike head when it comes to trainers. I love all the older models kids don’t want. Fragment Tennis and footscapes are a bit of me but I always get suckered into the hype releases from time to time. Wish i didn’t batter my Undercover Reacts, the most comfy shoe I’ve worn for a while. Also into what ACG, ROA and Merrell have been making with Vibram too in terms of outdoor gear.
FP: With all the strange times we have been incurring as of late we would like to do a little quick fire round to find out some of your favourite spots that those at home can visit and support…
Best Coffee shop?
Eat Vietnam, deptford for ya Vietnameese coffee needs!
Favourite restaurant?
Theo’s Pizzeria. Camberwell
Best place to buy vinyl?
Bandcamp – support artists directly if you can.
Favorite place to hang out?
Not that i’ve been doing much of this but Crystal Palace park
Best store for clothing?
Nepenthes, Dover Street Market or Gimme5
Favourite music venue?
God I miss going out. Tola for the homies!
FP: Boom! Food, music, shoes I think we have covered it all! O-Dessa it’s always great to spend some time with you, hopefully it won’t be as long next time! Have you got anything you wanted to share with our readers and listeners before we let you go?
O-Dessa – Big love for having me. Always mad love for the FP team. I hope you all enjoy the mix! Go follow the gang at @ghost__notes and keep it locked for more exciting projects from me over at @odessa_bntl <3
The next installment of the Footpatrol Communi T has finally arrived! After a long and exciting wait we are pleased to announce Ghica Popa as our next Communi T collaborator.
Having worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, Ghica has made his mark through his individualistic aesthetic following his love for 80s cars and vehicles from when he was young.
Creating 2 bespoke Communi Ts, Ghica has been working on producing his own rendition of the Footpatrol Gasmask logo and also referencing various footwear categories by converting them into his signature vehicular style.
Whilst Ghica worked on the designs we reached out to talk more about his Communi T Project and what led him to where he is today.
Footpatrol: Ghica welcome! Before we jump straight into it, could you give our readers a bit of background about yourself?
Ghica Popa: Thank you, guys!
My name is Ghica Popa, I am an artist based in Bucharest.
My background, I’ve been drawing since I can remember, graduated from the Art High School in my seaside home town Constanta, then I moved to Bucharest and graduated from the Art University.
I’ve been working as a commissioned artist on various projects since circa 2005. In the early 10’s I sent to a couple of sneaker news websites a project I’ve been working on, named “space sneakers”. It contained 4 or 5 sneaker renditions of various Nike air models, all designed in my drawing style. The project was an instant success, got published on those websites and on many others. Since then, I was lucky enough to work on many international projects related to the sneaker or streetwear industry, like those with Nike, Jeff Staple, G-shock, Ray-Ban, DC Shoes. I also worked with some of the best sneaker magazines and stores in the world and I’m really happy to add Footpatrol to that select list.
FP: We are so excited to have you with us for the next installment of our Communi – T project. How did you get into illustration, was this always your plan or did it happen by chance?
GP: I am also excited to be a part of this project. I’ve been a Footpatrol fan and customer for a long time, so for me too this project makes perfect sense. How did I get into illustration? I really can’t recall, as I’ve been drawing since I can remember. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up in an artistic environment, my mom being an art teacher and artist. So for sure didn’t happen by chance: I was surrounded by art books and my Mom encouraged me to discover various art techniques since childhood: clay modeling, making various toys and vehicles from paper cutouts and other materials. And of course, painting and drawing: I remember I enjoyed the best drawing with markers, I still do.
FP: You have a very distinctive style when it comes to your designs, what made you go down the mechanical route?
GP: It wasn’t something I really planned. Of course, I realized at some point that “I might have a distinctive drawing style”. I guess I was influenced by a lot of things I’ve been enjoying since I was a kid: 80’s vehicles and cars – that were typically “boxy”, science fiction films (especially from that period), cartoons, Lego sets, comic books, architecture and also art movements: cubism, suprarealism and pop art.
FP: Over the course of your career your work has been used by some incredibly big names – to mention a couple Pepsi, IKEA, Nike.
What’s it like seeing your work being used on such a worldwide scale?
GP: It’s a great feeling to see you work out there. But I am also a big critic of my work, so I usually tend to focus on things I could have done better, instead of simply celebrating that result. That being said, I made a lot of projects that I am really proud of, and my collaboration with Footpatrol is one of them.
FP: For those who follow you on instagram will know you do a lot of sneaker based graphics and designs. Does this take up the bulk of your work?
GP: I would approximate that the sneaker related projects are about 30-40% of my work. But it’s true I do a lot of sneaker drawings just for the fun of it, for Instagram. That’s why it is such a shame that lately the Instagram reach has dropped, because I think many artists are now discouraged to create new daily creative content, made especially for IG, for much less views than they used to have.
Coming back to my IG content and the sneaker based graphics, I noticed that some brands get in touch with me because they’ve seen and liked my sneaker artworks on Instagram, although they would like something not sneaker related.
FP: Are you a big collector also and do you have Top 3 that you own?
I don’t consider myself a sneaker collector, for sure not a big collector.
But yes, I certainly have more sneakers than a “normal person” would have. I used to go after the best sneaker releases, limited editions, but that was 10-15 years ago, when you could still buy those. Now, I prefer to focus on other “under the radar” releases, and maybe that’s a good side of the hype surrounding most of the limited editions, that they leave so many great pairs aside. You can even find some of them with big discounts.
Top 3? Tough question.
That top changes for sure every week, or at least every month. It would be very hard to just name three sneakers, and a little unjust to my other pairs, but here are some of my favorite, not in a particular order:Nonnative x New Balance 997/998
Slam Jam x Asics Gel Lyte III
Size? X Nike Lunar 180 ACG
Footpatrol x Reebok Ventilator
24 Kilates x Diadora N9000 “Sol”
Overkill x adidas EQT “coat of arms” pack
Sneaker Freaker x Puma Blaze of Glory
CDG X Nike Air Max 95
And I really like those new Nike ISPA sneakers, pretty much all new models released.
FP: I also saw you have been working on some physical models also for your exhibition at the Special Sneaker Club in Milano. Is this the first time you have done something like this?
GP: Yes, the first time and it’s been a crazy process. I had two or three already made, my personal renditions of a Jordan 4 model, then Stefano from Special Sneaker Club proposed a solo show with basically “anything I want”. So I decided to make several renditions based on other various models that I considered suited to my style. The show was supposed to take place in Milan, in late April or May, but because of the virus situation, it was of course postponed.
We will probably do it next spring, if all things go well, hopefully. I already released pictures of some sculptures on my Instagram and I received great feedback. But I’ve kept some of the sculptures secret, I will only reveal those at the actual show.
FP: Let’s talk about your Communi – T. Could you tell us a bit about the designs you have done on the tees?
GP: The two designs we made are my personal renditions of the two Footpatrol logos, the gas mask and the bar logo.
The story with the gas mask is quite simple: I turned the mask into an armoured vehicle, as some of the mask elements inspired this transformation.
With the bar logo the process was a little longer: I tried to transform the logo letters into a single shape, but the result was very long and thin, as I had to respect the original logo shape. So my single vehicle seemed quite inappropriate for a t-shirt design. That’s why I decided to make several drawings of different vehicles and present them as one artwork, suited for the back of the tee. Each vehicle symbolizes a category of sneakers: the double decker: walking / street sneakers (those everyday sneakers on heavy rotations). The all terrain vehicles is a nod to trekking / hiking sneakers. The “limo”: luxury sneakers. And the racing car illustrated the running sneakers.
But we also added a second layer of meaning in this artwork, for Foopatrol fans: the red double decker is dedicated to the London store, and the “french blue” racing car to the Paris store.
It’s been a great process working on these two designs and the whole project, and I really thank you guys for this experience, all your help and great feedback.
FP: Ghica Popa, thank you so much for spending some time with us. Before we let you go we ask all our Communi – T collaborators to answer this last question!
Please describe Ghica Popas style in 3 words?
GP: Quirky, positive & squared.
For the upcoming revisit of the Nike Dunk High ‘Michigan State’ and ‘Michigan’, we worked alongside the existing ideas of the “Be True To Your School” and “Team Tones” packs, bringing the attention back to our teams with the motto ‘True to your Crew’. Taking our Paris team on to the city streets of this historic city, each team member picked a special place close to their hearts within the Le Marais neighbourhood to which document these upcoming Highs.
With 2020 so far proving to be the year of the Dunk for Nike, so far their attention has been fully placed on the Nike Dunk Low silhouette. However, thanks to the introduction of the ‘Michigan state’ and ‘Michigan’, we finally get the welcome return of the Nike Dunk High.
Similar to that of the 2008 ‘Pine Green’ colour way, the ‘Michigan State’ features the instantly recognisable colour blocking that makes the Dunk such an iconic silhouette though this time, the Green hue’s are a lot darker in tone.
Massive thanks to Footpatrol Paris friend, @Ronnyrun for styling the shoot.
To enter the ONLINE Raffle (UK Applicants only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE Raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the PARIS IN-STORE Raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will be contacted with further information on how to purchase their pairs. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win and pick up dates. Due to current government laws surrounding Covid-19, the store is working on an appointment only basis. You will need to contact the store to make an appointment for a time during the stated pick up dates.
On Saturday 12th September, ourselves and ‘Your Friendly Running Club’ were able to get together once again to celebrate the launch of the Nike Raw Kinetic Pack at Footpatrol.
Having had the opportunity to direct and shoot members of YFRC previously, the shoe was firmly on the other foot for this celebration with members Oliver and Sam inviting down the crew to take Footpatrol out on a 5km run around the streets of London.
Luckily for us, the whole approach of the running club is to be as relaxed and welcoming as possible, as Oliver mentions “I think there are a lot of established clubs out there that are super well structured in their approaches and how they work… For us, although I wouldn’t say we were as well organised, our approach tries to be a lot more relaxed. Whether this is the structure of runs a week or in the way we run. We aim to be easy going with a core membership that welcomes people to come and go when they are available. Everyones got a full time day job, everyone’s relaxed about their approaches and its overall, welcoming. The only rule we have is that the last person to arrive to the run, buys the first persons coffee…”.
A massive thank you to all of those that took part in the run and we hope to see you all again soon and for more information on future YFRC runs head over to their Instagram.
Take a look below at the recap of what went down…
Stevey Ryder is no stranger when it comes to Nike and the brand’s well known Airmax 1 model. Over the years Stevey has collected some of the most sought after Airmax 1 pairs that have ever been released and in some cases pairs that never even saw the light of day! Nikes Powerwall series was no exception!
With the original series launching back in 2006, we move forward 14 years to a time where little is known about the Powerwall series inspirational origins. What is for certain though, is the fact that it brought some of the most highly regarded paris to ever grace the sneaker scene in some of the most important Nike silhouettes.
With the widely spoken about launch of the Airmax 1 ‘Limeade’ fast approaching, we spoke to London’s very own Master of Air to discuss his thoughts and views on this Powerwall inspired Airmax.
Scroll below to catch our interview with Stevey and for all raffle information…
Footpatrol: Stevey Ryder, it’s great to have you back! How have you been?
Stevey Ryder: I’ve been good!
FP: The general public especially the London community know your love for the Airmax 1 is eternal! How is your collection looking these days, is it still continuing to grow?
SR: It’s growing haha!! Because brands have been on fleet, they’ve been pushing a lot of products out so I’ve been doing more than I normally would do as a result you know, you don’t want to keep having to come back to hunt for stuff whilst we can get it for retail now. So yeah it’s been busy!
FP: That’s not a bad thing though by the sounds of it you’re enjoying yourself!
SR: Yeah exactly, on my way to 1987 you get me!
FP: Last time talking about the Airmax 720 and this time we’ve brought you here today to talk about the latest rendition of the Airmax 1, the ‘Limeade’. What are your first impressions of this release?
SR: I’m digging them a lot a lot a lot!!! They are like a cross between a Lemonade and BRS for one, I like the details on the swoosh. It’s a much sort after pair, not so much these yet but the OG. To be able to even get them in 2 new colourways i think it dope. I wouldn’t mind if there did all of the Airmax 1 Powerwall colourways in 3 different colour ways each!
FP: That would have been mad! Obviously, this pair has taken inspiration for one of the most highly sought after Airmax 1’s, the ‘Lemonade’ from one of Nike’s largest packs, the Powerwall series. How do you feel about them making a new rendition of this model?
SR: I would prefer for them to leave what’s come along and push the boundaries. What they did with this instead of just bringing back the retro Airmax 1 ‘Lemonade’, they have made 2 brand new iterations of it, you gotta respect that. As long as they keep on moving and design more different kinds of styles, different collaborators it’s alright. It’s like the Albert Hiejn Airmax 1, I put it on the map like this. With the white ‘Masters of Air’ pair, if Nike were to release them as a GR or hype release it would kind of be disappointing for myself. So it was only at that point when I got why they never released Albert Heijn. With pairs like the Albert Heijn, what it’s created should just remain and not be retroed; some things are just best left alone.
FP: So would you say you’re more into them remastering a pair creating newer renditions as opposed to rereleasing an existing pair?
SR: Yeah definitely!
FP: For me that pack is the best series of shoes Nike Do you have a favourite pair from the Powerwall series?
SR: BRS 1s, Morning Glory 1s – copped these from Footpatrol back in the day! These have always been a favourite, low key. I don’t really like black top shoes but this is next level, this is one of the only pairs of black shoes that I love….. Apart from the masters! haha
FP: Other than the Airmax 1 is there another pair from that pack you think would have worked for this release?
SR: The 90. The ‘Lemonade’ 90, the ‘BRS’ 90, ‘Sunblush’ 90, the ‘Atomic Green’ Airmax 180, I think the 97s would have done well also. Definitely the Airmax 90 they are 2nd to the Airmax 1.
FP: Bearing in mind it’s the anniversary for the Airmax 90, I’m surprised they didn’t go with the ‘Lemon Frost’ instead.
SR: It would have made sense, but at the same time those Airmax 1 heads wouldn’t be getting as much love then!
There’ve been a few pairs that have come out, I’ve seen a few that were US exclusive and did not release over here which are nice. The hype in the states though isn’t as big as it is over here, we are generally runners fans in Europe.
I think even the 93s in this would do well, I know there are some 93 heads out there that aren’t getting much love!
FP: I think the 93s are the best pairs in the series. The details on each pair are crazy, the Whites, ‘Green Beans’, and the Tier-0 laser details mimicking the other models are just sick. The best is the BRS 93 though, that is the most understated model.
SR: I saw those BRS for cheap but they weren’t my size so I left them but it was something for less than £200 and this was recent!
FP: Stevey it’s been great to talk again, thank you for being here with us today!
SR: Na man it’s all good! Thanks for having me.
To enter the ONLINE Raffle (UK Applicants only), RAFFLE CLOSED
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE Raffle, RAFFLE CLOSED
To enter the PARIS IN-STORE Raffle, RAFFLE CLOSED
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will be contacted with further information on how to purchase their pairs. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win and pick up dates. Due to current government laws surrounding Covid-19, the store is working on an appointment only basis. You will need to contact the store to make an appointment for a time during the stated pick up dates.
Labelled as ‘The Next Generation of Fast’, we’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% at Footpatrol.
Having first been teased back in 2019 when Eliud Kipchoge took a prototype version and ran a marathon in under the holy grail time of 2 hours, everyones eyes were on his feet and what had taken him past this barrier.
Fast forwarding to mid 2020 and the world was introduced to the Alphafly NEXT%. Now with their second iteration ready to launch, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on them and see what they were all about.
Being Nikes premier racing shoe, the Alphafly has got technology and innovation in every part you look at. Building on the Vaporfly NEXT%, the Alphafly is packed with additional ZoomX foam within the heel that gives it its unique stance and greater stack height. If that wasn’t enough, in an effort to not only break but shatter those PB’s, within the forefoot is two visible and ultra-responsive Zoom Air pods that manage to deliver even more energy return than previous generations.
To celebrate this upcoming launch, our Paris store teamed up with the guys over at Power Up and invited down members Ruddy and Julien for a catch up and to check out this latest innovation from Nike.
FP: Thank you guys for being here, hope you have warmed up for this weekend’s race! How is it going ?
Ruddy/Julien: It’s still going well and you? – What warm-up? lol
FP: The real reason we’re here is to discuss the upcoming AlphaFly NXT% which launches at Footpatrol this weekend. This is the second iteration of the Alphafly, have you tried this model yet? From what I’ve read, there are some big advantages to running with it.
R: I have run with the pair in a quick session before and I won’t hide from you that the pair are “DANGEROUS”. As soon as you accelerate, you immediately feel that you are going to take off: it’s crazy !The Zoom Next% was already crazy but this one !!!!
J: I never got to try it again but just the feedback Ruddy gave us in training made you want to try it out! Already he was running like a mustang with that on his feet, we could only see him 2 minutes at the start of the session.
FP: After following Power Up since its debut, we have noticed that the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% is often used by the members of the collective, what do you think of the new technology of the Alphafly NEXT% compared to that of the Vaporfly? NEXT%?
J: The Vaporfly NEXT% was a real revolution for me in terms of responsiveness on the stride, so I couldn’t even imagine how it felt with the Alpha. The pair are really powerful on the attack from the stride they rocket forward, in addition to the really cool design of the pair they totally live up to their promises.
R: I think the Next was impressive, because it’s still well propelled on the forefoot, it had good cushioning with great responsiveness.
To compare it with the Alpha; as soon as you put your foot in it you know it’s going to be something: there is a forward tilt of the foot that happens naturally as soon as you walk. So imagine when you run! Then the energy that you could “lose” with the Next% when your foot touched the ground: the sag, it is directly corrected by these 2 air bubbles that you find on the Alpha.
FP: Since its introduction, the NEXT% range has left its mark on the running industry, on and off the track. What impact has it had on runners and athletes?
R: The impact is clear: whether you are a pro / semi pro or an amateur runner, everyone wants to own this pair! We even saw professional athletes signing in the competition doing normal SOLESWAP! Then it allowed all other brands to “try” carbon and offer a similar model. 7/8 out of 10 records have been EXPLODED with a NEXT!
J: By the way this is really where Nike is too strong and dominates the market. They bring pure innovation while keeping a design that makes you want to have it, whether you’re a pro or just a Sunday runner you want to have style when you run!
FP: This is the first time we have welcomed the Power Up team to Footpatrol, could you give us a little more information about the team and why / how you decided to start it? It has become quite a club in Paris.
R: To not give you everything and see you on a run with US and especially if I start telling you about the whole story; I’ll write you a book!
I wanted to share my energy, my vision of the sport, my values on a lot of things that make it really not just a “running crew”. I wanted to allow people to be able to express themselves in another way. The truth is, at the beginning, I created POWER UP for 5 people who came to run with me for a few months (Ben, Julien, Ulysse, Jacques and Saranu) even that is a great story.
Currently, we are about fifty.
J: I’m not going to lie before meeting Ruddy and having the chance to be in the family and the POWER UP adventure. I was a strong Sunday sportsman! But the dynamic atmosphere of always pushing yourself and giving yourself strength made me directly addicted!
FP: Are there any notable advantages to running in a club, with your friends, rather than going solo?
R: The word “club” is not for Us. A club, there is a membership fee and there is something too formal, maybe too serious lol.
But on the other hand, that’s why I recommend coming to run with Us: you will immediately see the difference between running solo and running as a team: The energy that a group gives off is incredible: you know you don’t run almost more for you but the whole group: so even when you are losing energy, you will have a colleague who will boost you !!
Just be prepared to laugh, to be spoofed and to be spoofed during the effort! It teases a lot 😉
J: Personally, going solo is not for me, certainly a mind that I don’t have. I need to know that I’m surrounded by people that my guys are there to give me a boost and that we’re together to share something that is more than just running. I’m not here for the performance I’m far from the fastest but it’s like Ruddy says to share a real energy that goes beyond sport.
FP: Along with the obvious physical benefits of running, we wanted to talk about the additional mental health benefits you can get from running. How did this aspect of running benefit you?
R: Everyone experiences running differently! Personally, without running I wouldn’t be so mentally relaxed, I wouldn’t be so creative. Running really helps me express myself.
J: I will even extend to all sports the physical effort will always be beneficial it brings satisfaction of well-being, running still has this thing in addition or from a moment you exceed your threshold and it becomes an automatic thing. You come back limit in meditation.
FP: With the crazy year that 2020 has been, how did you manage to stay motivated, was running a chore or kept you going? How did you spend your time differently?
R: This year is really special for us knowing it was our anniversary. After this Covid just kept us from getting together to train together, to spend time together, to participate in races that we had prepared for “X” time.
But it’s also very important to rest, and it has allowed us to train differently. I won’t hide from you that ENERGY has never been so strong !!!
J: It allowed us to rest in peace to come back even more strongly!
FP: Well guys thank you for participating and we look forward to seeing you this Saturday for your 5K run!
R/J: Thank you for this invitation we are expecting you on Saturday
Lors de son célèbre passage sous la barre des 2h sur un marathon, Eliud Kipchoge portait un prototype de la Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%.
Reconnu comme la première paire de course de chez Nike, l’Alphafly NEXT% est un concentré de technologie : 2 unités d’Air Zoom à l’avant du pied et une mousse Zoom X au niveau du talon pour une meilleur absorption des chocs. Cette paire a été conçut pour battre vos propres records.
Pour célébrer le lancement de la nouvelle Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, nous avons rencontré Ruddy et Julien, 2 membres du collectif Power Up Run pour parler de leur rapport au running, de la paire et de leur collectif
FP: Merci les gars d’être ici, j’espère que vous vous êtes échauffés pour la course de ce week-end! Comment ça va ?
Ruddy/Julien: Ça va toujours bien et toi ? – Quel échauffement ? lol
FP: La véritable raison de notre présence ici est de discuter de la prochaine AlphaFly NXT% qui sera lancée chez Footpatrol ce week-end. C’est la deuxième itération de l’Alphafly, vous avez déjà essayé ce modèle ? D’après ce que j’ai lu, il y a de gros avantages à courir avec.
R: j’ai déjà couru avec la paire sur une session rapide et je te cache pas que la paire est « DANGEREUSE ». Dès que tu accélères, tu sens direct que tu vas décoller : c’est un truc de fou ! Car la Zoom Next % était déjà folle, mais celle-ci !!!!
J: J’ai jamais pu encore l’essayer, mais juste les retours que Ruddy nous faisait à l’entraînement donnaient envie de tester ça ! Déjà qu’il cavale comme un mustang, avec ça aux pieds on le voyait seulement 2 minutes en début de session.
FP: Après avoir suivi Power Up depuis ses débuts, nous avons remarqué que la Nike Vaporfly NEXT% est souvent utilisée par les membres du collectif, qu’est ce que vous pensez de la nouvelle technologie de l’Alphafly NEXT% par rapport à celle du Vaporfly NEXT%?
J: La Vaporfly NEXT% à été, pour moi, une vrai révolution en terme de réactivité sur la foulée, alors je n’imaginais même pas le ressenti avec l’Alpha. La paire est vraiment puissante sur l’attaque de la foulée elle propulse vers l’avant comme une fusée. En plus du design vraiment cool de la paire, elle tient totalement ses promesses.
R: Je trouve que la Next était impressionnante, car on est quand même bien propulsé sur l’avant du pied, qu’elle avait un bon amorti avec une très grande réactivité.Pour la comparer avec l’Alpha ; dès que tu poses ton pied dedans tu sais que ça va être quelque chose : il y a une inclinaison vers l’avant du pied qui se fait naturellement dès que tu marches. Alors imagine quand tu cours ! Puis l’énergie que tu pouvais « perdre » avec la Next% quand ton pied touchait le sol : l’affaissement, il est directement corrigé par ces 2 bulles d’air que tu retrouves sur l’Alpha.
FP: Depuis son introduction, la gamme NEXT% a marqué de son empreinte l’industrie de la course à pied, sur et hors piste. Quel impact elle a eu sur les coureurs et les athlètes ?
R: L’impact est clair : que tu sois coureur pro/semi pro ou amateur, tout le monde veut posséder cette paire ! On voyait même des athlètes professionnels signés chez la concurrence qui faisaient des SOLESWAP normal ! Puis ça a permis à toutes les autres marques « d’essayer » le carbon et d’offrir un modèle similaire. 7/8 records sur 10 ont été EXPLOSÉS avec une NEXT !
J: Ruddy à tout dit c’est vraiment là où Nike est trop fort et domine le marché. Ils apportent l’innovation pure tout en gardant un design qui donne envie de l’avoir, que tu sois pro ou juste coureur du dimanche, tu as envie d’avoir du style quand tu run !
FP: C’est la première fois qu’on accueille l’équipe de Power Up chez Footpatrol, pourriez-vous nous donner un peu plus d’informations sur l’équipe et pourquoi / comment vous avez décidé de la créer ? C’est devenu tout un club à Paris.
R: Je ne peux pas tout te raconter, déjà parce que je veux te voir sur un run avec NOUS et surtout parce que si je commence à te parler de toute l’histoire; je vais t’écrire un livre !J’ai voulu partager mon énergie, ma vision du sport, mes valeurs sur beaucoup de choses qui font que c’est vraiment pas qu’un ‘crew de running’. Je voulais permettre aux gens de pouvoir s’exprimer d’une autre façon. La vérité, au début, j’ai créé POWER UP pour 5 personnes qui venaient courir avec moi depuis quelques mois (Ben, Julien, Ulysse, Jacques et Saranu), même ça c’est une grande histoire.Actuellement, nous sommes une cinquantaine.
J: Moi je vais pas mentir, avant de rencontrer Ruddy et d’avoir la chance d’être dans la famille et l’aventure POWER UP j’étais un sportif du dimanche fort ! Mais la dynamique, l’ambiance, le fait de se pousser toujours et de se donner de la force m’a rendu direct accro !
FP: Pour accompagner le lancement, Power Up organisera une course de 5 km pour que tout le monde puisse courir et se réunir, au début et à la fin du run, au magasin Footpatrol à Paris. Y a-t-il des avantages notables à courir au sein d’un club, avec vos amis, plutôt que de partir en solo?
R: Le mot « club » n’est pas pour Nous. Un club, il y a une cotisation et il y a quelque chose de trop formel, peut être trop sérieux lol.Mais par contre, c’est pour ça que je conseille de venir courir avec Nous : tu vas tout de suite voir la différence entre courir solo et courir en équipe : L’énergie que dégage un groupe est incroyable : tu sais que tu ne cours presque plus pour toi mais pour tout le groupe : donc même quand t’es en perte d’énergie, t’as un collègue qui te boost !!Juste prépare toi à rigoler, à te faire charrier et à charrier pendant l’effort ! Ça se taquine beaucoup 😉
J: Perso partir en solo c’est pas pour moi, certainement un mental que j’ai pas. J’ai besoin de savoir que je suis entouré, que mes gars sont là pour me booster et qu’on est ensemble pour partager un truc qui va plus loin que juste courir. Je suis pas là pour la performance, je suis loin d’être le plus rapide mais c’est, comme dit Ruddy, de partager une vraie énergie qui va au delà du sport.
FP: Outre les bienfaits physiques évidents de la course à pied, nous voulions parler des avantages supplémentaires pour la santé mentale que vous pouvez obtenir en courant. Comment cet aspect de la course vous a-t-il été bénéfique?
R: Tout le monde vie le running différemment ! Pour ma part, sans le running je ne serais pas aussi détendu mentalement, je ne serais pas aussi créatif.. La course m’aide vraiment à m’exprimer.
J: J’élargirais même à tous les sports. L’effort physique sera toujours bénéfique, il apporte de la satisfaction, du bien être. La course à pied a quand même ce truc en plus, où à partir d’un moment tu dépasses ton seuil et ca devient un truc automatique. Tu rentres limite en méditation.
FP: Avec l’année folle qu’a été 2020, comment avez-vous réussi à rester motivés, la course à pied a-t- elle été une corvée ou vous a-t-elle permis de continuer? Comment avez-vous passé votre temps autrement?
R: Cette année est vraiment spéciale pour nous, sachant que c’était notre anniversaire. Après ce Covid nous a juste empêché de nous retrouver pour s’entrainer ensemble, de passer du temps ensemble, de participer à des courses que nous avions préparées pendant « X » temps.Mais c’est aussi très important de se reposer, et ça nous a permis de nous entraîner différemment. Je te cache pas que L’ÉNERGIE n’a jamais été aussi forte !!!
J: Ca a permis de se reposer tranquille pour revenir encore plus en force !
FP: Eh bien les gars, merci de votre participation et nous avons hâte de vous voir ce samedi pour votre course de 5 km!
R/J: Merci à vous pour cette invitation on vous attend Samedi
Hailing from Peterborough we bring to you our latest installment within the Frequent Players Guest mix series, Alisha.
Bringing her eclectic taste of underground house and tech house to the scene, Alisha has paved her way as both producer and DJ having worked and mixed alongside some of the biggest names within the industry.
We sat down with Alisha to talk about her career and what its been like hosting some of the UKs first big social distancing parties.
Footpatrol: Welcome to our Frequent Players channel Alisha! How are you?
Alisha: Hey! My pleasure, thank you for having me, I’m great thank you hope you are too.
FP: All good this side thank you! Before we get into your music, would you be able to give our listeners and readers a bit of background around yourself and how you got into DJing?
A: Sure, i’m a DJ & Producer from Peterborough. I’ve been DJing for around 5 years now and producing for 4. I never studied music at school or college. I just always had a passion for music. One morning I woke up, brought a £30 controller from amazon and self taught myself in my bedroom for the next 6 months or so before getting my hands on some CDJ’s & the rest is history I suppose!
FP: Let’s talk music! You are known as a hard hitting Tech-House DJ/Producer was it the plan to always get into House music?
A: Djing wise house music was always the passion from the first events and festivals I went to when I was younger. Phillip George/ Sam Divine were the first couple people I watched DJ Before going to Creamfields and seeing Heidi, Hot Since 82 etc. I’m a huge R’n’B fan I must say but as a DJ house music was definitely the route for me, it made me move like no other! I’ve learnt over the years so much about house music and what I like & vibe off. The music HAS to have a groove for me and that underground feel to it.
FP: You also have supported acts like Richy Ahmed, Hot Since 82 and even went back to back with the legend Green Velvet! What’s it been like to be able to play alongside some of these artists?
A: Yeah pretty amazing to be honest. I never thought I’d be DJing outside of my bedroom when I first started. So as time went on and I started to be a part of these big lineups with artists that have been in the industry for decades it was very nerve-racking at first but I soon realised they’re just normal people like myself who I’ve learnt a lot from.
FP: It must have been such a crazy feeling to go B2B with Green Velvet?
A: Very mad haha! It was still at the start of my career so it was very overwhelming. We played for 4 hours and he’s had my back since! Had me a part of his LaLa Land shows as well as signing to his record label. An amazing guy who I’m lucky enough to call my friend.
FP: In your career so far is there anything that has stood out to be one of the most memorable experiences?
A: So many gigs & moments have stuck with me before 2020 kicked in haha. I think headlining BPM Festival’s 2019 party has to be up there. It was honestly incredible, probably one of the best sets I’ve played and still the most memorable. It was my first time going to Portugal let alone playing there and the crowd was just amazing.
FP: Moving onto your music. Have you been producing as long as you have been DJing, which came first?
A: DJing came first for me, I wanted to build my name as a brand and get a feel for gigs and music I’d like to produce and play. So then when I did make and release music I had already built my brand and helped develop it, which luckily has gone well!
FP: How would you describe your sound when it comes to your production?
A: Energetic Grooves! That’s what I love & my sets are full of energy but with that underlying groove throughout.
FP: I also read not so long ago you hosted your own social distancing open air event. What was that like, was that the first proper show you’ve done since lockdown?
A: I did! August Bank Holiday Sunday it was and it was truly amazing! I’ve been to a few social distanced events since lockdown was a thing and I’ve been lucky enough to play at 2 events before mine took place. I knew I wanted to get it as close to the real thing as I could with the production, sound & all the minor details. I was supposed to be doing my homecoming party in July which due to restrictions couldn’t go ahead. So I thought why not bring something to Peterborough to help with our pandemic. I’m glad to say it was a huge success and it was great to see everyone smiling and dancing again (in their social bubbles of course!)
FP: It must have been a strange feeling hosting a social distancing party, do you think this is going to be the way forward for events?
A: To me I didn’t let that get in the way. Everything was all inline with the government guidelines with tables at 2m apart / hand sanitisers etc. It didn’t feel strange to me at all, I think with the amount of effort myself & my team put into it within 2 weeks to make sure it is done to its absolute best. I made sure I focused on everyone having a good time and of course staying safe.
I really don’t think so and I hope this isn’t the way forward for events. I don’t like to say too much on the matter as there is a lot of negativity around the industry at the moment and for everyone. It would be great to hear some updates soon on the industry as I feel like we have been left to wonder a lot. However, I’m just very grateful that I’ve been able to hit the reset button, make loads of music, build a new studio, stay healthy and host my first party. Once we’re allowed back in the clubs it’ll be an amazing moment.
FP: Now if you could describe your mix in 2 words, what would you say?
A: Groove, Energy
FP: Well Alisha thank you, we are all excited to hear what you have installed for us in your mix! Before we let you go, what does the rest of 2020 have in store for you, is there anything you want to get the people excited for?
A: Thank you again for having me. I really enjoyed the mix! Yes I have an EP coming out beginning of October with a track that’s been awaiting release for a long time so i’m really excited for this one!
Over the last few years, Mizuno have created a path that has not only been a new direction for the brand, but has been shaped in such a way that it has become a storytelling platform that sheds light on what is one of the biggest and untapped archives out of any brand.
Founded in 1906 Mizuno has never strayed away from the technological challenges that are faced by athletes in their sporting careers. Besides Golf, Baseball, Volleyball and many other sports Mizuno has had a strong and stable footing within the running world making their mark in 1997 with the release of the Wave Rider 1 and their notorious ‘Wave Technology’.
Moving forward 10 years to 2007, ‘Wave Technology’ had advanced so much. To celebrate their 10th anniversary of this amazing technology, Mizuno launched their most advanced model yet – The Mizuno Wave Rider 10. Featuring a thermo plastic insert of which takes the form of the ‘Wave Technology’ providing additional cushioning, greater energy return and increased stability. Paired with a highly shock absorbent (VS-1) foam heel wedge and AP foam midsole. With all that cushioning, Mizuno also added an extremely durable outsole made out of a material called X10 Carbon Rubber.
With the sole unit having so many components, the uppers for the shoe had to also be just as complex. Using the brand’s AIRmesh breathable uppers, and Mizuno’s Intercool system – a full midsole ventilation system that reduces heat and humidity build up in the shoe during exercise. They were able to make a lightweight running shoe that carried every aspect of Mizunos DNA, so light it only weighs 320g!
Overall the Wave Rider 10 and the entire series is one of the most advanced and forward thinking running technologies within the industry and has no doubt created some incredibly high tech and strong selection of runners.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 10 is coming soon to Footpatrol!
Something that has always inspired us here at Footpatrol is the heritage of where streetwear and sportswear came from including 80s/early 90s sportswear brand logos/graphics.
For our latest T-Shirt collection, we brought these inspirations to the forefront for a duo that allows you to represent both our London and Paris stores.
The black tee, representing London could be mistaken for the colours known to the city with its brutalist concrete building and its often grey covered skies however it actually looks to hark back to the 90’s sports teams jersey colours that was available around those years.
For Paris, we looked at classic sportswear brand/team colours from those years and wanted to find a set of colours that defined this period.
Available in-store and online, sizes range from S-XXL, priced at £35.
