Author: Bradley Martinez
This week, we brought you the introduction of our newest platform ‘Ask TEAMFP’ which you’ll now able to find live on our website.
In an effort to bring you, the community closer to our team, over the next couple of weeks we’ll be introducing to you some of the team members that will be on hand to offer you in-depth looks into product, in-store sizing guidance and styling advice whilst also being able to offer you a greater insight into our local community of Soho.
This week, we meet Fynn. Born and raised in leafy Surrey and having just graduated from LCF, Fynn takes us through his influences giving us an insight in to what Footpatrol means to him and the local community that surrounds us.
To start things off, tell us a bit about yourself and where you’re from?
I’m a 24 year old recent postgraduate of LCF. I was born and raised in Surrey and currently live in South London.
Where would you say you got your style influences from?
From the people I see everyday. If London is the fashion capital of the world that would make Soho the melting pot of style.
Who is your most listened to artist right now?
Probably either Rodriguez Jr. or Dominik Eulberg
What’s it like to be a part of the Footpatrol Family and what made you want to join?
I go to work to see my mates, what more could you ask for from a “job”. Footpatrol has always felt like a second family, now so more than ever. Footpatrol has always been the original destination store for kicks, it was a no brainer when the offer was presented to me.
What makes Soho so important to you?
I think Soho is the soul of what feels like an increasingly corporate London. There is always something going on, whether that’s a drop or people enjoying themselves too much at the pubs.
If you had to pick one brand to wear, what would it be and why?
Acne Studios for sure. Minimalist good quality pieces that you can pick up for a decent price if you know where to look.
Favourite shoe?
Would have to be the New Balance x JJJJound 990v3. Although I haven’t been able to grab 1 of the 100, the brown hues on the most comfortable New Balance model is a winner. Someone find me a UK9 please.
What’s the most common question you hear when you’re with a customer?
“What have you got out back for me?” Haha!
Can you explain the benefits of the Ask Team FP service?
Now more than ever as we approach the ‘new normal’ the ASK TEAMFP service can benefit the customer massively. We can showcase our extensive product range and check stock availability but more importantly we can showcase our safety precautions to ensure the customer they are stepping into a safe environment!
What does Footpatrol mean to you?
Footpatrol has allowed me to work within an industry that was previously just an interest. It has allowed me to meet like minded people over meaningful conversations creating a real community not in a department store or boutique but the streets.
Top 3 pairs you own?
Nike x Union Air Jordan 1 ‘Black Toe’
Nike Air Jordan 4 ‘Classic Green’
New Balance x Stray Rats 990v3 ‘Reprise Joker Grey’
Where is the best place to go in Soho?
There are so many great record stores in Soho. You should definitely drop by our neighbours Sister Ray or Reckless Records if you’re into your music.
If you had to pick one place to get food in the area where would you recommend?
If you are looking for a good value quick bite look no further than the friendly Father/Son duo of Soho Joe and Cookhouse Joe on Berwick and D’Arblay Street.
How important is it to get to know the customer?
In this industry it’s important to get to know the customer on both a business and personal level. It can feel like the interaction with brands is confined to an impersonal instagram centric level. Over the 18 years we’ve been open regular customers have become good friends of the Footpatrol family.
If you had to describe yourself in 1 word what would it be?
Brenat
You, the community, are the one element that’s become cemented within the history of Footpatrol since the beginning and it’s what we’ve missed the most over these last few months. Those of you that would come by the shop to chat with us about everything from sneakers to football, clothing to food. Those that would travel far and wide from around the globe to visit us in the tiny streets of Soho. It’s this multicultural mix of visitors that we’ve also become a part of, that made Soho what it is today.
So to try and bring that community connection back, we’re excited to announce the introduction of ‘Ask TEAMFP’. In an effort to bring our community closer to Footpatrol, ‘Ask TEAMFP’ is a new platform that will enable you, the community, to shop safely with us from your home.
First time visiting the store and want to know more about us and the local area? Seen something online and want some ideas on how to style it? Want to know what music we are listening to in-store, or any upcoming events we are hosting? Offering real time insights and knowledge, you’ll now be able to seamlessly connect with a TEAMFP member who will now be available to offer in-store product info and stock availability whilst being able to give you a more in-depth look at that product you’ve been debating.
Spotted something online? – Found something online and want to know if we have it available in one of our stores? Click the Ask TEAMFP icon and seamlessly connect with one of our TEAMFP Members.
Connect to Ask TEAMFP – Once connected, you’ll be able to talk in real time with one of our TEAMFP Members (In line with the store’s opening hours) who will be ready to offer you advice on product. With features such as live streaming video and imagery, we’ll be able to offer you greater insight to the details and even share ‘On the Foot’ shots giving you ideas of how each shoe could be styled.
Shop or Reserve – Like what you’ve seen? Talking to your TEAMFP member, you’ll be able to check out there and then online or reserve the product in-store* ready for collection (*excluding launch product).
Our teams look forward to speaking to you all soon!
Pour essayer de rétablir ce lien avec la communauté, nous sommes ravis d’annoncer le lancement de ‘Ask TEAMFP’. Dans le but de rapprocher notre communauté de Footpatrol, ‘Ask TEAMFP’ est une nouvelle plateforme qui vous permettra, à vous la communauté, de faire des achats en toute sécurité avec nous depuis chez vous.
C’est votre première visite au magasin et souhaitez en savoir plus sur nous et le quartier ? Vous avez vu quelque chose en ligne et vous voulez des idées sur la façon de le porter ? Vous voulez savoir quelle musique nous écoutons en magasin ou si nous avons des événements de prévus ? Offrant des informations et des connaissances en temps réel, vous pourrez désormais vous connecter en direct avec un membre de la TEAMFP qui sera disponible pour vous donner des informations sur les produits en magasin et leur disponibilité, ou bien encore vous montrer plus de détails sur ces produits.
Vous avez trouvé quelque chose en ligne et vous voulez savoir si c’est disponible dans l’un de nos magasins? Cliquez sur l’icône Ask TEAMFP et connectez-vous en direct avec l’un des membres de la TEAMFP.
Connectez-vous à Ask TEAMFP – Une fois connecté, vous pourrez parler en temps réel avec l’un des membres de laTEAMFP (en fonction des heures d’ouverture du magasin) qui sera prêt à vous conseiller sur les produits. Grâce à des fonctionnalités telles que la diffusion en direct de vidéos et d’images, nous serons en mesure de vous offrir un meilleur aperçu des détails et même de partager des photos «On the Foot» vous donnant des idées sur la façon dont chaque chaussure pourrait être portée.
Achetez ou Réservez – Vous aimez ce que vous avez vu? En discutant avec votre un membre de la TEAMFP, vous pourrez vérifier sur place puis en ligne ou réserver le produit en magasin* (* hors produit de lancement) pour le récupérer par la suite.
Nos équipes de Londres et de Paris ont hâte de vous parler bientôt!
Since launching in November of 2018, Nike ISPA has steadfastly worked under its organizing philosophy: Improvise. Scavenge. Protect. Adapt.
The actions form a set of design principles manifested as a pinnacle experimental expression of Nike design across all categories, including the latest innovations and established creations.
Having seen the highly anticipated Nike ISPA Road Warrior and Overreact FK release as part of the Nike ISPA 2020 collection, next in line to release is the Nike ISPA Flow.
With a similar aesthetic to the Overract FK silhouette, the ISPA Flow does have its difference. Perfect for the summer heat, the ISPA Flow strips down the essentials to adapt to the unexpected in order to balance stability and style. The upper features a mono mesh material for maximum breathability whilst the rest contain more see-through panels further form a layered dimension at the eye stay and side. The outsole is brought to its most lightweight and breathable through a perforated outsole that allows internal intake of airflow.
No strangers to working together, ASICS and Reigning Champ team up once more to wrap up their ‘Global Run Tour’. This grand finale see the duo take on a trip to the streets of Paris for a collection that is built on the cities rich heritage and architecture whilst exploring the diverse range of cultures the city benefits from.
Aside from an apparel collection, the silhouette of choice for Reigning Champ to get their hands on was the Gel-Nimbus 22, a perfect silhouette within the ASICS running catalog. The Gel-Nimbus 22 benefits from both Gel and Flytefoam technology within the midsole to help reduce the load on the feet whilst also helping to propel you forward for maximum stride.
The Polar Shade upper is complemented by alternate coloured laces in blue and red harking back to the countries national flag.
Launching online on Wednesday 12th August (Available online from 08:00AM BST), sizes range from UK6 – UK12, priced at £155.
When you think back to 90’s TV shows, you can’t help but think of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Having made waves across our TV screens during the 90’s, Will Smith became known for constantly wearing laceless Jordans on his feet.
Fast forward to 2013, and the Fresh Prince finally gets his own pair, a Jordan V. In a Cool Grey upper, the silhouette was finished in bright bursts of colour that instantly make you think back to that opening title sequence and logo.
Fast forward even more to the present day, we once again, the Fresh Prince returns once again with a new alternate colourway. This time finished in a stark white upper, those ‘racer pink’, ‘court purple’ and ‘ghost green’ highlights are still their taking pride of place and alternate colour Jordan branding on the heel. The lining screams 90’s with a bright print.
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.
Within all the hype surrounding the Jordan 1 High silhouette, of late the Jordan Brand have begun to utilise the Air Jordan 1 Mid and Low silhouette by crafting their own unique place within the market. With a host of collaborations and special editions coming to light, the Air Jordan Mid taken this all in its stride to stand out on its own and even played a heavy part within their Fearless collection.
With this in mind, the Jordan Brand are back with two new iterations of the AJ1 Mid that play on a host of mixed materials. The usual leather upper that’s been a mainstay on the Air Jordan silhouette since its introduction has been stripped back and in its place sits a rich suede bringing a new feel to this classic silhouette.
To enter the BLUE ONLINE raffle (UK applicants only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the YELLOW ONLINE raffle (UK applicants only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the BLUE LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the YELLOW 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.
For our Footpatrol Discussion we always aim to give more insight into the footwear industry as best as we possibly can, to create a better understanding of the hard work these creatives do. What better way to continue that than with Pumas Global Creative Director, Heiko Desens.
Heiko has been in the footwear industry for over 15 years covering all aspects from sportswear to luxury. Since making a return to Puma, Heiko has worked on launches such as the famed RX series, Puma Muse and many more.
We sat down with Heiko to talk about all things Puma and his involvement with the brand.
FP: Heiko, it’s always a pleasure to have the Puma family spend some time with us, for the Footpatrol community could you give us a brief introduction into who you are and what you do for Puma?
Heiko: The pleasure is on my side. I am responsible for the global product Creative Direction with a team of Creative Directors focusing on individual product categories. Also leading the Innovation team where we look for state of the art engineering and performance innovation.
I am a passionate product person and have been moving between sport, fashion and luxury with the result that sports wear definitely is my biggest love.
FP: Over the course of your career this isn’t the first time you worked with Puma, could you tell us a bit about your role previously and your journey that’s brought you back?
H: It was an amazing time being the Creative Director for PUMA Sportstyle when Puma Platform, Puma Muse, RS-0, RS-X launched and also working with an incredibly passionate team.
One of my other passion, however is bags and accessories and once the opportunity came along to work for MCM i took the chance to experience and get insights to the luxury market. When I heard that PUMA wants to merge Creative Direction and Innovation and is going to emphasize performace in all aspects even more, it was clear that I need to be part of it.
FP: What drew you to the sneaker industry in the first place as a designer?
H: Actually I am not a footwear designer, my background lies in fashion engineering. My first professional touch points with sneakers were when the second wave of Sports X Fashion sneakers started to bubble up. It was during my time with Y-3. Only after when I worked for the german designer MICHALSKY i was responsible for the full scope of FTW.
Since you have been back with the brand you brought back the 80s Running System technology and released the rebooted RS-O. Did this release go as well as you guys thought it would? It’s hard not to see someone walking around not wearing a pair of the recent RS series.
We were convinced that the RS franchise is going to do great for PUMA but i doubt that at the starting point any of us expected what was ahead of us. So, it went well. Extremely well in regards to several aspects. PUMA is great in many other product segements but with the RS franchise we were speaking to a consumer we haven’t been touch with for quite a while. And we could manifest our position with a young trend driven consumer.
It’s interesting, when you think of Puma you think classic with a lot of heritage behind it and a passion for innovation. A lot of people may not know that Puma paved the way for the modern day sneaker collaborations in 1997 with Jil Sander.
FP: How important is it to maintain that consistency in raising the bar within the industry?
H: Looking back this was a genius decision to pair Sportswear with fashion and it created a whole culture ….or industry segment.
Going further i see this a key to success but in a general crowded market, space aspects like the connection of well being/health and sports becoming more important and pushing limits in regards to sustainability. Whether it is through partnering up with brands, organisations or emphasizing innovative ideas from within.
FP: You still to this day have been pushing some strong fashion collabs with the likes of ADER ERROR, Han Kopenhagn, and the most recent project with the young chinese brand Attempt.
How do you go about deciding on the brands you choose to work on your collaborations?
H: The wheel of collabortions is turning fast these days. More then ever it is important to partner up with influencal brands, people or organisations and go beyond just a logo swapping exercise. We want partners to inspire and influence traditional ways of product creation, give us insights in subcultures/cultures we haven’t got access to and most of all we want to have fun, createing a positive energy and products consumer will love.
FP: I wanted to touch on the Puma Suede as we are approaching its anniversary and is one of the most recognisable models from the brands archive. Could you share with us a bit of the history of the model and how it came into fruition?
H: When Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood on the podium of the 1968 Olympic Games on October 16, Tommie had his PUMA shoes standing by his side, while he raised a fist into the air and made (sports) history. The shoe next to Tommie Smith was called the PUMA Crack, the only suede shoe in PUMA’s line up by the time. In 1972 the PUMA Crack was replaced by the PUMA Clyde – same material, but named after basketball legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier. A few years later, the contract to name the shoe “PUMA Clyde” expired, but the model stayed the same. With only a slightly modified silhouette, PUMA continued to sell the shoe in a large variety of colors and named it “Suede”. Obviously, the Suede and its similar-looking predecessors, the Crack and the Clyde, were intended to be universal training shoes for indoor and outdoor sports. But the lifestyle trend had other plans for the Suede, turning it into a timeless classic street shoe.
FP: It was a hugely popular Bboy shoe especially within New York during the 80s/90s do you think this movement helped solidify this model into sneaker history?
H: With a sleek suede upper and thick rubber outsole, the Suede was the perfect fit for breakdancing, making it popular in bboy culture. This movement certainly helped solidify the popularity and legacy of the suede.
FP: It was also one of the first all suede trainers for the time no, essentially a comfier Puma Basket no?
H: This was the first suede shoe in PUMA’s lineup. The PUMA Suede and the PUMA Basket are very different shoes, with different materials and soles.
FP: There is no doubt that the model still continues to be hugely popular with brands such as Bape making their own renditions of the Suede. What do you think it is about this model in particular that has been able to stand the test of time?
H: It is unique to combine a sports shoe silhouette with a material what is perceived as luxurious and high quality. That makes the SUEDE a rather versatile shoe bridging sports and street.
The clean and timeless branding showing most of our brand assets…CAT….PUMA…FORMSTRIP make it authentic and our most beautiful brand representative.
FP: For recent weeks we have all been stuck indoors and at home. Could you share with us some of your go to pairs for the below:
Working out – …..well, I am outing myself to wear pair of Tsugi Evo Knit for non cardio work outs, a shoe I stocked up on a few years ago because it is the most comfortable shoe I have ever been wearing.
Casual Everyday – Future Rider Lux white
Impressing someone – RHUDE Ralph Sampson
Staying home – OBEY leopard pattern jacquard sox
FP: Thanks again for being here Heiko Before you go do you have anything you want to let the Footpatrol family know surrounding Puma and the rest of 2020?
H: As I am a peoples person I am hoping to meet the Footpatrol family in person sometime soon as in current times I am missing the personal exchange and conversation about our favourite topic, SNEAKERs and style.
Meanwhile stay safe and stay connected!
This style marks the return of a storied retro colourway that originally dropped only in Japan on 1st January 2001, with a limited run of 2,001 pairs.
While a limited-edition version with special packaging is now fittingly releasing in Japan only, a wider release sans the suitcase is scheduled to drop across the globe, featuring the same shades of Neutral Grey and Metallic Silver. Other additions include CO.JP branding on the insole, as well as a tag inside the tongue nodding to the style’s early-noughties origins.
PLEASE READ THE BELOW CAREFULLY!
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.
First introduced in 1984 as a trio of running sneakers, the ZX series has since grown to iconic status and has managed to gain an almost cult like following ever since that introduction.
Fast forward to 2008-2009 and adidas felt like it was the perfect time to celebrate such a collection, this led to the introduction of the A-ZX series. With an array of collaborations from the likes of Colette and ourselves with a bunch of iterations that paid homage to some of the adidas archive the A-ZX series proved a worthy celebration.
Now adidas once again look back to this celebration of the ZX with another take on the A-ZX series that will span across 2020 and into 2021. Building on the ‘Thousands’ series, adidas introduce 26 new iterations based on each letter of the alphabet, some in collaboration with some of the most prominent brands of today and some that once again, take inspiration from the Adidas archives.
Looking at the chart below, head back over to our Instagram and let us know who you would love to see take part in this series!
The Air Jordan 1 changed footwear forever—and the original ‘Black Toe’ colourway played an essential role in establishing the silhouette as a cultural icon.
A women’s-only release from 2019 revived the famous make-up but with a reversed look. This new release showcases parallel styling, but incorporates a mix of both satin and faux snakeskin. Predominantly a make up of leather upper, faux snake skin takes up the heel portion in black. Further black hits on the Swoosh, outsole laces and tongue tab. Like the 2019 release, satin occupies the tongue and lining to keep the timeless classic modernised.
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.
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.
