Author: Bradley Martinez
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.
Designing, building and manufacturing footwear has never been an easy task and unlike fashion isn’t a process we tend to get to see or hear a lot about. This never stopped owner and founder of BespokeIND, Damian if anything he was encouraged to create a bespoke atelier service specifically for sneaker lovers giving them the foundations to learn, understand and put together their very own pairs of some of the the industries most popular models.
We sat down with Damian to go over his journey and what led him to create what has become one of the works leading bespoke sneaker ateliers.
Footpatrol: First of all, welcome Damian, thank you for spending time with us, we know you’re a busy guy! Before we hop straight into it could you introduce yourself for the readers?
Damian: Hi FootPatrol, Damian Sim here, Founder, Design Lead & Artisanal Architect of BespokeIND. Manually Made In Melbourne Australia.
FP: Let’s start from the beginning. You are a passionate sneaker lover who has been able to produce some of the highest quality bespokes on the market, could you share with us a bit about your journey and how you ended up starting BespokeIND?
Damian: Being born & raised in Melbourne Australia in the early 1980s, I embraced what my city had to offer as a young kid growing up in such an emerging multi cultural city, with so many influences & sub-cultures from across the globe. I embraced my asian heritage however I was pretty much influenced by US & Japanese subculture from the onset. Travelling to Tokyo & New York copious times over the decades to embrace the sneaker culture & learn from the best in the game.
Alike cities like Berlin, Paris, London, Tokyo & New York, Melbourne had an underground subculture growing in all facets of what we now know as Hype Culture. Graffiti, skateboarding, hip hop was the underground society of the ERA for these cities.
My early days stemmed prior to the evolution of the quote on quote word “sneakerhead”. The industry now is more like an all you can eat buffet, saturated with monthly drops & collaborations, less niche, with the big guys like Nike, retro’ing everything hot from that ERA. My ERA lol. Live your own ERA I say.
A niche almost geek like hobby & market, that has evolved into a mainstream industry, where the mums & dads are now embracing the industry like their offspring. Matching sneakers & fit with their kids, copping that extra pair to resell on the side. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
I came from the geek ERA of sneakers, before dial up internet, pre Nike Forum Talk days, where it was all about the actual sneaker itself, the shape, the form, the materials, the rake, the cushioning & technology, or who endorsed it or wore it, not so much what the sneaker itself will be worth in time like the stock market. A toxic culture now albeit, but whichever the ERA, it is good to know its thriving more than ever. Embracing it is all us old heads can do haha.
I submersed myself in the early stages of sneaker culture (late nineties) via basketball card collecting, NBA Jersey archiving, skateboarding, street art, & adopted a passion for collecting sneakers & all things rare around it. This was pre-internet ERA, so it was all about magazine subscriptions, mail orders & getting to know my local OG sneaker & skate stores to attain what I like & could afford.
I’ve always been that collector who collects rare & hard to find grails, whether that be sneakers, street art, vinyl toys, skate decks you name it, if it’s rare & fits into my DNA, I’ll likely collect it. I have been a consumer of hype product for years…. so this BespokeIND Atelier I have created is a means of expressing that DNA. I know what the kids want so to speak. Thats as bluntly as I can put things.
All the above most definitely paved the way & became the catalyst to how I ended up starting BespokeIND. This all leads to your question…….
“Since young, I have always been creative. Painting, drawing, sketching, sculpting, hand-sewing, taking things apart and putting them back together. Was a blessing in disguise I guess. My high school years I excelled in Media Arts & Graphic Design & won many awards for design & innovation. I completed my degrees in Business & Marketing/Media. I worked corporately for many years in my early work life, & have run my own businesses since for the last 12 years in a few industries.
This path gave me the opportunity to go full circle in 2013 when I was tired of the ground hog day vibe of doing what you don’t love. Life is about fulfilment isn’t it? Waking up everyday knowing you are doing what you love. Life with a purpose. Creating something that is unique & yours. That was, & still is my goal with BespokeINDs concept.
FP: BespokeIND has now got this huge worldwide following, did you ever see it taking off as much as it has?
I am only really just getting started to be honest. This “Conceptual Bespoke Sneaker Atelier” I have created is just a stepping stone for myself to unleash my own brand atelier in the near future. Due to Covid I have been unable to travel to get my next stage of my startup activated. I have been a consumer of this industry for so many decades… It is now my time to show my archive to the world. I’ve been archiving & sketching for years now. Everything thought is part of the process I guess. “My whole life has been retroed in some way or another”. I have always had attention to detail with everything I am interested in or have a passion for. The creative DNA, the decades of being that hype consumer & collector that has lived & breathed it before Sneakers became a personal gain, more than a passion, has been & will always be, the true catalyst as to why BespokeIND has taken off like it has.
FP: When you started how difficult was it to reproduce the lasts of the shoes? It doesn’t sound like a straightforward process when you hear some of the big brands having their fair share of issues with them.
Damian: Australia almost had zero industry with footwear when I first started researching shoe lasts manufacturing back in 2013, when I initially had this BespokeIND Atelier concept idea. I tried out my hand in Solidworks 3D software to develop the CAD drawing for 3D printing, but we soon found out that shoe lasts cannot be 3D printed for the purposes we required them for. RMIT Footwear was then my next point of contact.
Fast forward to 2015 I contacted various industry people locally to help me develop the correct shape shoe lasts from using my personal collection of my favourite classic silhouettes in OG format. An expensive exercise yet a necessary one, as you’d know even the likes of Nike get it wrong at times when they try to retro their own classic silhouette. For example, the Nike Air Max 1. For decades toes, mudguards, swooshes & heel heights were all over the place.
To create you have to destroy, so this is what I had to do to be able to get the right form for my lasts. The amount of hand wrap shaping I had to do over a course of say 2 years on & off to get my shoe last shape as perfect to mimic the OG shapes of these silhouettes was a huge task in itself. Although well worth it, as I have a master set that can pretty much make any shape sneaker we want now. A great step forward when we start developing my own archive line of sneakers.
Pressure points on how panels sat, toe box rake, mudguard heights, how the shoe is put together, or the miniscule little details on how the overall form & shape was from day one when it released, were all mandatory design details on how I perfected my set of shoe lasts across many classic silhouettes. Call it geeky, but this is what it takes.
As all experienced shoe makers say… “shape & form comes from the shoe last first & foremost”.
FP: How does the process go between yourself and the customer, is it very hands on from start to finish on everyone’s part or do people tend to come with a concept and let you take full creative control over it?
Damian: We are a full bespoke conceptual atelier & offer our clients an organic design to fruition service, which can be scaled from a simple custom edit on a factory sneaker, to a full blown build from a design sketch.
We offer partitions of this BespokeIND service with our 1of1 Classic Silhouette Program, Build Slot run of samples (for example the Air Diors or FL.OW pack), or full package “sketch to physical form sampling”. We can deal directly with the likes of Vibram, to develop the clients midsole design, where most would have to subcontract that type of development out.
Our client’s limitation is governed by their imagination & their budget. I would say 90% of our clientele are overseas, so interaction with clients from start to finish is crucial. It’s all handmade hours here, so we take it very seriously to ensure our clients are well informed about the whole process, & can visually see digital renders, materials in-hand by video conference or messaging apps prior to us commencing the actual build process.
We are transparent with our quotations & ensure all our clientele achieve their ultimate grail piece.
FP: Looking at your work the attention to detail is insane, do you have a Top 3 you’ve made since you started that have become your favourites?
Damian: Thank you. Perfectionist mentality is how I have conveyed BespokeIND from day dot. I never let anything slip from the process.
Top 3 is hard, I have done a lot of samples. But if forced to make one, it’ll have to be the samples I crafted that made the most impact for my creative reach. In no particular order :
Nike Dunk SB “FL.OW” – sold out in minutes & Leonard Futura Dosmil McGurr & Virgil Abloh reached out for their personal pairs, which was pretty special given it was their tapestry that inspired my idea.
MAKER : @DAMIANJENHOWESIM of @BESPOKE_IND
PHOTO : @SNEAKERFREAKERMAG
Nike Mars Air Jordan 3 Over Shoe – Probably the most technical build ever done in my studio. World first clout for sure. Using Tom Sachs’ over shoe, I designed & handcrafted a legit fireproof rated/waterproof Nike Air Jordan 3 with reinforced fibreglass textile woven into the upper, with all magnetic working clasps fully functional as Tom Sachs intended.
Part of this pack was a hybrid version of the inside Mars Yard 2.0 using a Footscape midsole (to date no one has had the balls to take apart that Overshoe the way I did, 99.9% just cut the bag off. I created two new shoes out of that Over Shoe, a similar end product like the FootPatrol x Undercover hybrid, however that was more straightforward.
MAKER : @DAMIANJENHOWESIM of @BESPOKE_IND
PHOTO : @PHOTOMONK3Y
Nike Air Max 1 – B Lucky & Sons – arcade gaming theme. Probably the most complex Nike Air Max 1 build BespokeIND/I have ever done. Day time glow panels, Pacman gaming screen toe boxes, working gaming ticket dispenser made out of kangaroo, you name it, I did it on this shoe lol. It’s also on display in my city with a massive ticket price that gamers can win from the arcade games. I think it was 450,000 tickets to win it.
MAKER : @DAMIANJENHOWESIM of @BESPOKE_IND
PHOTO : @LUCASBLACKMAN
FP: Now, we have seen a custom that recently caught our eye from yourself featuring a hybrid of the Undercover x Nike Daybreak sole unit and our Footpatrol x Nike Air Stab upper. Serious stuff!!! Could you tell us a bit about this project?
Damian: It was more to give back life to one of the best pre-hype sneakers to exist hehe. The Nike Air Stab has always been that devil between the 1 & the Ninety for me. The colour way you guys designed is timeless. Perfect. I would not have changed anything if I was part of this design in the day. I just wish they retroed the shape & OG panels correctly, which they didn’t.
It was only right, since I had acquired 3 pairs over the years, that I did something different to two of the pairs. I just had them laying around in my sneaker graveyard pile waiting for that right peripheral donor to show itself through my studio. The correct colour way midsole & outsole was crucial to these hybrids. I just patterned new mudguards & heels to be able to cover old glue lines & also give both shoes a new aesthetic. I hope I made you guys proud. More of a personal project for me to wear these again more than anything. However I did get many requests to open up build slots for these but I declined. I have to be super selective with projects these days.
FP: Is this the first time you’ve done a Footpatrol project or have you done others in the past?
Damian: First time.
FP: Do you get as many hybrid custom jobs as you do bespokes or was this more of a special one off project?
Damian: I get plenty of client requests however it has to work for me. I am selective when it comes to hybrids. Not anyone can make it work & execute it so it looks meant to be. Hard to explain the process but yes, many enquiries, but I usually just do my own pairs that are needing new soles or life. My vault has plenty of vintage. So I will be doing hybrids when I can, or when the right combination or donor turns up on the market.
FP: Damian it was great to meet you and thanks again for sitting with us! Before we let you go is there anything you want to share surrounding BespokeIND that you would like to get the Footpatrol family excited about?
Damian: Sorry for the rambling. Typing all this on the fly whilst making & playing catch up in my studio. We are like 6-12 month lead time now for our orders. It’s a crazy time, but a blessed time. Can’t wait to show the world my next step in this start up I created. Thank you FootPatrol. I’m a day one fan from Only in Sohos. I had friends in London at that time of drop. What a time to be alive! Would love to collaborate one day… Just saying 🙂
