Author: Bradley Martinez
First up in this new series is Sam Pearce, New Balance’s creative design manager who also oversees NB’s Made in UK line.
Whilst we’re in lockdown, we thought this would be a great opportunity to reach out to those individuals who are behind the scenes at some of our favourite brands to get a greater insight into their roles and the brands themselves.
Check out the interview below available in both English and French.
Footpatrol: Sam before we get into it tell us a bit about yourself, what’s your role and how long have you been with New Balance for?
Sam: I will always say I am a fan first, beyond that I am an avid collector, historian and currently hold the position of Creative Design Manager. I have been at NB a little over 9 years and currently work out of our European HQ.
FP: Could you give us any specifics about your role and what it entails?
Sam: I head up the footwear design team for this region, we handle global projects including collaborations, inline product and the Made in the UK line. I spend a lot of time planning future product direction and building compelling stories for the brand but design is still my main focus.
FP: For anybody that follows you on social media they would know that you are a serious New Balance connoisseur collecting some of the rarest and most obscure models and sharing their stories. Have you always been a big New Balance collector?
Sam: My first pair of “Newbies” were some white leather cross-trainers during that craze of the early 90’s but I didn’t “mature” into the brand till I was in my twenties. Most of NBs history and product is still a complete mystery to people, so when I started sharing these bizarre items the community were grateful for some insight and answers. I currently have pieces going to museums all over the world – sneakers have officially come of age!
FP: Moving on to your role for the brand, you are the brains behind the design of the X-90 model which debuted in 2018. Where did you get the inspiration from when concepting the model in the first place?
Sam: When we started this project in early 2016 the plan was to build a model that captures the design language of the 990 series for a younger audience… I wanted to rip up the rule book and create something unique from what had been done before. Traditionally sneakers were built with performance running in mind but this was designed specifically to target a modern consumer and the needs of their day to day life.
FP: It must be an amazing feeling being able to see your creation come to life?
Sam: This was a whole new look at lifestyle product at the time, the market wanted something new and not just another retro. Nike and Adi had the Roshe and NMD respectively, it was fun to capture this for the NB consumer. I still get a lot of messages about the X90 being their daily beaters… mission accomplished.
FP: Are there any models from the brands archive you would love to see come back to life or redesigned for today’s market?
Sam: Honestly, you wouldn’t believe the back catalogue NB has… there are some Japan excusive models in the early 1990’s that will blow your mind, these are sneakers most people inside NB aren’t even aware of. With our return to basketball we will be pulling some of our best heritage models from that line, it would be fun to design a modern ball shoe inspired by this.
FP: You also had design input on the X-Racer, I read that it’s a mix of many things from New Balances back catalogue. Were there any models in particular that you used as inspiration for this design?
Sam: With the chunky look dominating the lifestyle market we wanted to flip things on its head a bit. I took inspiration from racing models such as the RC205 and 1200 (these again are pretty unknown by the masses) to create something low-profile and technical. This same element of storytelling continues throughout the X-series, the next iteration is due to drop later this year and will take the consumer down another path of New Balance heritage.
FP: Moving on to the New Balance ‘Made in’ Range is there much difference between the ‘Made in UK’ compared to the ‘Made in US’ lines?
Sam: Domestic manufacturing is the unique part of NB that got me hooked so it is an area of the business I am most passionate about. The USA line is pushing what a modern factory can be, making military grade footwear and performance products with a focus on 3D printing. The UK production, in contrast, is steeped in craftsmanship using the finest luxury European materials to make the very best lifestyle footwear. It really is a special thing to be involved with.
FP: Sam thanks for spending time with us! Before we let you go we are asking people what they are doing during the lockdown to keep creative, active or whatever they want to do to stay productive. Have you got any inspiration for the Footpatrol followers?
Sam: As a designer this time is ideal for me to hone new skills, practice sketching techniques or work in a media I am not so familiar with. Outside of that I have a “rolling” classic car project that is crying out for some TLC, I will be escaping to the garage with my tools for a change of scenery for sure. Keep your mind active, set yourself goals and stay safe out there.
FP: Sam avant de commencer, peux-tu nous parler un peu plus de toi, du rôle que tu occupes et depuis combien de temps travailles-tu chez New Balance?
Sam: Je dirais que je suis avant tout un fan. Je suis un collectionneur, historien et j’occupe actuellement le poste de Creative Design Manager. Je suis chez New Balance depuis un peu plus de 9 ans et je travaille au sein du siège européen.
FP: Tu peux nous en dire un peu plus sur ton rôle et en quoi il consiste?
Sam: Je dirige l’équipe de design footwear pour cette région. On gère des projets globaux. Ça inclut des collaborations, les produits in line (ou general release) mais aussi les projets Made In UK. Je passe aussi beaucoup de temps à définir la direction que va prendre la marque dans le futur en terme de produit et à développer du story telling autour des produits de la marque. Mais le design est le plus gros de mon activité.
FP: Ceux qui te suivent sur les réseaux sociaux savent que tu es un sérieux collectionneurs de New Balance. Tu as en ta possession les modèles les plus rares de la marque et tu racontes souvent leur histoire. As-tu toujours été un gros collectionneur de New Balance ?
Sam: Ma première paire de « Newbies » était une paire de cross-trainers en cuir blanc du début des années 90. Je n’ai cependant pas été à fond dans la marque avant mes 20 ans. La majeure partie de l’histoires et des produits de chez New Balance sont complètement inconnus du grand public. Donc quand j’ai commencé à partager ces produits « bizarres », la communauté a apprécié avoir des infos et des réponses. J’ai quelques pièces qui vont dans des musées dans le monde entier. Les sneakers ont officiellement atteint leur maturité !
FP: Passons maintenant à ton rôle auprès de la marque. Tu es le cerveau derrière le design de la X-90, modèle sorti en 2018. Où as-tu trouvé l’inspiration pour ce modèle?
Sam: Quand on a commencé ce projet au début de l’année 2016, le plan était de créer un modèle qui s’inspirait de l’esprit et du design de la série 990, pour un public plus jeune. Je voulais bousculer les codes et créer quelque chose d’unique. D’habitude, les sneakers sont fabriquées en pensant « performance running ». Mais celle-ci a été conçue spécialement en pensant à un consommateur moderne et pour l’accompagner dans sa vie de tous les jours.
FP: Ça doit être un sentiment exceptionnel de voir sa création prendre vie?
Sam: C’était un tout nouveau style de produits lifestyle. Le marché voulait quelque chose de nouveau et pas juste une autre retro. Nike et adidas avaient respectivement la Rosh et la NMD. C’était amusant d’adapter ça au client New Balance. Je reçois toujours pas mal de messages de gens qui me disent que la X-90 est leur paire de tous les jours… Mission accomplie !
FP: Y a-t-il d’autres modèles des archives de la marque que tu aimerais voir renaître ou retravaillée pour le marché d’aujourd’hui?
Sam: Honnêtement, tu n’imagines même pas la profondeur des archives New Balance… Il y a des modèles qui sont des exclus Japon du début des années 90 qui te feraient halluciner. Ce sont des modèles que la plupart des gens chez New Balance ne connaissent même pas. Avec notre retour dans le monde du Basketball, on va ressortir nos meilleurs modèles archives de cette ligne. Ce serait amusant de créer une chaussure de basket moderne inspirée par les modèles archives.
FP: Tu as aussi participé au design de la X-Racer. J’ai lu que c’était un mix de plusieurs choses provenants des archives de chez New Balance. Y a-t-il des modèles dont tu t’es inspiré plus particulièrement?
Sam: Avec tous ces modèles assez massif qui dominent le marché du lifestyle, on a voulu changer un peu la donne. Je me suis inspiré des modèles de course comme la RC205 et 1200 (ce sont des modèles qui sont peu connus du grand public) pour créer quelque chose de fin et technique. Ce même élément de story telling se poursuit à travers les X-Series, le prochain modèle qui doit sortir plus tard cette année emmènera le consommateur dans un nouvel univers de l’héritage New Balance.
FP: Passons maintenant à la ligne « Made In » de chez New Balance. Y a-t-il beaucoup de différences entre le ‘Made In UK’ et le ‘Made In US ‘?
Sam: Le fabrication locale est LA chose qui m’a fait accrocher avec New Balance. C’est une des parties du business qui me passionne le plus. La ligne USA met en avant tout ce que peut être une usine moderne, fabriquant des chaussures de qualité militaire et des produits performances avec un focus sur l’impression 3D. La production « Made In UK », quant à elle, se concentre davantage sur le « fait main », utilisant les matériaux européens les plus nobles pour créer les meilleurs produits lifestyle. C’est un sentiment très spécial de faire partie de tout ça.
FP: Sam merci d’avoir passé du temps avec nous ! Avant qu’on te laisse partir, on demande aux gens de nous dire ce qu’ils font durant le confinement pour rester créatif, actif ou n’importe quoi qui leur permette de rester productif. As-tu des inspirations pour les followers de Footpatrol ?
Sam: En tant que designer, c’est le moment idéal pour moi de perfectionner de nouvelles compétences, travailler sur des techniques de dessins ou travailler sur un support avec lequel je ne suis pas familier. En dehors de ça j’ai un projet de rénovation d’une voiture classique qui a besoin d’avancer… Je vais au garage avec mes outils pour me changer les idées ! Gardez votre esprit actif, établissez vous des objectifs et prenez soin de vous !
To celebrate their Air Max Day 2020, Nike bring forward a handful of new iterations and one in particular that pays homage to an icon.
Ever since its introduction back in 1987, the Air Max line up has seen many silhouettes and colour ways all made recognisable from its visible air unit within the midsole.
For 2020, Nike bring us the Air Max 90 ‘Reverse Duck Camo’ that pays homage to their 2013 collaboration with Atmos. This latest iteration features an inverted colour scheme to that original giving the 2020 version a new feel about it.
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase there raffle win via a unique link. Their win will win be sent out to there registered PAYPAL address only!
For the release of Pumas Mix Pack, we met up with London and Rinse FM DJ Chennessy to talk about music, footwear and more.
Taking inspiration in Puma’s strong connection to African football the packs colours pay homage to the detailed patterns used on previous Puma Jerseys used for the African National teams.
The packs focus is on both the RSX and Future Rider models with each of the 4 pairs featuring a multicoloured knitted mesh, mix of suedes, leathers, detailed African jersey inspired laces and thermoplastic seals creating an interesting array of layers and textures on all models
Shop the Puma Futurerider & RS-X3 now at Footpatrol! Shop here!
Footpatrol: Chennessy before we get into it, thanks for being here. Before we get into music and Djing let’s talk footwear. Are you a big collector yourself?
Chennessy: I’m what you call a hoarder, I’m more of an hoarder than a collector. I prefer going for things I like rather than what is considered unique or rare, unless both of those things match what I like. I fell out of love with drop days due to the fact that I like my footwear to be accessible and to represent a moment in time, I also want it to be a part of the community conversation rather than just having the prized possession. Don’t get me wrong I do have a large collection of footwear, but also I’m trying to do something more meaningful with the stuff I don’t wear as well.
FP: What are your thoughts on Pumas Mix pack? There are some crazy colourways and prints on both the Riders and RSX models.
C: My thoughts, I really like the colourways. I love the build of them, the pattern on mesh and the lacing. These Future Riders are the ones I really like. It’s a bit of me, they’re loud!
FP: Have you been wearing the RSX or the rider? I have to say the RSX is one of the most comfortable shoes out at the moment.
C: Puma wins on comfort right now. I have the Future Riders in another colour way, they are a comfortable shoe. So is the RSX they got a real nice ankle support on them. Puma definitely are winning in that area.
FP: Moving on to music, for those who haven’t heard you DJ how would you describe your sound?
C: I’m quite lucky to have multiple outlets, I have radio and I also have the night club as an outlet.
In the clubs I pretty much cover everything that you would hear in London from past 10/15 years. From the emergence of the sound that is now, like Afroswing down to Garage. Also touch on the American influence, the Trap sound, drill, R&B, Dancehall and Afrobeat. I pretty much get all the sounds that we engage with or identify ourselves with and put them together in an interesting way, sometimes contrasting but very complimentary. I like to play with a little juxtaposition in my sets and keep the audience on their toes to really keep the energy in the room up!
On radio I’m fortunate enough to get to play all the stuff I don’t get to play in clubs. I use that as my full experimental sound bed taking advantage of loops, a lot of unsigned acts, stuff I listen to on a day to day and different textures and sounds that have gravitated towards me over the month.
FP: Do you have a preference between the 2 do you prefer DJing in the clubs or on the radio?
C: Its 2 separate feelings. To have that negotiation with the people going from the crowds energy back to myself, that’s a very unique interchange that happens.
On radio it’s more me just running free. Each have their own perks, with radio it gives me a chance to be more experimental and get to the destination in a longer period of time.
FP: What was it in particular about being behind the decks that made you want to become a DJ?
C: I was just curious, it was a time before there was really any audience for it, it was all about the MC. It was like kick ups once you get the hang of it you look for other combinations of tricks you can do. Through there it was about refining that skill till I got it to a level where I was very confident with it and once I had that confidence and understanding, it then became about the communication between myself and the audience from that moment on. It was about curating the vibe!
FP: So it’s really about the feeling for you more than anything?
C: Fully the Feeling!
FP: You’re part of Rinse FM. How did that come around, is it something you’ve been doing for a while?
C: I have been on Rinse for about 2 years. I started in 2018. I started when I went on Jyotys show for a guest mix, had a lot of relationships over at Rinse FM been quite fortunate to keep a lot of good relationships in a lot of places. Through my relationship with the station as well they invited me back for a guest mix and offered me a monthly specialist show, up until Emerald was taking a break there was an opening for the drive time shows as well so they asked me to come down and do that also. I couldn’t do the four days of the week but I said I would definitely do one day a week, so I’ve been doing that for about a year as well.
FP: It’s not the only thing you do though right, you also have Birdnoise and Slocal. How did they come about? Let’s start with Slocal first.
C: The easiest way to put it is that it’s a collective, it’s built around an ethos, progress gang one step at time, it’s a constant pursuit. It is a level up mentality that imbedded into us all, we are all individuals but when we bind together we create these ill moments. This all started through Nate he had the idea, and he bought in the people that he thought would help execute the idea the best way. That translated in the form of merch, touring across europe with the music, going to different territories and doing club nights there, and doing mini activations for ourselves. We were throwing some epic parties in London with talent around the city who just so happened to be our friends as well. But yeah, it’s all in the name of the constant pursuit.
FP: I want to move on to Birdnoise as I know you have the 3rd birthday coming up, did you approach this with the same mentality as Slocal or was this something different?
C: Birdnoise is fun for totally different reasons. That started in 2016/2017, I was being invited to play in Germany quite a few times – shouts out to Bass Gang, JD.Reid and SixNerf Click. What they did was offer me such a high level of hospitality and welcoming, but I had nothing to give in return in London to reciprocate it. I felt it was important to try and create something that reimburses the DJ network across europe, that allowed that conversation to happen for other people that I thought we dope as well. That’s how Birdnoise started, it then became a very deep DJ focused night in the Hip-Hop and R&B world where it was normally about the hosts and other elements, I just wanted it to be about the DJs coming and flexing and also the people. I wanted it to be a different ecosystem, it wasn’t about the tables and all this other stuff people typically like, I want it to be about the emerging sound that we all knew just coming up from London rather than just the commercial side of things.
FP: When it comes to selecting the DJs do you have a process?
C: There’s no formalised process. It works in a couple ways, if I see someone and I’m excited about how they play I try to find a way where I can bring that excitement to Birdnoise. Some DJs do an epic warm up set, know how to set the pace and know how to set the tone of an evening. Some DJs will have an epic Dancehall set, some DJs have an epic turn up set. It’s all about trying to find the best way to curate the evening.
When I’m out and about listening to new DJs I’m always placing them in where they could be because of the amount of Night life im involved in. With that, I always listen to different things so I can have more of a balanced line up so the night can feel like more of a journey.
That’s how I curate nights, I know I can finish the night at any given time but I want to make sure all the corners are touched so that by the time I get on the decks I can then run free.
A lot of the DJs I bring into Birdnoise I caught them when they had no bookings. I saw the raw talent, being a DJ you can recognise that. Then I think BOOM you know what would be dope for you – in my head I’m thinking maybe you won’t play at this time but maybe giving them a slightly earlier set or maybe a 1am slot to a full crowd of people. When you play for another DJ it brings a different kind of spirit to you.
FP: Well Chennessy thanks again for being here with us, before you go is there anything we can look forward to from you in 2020?
C: Yeah a few things, Birdnoise, Slocal, 92 Bricks and please say the God Bless.
After its initial release of the YEEZY BOOST 380 late last year with the ‘Alien’, adidas and YEEZY are back for a another take dubbed ‘Mist’.
Sitting within the ‘300’ family, the 380 remains constructed in similar fashion to the 350 V2, the upper is composed of a re-engineered Primeknit with a similar looking stripe down the side, like that seen on the 350 V2, just not as prominent on the 380. Away from the stripped back white colour way that we saw with the ‘Alien’, this newest version features a much more tonal colour way of greys and muted browns.
Though the overall silhouette is visually different to what we’ve become accustomed to from the YEEZY line up, the 380 moves in a similar direction to the recently launched 700 V3.
To enter the Online raffle, CLICK HERE
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase there raffle win via a unique link. Their win will win be sent out to there registered PAYPAL address only!
A familiar thing with the YEEZY line up is the exploration of tonal colour ways and creating subtle differences between each new iteration. Playing on famed colour ways of the past, this latest iteration ‘Cinder’ brings a sense of the V2 Black colour way and a slightly light, more dark brown tone. A outsole follows suit with the upper in a dark brown whilst burst of yellow sits on the underfoot highlighting the BOOST technology.
Keeping the template exactly the same as those that came before it, the upper is constructed out of adidas Primeknit with the reflective monofilament side stripe woven across the lateral side.
Bringing a sense of modern technology to what is a simplistic, traditional shoe, the midsole has been filled with adidas’ BOOST technology for optimum responsiveness and comfort.
To enter the Online raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase there raffle win via a unique link. Their win will win be sent out to there registered PAYPAL address only!
Last week we had the opportunity to celebrate the launch of the Nike Air Max 95 ‘110’ with the help of Mantra at Phonox, Brixton.
To celebrate, we enlisted the help of O-DESSA and Ollie Rant to open the night before Mantra residents, Bossy-LDN took to the decks. Closing the night out, we took the Air Max 95 back to its roots with garage legend Wookie.
A massive thanks you to all those who came down and made the night a memorable one. Take a lot through the images below to see what went down in Brixton.
Being a relatively new brand for us at Footpatrol, we wanted to take the latest Salomon XT-4 and test what these models are all about in an environment that seemed better suited for it and where better than the cliffs and sandy beaches that an English coastline has to offer.
Salomon have been a brand that’s built its reputation within competition. Having originally built their trade within Skiing, they became pioneers for technological breakthroughs within the sport and have been pushing their innovations ever since.
In recent years however, Salomon have started to appear on the feet of many of those attending fashion weeks throughout the world after many fashion houses bringing forward heavy influences from trail and technical inspired garments opening brands like Salomon to a wider audience.
For SS20, Salomon have introduced two new iterations of their XT-4 ADV silhouette featuring updated midsole and outsole compartments.
The Salomon XT4 has become one of Salomon’s most recognisable and visually impactful silhouettes. Constructed with a TPU film welded on to the abrasion resistant mesh acts like a hand wrapping around the foot for optimum stability whilst the full-length Agile Chassis System makes them perfect for long distance. The Contragrip outsole provides immense grip for various terrain making them suitable to take on either the most rugged terrain or curb stomping through the city whilst maintaining a lightweight and durable approach.
CLICK HERE to shop now at Footpatrol! Available online, sizes range from UK7 – UK11.5, priced at £175.
Having recently been part of 2019’s ‘Fearless Ones’, the Air Jordan 1 receives Nike’s Zoom technology once more for its second rendition known as ‘Racer Blue’. Where that last iteration had a full iridescent upper, this latest AJ1 opts for a more stripped back approach allowing a mixture of materials to stand out and take focus.
The upper has been constructed out of a blend of subtle leathers with a soft grey patent leather overlay around the toe and heel. Up top sits a nylon tongue and mesh around the ankle whilst those iconic ankle flaps have been finished off in a translucent material.
PLEASE READ BELOW CAREFULLY!
To enter the 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 raffle winners will be notified via e-mail and required to collect their win on specific dates given to the winners. On collection, they will need to bring proof of ID. Failure to do so, may result in you losing your win.
Continuing with the 350 V2 platform, adidas and YEEZY are back with another new iteration of their famed silhouette. Playing on the neutral colour palettes that have graced the 350 V2 since its introduction back in 2016, this latest iteration known as ‘Desert Sage’ brings a saturated swamp like green to the upper with bursts of vibrant oranges around the ankle.
Keeping the template exactly the same as those that came before it, the upper is constructed out of adidas Primeknit with the reflective monofilament side stripe woven across the lateral side.
Bringing a sense of modern technology to what is a simplistic, traditional shoe, the midsole has been filled with adidas’ BOOST technology for optimum responsiveness and comfort.
PLEASE READ BELOW CAREFULLY!
To enter the In-store raffle, CLICK HERE
To enter the online raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase there raffle win via a unique link. Their win will win be sent out to there registered PAYPAL address only!
In-store raffle winners will be notified via e-mail and required to collect their win on specific dates given to the winners. On collection, they will need to bring proof of ID. Failure to do so, may result in you losing your win.
An undisputed icon within Nike’s archive and streetwear history in general, the Nike Dunk Low has worked its way to become a staple for collectors.
Since its introduction back in 1985, the Dunk Low began life within the walls of universities, first coming to life in a series of simple, colour co-ordinated colour ways for multiple university programmes which became known as the ‘Be True to your School’ pack. The main difference between this latest revival and that 1985 original being Nike have opted for the Dunk Low instead of the original Dunk High it was first seen in.
Now as part of this silhouettes 35th anniversary, a selection of these colour-ways have been revived. The two in question are the ‘Kentucky’ and ‘Syracuse’ colour-ways. A duo of vibrant colours in a subtle leather dressed across a simple white leather underlay.
Please read carefully below:
To enter the IN-STORE raffle for the Varsity Royal/White colourway, CLICK HERE!
To enter the IN-STORE raffle for the Orange Blaze/White colourway, CLICK HERE!
To enter the ONLINE raffle for the Varsity Royal/White colourway, CLICK HERE!
To enter the ONLINE raffle for the Orange Blaze/White colourway, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on. You’ll be eligible to enter both the in-store and online raffles for both colourways.
Online raffle winners will receive a special code in which they’ll have a limited time to purchase there raffle win via a unique link. Their win will be sent out to their registered PAYPAL address only!
In-store raffle winners will be notified via e-mail and required to collect their win on specific dates given to the winners. On collection, they will need to bring proof of ID. Failure to do so, may result in you losing your win.
