Author: Bradley Martinez
It looks like another unknown raffle has just opened up!
Sign up closes at 10AM BST on Monday 16th December. Strictly one entry per person, multiple entries will be cancelled.
Winners will be announced Monday 16th December. The shoe will be revealed to the winners via email with instructions on how to purchase.
To enter the INSTORE mystery raffle, CLICK HERE!
Good luck!
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 required to collect their win on specific dates given to the winners only. On collection, they will need to bring proof of ID. No proof of ID will result in you losing your win.
Pour s’inscrire, vous devez remplir les conditions ci-dessus. IL NE S’AGIT PAS D’UNE INSCRIPTION EN MAGASIN. Les gagnants de la raffle en magasin devront venir récupérer leur paire aux dates indiquées. Pour récupérer leur paire, les gagnants devront présenter une PIÈCE D’IDENTITÉ VALIDE (Permis de conduire, carte d’identité, passeport).
Having always been a staple within the YEEZY lineup, the 500 has cemented itself as one of the most go to models when it comes to releases.
So deep into fall ’19, adidas and YEEZY have reimagined the silhouette with the introduction of a high. Keeping its unique multilayered upper constructed from a mixture of cow suede and premium leather, its now been extended up to the ankle in perfect time for the winter period.
With the 500 already being known for its comfort, the 500 High keeps hold of its adiPRENE+ cushioning which with the updated materials, means you’re now ready for both summer and winter.
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 form, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on. In-store raffle winners will be required to collect their win on specific dates given to the winners. On collection, they will need to bring proof of ID.
Pour s’inscrire, vous devez remplir les conditions ci-dessus. IL NE S’AGIT PAS D’UNE INSCRIPTION EN MAGASIN. Les gagnants de la raffle en magasin devront venir récupérer leur paire aux dates indiquées. Pour récupérer leur paire, les gagnants devront présenter une PIÈCE D’IDENTITÉ VALIDE (Permis de conduire, carte d’identité, passeport).
The Viotech story first takes us back to the year 2001, in a pre ‘internet-sneakerhead’ time when dial-up was king and it wasn’t as easy as it is today to track down regional exclusive releases from abroad without travelling thousands of miles.
During this time, Nike’s Japanese Division was in the process of introducing their co.jp initiative, which created colourways only available in very select locations in the country. One of these was known as the Rainbow, which launched alongside a trio pack called the ‘Ugly Duckling’ pack.
The ‘Rainbow’ was the standout model of that time – a sneaker that featured a clash of colours that all bounced off of one another. The design just worked and subsequently, it’s now seen as an icon.
To celebrate the launch of the Nike Dunk Low ‘Viotech’ we thought we would take a trip down memory lane. We interviewed longtime sneakerhead, dunk collector and OG Footpatrol friend Tom MV, one of the editors of EU Kicks.
We sat down with Tom to talk about the Nike Dunk, Co.Jp, the ‘Viotech’ and where his love for the game came from.
Launching in-store (LONDON) on Tuesday 10th December, sizes range from UK3.5 – UK12, priced at £85.
Footpatrol: Tom, thank you for having us. Before we get into it tell us a little about yourself and where you love for sneakers came from? You’ve been collecting for quite a while if I’m not mistaken.
Tom: Not at all, thank you for taking the time to visit!
It’s really interesting how everything has evolved, for me it wasn’t a conscious collector thing, I’ve just always worn sneakers. The interest mainly began with early 80’s hip hop and basketball. Like so many of my generation, NY graffiti / street culture and the music that came from it, that whole street / basketball aesthetic was a big influence. That’s when I started to really notice the shoes, it was vibrant, rebellious, addictive!
Since I was old enough to earn pocket money, I’ve been buying sneakers. They were always worn and binned. End of. Lol.
FP: By looking at what’s around us you’re no doubt a big dunk fan. What was it about that shoe that got you hooked?
Tom: I was always aware of the dunk high model, it was probably from when kids used to really geek out in microscopic detail on sports magazines, shoe adverts or record sleeves, but it was never a shoe I had actually seen for sale in the beginning. All the 80’s classic basketball highs were staple go to’s, Legend Hi’s, Air Forces, Delta AC’s, Blazers, Sky Forces, Alpha Forces, Penetrators, Vandals, but no Dunks! Then in 1991, I was fortunate enough to visit Japan, I saw Dunks, which were totally un-affordable and presented with such reverence, almost of historical importance and not meant for wear. It was a real WTH moment. It was just staggering to experience how on it they were from the beginning really. Then when they started to retro Dunks in ’98, that was pretty much it lol.
FP: The Nike Dunk these days is more associated with SB. Before SB though they were a basketball shoe right?
Tom: Pretty much. Before the era of scientific analysis of athletic performance and textile advancements for footwear, the dunk was just a fairly basic, solid leather high top. It was a simple design that offered padded ankle/lace up support, perforated toe box for ventilation, and maybe just as importantly, it was very easy to colour to represent Basketball teams. It was tough, durable and very comfortable, which ticked all the right boxes back then.
FP: Some of the most sort after pairs are actually non-SB dunks too.
Tom: There’s an endless list of really great colour ways/models, especially as Nike products where very region specific during the original re-issue phase. So, it’s not just about exclusive samples or even F&F pairs. The Dunk retro’s were a very affordable shoe, easy to wear, everyday comforts.
So to find a good GR release say from Foot Action or JD Sports, that might have been once widely available, in new condition now is not an easy task at all. Pre-instagram, buying/collecting habits were somewhat different.
That’s what’s great about Dunks, their rarity isn’t always about market value.
FP: Tell us about some of your favourite pairs?
Tom: How much time have we got? Lol. Out of pairs I owned I just really like all of the 1998/00’ OG retros with the padded nylon tongues. I’m less of a stickler for production details nowadays, but those were really good, they were period correct, and the silhouette, leather and build quality was peak for a GR. I don’t think I’ve seen a bad pair of those at all, applying to any region / retailer release. The first Stussy Dunk High duo were a highlight of that era also. Stussy really delivered. Those were untouchable.
Non retail, the Deftones High. Massive, massive fan of the band, and obviously this pair is never going to happen again. I had my chance once and I slept. No Regrets haha.
FP: Now we are here to talk about a specific pair, that pair being Nikes 2019 retro of the Nike Dunk ‘Viotech’. This shoe originally released in 2002 and was what was known as a Co.Jp release. Is there any light you can shed on what Co.Jp means? We don’t hear that very often these days in the sneaker world.
Tom: There’s definitely a lot of mystery surrounding this, but from what I understood, it was simply a separate operation that was exclusive to the Japan region with very different consumer demands at the time. Just as there were Nike US and Euro specific releases that catered to their own unique, domestic markets. The Japanese consumers are incredibly well read, obsessively detail orientated and understand product very deeply and very well. As a result, Nike Concept Japan experimented and thrived with this relationship, elevating product and applying at first, subtle changes and colour way nuances that pushed away from sports function and paved the way for sportswear crossing into urban lifestyle/streetwear. It gained notoriety being only available in Japan undoubtedly, and Niketalk was THE place where connects were made to get this product lol. If I remember correctly Nike Co.JP was also the url for Nike online in Japan during this time.
FP: The original pair which was actually called the ‘Rainbow’ and now fetches a decent amount in the after market. What was it about about it being a Co.Jp that made it so sought after? Do you think the regional exclusivity aspect played a big part?
Tom: Yes to all of the above.
You have to remember during this time, it was pre Nike SB, and wild, exceptional colour ways on Dunks had not happened yet, I remember Dunks for the most part were mainly 2 coloured, based on the OG colour blocking on the ‘Be True’ college styles. As iterations of those colour ways reached their zenith in both high and low formats, adding a third colour on Dunks was a really big deal. I remember the Foot Action Dunk High Carolina’s causing meltdowns lol. The Rainbow suede’s were uniquely different, very colourful, and it was perfectly timed as it was what all the Dunk collectors were waiting for.
FP: Were there any other notable Co.Jp pairs that were released before the SB days began? I noticed in your collection you have a few pairs.
Tom: All the Japan Dunks were really unique, they released really good colour combinations like in their City Attack series which saw them also drop matching pairs in their reverse colour way. They came in colours like metallic black/purples, tonal greys, muted blues etc. They really took colour ways to a new level of sophistication.
FP: Now bearing in mind that these pairs you’ve mentioned were exclusive in Japan, how were you able to get you hands on any?
Tom: I often bought on travels and I had friends who would pick them up on their travels also. You could find them months sometimes years after release in sneaker stores and even though they were probably resold in these stores, they were often to be found for not too much above retail. Hong Kong/Asia was particularly good for having a lot of great Japanese Import sneaker stores, picking up pairs then for £60 or thereabouts.
FP: Without things like Instagram, Facebook pages and other social channels it must of been hard find a plug overseas to help out?
Tom: I’m very lucky I have family and friends out in Asia, who helped along the way and then there was also Niketalk. That was about it I think. Lifelong friends came out of that little forum.
FP: Bringing it back to the ‘Viotech’, what does it take to make a good retro?
Tom: It’s un-reasonable to expect exact period correct reproductions now with changing textiles and manufacturing supply challenges, but a well made shoe, is a well made shoe. If the materials are of good quality and build /execution is strong, I’d be happy enough with that. It’s more important for me to be able to buy and wear a long out of production sneaker classic, even if it is slightly different. And If you are buying it for the 1sttime, that for me is plenty enough.
FP: Are there any features on this release that you’re happy to see?
Tom: I don’t have the 2002 versions anymore, but I remember them getting all floppy and soft after a few wears, even though the suede was good, it didn’t hold shape too well. The 2019 looks solid and the colours seem very close to the original. If they hold their shape better then that’s got to be a huge plus! Maybe a retro box would be great, just for added nostalgia / emotional trauma lol.
FP: Well Tom, thank you again for having us you’ve dropped some crazy knowledge, before we go is there anything you want to say or shoutout?
Tom: Shouts definitely go to my Mrs & girls at home who put up with all this obsessive madness. And of course FP, where some of my favourite Dunk pairs go way back to the St. Anne’s Court store, so to be asked to discuss them here today has been a real honour and highlight.
Thanking you and all at Team FP for having me!
Bringing a strong exit to 2019, adidas and YEEZY have looked back to one of their most iconic colour-ways on the 350 silhouette.
The first of this concept was shown in the 350 V2 ‘Glow’ which featured an acid green all over colour-way which had a glow in the dark midsole. Revisiting this concept, we see again, an all over acid green upper however, this time a black and grey weave is constructed into the Primeknit upper.
As always with the 350, the midsole features a full length BOOST technology unit making the 350 one of the most useable sneakers on a daily basis!
For your chance to purchase from our London or Paris store, 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 have their win sent out to there PAYPAL registered address. In-store raffle winners will be required to collect their win on specific dates given to the winners. On collection, they will need to bring proof of ID.
Pour s’inscrire, vous devez remplir les conditions ci-dessus. IL NE S’AGIT PAS D’UNE INSCRIPTION EN MAGASIN. Les gagnants de la raffle en ligne recevront leur paire à l’adresse postale qu’ils ont renseigné sur leur compte PAYPAL. Les gagnants de la raffle en magasin devront venir récupérer leur paire aux dates indiquées. Pour récupérer leur paire, les gagnants devront présenter une PIÈCE D’IDENTITÉ VALIDE (Permis de conduire, carte d’identité, passeport).
Last week we had the opportunity to head down to the launch event for Reeboks latest silhouette, the Zig Kinetica Concept Type_1.
Built upon Reeboks innovative Zig-Zag midsole from the early 00’s, the Zig Kinetica has taken inspiration from archival shoes with a mixture of overlays creating a new, futuristic silhouette for Reebok.
Designed by Ian Paley, co-founder of The Garbstore, Ian has reimagined a modern silhouette with the influence of Kinetic enery.
During the event, we had the opportunity to hear from the likes of Emerald Rose Lewis, Alize Demange, Leila Fataar and Icy Kof and what the Zig Kinetica brings to the market, and where fashion was heading in the world.
Check out the images below to see what went down!
Available in-store and online, sizes range from UK6 – UK12, priced at £150.
The Viotech story first takes us back to the year 2001, in a pre ‘internet-sneakerhead’ time when dial-up was king and it wasn’t as easy as it is today to track down regional exclusive releases from abroad without travelling thousands of miles.
During this time Nike’s Japanese Division was in the process of introducing their co.jp initiative, which created colourways only available in very select locations in the country. One of these was known as the Rainbow, which launched alongside a trio pack called the ‘Ugly Duckling’ pack. The ‘Rainbow’ was the standout model of that time – a sneaker that featured a clash of colours that all bounced off of one another. The design just worked and subsequently, it’s now seen as an icon.
This year, Nike has revisited this iconic colourway and introduced it to another one of their legendary silhouettes the Air Max 90.
Now however, the Dunk Viotech is making a return. Staying true to its original, the latest silhouette is a faithful representation to that 2002 original with a vibrant burst of colours laid out across the uppers panels, most notably, the purple Viotech colour thats draped across the upper and heel.
To enter the PARIS 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 have their win sent out to there PAYPAL registered address. In-store raffle winners will be required to collect their win on specific dates given to the winners. On collection, they will need to bring proof of ID.
As much as innovation and forward-thinking Nike are known to be, the Oregon based sports company are also well known for bringing models back to the fore from their archives. Whilst they have re-released past footwear several times before, as of late, Nike have brought back silhouettes for the first time such as the Nike Air Max Deluxe, Air Span 2, Skylon 2 and the Air Max Light2 respectively.
This time around, Nike have once again revisited their vast archive and the Air Max Triax 96 is now set to see a second life as a heritage-geared lifestyle classic. Most commonly associated with the 1996 Olympic Games and legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson, it’s a silhouette that combines speed and substance in equal measures.
The former running model features Nike’s signature combination of mesh with leather overlays on the upper as well as an embroidered Swoosh on both medial and lateral sides of the foot. A mini Swoosh graces the front end of the shoe based on the toe box and Nike branding on the tongue tab. Another mini Swoosh on the heel complete the upper whilst the midsole features an air unit on the heel portion.
The Nike Air Max Triax 96 ‘Varsity Royal’ & ‘University Red’ are Now Avaialble in-store and online.
Following on from the success of our first Frequent Players party with Mantra. We are heading back to Brixton for a follow up end of year special night with a fresh round of guests once again ready to take to the decks.
Mantra is a weekly Saturday event taking place at Phonox with Skinny Macho, Tommy Gold and Bossy London playing on rotation every week.
For our latest take over, we’re proud to announce Tommy Gold as the resident DJ alongside Mike Skinner, ONEMAN and DJ Tess.
Make sure to keep a look out for an upcoming warm up mix from DJ Tess!
Free RSVP. Entry will be based on a first come first served basis.
For free entry, Click here!
Check out our previous warm up mix from P-rallel below before he headlined our first Mantra take over.
In the lead up to the end of the year, adidas and YEEZY revisit one of their most famed silhouettes, the 500.
Stick with the traditional tonal colours seen across the range, this latest 500 has been dressed in an all over Stone colour way with sandy bursts across the upper.
Straying away from its usual mesh base layer which has become a regular material seen on previous 500’s, this iteration features a more smooth and bulk finish filling out the panels, perfect for this time of year whilst complementing the structure of the midsole.
With a contrasting gum outsole, the 500 sticks with its built in ADIPRENE+ built within the midsole making the 500 is stil one of the most comfortable around.
To enter the IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE.
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE.
For fall ’19, Nike have teamed up with K-pop star G-Dragon for a unique iteration of the Air Force 1.
Bringing his DIY vision to the iconic Air Force 1 Silhouette, G-Dragon incapsulates a unifying messaging bringing together the creativity of youth and the free exchange of ideas.
Dressed in the recognisable colour way of a black upper with white swoosh detailing, this unique AF1 has been finished in a hand painted effect, spilling on to the midsole and outsole making each pair have a unique appearance.
Playing on this individuality, during the wear the upper will begin to crack and chip away revealing a unique artwork by G-Dragon. Custom pins at the eyelets and daisy motifs finish off this unique iteration of a classic silhouette.
To enter the IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE.
To enter the ONLINE raffle, CLICK HERE.
