Author: Tom

When you think of the Air Max line and the Air Jordan signature collection, there are 2 models that will always be within the conversation in their own right. The Air Max 95 was designed by Sergio Lozano and released in 1995 and the Air Jordan IV was created by Tinker Hatfield in 1989. Both silhouettes are respected in popular culture and lifestyle in general.

In 2020, both shoes have combined to create one make up to an extent. With the Air Jordan IV being the base of the canvas, the Air Max 95’s ever so popular and original ‘Neon’ colour way is chosen as the inspiration.

The Air Jordan IV mimics the AM95’s aesthetic with various shades of grey. Premium suede is the chosen material throughout the upper and even on the midsole. Hits of volt feature on the wing tips and on the tongue as well as on the air unit. The heel panel receives a metallic makeover in a nod to the 1995 runner while the enlarged ‘Flight’ tongue patch gets a 50/50 split on the Jumpman logo, half in white and half in volt in a mirror of the historic Air Max 95’s. Lastly, 3M-striped rope laces replace the usual flat varies for a perfect finish.

The Air Jordan IV ‘Cool Grey/Volt’ is Now Available. Junior sizes range from UK3 – UK6, mens range from UK5 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £100 – £165.

Released in 1987, the Air Max 1 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and became was one of Nike’s early revolutionary footwear due to exposing the Nike Air technology via an ‘Air Bubble’.

This became the start of Nike’s signature Air Max line and throughout the years has become one of the most iconic silhouettes. Originally designed for runners, the low cut model shifted into casual wear for lifestyle use.

Over the years, the Air Max 1 has been a subject to material changes, different colourways, various collaborations and etc. The latest iteration to come out the Swoosh brand honours two of Europe’s most influential Air Max cities, London and Amsterdam, and their Air Max 1 DNA.

The Air Max 1 ‘London’ design takes inspiration from the city’s street culture and architecture. The muted tones are taken from classic Air Max colourways still favoured today by London’s youth, and the mesh upper retains its late-‘80s design origins and sports aesthetic for today’s modern city athletes. With 2 shapes embroidered on both medial and lateral side of the foot are interpretations of two of the London’s iconic landmarks. On the heel, River Thames is present in navy.

In contrast, the Air Max 1 ‘Amsterdam’ takes cues from the city’s canals, bridges and iconic brick buildings. The subtle colour palette is displayed through the upper with different shades of brown whilst the dark green Swoosh is inspired by the traditional doors and window frames found around the city.  Its world-famous rings of canals are found embroidered on the heel.

The three St Andrew’s crosses that make up the city’s coat of arms stand out in bright red on subtle suede.

Nike Air Max 1 ‘City Pack’ is launching online on Thursday 19th March, sizes range from UK4 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £130.

The Nike Air Foamposite Pro was introduced in 1997 along with the more favoured Air Foampisite One. The same silhouette with subtle differences. Whilst the Foamposite One was chosen by NBA Legend Penny Hardaway as his signature shoe and featured his branding in various places, the Foamposite Pro possesses a bold Swoosh on the lateral portion of the foot and no Hardaway branding.

With new on-court basketball footwear being designed and innovated every year, some timeless models that were once used for performance purposes have transitioned into lifestyle wear. The Air Foamposite Pro would be a testament to that and continues to release in various colourways, even under the radar.

The latest release under the Air Foamposite Pro catalogue is a subtle iteration which includes a white shell upper with a black leather trim along the eyelets. Furthermore, the iconic Swoosh features the same hue to give a monochrome look along with a mini Swoosh in university red around the toe area. Elsewhere is a white mesh booty with black lining with additional red hits placed on the heel, tongue as well as the outsole with the signature carbon fibre shank places in grey and black.

The Nike Foamposite Pro ‘White/University Red’ is Now Available online. Sizes range from UK6 – UK12 (including half sizes), priced at £190.

The Air Jordan III is amongst the most coveted signature Jordan models and a popular silhouette to sneaker collectors. As Michael Jordan soared to the rim in the 1988 dunk contest, the iconic ‘Jumpman’ logo was born. Off court, the AJIII has become a huge lifestyle piece as part of everyday wear.

Like most signature models from the Air Jordan line, the Air Jordan III has been subjected to many different material changes and colourways. As the 2020 NBA All-star weekend passed, consumers saw the Air Jordan III SE ‘Unite’ released in a predominantly red colourway. This time around, fans see a general release of once player exclusive for those at the North Carolina Tar Heel football team.

The upper is dressed in White soft tumbled leather combined with Valor Blue hits on the midsole, eyelets and tongue. The signature elephant print is located on the usual placements (heel and toe) with a grey outsole. Darker shades of blue feature on other eyelets and tongue lining. The standout change would be the heavily embroidered Jumpman on the tongue from which the PE would have had the UNC Tar Heels logo initially.

The online raffle for the Air Jordan III ‘White/Valor Blue’ is now open, CLICK HERE to enter!

Now firmly into 2020, New Balance revisit their iconic 1300 model five years after it was last launched. First introduced in 1985, the 1300 has since become a quinquennial model, launching every 5 years since.

When the New Balance 1300 was first brought to life, it set new standards for a running shoe in terms of the quality and materials used, bringing a greater sense of craftsmanship to the running market. 

With this greater sense of detail, the 1300 quickly gained an almost cult like following in Japan who were drawn to this exceptional level of care and detail which has since led to the model being renamed as the 1300 JP. 

In an effort to build the closest retro to date, the upper has been carefully constructed out of the highest quality of suedes and leathers that NB could get their hands on with the attention focussed on matching the colours perfectly. Underneath sits one of New Balances most important technological advances to date, ‘ENCAP’ which allows for optimum shock absorption. 

To mark this special release, we took the New Balance 1300 JP down to UCHI, Hackney to capture the similarities in craftsmanship between both the 1300 JP and their authentic Japanese food.

UCHI is a Hackney based restaurant owned and ran by a husband and wife duo that pride themselves on providing authentic Japanese food.

FP: Could you give us a bit of a background story into UCHI and how its ended up within the heart of Hackney?

UCHI: UCHI means home in Japanese. The owners are a husband and wife team; one from Japan, the other born and raised in Hackney. “Home” has always meant Hackney to the latter. Restaurants have felt like home because his father owned a family restaurant on the same road as UCHI. For his wife, “home” is reflexively the countryside of Japan. An authentic Japanese restaurant, deep in the heart of Hackney, is the product of their their union. After several successful restaurants in Hackney, UCHI is an attempt to define and share what home means for them.

FP: What is your favourite thing to prepare?

UCHI: One favourite dish to make is the grilled pork belly, because it is a labor-intensive process, with different smells and tastes at different stages — culminating in a few very satisfying bites. Another favorite is our signature Tempura Broccoli Roll, because it creating it involved thinking outside of traditional Japanese sushi dishes.

The New Balance 1300 JP is SOLD OUT.

The Air Jordan III is heralded as one of the most iconic Jordan silhouettes both on and off the court. Throughout the years from OG’s to retros, the timeless model has undergone many variations and has become a cult classic as far as lifestyle fashion goes.

This month marks the yearly NBA All-star Games and although the festivities are jam packed with activities like dunk contest and skills test respectively, it also has become a weekend filled with footwear dedicated to the event. With many iterations already been established, Jordan Brand continue to bring updated colourways and this latest release is a testament to this. The Air Jordan 3 SE ‘Fire Red/Cement Grey’ is dedicated to Chicago in which the 2020 All-Star games are being hosted.

Dressed in Fire Red tumbled leather upper which is offset by Cement Grey and Black hits throughout. Finishing details include elephant print overlays on the toe and heel, grey leather on the perforated eyelets and collar, a smooth leather tongue with a red Jumpman logo and a black heel tab with “Nike Air” branding to top it off.

The Air Jordan III ‘Fire Red/Cement Grey’ is Now Available in-store and online. Sizes available from UK3 – UK12 (including half sizes). Kids sizes available from UK1 – UK13.5 (including half sizes). Infants sizes available from UK1.5 – UK7.5. Priced between £43 – £170.

2006 marked a year of serious technological advancements within running shoe technology. Nike’s Airmax 360 was the brand’s first full length and fully visible Air unit ever introduced into the Airmax range, later releasing updated versions of the model – Nike Airmax 360 II (2007) and III (2008) which featured slightly modified uppers to improve performance.  

Re-releasing for the first time since its introduction, Nike’s Airmax 360 comes back with a few new updates. Dubbed the Nike Vapormax 360, this latest rendition features Nikes well known Vapormax sole removing its original plastic cage and replacing it with a Cushlon midsole placed in between the upper and Air unit for additional cushioning. The uppers are constructed similarly to its predecessor with a mesh tongue and iridescent mudguards, with midfoot swooshes given a similar polished finish. The shoe also features the year 2020 along the eyestays as a homage to the 2006 text that was embossed into the OGs uppers signifying its release year, and tongue text edited to read Vapormax 360. 

This latest release will be featured in 2 colourways, Grey/Red OG and Metallic Grey. Launching Thursday 30th January, sizes range from UK3 – UK12, priced at £180.

In the quest to revisit an icon, adidas have looked back to their famed City Series and pulled out the adidas Amsterdam.

The adidas City Series quickly became one of the brands most iconic run of products ever to have released. Being introduced into the market during the 70s and early 80s each shoe had its own take and colour paying reference to the city they were based on. 

For this latest 2020 edition, the adidas Amsterdam sticks to its recognisable chocolate brown upper constructed in a rich suede. The famous three stripes sit in a slightly more contrasted caramel shade of brown with gold branded on the side.

To celebrate this special release, we headed across to the Dutch capital to sit down with rapper, Ray Fuego and learn more about growing up in the city and why it’s so special. Head across to our previous blog to read out interview.

Now available IN STORE ONLY

The adidas City Series, one of the brands most iconic run of products ever to have released. Being introduced into the market during the 70s and early 80s each shoe had its own take and colour paying reference to the city they were based on. 

To celebrate the comeback of the adidas Amsterdam, we flew over to the dutch capital to meet rapper Ray Fuego, one of the founders of the creative label and brand SMIB and also a part of punk band Ploegendienst. Ray Fuego is no stranger to musical diversity and is known as one of the most free spirited people and outspoken artist within the industry. 

We sat down with Ray to talk about music, sneakers and of course, Amsterdam to find out why the city is so close to him. 

Now available IN STORE ONLY

Footpatrol: Ray Fuego, first things first, thanks for having us in your home city. You are one of the biggest hip-hop artists here in Amsterdam at the moment,can you give us a bit of a back story on how you got to where you are now?

Ray Fuego: I grew up in South East Amsterdam, in a mostly black community. I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember, my dad was making music before me and it didn’t really kick off his career so I think I’m living his dream now. It was really a battle for me living in that area to like, be yourself and not be insecure about the things that you like and the things that you love because everyone there is brainwashed to like what the other likes. I always had a different kind of taste and a different mindset of what life meant for me. It took a while before I found all the people that I have gathered around me to make my dream work, but life put it in place for me. 

At a certain point I met all the people that I had to meet then, we started SMIB, a platform for young creatives to help think outside the box and go to the maximum with their creativity and teach them about what life is really about. It’s all about being the best version of yourself. We started this thing without knowing we were working on something bigger than ourselves.

FP: Well SMIB is actually something I want to get into later! In terms of your music you are quite diverse, you are also part of a punk band as well, what’s the Punk music scene here like, is it big?

RF: Amsterdam has a really big punk scene and a really big punk history too. I don’t really affiliate myself with them, I have a couple bands that I mess with but I don’t really like it when people just make rules to benefit themselves. I’m the first black lead singer in the Netherlands in all the years, there’s never been a black lead singer, there’s probably been black bass players and drummers but never a lead singer. 

I always have it in my head that I know they’re always going to think something of me. If it’s good or bad it doesn’t matter, they’re always going to think something of me. If they’re nice it’s usually because they think that they have to show me that they are not prejudiced, so they’re being overly nice, they’re not really themselves.

FP: It’s almost like they aren’t authentic in a sense.

RF: Yeah, and if they don’t like me they try to come up with an excuse for why they don’t like my music. You can’t dislike something that you don’t even know! It’s really easy to place something like ‘oh this sounds like Bad Brains because I’m black and have high energy’, but there are loads of black punk bands that inspired me and also white bands to, stuff like Black Sabbath, that have inspired me to. I was also really inspired by rude boy culture, skinhead culture but original skinhead culture not the polluted one. 

FP: How have you seen Amsterdams Hip-Hop culture grow over the years. You have been producing music for quite a while, has it always been as prevalent as it is now?

RF: For me it feels like there’s a little whatsoever everyday, like there’s a new young guy everyday whos trying to make music. I think it’s beautiful, but at the same time I feel like there’s so many ways that you can express your creativity you don’t always have to be a rapper, you know what I mean? This is the easiest way for them to express themselves because they don’t challenge themselves to do something that’s harder or more who they are. It’s always like ‘oh I can do photography, I can do music and that’s it.’ They think if they get a picture of that famous rapper everyone will know they’re a photographer so they can do jobs, no ones like ‘oh yeah let me go and paint’ or like design clothes that are really nice quality, they just find a t-shirt and press something on it and try to sell it to the biggest rapper so he wears it and they can make money off of him. Nobody does something for something that’s bigger than themselves, everybody is just trying to benefit off the internet.

FP: Whos your favourite artist. If you can’t pick one, whos your top 3?

RF: Henry Rollins, HR – Bad brains and Kid Kudi.

FP: Moving into sneakers, Amsterdam is seen as one of Europe’s biggest sneaker and streetwear destinations. Do you think the city influenced your sneaker game and sense of style?

RF: I think it’s not the city that helped me, but my neighbourhood where I’m from. In Amsterdam it’s like an island by itself, when you’re there it’s like you’re in a different city. It’s mostly like students, mummy, daddy pays everything or like entrepreneurs that work really hard. 

The part that I grew up, all the people there came from the 80s/90s when like dub and reggae scene was a really big influence there. I think unconsciously that influenced my style a lot and just the way I always wanted to diverse myself from everyone that was there. Some guys in my neighbourhood could really dress but they had the money to dress, I didn’t have the money to dress, I had to find alternatives. When I came to the city it developed further, I already knew who I was. If you didn’t know who you are in a neighbourhood where I’m from, you’re gonna drown trying to be someone and create a certain image that makes you feel comfortable in the area. I always searched for the most uncomfortable places and the places that were just really close to me, so as soon as I knew who I was and I came to the city it was really easy to maneuver through all the bull and everything that I like. 

I’m not even that big on sneakers, I usually wear leather shoes because they’re sustainable and I can wear them for a really long time. If I do though it’s usually adidas that I wear.

FP: Now the adidas Amsterdam is a great example of a good retro, adidas has always been good at re-releases. What you think of the shoe?

RF: Now that I look at them, like I was telling you earlier I was looking in my closet deciding what I was going to wear with the shoe I was thinking really closed minded. I looked at the picture of the shoe again and it just reminded of all the old documentaries of Bob Marley playing football with his family and all this kind of stuff so I decided to base my styling on that. As we were walking through the streets of Amsterdam shooting it, it really made me think about 2/3years ago when I became a dedicated skinhead. When I was young I was more rebel-ish but as I grew up I wanted to go with the more smart look and shaved my head so that when my mum looks at me she sees what a handsome boy I am.

FP: Now I read that if you didn’t get into music you would have been a chef, do you consider yourself quite a big food fan?

RF: When I was young, I just wanted to cook because it was the only way I could express the way that I feel because I felt really confused when I was a kid. When I cooked it was like meditation I was at ease, I was so focused. I couldn’t go to the studio when I wanted then because I didn’t have the resources, so the only thing I could do is help my mum when she was in the kitchen to cook and my dad too. When I was in the kitchen with them cooking it was the only time I wasn’t paying attention to the world being on fire in my reality.  

FP: If you had to choose one meal you could eat for the rest of your life what would it be?

RF: One meal! Oh my days. Does it have to consist of the same ingredients or can it be a dish?

FP: It can be a dish. 

RF: Then it would be a stew.

FP: Are there any spots in Amsterdam you would recommend?

RF: Cafe Struijk, right here!!

FP: Something I have noticed with SMIB is that it’s more than a label, as I keep being told it’s a way of life. You have such a close connection with Amsterdams youth culture as well. Was that always part of the plan, did you expect it to become as big as it has done? I think it’s great that you guys seem so devoted to the younger audience within your city. 

RF: Yeah, it was always the plan but we never expected it to become this big. So we move as SMIB worldwide, but we also have things like Smibanese university. 

FP: Ah we just saw that in your store. 

RF: That’s one of my friends and he writes books and literature. He’s trying to get young people to read more because books are literally someone thats put like 20 years on paper and you can read it in like a week if you’re dedicated. That’s 20 years worth of information. 

FP: That you may not of known either.

RF: Exactly! I have the feeling that in black history, in the past we have loads of history, but the older generation didn’t give us the tools and information that was in between that era and this era. There’s a whole gap that’s missing, like a generation gap and he’s literally filling that gap in right now.

FP: It’s nice to hear though that its more than just music and a brand, it’s a publisher as well. 

RF: Yeah, and also the clothing brand is actually not SMIB its Sumibu which is SMIB in Japanese. 

FP: You guys also host a yearly festival too, this being your 5th year, was that always the plan when you all founded SMIB?

RF: Everything that were doing now and everything we want to do, we already manifested it in our minds. We were thinking about it so much and we wanted to do it so much that, eventually the universe put all the pieces of the puzzle together and it just started living in our reality. It’s crazy because we always talk about everything that we wanted to do, and because we do it not for the sake of ourselves but for the sake of something that’s bigger than us, it manifests. I always knew we would do this stuff.

FP: Ray thanks again for having us, is there anything you want to share before we go? Whats 2020 got instore for you, SMIB or any other your musical counterparts?

RF: This year I’m bringing an album out, and for the rest there’s loads of stuff that I’m working on cos I’m constantly working. Most of it is like just perfecting myself, being more patient, being the best version of myself I can be. Now there’s a baby in my life I can’t press the off button, sometimes you don’t want to think about all the things you have to do and turn off. Now there’s a child the button is constantly on, constantly focused you don’t have time for bull, so that’s why this years going to be the year that I face all the stuff I have to face with myself so I can be a better person for him. 

FP: Just quickly, do you think youll ever bring SMIB to the UK?

RF: Yeah definitely! When it’s time, its time!

The Kayano 5, which originally hit the market in 1999 as a high performance running shoe, is now on the comeback fittingly in colours that are inspired by the highest performing athletes in the world.

Colours of the Olympic flag work there way around the silhouettes in celebrating the upcoming 2020 games in Tokyo.

The Gel-1090, first released back in 2004 as an alternative to the premium Kayano running line. Now, joins to make a set of signature ASICS performance lines for a special Olympic Pack. Co-ordinates on the upper pay homage to the previous 1964 Tokyo games.

Now available online, Sizes range from UK7 – UK11 (including half sizes), whilst prices range from £90 – £115.

Shop the latest ASICS lines including the new Retro Tokyo pack now over at our Footpatrol Webstore.