- by mark haddon
VANS OTW X FDTML £119
Vans OTW’s latest collaboration with Japanese denim specialist FDMTL delivers a thoughtful rework of the classic Old Skool 36 silhouette. In place of the usual canvas upper, the shoe employs FDMTL’s signature indigo-toned engineered knit, artfully assembled in a patchwork motif that extends across the iconic Sidestripe. This fresh material choice speaks directly to FDMTL’s mastery of raw selvedge techniques, translating denim craftsmanship into a textile form.
Beyond its standout upper, the shoe retains the Old Skool’s familiar structure—reinforced toe cap, padded collar, and heel-panel construction—ensuring the collaboration doesn’t compromise the model’s timeless profile. Underfoot, an Ortholite® sockliner provides responsive cushioning and moisture management, while the traditional waffle rubber outsole delivers the reliable grip and boardfeel that have defined Vans for decades.
The Vans OTW x FDMTL Old Skool 36 is a successful fusion of two heritage-driven labels: FDMTL’s meticulous Japanese denim artistry meets Vans’ enduring skate ethos. The result is a sneaker that feels both artisanal and authentic, offering wearers a subtly elevated take on a streetwear staple.
Beyond its standout upper, the shoe retains the Old Skool’s familiar structure—reinforced toe cap, padded collar, and heel-panel construction—ensuring the collaboration doesn’t compromise the model’s timeless profile. Underfoot, an Ortholite® sockliner provides responsive cushioning and moisture management, while the traditional waffle rubber outsole delivers the reliable grip and boardfeel that have defined Vans for decades.
The Vans OTW x FDMTL Old Skool 36 is a successful fusion of two heritage-driven labels: FDMTL’s meticulous Japanese denim artistry meets Vans’ enduring skate ethos. The result is a sneaker that feels both artisanal and authentic, offering wearers a subtly elevated take on a streetwear staple.
Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 £299.99
Now back in stock, the Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 brings skate-ready durability to one of basketball’s most celebrated silhouettes. Originally born from the collaboration between Nike SB director Sandy Bodecker and Tinker Hatfield, this hybrid honors the AJ4’s legendary 1989 design while incorporating technical updates for skateboarding performance.
The shoe retains the classic AJ4 toe box profile for a familiar fit, but swaps its traditional upper panels for a deconstructed construction with flexible plastic overlays—designed to withstand the abrasion of kickflips and tailslides. A visible Nike Air unit in the heel delivers cushioning that can absorb the impact of stair sets, and a gum rubber outsole offers the grip and board feel essential for landing tricks.
Styling remains true to the original, with heritage colour-blocking accented by contemporary navy details that tie the basketball roots to today’s streetwear tastes. Combining the AJ4’s timeless appeal with Nike SB’s performance innovations, this release cements its place as a versatile icon—equally at home on the half-pipe or the sidewalk.
The shoe retains the classic AJ4 toe box profile for a familiar fit, but swaps its traditional upper panels for a deconstructed construction with flexible plastic overlays—designed to withstand the abrasion of kickflips and tailslides. A visible Nike Air unit in the heel delivers cushioning that can absorb the impact of stair sets, and a gum rubber outsole offers the grip and board feel essential for landing tricks.
Styling remains true to the original, with heritage colour-blocking accented by contemporary navy details that tie the basketball roots to today’s streetwear tastes. Combining the AJ4’s timeless appeal with Nike SB’s performance innovations, this release cements its place as a versatile icon—equally at home on the half-pipe or the sidewalk.
ADIDAS X SPORTY & RICH £130
Sporty & Rich and adidas reunite to reissue the 2008 Adizero Adios 1, translating a marathon legend into a lifestyle-ready silhouette. Designer Emily Oberg’s influence is evident in the shoe’s vintage-inspired minimalism—clean lines, muted colourways, and tonal overlays preserve the runner’s original aesthetic while keeping the look effortlessly modern.
Subtle Sporty & Rich co-branding appears on the tongue and insole, honoring the collaboration without overwhelming the classic profile. Beneath the sleek upper, the sneaker retains its performance DNA: AdiPRENE+ cushioning in the midsole ensures responsive comfort, the Torsion system offers midfoot stability, and a durable AdiWEAR outsole delivers reliable traction on a variety of surfaces.
The adizero adios 1 x Sporty & Rich strikes a balance between heritage running technology and contemporary style, making it a versatile choice for both casual wear and light training.
Subtle Sporty & Rich co-branding appears on the tongue and insole, honoring the collaboration without overwhelming the classic profile. Beneath the sleek upper, the sneaker retains its performance DNA: AdiPRENE+ cushioning in the midsole ensures responsive comfort, the Torsion system offers midfoot stability, and a durable AdiWEAR outsole delivers reliable traction on a variety of surfaces.
The adizero adios 1 x Sporty & Rich strikes a balance between heritage running technology and contemporary style, making it a versatile choice for both casual wear and light training.
NEW BALANCE 1300 £270.00
Released only once every five years, the New Balance 1300JP is a true collector’s piece, and the 2025 edition lives up to that expectation by faithfully recreating the original’s premium craftsmanship and heritage-driven design.
Key features include a full-length ENCAP sole unit, combining lightweight cushioning with a sturdy polyurethane rim for reliable support and comfort. The upper is constructed from premium nubuck overlays layered over breathable mesh, delivering both durability and refined texture. Signature “1300” branding on the heel and classic New Balance logos on the tongue and sides complete the authentic look.
By paying meticulous attention to the details that made the original 1300JP celebrated—right down to the precise colourway and material selection—New Balance honors its legacy of performance and style. Limited availability only once every five years ensures that each release remains highly coveted, making the 2025 1300JP a standout addition for any serious sneaker enthusiast.
Key features include a full-length ENCAP sole unit, combining lightweight cushioning with a sturdy polyurethane rim for reliable support and comfort. The upper is constructed from premium nubuck overlays layered over breathable mesh, delivering both durability and refined texture. Signature “1300” branding on the heel and classic New Balance logos on the tongue and sides complete the authentic look.
By paying meticulous attention to the details that made the original 1300JP celebrated—right down to the precise colourway and material selection—New Balance honors its legacy of performance and style. Limited availability only once every five years ensures that each release remains highly coveted, making the 2025 1300JP a standout addition for any serious sneaker enthusiast.
adidas Originals Gazelle Team £90.00
The adidas Originals Gazelle Team updates the classic terrace silhouette for modern wearers. Presented in a versatile Grey Two and Collegiate Navy colourway, the upper combines smooth genuine leather with durable synthetic leather, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance. Secured with a traditional lace fastening, these trainers provide a customizable, snug fit thanks to their textile and synthetic lining.
Beneath the foot, a rubber outsole delivers reliable grip and traction across surfaces, while the low-profile midsole maintains the Gazelle’s signature ground-contact feel. Signature adidas details—3-Stripes branding on the flanks and the Trefoil logo at the heel—round out the design, making the Gazelle Team a faithful yet fresh take on an enduring icon.
Beneath the foot, a rubber outsole delivers reliable grip and traction across surfaces, while the low-profile midsole maintains the Gazelle’s signature ground-contact feel. Signature adidas details—3-Stripes branding on the flanks and the Trefoil logo at the heel—round out the design, making the Gazelle Team a faithful yet fresh take on an enduring icon.
Nike Air Max 90 Drift Trainer £135.00
The Nike Air Max 90 Drift revisits the classic 1990s aesthetic with a modern twist, launching in a Light Orewood Brown and Psychic Blue colourway. Originally conceived as a performance running shoe, the Drift adapts its technical heritage for everyday wear, seamlessly blending retro styling with contemporary comfort.
The upper combines durable mesh and synthetic overlays, ensuring breathability and structural support. Signature design elements—such as the moulded midfoot panel and TPU heel clip—are present but refined, delivering a streamlined profile. Underfoot, the shoe features a grippy Waffle outsole, providing reliable traction on urban surfaces, and a visible Air Max unit in the heel for lightweight cushioning. This Air technology, first introduced in 1978 and made visible in 1987’s Air Max 1, continues to offer responsive impact protection, creating the feeling of “walking on a cloud.”
Epitomising the intersection of art, music, and culture that defined the 1990s, the Air Max 90 Drift balances striking aesthetics with performance-driven details. Its neutral brown base accented by pops of blue makes it a versatile choice for both athletic and casual wardrobes, ensuring that technical brilliance slots effortlessly into daily rotation.
The upper combines durable mesh and synthetic overlays, ensuring breathability and structural support. Signature design elements—such as the moulded midfoot panel and TPU heel clip—are present but refined, delivering a streamlined profile. Underfoot, the shoe features a grippy Waffle outsole, providing reliable traction on urban surfaces, and a visible Air Max unit in the heel for lightweight cushioning. This Air technology, first introduced in 1978 and made visible in 1987’s Air Max 1, continues to offer responsive impact protection, creating the feeling of “walking on a cloud.”
Epitomising the intersection of art, music, and culture that defined the 1990s, the Air Max 90 Drift balances striking aesthetics with performance-driven details. Its neutral brown base accented by pops of blue makes it a versatile choice for both athletic and casual wardrobes, ensuring that technical brilliance slots effortlessly into daily rotation.
Nike ReactX Rejuven8 'Black Volt £69.99
The Nike ReactX Rejuven8 ‘Black Volt’ is a slip-on recovery shoe engineered for post-activity comfort and everyday wear. Its full-length molded ReactX foam midsole delivers plush, responsive cushioning, making each step feel soft and supportive as you transition away from intense workouts.
Finished in Cool Grey, the upper features strategically placed ventilation holes across the vamp to promote airflow and help keep your feet cool during extended wear. The lower portion of the shoe is rendered in solid black, anchoring the design and providing a clean contrast to the lighter upper.
A radial-pattern rubber outsole offers durable traction on a variety of surfaces, while on the lateral side a molded Volt Swoosh injects a vibrant neon accent that enlivens the otherwise neutral palette.
Combining slip-on convenience, breathable detailing, and advanced ReactX cushioning, the Rejuven8 ‘Black Volt’ stands out as an ideal recovery shoe—blending functionality and style for those seeking comfort without sacrificing design.
Finished in Cool Grey, the upper features strategically placed ventilation holes across the vamp to promote airflow and help keep your feet cool during extended wear. The lower portion of the shoe is rendered in solid black, anchoring the design and providing a clean contrast to the lighter upper.
A radial-pattern rubber outsole offers durable traction on a variety of surfaces, while on the lateral side a molded Volt Swoosh injects a vibrant neon accent that enlivens the otherwise neutral palette.
Combining slip-on convenience, breathable detailing, and advanced ReactX cushioning, the Rejuven8 ‘Black Volt’ stands out as an ideal recovery shoe—blending functionality and style for those seeking comfort without sacrificing design.
Nike ACG Rufus £99.99
The Nike ACG Rufus Mule marks its long-awaited return in a premium suede iteration, perfectly blending off-road utility with everyday comfort. Built on a lugged outsole, the mule delivers reliable traction whether you’re trekking a gravel trail or navigating city streets. Beneath your foot, a cushioned midsole provides responsive support for all-day wear.
Its slip-on design offers effortless on-and-off convenience, while the suede upper adds a refined touch that pairs seamlessly with both casual and elevated outfits. The open-back silhouette ensures breathability, and the secure footbed fit keeps your foot locked in place through every step.
Versatile by nature, the ACG Rufus Mule adapts to a range of environments and styles—earning its place as a go-to option in any footwear rotation. With its combination of traction, cushioning, and easy-wear design, this mule lives up to its reputation as an All Conditions Gear essential.
Its slip-on design offers effortless on-and-off convenience, while the suede upper adds a refined touch that pairs seamlessly with both casual and elevated outfits. The open-back silhouette ensures breathability, and the secure footbed fit keeps your foot locked in place through every step.
Versatile by nature, the ACG Rufus Mule adapts to a range of environments and styles—earning its place as a go-to option in any footwear rotation. With its combination of traction, cushioning, and easy-wear design, this mule lives up to its reputation as an All Conditions Gear essential.
Crep Protect spray £12
Crep Protect’s Rain & Stain Shoe Care Spray is a game-changer for anyone looking to safeguard their footwear investment. Available at crepprotect.com and JD Sports, this versatile spray creates an invisible, optically clear barrier across all styles—be it leather, canvas, suede, or mesh—so your shoes repel liquids and resist dirt buildup with ease.
Once treated, water, coffee, wine, and other common spills simply bead off the surface, allowing you to restore your kicks to pristine condition with a quick wipe of a damp cloth. The application is straightforward: spray evenly from about 20 cm away, let dry for a few minutes, and you’re good to go. Depending on how often you wear and test your shoes, one treatment can protect them for up to two weeks, offering peace of mind on wet or messy days.
Lightweight, odourless, and non-discolouring, the Rain & Stain Spray blends top-tier protection with effortless maintenance—an essential for sneaker-heads and casual wearers alike.
Once treated, water, coffee, wine, and other common spills simply bead off the surface, allowing you to restore your kicks to pristine condition with a quick wipe of a damp cloth. The application is straightforward: spray evenly from about 20 cm away, let dry for a few minutes, and you’re good to go. Depending on how often you wear and test your shoes, one treatment can protect them for up to two weeks, offering peace of mind on wet or messy days.
Lightweight, odourless, and non-discolouring, the Rain & Stain Spray blends top-tier protection with effortless maintenance—an essential for sneaker-heads and casual wearers alike.
