by mark haddon
New Balance, Made in UK, 991v2 Shoes, Magnet with Black and Corsican Blue £220.00
New Balance continues to highlight its British manufacturing heritage with the latest drop from the Made in UK FW25 collection, produced exclusively at the brand’s long-standing factory in Flimby, Cumbria. This release features the 991v2 in a refined Magnet, Black, and Corsican Blue colourway, combining premium craftsmanship with performance-inspired design.
The 991v2 retains its signature silhouette while incorporating updated comfort and stability elements. High-quality materials and precise construction reflect the standards of the Made in UK line, offering a sneaker that feels both durable and elevated. The tonal mix of deep greys and blues gives the shoe a modern, versatile look, making it suitable for everyday wear as well as collectors seeking a clean seasonal update.
This FW25 drop is presented through the S2 Made in UK lookbook, worn by mixed-media artist Jazz Grant (@Jazzgrantstudio), styled by Helga Burrill (@helgaburrill), and photographed by Maxwell Tomlinson (@maxwelltomlinson). Their collaboration reinforces the collection’s cultural relevance and its connection to local creativity.
By embracing its regional roots and spotlighting domestic craftsmanship, New Balance demonstrates why its Made in UK products continue to resonate globally, offering authenticity, quality, and a strong sense of community woven into every pair.
OTW by Vans – Old Skool 36 Pearlized £120.00
OTW by Vans continues to push the brand into new creative territory, blending heritage design with contemporary expression. The latest evolution of this vision comes through the Old Skool 36 Pearlized, a reworked take on the classic silhouette that merges archival DNA with a fashion-led edge.
Following the success of the recent SATOSHI NAKAMOTO collaboration, the inline version arrives in two fresh colour options: “Marshmallow” and “Fuchsia.” Each pair features a deliberately distressed finish straight from the factory, paired with pearl and crystal detailing that gives the sneaker a distinctive, customised feel. This combination of worn-in texture and refined embellishment creates a standout aesthetic that feels both familiar and newly elevated.
Despite the updates, all the signature elements introduced in the Old Skool’s original 1977 release remain intact, including the iconic Sidestripe™, which grounds the design in its roots while the pearlized treatment pushes the shoe into modern territory.
The Old Skool 36 Pearlized has dropped in both new colour ways on Vans.com/OTW . It’s a bold yet wearable reinterpretation that captures the spirit of OTW: experimental, expressive, and unmistakably Vans.
ADIDAS X SPONGEBOB PATRICK SUPERSTAR £110
adidas brings a playful twist to an icon with the Superstar “Patrick Star”, a special-edition release inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants’ beloved character. This version trades the silhouette’s traditional white leather for a soft pink suede upper, directly nodding to Patrick’s signature colour. The design is balanced with black 3-Stripes and an off-white shell toe, maintaining the classic Superstar structure while integrating the character theme in a clean, wearable way.
Further details reinforce the collaboration: a custom Patrick graphic decorates the tongue, adding a clear tie-in to the series, and a translucent blue outsole reveals underwater artwork that references scenes from Bikini Bottom. These elements give the shoe a layered visual appeal without compromising the familiar Superstar profile.
Overall, the adidas Superstar “Patrick Star” delivers a faithful, character-focused design that remains practical for everyday wear, combining nostalgic storytelling with the timeless aesthetics of one of adidas’ most recognisable models.
ASICS X HIDDEN NY GEL-DS TRAINER 14 SNEAKER £169
Hidden NY continues its evolving partnership with ASICS with the release of the GEL-DS Trainer 14 “Dawn”, a colourway built around the theme of sunrise. The shoe blends metallic silver overlays with crisp white mesh, creating a clean, reflective base that highlights ASICS’ technical running heritage. Mint green accents appear throughout the upper and transition smoothly into the midsole, adding a subtle gradient effect that reinforces the dawn-inspired palette.
Structurally, the pair remains faithful to the original GEL-DS Trainer 14, a model known for its lightweight build, stability-focused design, and GEL cushioning. Hidden NY’s approach works within this framework, elevating the performance aesthetic without altering the shoe’s functional integrity.
The collaboration filters ASICS’ signature precision and engineering through Hidden NY’s modern, curated vision, resulting in a sneaker that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The “Dawn” colour way stands out as a balanced blend of technical running DNA and thoughtful streetwear design.
Axis Sneaker £195.00
The Axis Sneaker in Sand offers a refined take on a classic skate-inspired silhouette, blending heritage design cues with elevated materials. Made in Portugal, the model is constructed with a 100% Italian suede upper, giving it a premium feel while maintaining the laid-back character typical of skate footwear.
The colourway, a clean, neutral Sand tone, enhances its versatility, making it suitable for both casual and more polished styling. The sneaker is built on an embossed rubber outsole, providing grip and durability, while the interior combines 80% recycled polyester and 20% leather, offering comfort with a more sustainable edge.
A practical detail is the inclusion of two lace options (beige and off-white), allowing for subtle customisation. The brand recommends sizing down half a size, ensuring a more accurate fit given the construction and materials used.
Overall, the Axis Sneaker delivers a thoughtful blend of skate culture roots and luxury craftsmanship, resulting in a versatile, well-made everyday shoe.
Kobe 9 Low Protro EM University Red and Metallic Gold £174.99
Kobe Bryant’s long-standing connection with China is at the heart of this revived Kobe 9 Low Protro EM, returning for the first time since its original 2014 release. Designed as a tribute to Kobe’s deep bond with Chinese fans, the sneaker arrives in a bold University Red engineered mesh upper, contrasted with Metallic Gold and black detailing. A dual-snake graphic on the tongue adds a symbolic touch, nodding to themes of duality and balance.
Performance remains the focus. The engineered mesh upper keeps things lightweight and breathable, built for fast-paced play. Underfoot, a drop-in React foam midsole provides responsive cushioning, while a carbon-fibre plate enhances lateral stability without adding bulk. A multidirectional traction pattern rounds it off, giving players the grip and court feel the Kobe line is known for.
A vibrant, meaningful retro with the on-court chops to match its storytelling, exactly what a Protro should be.
Saucony PROGRID OMNI 9 OG £140.00
Saucony brings back a cult favourite with the return of the ProGrid Omni 9, a running silhouette first launched in 2010 that helped define performance footwear of its era. Reintroduced under the “Run As One” ethos, the sneaker stays true to its original sharp, technical aesthetic while upgrading comfort for everyday use.
The Omni 9 pairs its retro performance look with cushioning engineered for modern lifestyles. Its signature ProGrid system delivers soft, responsive support, making the shoe feel just as suitable for daily wear as it once was for training runs. The combination of breathable materials, supportive structure, and that unmistakable early-2010s running style gives the sneaker both practical appeal and strong nostalgic pull.
A timeless standout brought into the present, the ProGrid Omni 9 proves that good design and good comfort never go out of style.
Crep Protect Ultimate Starter Pack £22.00
Crep Protect’s Ultimate Starter Pack is a complete solution for keeping sneakers in top condition year-round. Housed in a convenient zippered travel bag, the kit includes six single-use wipes for quick cleaning, a 50ml Rain & Stain Protection spray, and a 50ml Leather Cleaning Foam, covering both everyday scuffs and more stubborn dirt.
With Crep Protect’s signature branding throughout, the kit combines practicality with style, making it easy to carry and use on the go. Perfect for sneaker enthusiasts looking to maintain their collection, the Ultimate Starter Pack delivers professional-level care in a compact, user-friendly format.
A straightforward, effective way to protect and clean your trainers without fuss.