London’s premier sneaker boutique Footpatrol has delved back into the early 90s to inspire their ‘Hotstepper’ contribution to the Reebok Ventilator’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Before corporate gyms invaded high streets across the UK, if you wanted to sweat it out, you headed to the local leisure centre, the hub for all youthful sporting activities. Thanks to the huge popularity of aerobics during that period, one piece of basic equipment was ubiquitous in every English leisure centre – the classic Reebok Step!

Motivated by the Reebok Step machine, Footpatrol have made bold use of an 80s colour scheme which features pops of crystal blue, blazing pink and aubergine purple against a base of crisp white terry towel and porcelain suede.

Reebok branding is purposefully flipped for an interesting mirrored effect, while the silky tongue tag is a unique and modern interpretation of traditional garment labels. The shoe’s material spec is hidden underneath the left sole, for a subtle, final touch.

The shoes were created in partnership with SNS and Stockholm Brewing Co., the lone brewery standing in the Södermalm section of Stockholm – an area that a particularly big brewery used to call home. The three sneakers take inspiration from different parts of the production process, from the malt tones of the adidas EQT Running Guidance 93, to the copper kettle look of the adidas Stan Smith, to the ZX Flux that references the copper roofing at Stockholm Brewing Co. SNS even created their own limited edition beer to go with the shoes.

Based on the 1970s Tournament Edition, the Rod Laver VIN receives a luxurious update for spring 2015. The shoe clearly mbodies a rigorous attitude in regards to the design principle of “less is more”. While the original model had already been stripped of all branding–except for the Rod Laver name tag at the heel–this latest version goes even further as there is no logo to be found anywhere on the upper.

As a result the material treatment receives all of the well-deserved attention. In this case it is an almost lifelike crocodile-skin embossing on the side panels. The masterful execution in black or white premium leather as well as the balance between plain and patterned elements make up for the appeal of this new design. Apart from the upper, the shoes also feature full leather lining and a leather insole that due to its natural moisture-wicking capabilities enhances wear comfort. Slim cotton laces–black on black and cream on white–round off the reserved yet intricate overall design of the Rod Laver VIN which fuses aesthetics of formal footwear with the characteristics of a sneaker.

Concepts Asics Gel Lyte 3 inspired by the Boston Tea Party.
The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal piece of Boston nation’s history. In 1773, the Sons of Liberty battled the British Parliament by attacking a ship and spilling its an entire shipment of tea into the Boston harbor. The act of course, was a spark to the American Revolution.

The sneakers are clearly patriotic in nature. Red Coats (British) , White and Blue Coats (Patriots) with alternating silver and gold Asics branding.