Sporting power brands revisit iconic footwear of the past.
The Adidas Gazelle (Image 1)
The Gazelle, launched in 1968 as an all-round training shoe, has become synonymous with Eighties urban football culture, early hip-hop and Nineties indie. This re-issue (the Gazelle OG) maintains the classic silhouette, with a premium suede upper.
Gazelle OG £67 by ADIDAS ORIGINALS; adidas.com
The Nike Air Max 1 Hyperfuse (Image 2)
The Air Max 1 was launched in 1987, and was the first shoe with the famous air bubble, revolutionising the trainer industry. The Hyperfuse follows many reincarnations, and features innovative minimised seams.
Hyperfuse Air Max 1 £95 by NIKE; nikesportswear.com
The Diadora Borg Elite (Image 3)
Originally released in 1981, the Borg Elite was the signature trainer of tennis legend Bjorn Borg. The Italian heritage brand is relaunching two designs, the Borg Elite and the ‘Queen 70’.
Borg Elite £99.99 by DIADORA (released on 3 Nov); footpatrol.co.uk
The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 (Image 4)
When the Mexico 66 was first introduced (in 1966, of course), it was the first shoe with the famous Onitsuka Tiger stripes. Worn at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968, it has gone on to become a cult classic and shorthand for Japanese cool on the high street.
Mexico 66 DX £65 by ONITSUKA TIGER; onitsukatiger.com
The Puma Suede (Image 5)
The Suede debuted in 1968 but became the ‘it’ shoe of Eighties hip-hop in New York, supported by a UK following of football fans and trainer connoisseurs alike. This is an exact replica of the original, but is available in different colours.
Puma Suede £50 by PUMA; size.co.uk
The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
Image 6
Converse launched the All Star Hi Top in 1917, adding Chuck Taylor’s name when he joined the company in the Thirties. The shoe became indelibly linked with Fifties rock’n’roll youth culture, and the lo-top edition dates back to the Sixties.
Chuck Taylor Lo Tops £38 by CONVERSE; office.co.uk
(Photography: Arthur Woodcroft)
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