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June 24, 2019

Nike Trainers: Style The Swoosh Right

How To Wear Nike Trainers

In today’s fashion zeitgeist it’s near impossible to imagine a world without Nike trainers. But, in the bygone days of the ‘60s and ‘70s, before the Swoosh locked down sartorial status, the footwear industry wasn’t quite sure what it was missing without the sporting stalwart’s sneakers.

Jump 40-something years and Nike trainers have reached the pinnacle of footwear culture in 2019. Having etched their presence into society and sportswear alike, the brand’s kicks, ranging from the nostalgic Cortez, to the Waffle Racer ‘Moon Shoe’ and the ever-popular Air Max dynasty, are true style icons.

Therefore, mastering your Swoosh style is essential if you’re hoping to keep up appearances in the sneaker scene. So why not source inspiration from our styling team and take a look at how we’ve approached this season’s Nike Trainers below…

LOOK 1:

Ideal for city dwellers – our first look bets on a relaxed wardrobe for urban settings. With the help of trailblazing label CP Company and all-American brand Ralph Lauren in the mix, this outfit takes on an effortless smart-casual stance. Boasting a double dosage of technical layers on top, including a short-sleeved CP Company polo shirt and CP Company arm lens jacket, the outfit further unfolds with comforting Ralph Lauren sweatpants.

Completing the look is a pair of Nike Air Max Light trainers; offering colourful pops to an otherwise monochrome teaming. Since these sneakers have been seldom-seen since the ‘80s, give them the attention they deserve through the streets.

LOOK 2:

If you’re more focused on turning up the dial for nostalgia, look two is a winner. Featuring Nike’s Air Zoom Alpha trainers, *cult classics from the ‘90s*, the outfit channels an elevated approach to dressing. It’s imagined with several layers stacked atop each other, including a Nudie sweatshirt, Albam shirt and cosy Folk sweatshirt. Although warmth shouldn’t pose a problem with this look, choose to add or remove layers depending on the temperature. Meanwhile, embrace this Zoom sneaker’s wavy uppers and retro status in your chosen stomping ground.

LOOK 3:

Cast with a colour palette made up of only two tones, this black and white ensemble is undoubtedly a head-turner. Bringing urban accents into focus, the look aims to secure the streetwear scene with a range of logo-charged accessories. With Dsquared2’s ICON bag by your side, not only can all your essentials be kept close, but your status heightened thanks to the brand’s signature slogan. Adding to the clashing vision is a Ralph Lauren baseball cap, boxy Maison Margiela t-shirt and Champion sweatshorts.

Finished off with the power and stability of Nike’s Vapormax 2019 trainer on foot; we’re sound in the knowledge that this look will confidently pursue the city or summer festivals in equal measure.

LOOK 4:

Slick, smart and suitable for weekend wear – outfit four is fiercely trend aware. Taking to terrain with the energy of a springy Air Sole unit, Nike’s sneaker hits the floor with the Swoosh sported at all angles. Up top, a lightweight Paul Smith shirt and neutral Albam overshirt drape the body, teamed alongside versatile Norse Projects chinos. Signing off the sophisticated streetwear look is Moncler’s Theo pouch in olive, styled here across the body.

LOOK 5:

Wholly inspired by the game, this next look captures traditions from the hardwood and prepares to hit the tramac. Using an unusual approach to layering, the outfit invites a striking Nike jersey atop a cosy Ralph Lauren hoodie. Nike’s Air Force 1 ‘07 low trainers serve timeless appeal on foot, while the sporty styling is broken up with beige Norse Projects chinos. We reckon this one will give off duty dressing a whole new meaning.

LOOK 6:

Showcasing the sporty flair of the ‘90s, this final outfit looks to apparel icons of the past. Pounding the streets with nostalgia on foot, Nike’s Air Max 98 trainers inject old-school quality to the ensemble while Ralph Lauren’s half zip sweatshirt serves up a cosy layer for easy throwing on. Edwin’s ED55 63 jeans soften the athleisure theme with their clean-cut feel and turned-up cuffs.

So, whether you’re running errands from day-to-day, dressing to impress or cutting a casual figure, celebrate the Swoosh in superlative style. Shop a wide range of Nike trainers in-store and online at Aphrodite.

June 21, 2019

adidas Ozweego: Fusing Future And Past

After reaching astronomical levels of success, thanks to a helping hand from non-other than Raf Simons, you’d be forgiven for automatically associating the name Ozweego with the hype ladened collection born out of adidas’ collaborative efforts with the Belgian fashion designer. But, as any chunky sneaker fanatic will tell you, the name Ozweego finds its origins deep in the three stripe archives, having originally released amongst the German sportswear companies lineup of practical ’90s runners.

Manufactured to provide improved shock absorption to all those fortunate enough to find it laced to their foot, this iteration takes inspiration from the Ozweego 3 offering up a more modern interpretation of the retro sneaker, imbuing it with up-to-date technical intricacies and altering its silhouette for a more streamlined shape. Boasting multi-material uppers that make use of breathable mesh, plush suede and lightweight TPU the trainers boast adiprene cushioning both to the forefoot and heel as well as a chunky eva infused midsole. Making reference to the rave culture found prevalent around the time of its predecessor, the Ozweego boasts striking hits of neon colouring both in the form of the unmistakable three stripes to the side and a support enhancing science-fictionesque tube system. Appearing both futuristic yet retro at the same time the sneaker is finished with reflective detailing and a sculpted rubber outsole.

The adidas Ozweego launches both in store and online at Aphrodite 21/06/19 at 00:01 AM.

May 20, 2019

The adidas x Raf Simons Ozweego Returns

The adidas x Raf Simons Ozweego, one of the most beloved and well recognised silhouettes born out of the esteemed Belgian fashion designers work with the German sportswear company, a trend-setting powerhouse and one of the few somewhat innocuous silhouettes, alongside the Stan Smith and Response, fortunate enough to be plucked from the adidas archives for a generous dose of collaborative TLC. Adding an expectantly elevated touch to the ‘90s original, the Ozweego found itself at the forefront of the pairings debut collection and quickly set to work tearing the low top sneaker rule book of the time cover to cover.

With ‘ugly sneakers’ now seen as an established trend, with the likes of Balenciaga, Maison Margiela and countless other designers throwing their hat into the proverbial ring, the same can’t quite be said for 2013 when the Ozweego, with its multilayered frame, bulky exaggerated uppers and chunky midsole took its first tentative step into the limelight.

Like much of the Belgian designers work, the trainers starkly contrasted the typical styling found at the time but through their acceptance into popular culture, most notably with A$AP Rocky’s ‘please Don’t Touch My Raf’, and sightings on the feet of countless celebrities they slowly but surely became mainstays in rotations across the world, setting the wheels in motion for not only the larger than life footwear seen pounding modern day pavements but the degradation of the walls which stood between high-end fashion and streetwear.

Now, after a brief foray into a spot of 3D mapping and some optical illusion inducing French painting techniques earlier in the year, adidas and Raf Simons once again turn their attention to the forefather of chunky sneakers adding a fresh lick of paint to a now undeniable cult classic.

Taking influence from the ‘Bunny Boot’ a type of footwear worn by the American armed forces to combat the harsh conditions found in Alaska, the adidas x Raf Simons Ozweego remains largely unchanged, utilising the same oversized panelled design and sculpted midsole combination that has etched its name among the very best in gargantuan proportioned kicks.

Up top the trainers take a more subdued approach than some of the Ozweego’s past iterations, boasting a supple premium leather construction and swapping out some of the more out there features, such as translucent plastic inserts and entirely cut out sections, for clean coatings of monochromatic colouring.

Perhaps one of the most notable features, and where things begin to take a more left field approach, is below where a mirrored TPU film coats the trainers from mid-section down, playing with proportions and hailing back to the ‘70s glam rock influences found embedded throughout the designers SS19 offering.

With fads changing like the wind, the pressures of hype and a seemingly unlimited supply of styles waiting in the wings for their chance at the top spot, we think it’s fair to say that the footwear landscape has never been so fiercely contested. Which is why, 6 years on from its original release, the fact that the Ozweego still remains firmly positioned amongst the best of the best is not only a testament to the shoe itself but the great minds responsible for its creation.

The adidas x Raf Simons Ozweego is available both in store and online at Aphrodite1994 on the 23/05/19.

May 1, 2019

Nike React Element 87 – The Future Is Now

Nike React Element 87

Combining the best in new age data driven design and old school sensibilities the Nike React Element 87 was created, much like many of its swoosh clad predecessors before it, with one simple goal in mind: to make running and walking more comfortable. Paying homage to what Nike defines as everyday athletes the trainer owes its futuristic geometric design to those of us who find ourselves running to catch the early morning bus, trawling the city streets in search of last-minute Birthday presents or pounding the pavements to complete daily errands.

Launched back in 2018 we got our first glimpse of the trainers in March when they found themselves debuting on non-other than the runways of Paris in a collaborative effort with Japanese streetwear label, Undercover. Not only did the trainers showcase some seriously crowd-pleasing stripped back uppers but gave a taste of what had been going on behind the scenes at the nerve centres of the Nike footwear laboratories when it came to the latest advancements in on foot technology.
Starting out by pressure map testing the feet of individuals who walked heavily throughout the day the designers were able to identify the main points of fatigue and strain and subsequently set to work elevating it. In an approach that hinges almost on science-fiction, the special projects team began by mapping the results onto, the already world renowned, react foam, drilling holes at specific densities and depths to create a sole that not only offers improved support and an added number of comfort benefits but, enhanced the materials intrinsic shock absorption qualities with a unique, movement influenced wave design and grip-providing rubber outsole pods that tackles the perils of everyday urban wear one step at a time.

But it’s not all underfoot where these trainers shine with plenty of distinct characteristics present North of the midsole. Taking inspiration from both the original 1983 Nike Internationalist runner and the asymmetrical construction of the Nike Zoom Fly SP, the Nike React Element 87 pulls together a plethora of specifically chosen elements for an Avant Garde look that rests nicely on an indistinguishable line between, trail shoe, runner and everything in between.

Featuring a hiking-esque lacing system, exposed stitching and an enlarged Nike tick to the lateral side the two new colourways see pops of moss green and dusty peach highlight the sneakers distinct silhouette and idiosyncratic shape. Perhaps most notably however, aside from the serious brain power in the sole, is the trainers multi-layered uppers which boast hits of suede and a translucent TPE textile wrap that reveals the interior of the shoe and, in similarly ground-breaking fashion as the application of an exposed air unit to the midsole, challenges the expected norm when it comes to traditional footwear tropes. Rounding out the design other notable details include a sporty heel clip, reflective detailing and some vintage inspired gum hits below.

It appears when it comes to bold claims of the, ‘evolution of sneakers’ and the ‘future of footwear’ Nike not only seem to know a thing or two about what they are talking about but, have the foamdrilled holes to prove it. The Nike React Element 87 launches both in store and online at Aphrodite 02/05/19.

January 29, 2019

The adidas Samba Gets A Modern Boost

As the evolution of adidas footwear shows no signs of slowing down – case and point the newest model to join the triple rectangle ranks, the LXCON – it’s nice, from time to time, to give some love back to the classics. The trainers that have been around the block a few times, seen a thing or two and carved out a legacy that set the precedent for their fresh-faced brethren to follow. Make no mistake these are big sneakers to fill, and we can’t think of a more worthy candidate for a bit of TLC than the adidas Samba.

The oldest adidas shoe still in continuous production the Samba was first introduced in the ’50s as an indoor training shoe and pioneered the classic low-profile, three-stripe, terrace style that has not only become synonymous with the German sportswear brand but English football, casual culture, Britpop and so much more. Now over 65 years later since the Samba first set sole to pavement the trainers have been given a modern update with the addition of some forward thinking technology that propels the sneaker into the present day without sacrificing its traditional charm.

Available in two versatile colourways of an alternating black, white and beige the trainer retains its original shape, three stripes and toe cap design which made it an instant classic but comes complete with some contemporary iterations including streamlined proportions for a sleeker look and a metallic printed ‘S4M3A’ toward the heel gives for a futuristic edge. But, what truly sets this trainer apart from the countless other adaptions is its integration of adidas’ now revered boost technology. All wrapped up in a vintage-inspired gum sole the performance-enhancing midsole promises to ensure comfort with every stride and the best in additional on foot support. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

The adidas Originals Samba RM are available both in-store and online 31/01/19 at 00:01. In the meantime take a look at our other adidas Originals offering and be sure to follow us on social media for the latest releases and news.

October 31, 2018

The Iconic Nike Air Force 1 Utility is Back With A Bang

Arguably one of the most iconic pieces of footwear Nike have produced, the Air Force 1 has become a firm favourite in the wardrobes of many since its inception in the 80’s. The combination of style and function means the Air Force 1 survives year after year, while the original white-on-white design is the perfect blank canvas for the numerous recreations the shoe has seen over the years.

The latest reinvention of the Air Force 1 would be that of the Utility pack. Deconstruction sits at the forefront of this trainer’s design aesthetic; a squeaky clean canvas is decorated only with contrasting yet understated Nike branding. An exposed label tag can be found layered under the soft leather Swoosh (perhaps as a subtle nod to their upcoming collaborative partner Off Whites’ take on the shoe), while a double branded heel-pull and tongue label are home to an inconspicuous splash of colour. All of this sits upon a textured leather upper, with a full length foam midsole that has cushioned our feet for decades.

The Nike Air Force 1 Utility is available on 1.11.2018 for £79. You can shop the two available colourways in-store and online

July 17, 2018

Ralph Lauren Combines the Best of Old and New Polo in the Train100 Sneaker

As the old adage goes, you can tell a lot about a man from his shoes. It’s a subject that many take very seriously; there have been reams of blog posts, style articles and even whole books on the rules, etiquette and symbology attached to our footwear. Fortunately, the quintessential American menswear designers at Ralph Lauren are on deck to kit your feet out for that most important time of year: summer weekends. Running sneakers have long been part of the staple Ivy League look that the brand has made its signature, striking the balance between casual insouciance and a considered retro appeal: neither too neatly-pressed to run errands around the supermarket nor too sloppy for that big barbecue.

The new Train100 running sneaker really nails this sweet-spot with aplomb. Constructed from a blend of lightweight nylon with premium suede panelling that calls to mind New Balance at their 90s heyday, the Train100 rides on a lightweight EVA sole unit with a TPU heel clip for extra stability. Cushioning is handled by the brand’s proprietary RLite technology coupled with a leather footbed for a touch of luxury, while one of the brand’s signature vintage ‘Polo Dry Goods’ labels appears to the tongue for a hit of retro Americana appeal.

Coming in both grey and navy colourways, the Ralph Lauren Train100 sneaker is the perfect shoe to pair with your favourite shorts or chinos this summer for an effortless Ivy-approved look without having to break out the boat shoes. Both pairs are available now from Aphrodite Clothing, priced at a very reasonable £99.

Browse Our Collection Of Polo Ralph Lauren Now

maison margiela knit sock boot title image

June 6, 2018

Sock it to Me: The Maison Margiela Knit Sock Boot is Ready for Summer

One of the most prevalent footwear trends in the last decade has been the emergence of the sock-fit sneaker. Utilising new technologies like Nike’s Flyknit and adidas‘s rival Primeknit, the initial aim was to reduce weight and provide a more customised fit for athletics, particularly running, which then trickled down into the mainstream with the surging popularity of athleisure and luxury streetwear as the dominant forces in fashion. The minimal good looks and level of comfort offered by sock-like fit of trainers like the Nike Flyknit Racer and adidas Ultraboost earned them legions of fans, which has naturally attracted the attention of brands looking to offer a more luxurious, high-fashion alternative.

Enter Maison Margiela. From the brand’s very genesis, Maison Margiela’s raison d’etre has been to subvert and deconstruct trends, uniforms and classic clothing to create a unique vision of what fashion is and what it should be. Under the eye of their current designer, the infamous John Galliano, the Maison has turned their hand to the sock sneaker, taking the concept to its extreme with their Knit Sock Boot, which boasts rib-knit fabric uppers that are little more than literal socks, set atop a technical sneaker sole unit.

Like many of the Maison’s designs, it sounds absurd on paper, but the level of attention and care given to the materials, shape and detailing of the sneaker really elevate it into something special. This version is perhaps the best yet, pairing a bright optical white upper with a distressed sole unit to give both subtle contrast and a look that’s classically Margiela. In typical fashion, the sneaker’s only adornment is a care label that the designer has left purposely visible to the exterior, adopting the Maison’s signature low-key approach to branding.

Despite its unconventional look and avant-garde design, the Margiela Knit Sock Boot is just as versatile as any other white sneaker, owing to its slim profile and ‘blank canvas’ appearance. Pair it with cropped trousers, distressed jeans, even shorts; either way you’re guaranteed to turn heads this summer.

The Maison Margiela Knit Sock Boot in White is available now from Aphrodite Clothing, priced £439.

Want More Like This? Check Out the Rest of the Maison Margiela Collection Here

May 23, 2018

Grenson Shoes – How To Look After

Grenson Shoes Care Guide – 10 Tips To Look After Grenson Shoes

Here at Aphrodite we have recently bolstered our vast range of shoe care products, with care kits from Jason Markk, Crep Protect and Sneakers ER readily available in-store and online which are sure to prove perfect for the footwear aficionados among us. We also have a whole host of items from Grenson, including Grenson cream, polish, brushes and cloths to help keep your footwear collection in tip top condition no matter what the weather.

Imagine this… you have just spent a small fortune on a pair of leather shoes, you want them to last the distance, right? With help from our lovely counterparts at British footwear institute Grenson, we have pieced together a Grenson care guide; 10 tips to look after Grenson shoes which will hopefully help keep your investment fresh for many years to come.

Following these few simple steps will help prolong the life of your most trustworthy Grenson shoes.

10 Tips To Look After Grenson Shoes

Never wear your new shoes in the rain until they have been worn at least 3-4 times.
If your shoes do end up getting wet put shoe trees inside them (if you don’t have trees newspaper will work just as well) and let them dry out at room temperature for 48 hours before you wear them again. Wet sole leather will wear out twice as quick as dry sole leather.
Before polishing, wipe off any excess surface dirt with a dry cloth.
When its time to polish, use plenty of polish/cream and make sure its into the welt and the cracks between the upper and the sole. Let the polish sit on for as long as possible, over night is an ideal time scale. Browse our range of Grenson creams.
Use a Grenson cloth or brush to take off any excess polish/cream to shine them up.
If you want to darken your tan shoes use a dark polish, some people like to use black polish which makes them instantly look older.
Goodyear Welted shoes are easy to repair and the soles can be changed if needed.
A little test can be done to see if your shoe are ready for repair; If you can feel a soft spot in the middle of the front of the shoe where you walk, push it in with your thumb. If its very soft, its about to go, if its a little soft, you can get another few months out of them.
Leather soles can be very slippery, making it a task in itself to navigate across some floors. A cheeky little trick, cut open a potato and rub it into the sole, this will give you grip.
If you look after your shoes, they could last for years and years.

Take a look at our recent trip to the Grenson factory and interview with the brand’s owner and creative director Tim Little. Read full blog post here

Shop our full collection of Grenson shoes here

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