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It’s officially a World Cup summer. For over a month, the world shrinks to ninety minutes, rivalries are renewed, you’ve drawn a team in the work sweepstake, and football becomes impossible to ignore. But beyond the stadiums and watch parties, the tournament’s influence stretches far past the pitch. Brands dig into their football heritage, reviving cult classics and reworking terrace footwear that have long been part of the game.

Founded in Boston by Irish immigrant William J. Riley, New Balance came to life back in 1906, initially coined as the ‘New Balance Arch Support Company’. The original idea? To design footwear grounded in functional support that works with you as opposed to against you. The outcome? A titan of a brand that’s never backstepped on its diehard quest for developing ever-improved motion. You cannot ignore the cultural significance of New Balance in the modern world.

From Kyoto to Osaka. Swapping the ancient backdrop of Kyoto for the luminous streets of Osaka – otherwise known as ‘The Nation’s Kitchen’ due to its boundless network of rivers, prime central location and bustling nightlife where you can find something to eat at any given time of the day – the adidas Originals x size? x Billy’s ‘Japan City Series’ Osaka pack casts an eye over two of the futuristic city’s flagship attractions. Replicating the Athens blueprint from 1968, our size?

Born in 1963, Henri-Lloyd has been a pioneer in the sailing and exploration industry since the get-go. Founded by Henri Strzelecki in Manchester, the brand’s legacy intertwines with the historical achievements of certain sailing legends, like Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Ralph Fiennes.

White and green. A powerhouse in minimalistic design, adidas’ Stan Smith is a true poster child for enduring legacy. After lying dormant for a few years, the call for its utilitarian simplicity and clean lines reverberates once more. Born in the ‘80s, the Stan Smith has remained a prime example of bridging sport, lifestyle, and heritage with its authentic design and timeless appeal.

Launched for this year’s Air Max Day, the Nike Air Liquid Max is only just getting started. Following the initial ‘Poison Dart Frog’ makeup, we’ve seen a sleek ‘Triple Black’, a Fragment collaboration, and now it’s time to usher in the third colourway of ‘Bright Crimson’.

SS26 as told by Home Grown. The brand’s new collection lands at our Carnaby Street store this season with an exclusive in-store takeover. Expect check prints, denim washes, plus boxy cuts, layers, and shorts for every occasion. There’s more… Transforming the storefront into a live creative space, fine artist and illustrator @tolidrewit aka Toli reimagines our Carnaby Street window with his distinct visual design rooted in bold colour, expressive forms and contemporary pop culture.

After what feels like a long wait, summer is starting to reappear, bringing with it blue skies, warm days and the promise of something good in the air. Whether you’re planning a trip to crystal sea shores, heading out to explore a new metropolis, or staying home, part of the planning is all in the footwear. Before we fully dive into the upcoming season, we’ve rounded up some size? essentials to help you navigate the summer feet first.

A dynasty in its own right, Nike’s Air Max lineage is monumental in today’s arena, but where did it come from? The answer, of course, is a fascinating one, and it starts post-moon landing in 1969 with aeronautical engineer Frank Rudy. After working with NASA, he went on to invent a certain Air technology, then entered Tinker Hatfield, and the rest is quite literally history. Air Max is a legacy that’s so celebrated, it’s actually got its own day.

For years, it was simple. Trainers for everyday. Formal shoes for occasions. One lived in your rotation, the other stayed boxed up until a wedding invite landed. Well, not anymore. Dressing more sharply is now easier more than ever, without necessarily dressing up. We’re talking Derbies with denim, boat shoes with oversized cargos, polished leather peeking out beneath relaxed tailoring. What’s torched this crossover? Part of it is a pendulum swing in fashion itself.