Foot Patrol X Reebok Ventilator (Hotstepper)

UPDATE: Foot Patrol shot some amazing photos at their local rec centre, we had to share them!

London’s premier sneaker boutique Foot Patrol has delved back into the early-1990s to inspire their ‘Hotstepper’ contribution to the Reebok Ventilator’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Before corporate gymnasium chains 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 their sweaty muse, Foot Patrol have made bold use of an oh-so-80s ‘Reebok Step’ colour scheme of crystal blue, blazing pink and aubergine pops against a crisp base of white terry towel cloth and porcelain micro-suede. Vivid arch supports and an eye-popping slab of terry towel on the medial side lend an off-kilter edge to the package. Reebok branding has been purposefully flipped for a mirrored effect, while the silky tongue tag is a cheeky interpretation of garment labels. A quick flip on the left foot reveals the material spec for the shoe hidden underneath.

As Foot Patrol’s Asheeba Charles explained, “We used synthetic suede on the upper as leather was rarely seen on running shoes in the 90s. We also wanted to throwback to the times of our youth when the Ventilator was originally released and reminisce about going swimming with friends or heading to a trampoline birthday party in this little haven know as the leisure centre!”

The Foot Patrol x Reebok Ventilator ‘Hotstepper’ will be released May 23rd at Foot Patrol London as well as via Reebok’s Certified Network around the globe. Stay tuned to Sneakerfreaker.com for the latest Reebok Ventilator news and release details!

- Originally Published May 20th, 2015