Kickers today might mean Lazy Oaf and Christopher Shannon collaborations – with a side of school kids wearing patent black youth styles – but go back a few decades and as the classic Kick Hi neared its twentieth anniversary (having been first produced in 1975), so it was worn by Manchester’s ravers of a similar age.
A regular fixture on the scene, the shoe provided an alternative to trainers despite the hardwearing crepe sole offering similar qualities to the former; ideal for hours spent on one’s feet.
The key difference? Those attending the Hacienda and its ilk could bypass the strict ‘no trainers’ policy by donning a pair of Kickers.
Those same defining qualities of the boot remain today – that flower tag hasn’t gone anywhere – while new colourways and patterns have modernised the iconic shape. The Spring Summer 14 collection features two-tone designs and subtle camo details, as well as several of the more traditional brown leather versions.
Coming soon to a club near you.
—-