The Manchester-based brand CLINTS Inc. has made waves in the sneaker world since debuting its Trail Runner aka ‘TRL Footprints’ silhouette in 2019. Being a start-up brand at the time, CLINTS wanted to express the functionality and durability of the brand and a trek silhouette allowed them to deliver this narrative best as there could be no short-cuts with design.
Following the success of their first collaboration with Novesta in 2019, CLINTS pay homage to the “Step Correct” mantra it has pushed since the launch with the brand new ‘Stepper’ silhouette, created in collaboration with no other than Amsterdam native Patta. As both brands are Black-owned, community driven and known for sneakers, it is almost a surprise the two did not join hands earlier!
The Steppers, which were originally teased back in February by self-taught designer and brand-owner Junior Clint on his personal instagram, come with a brown, teal and black upper constructed out of premium canvas material accompanied by suede overlays.
The pièce de résistance on the pair is the translucent outsole which encapsulates the classic CLINTS Inc insignia and marries it with the recognisable Patta Script logo in a contrasting black, white and brown palette. You can also find the Patta logo placed on the tongue-tabs and midfoot, as well as a hidden stash pocket on the interior – but the details don’t stop there! The box is also one-of-a-kind with both brands’ logos, as well as the tags which come on the shoe. Being the first time CLINTS produced in Portugal, there have been no shortcuts taken.
Junior, who still designs all footwear and apparel himself with insight from his 4 team members, always wanted to take a hands-on approach with CLINTS which actually started off in his bedroom. Now, through his passion and aim to develop leisure footwear for any occasion fit for purpose, Junior has built up his profile in the sneaker world and was recently named by Salehe Bembury as his favourite designer. There was also a full-circle moment in Junior’s career when the late Virgil Abloh, one of Junior’s inspirations, was seen rocking a pair of CLINTS. As expected, this was mind-blowing for the young designer as the first shoe he designed was an Off-White x Nike conceptual shoe inspired by Virgil’s 10 collection.
The Patta x CLINTS Stepper will be exclusively available from Patta London on Friday March 18th, the CLINTS pop-up store in Manchester on Saturday March 19th, and on CLINTS.co via a raffle.
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