Hanon's adidas Originals EQT Race Walk Pays Homage to Traditional Working Men's Clubs
Clashing colors, corduroy, pub carpet-inspired insoles, and other retro touches appear on this archival re-issue.
Scottish menswear retailer Hanon and adidas Originals have a longstanding relationship, and in honor of the EQT line’s 30th anniversary, the two are back together for a collaboration on the EQT Race Walk.
The silhouette itself has never been reissued before, meaning this is the first time since it was first released in 1991 that it’s been reintroduced to the market. Thanks to Hanon, this pair — dubbed the “Working Men’s Club” — comes with a story that’s equally impressive as the shoe itself, because as the name suggests, it draws inspiration from the social clubs that were created across the U.K. in the 19th century and beyond for working-class men and their families.
Often found in industrialized areas, traditional working men’s clubs were places of recreation, but also served as a community hub. As Hanon recalls, they typically feature a “bar area, an additional function room, snooker and pool tables, a dartboard, and usually a small stage to offer live entertainment, such as bingo or cabaret,” but today, very few are left. “From the classic pub carpet to the ’70s styling and the disco lights, the clubs retain a charm and character that offer an insight into something uniquely British,” continues Hanon.
With this in mind, its take on the EQT Race Walk presents a colorway that’s reminiscent of the interior of a working men’s club. Brown corduroy and suede uppers are contrasted by serrated-edge, bright neon orange Three Stripes, a vivid blue lining, retro EQT-branded and Consortium-branded tongue tags that are dominated by pink and black hues, and a black die-cut EVA midsole that’s trimmed with a gum outsole.
On the rear, Hanon and adidas Originals’ EQT branding appear embroidered into their respective heels, before more bright orange hits up the heel tab alongside the brown corduroy. Fittingly, pub carpet-inspired insoles have been added, sporting dual branding as a final nod to the thought-out collaboration.
To get your hands on the Hanon x adidas Originals EQT Race Walk “Working Men’s Club,” head over to Hanon’s website to sign up to its raffle, which ends on November 12. The shoes are priced at exactly £100 GBP (approximately $135 USD).
In case you missed it, check out this week’s issue of Sole Mates.
