When it comes to great British sporting brands, they don’t come more classic than Gola. Starting life in 1905 in a small factory in a sleepy Northamptonshire village, the company saw off two world wars before eventually becoming one of the most popular brands of the 1960s and 1970s – by which time it was working with stars from the worlds of football, cricket, tennis, athletics and more to hone its designs.
Given this rich sporting heritage, it’s not surprising that Gola has birthed some truly iconic trainer styles – the most famous being the instantly-recognisable, Paul Weller-approved Harrier, which, along with other core silhouettes, has been given a fresh update for autumn/winter 2017. The brand’s new-season collection pays respectful homage to its past, while bringing styling and colorways
Gola Autumn/Winter 2017
Gola has struck a skilful balancing act for autumn/winter 2017: its new collection incorporates elements of contemporary streetwear, while keeping the brand’s authentic, classic signature at heart. Drawing inspiration from its huge archive, Gola has breathed life into three key styles – the Harrier, Bullet and Specialist – which have been reinvigorated in fresh colorways and materials.
As well as going back to its roots, the label is adding several new designs to the mix – the standout being the Flyer. Paying tribute to the company’s history, the shoe takes its name from a style from the 1975 Gola back catalog, but sees it reimagined and given a contemporary edge.
It’s old meets new, past meets present, and the result is a very relevant range that’s sure to add cachet to your collection. With fashion’s obsession with heritage sneaker brands going nowhere, there’s no better time to add Gola to your rotation.
Bullet
Originally launched in 1976 as a multi-purpose training shoe, the Bullet lived up to its name and proved a sure-fire hit. It was reintroduced into the brand’s core collection just last year, fast becoming a must-have for trainer fanatics and fashion insiders alike.
For AW17, the versatile, timeless style has been reworked in retro hues and is available in leather, nylon and a tactile suede, proudly emblazoned with the gilded Gola logo. Guaranteed to add a laid-back, vintage vibe to any outfit.
Flyer
In case you haven’t already worked it out from the incredible throwback colour palette, this slick new addition to the Gola range – making its debut this season – takes inspiration from vintage 1970s style. (Which just so happens to be trending for autumn/winter 2017.)
The brand has taken its classic Flyer shape from 1975 – originally a spiked track and field shoe – and given it a modern update, reworking it in lightweight nylon with luxe suede detailing.
Harrier
Since its release in 1968, the Harrier – Gola’s ‘flagship’ shoe, if you will – has remained a prime example of iconic British design, which might go some way toward explaining why it’s still a perennial favorite for sneakerheads the world over.
This classic, terrace-inspired style was first created as a multi-purpose training and leisure shoe, and was only available in white and green – but it’s since appeared in over 200 colorways, including a superb mustardy ‘Sun’ yellow and cobalt blue for autumn/winter 2017.
Specialist
Are you a design-conscious man that likes to get his money’s worth? (Aren’t we all?) If so, you’ll love the Specialist – a style that combines the best of not one, but two classic training silhouettes from Gola’s 1975 catalogue. Its minimal, low profile shape is undeniably cool, and it’s available in both suede and leather for autumn/winter.
Plus, several covetable new colorways have been released – including white and wine red, a combination that looks particularly striking atop retro gum soles.
Shop the full Gola autumn/winter 2017 collection now at gola.co.uk.
