During the 1970s, a seismic change happened in footwear, where the two worlds of professional sports and counter cultural youth movements collided in a pivotal way. Previously when it came to playing football in the street or indoors kids would have to opt for a generic pair of cheap plimsolls for a kick about as real deal football boots were strictly made for purpose and featured concrete unfriendly studs.
European brands like Patrick recognised there was a demand for a hybrid shoe that combined the tough leather upper of a football boot with a padded tongue and a versatile sole that could be worn in sports halls and council estates as well on poorly maintained playing fields. Step forward the Bergan, a robust full grain leather shoe with a gum sole and a suede toe box. Designed by Patrick to allow football fans to replicate the same look adopted by their European footballing heroes such as Kevin Keegan, Michel Platini and the Ladrup brothers.
Gaining popularity around the late 70s/early 80s the Bergan also arrived at a time when the casual movement had begun to eschew chunky shoes and boots in favour of expensive European trainers to complement their game-changing look. Setting the template for a timeless terrace classic, the Bergan provided a football shoe that was also incredibly fashionable as well as being handy for running around the city once the final whistle had been blown. Replicating the OG, Patrick has delved back into the archives this season to bring back a faithful reissue of the Bergan constructed using premium materials and signature attention to detail in black/white and white/tan colour options.
