selected by: size? Madrid

The historic cityscape of Madrid sits with somewhat of a time barrier running horizontally across it’s centre. On the street level you have the current, modern day retail environment bustling with crowds of shoppers. But just 20 feet above head height you’re treated to miles of varied, classic Spanish architecture which still has a very strong presence within the cities identity. Modern glass art galleries sit comfortably opposite the beautiful, sprawling Retiro Park full of trees, runners and dog walkers.

Back at the end of March we set foot into Spain for the first time, locating our flagship Madrid store just off from one of the city’s busiest retail destinations, Gran Via. After letting the staff settle in for the first month, we took the journey back over to find out about some of their favourite things to do in the surrounding area, and take a look at their favourite products currently available in store.

Daniel Aznar – Store Manager

What are some of your favourite things about Madrid? Madrid is the most friendly and welcoming city I’ve ever known (I’m not just saying that because it’s my home!) The weather is really sunny too and people love to live in the streets.

Any interesting things to get up to in the local area? The Malasaña neighbourhood is like Madrids take on Soho, full of interesting shops, bars, and galleries. You’re always discovering new places and it’s nice to talk a walk around the different narrow streets.

Where would you recommend eating in Madrid? ‘Casa Julio’ in Malasaña is the best place to taste the famous Croquetas.

What have you been wearing in your rotation recently? Adidas Ultra Boost, Clarks Wallabee’s and the Saucony DXN Runner from the Bermuda Pack.

Any musical recommendations you’ve been listening to? I’m a music lover and I’m always discovering new styles and names. I never stop listening to Post-Hardcore and Alternative-Rock bands from the 90’s, like At The Drive In, Sunny Day Real Estate, Fugazi, Ride, etc. One of my favourite band of all times is Mogwai but I’m afraid they’re a bit too loud to play in the store player!

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? Vans Sk8-Hi, I love the Californian skate scene from the 60’s.

Any hidden talents we should know about? I’ve been learning the guitar for the last 6 months, it’s never to late to learn a new hobby that you’re in love with.

Daniel’s Selection

1.New Balance 575 ‘Made in England’ – Shop Now

2. Diadora Borg Elite Premium – Shop Now

3. Fred Perry Crew Neck T-Shirt – Shop Now

4. Carhartt WIP Backley 5 Panel – Shop Now

Oscar Romero – Assistant Manager

What are some of your favourite things about Madrid? It feels as though the city is open 24 hours a day. You can do almost anything at any time.

Any interesting things to get up to in the local area? You should definitely take a walk around Malasaña, there are plenty of cool things to see in the area.

Where would you recommend eating in Madrid? I really like Bolero Meatballs. If you like spicy food it’s the place to go, you can feel the fire on your tongue!

What have you been wearing in your rotation recently? Adidas Originals NMD’s, and a lot of older Converse All Stars.

Any musical recommendations you’ve been listening to? Najwajean.

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? Converse All Star.

Oscar’s Selection

1.Asics Gel Lyte III ‘Rose Gold’ – Shop Now

2. Vans Old Skool – Shop Now

3. adidas Originals Superstar Track Top – Shop Now

4. Timex Easy Reader – Shop Now

Sheila Manzanares – Sales Assistant

What are some of your favourite things about Madrid? I love the blue sky of Madrid, walking through its streets and discovering new secret corners.

Any interesting things to get up to in the local area? Everyday there are new and interesting things to do in madrid. Local social networks are a great help in finding out what’s going on.

Where would you recommend eating in Madrid? The Home Burger is the best place for burgers. They’re listed among the top 50 best burgers in the world!

What have you been wearing in your rotation recently? A lot of adidas, lately I’ve been wearing the Stan Smith ‘Cork’, ZX Flux or Pure Boost.

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? Comfort wise I prefer the ZX Flux, but Converse Chuck 70’s re probably my favourite.

Sheila’s Selection

1.Clarks Originals Womens Trigenic Flex – Shop Now

2. Reebok Womens Club C

3. Carhartt WIP Lizz Ghetto Palm Dress – Shop Now

4. Stance Bye Felicia Crew Socks – Shop Now

Manuel Carbayo – Supervisor

What are some of your favourite things about Madrid? The way of thinking and living, the Spanish ambiance and culture. There are so many great places for food, and in each district people are always smiling and joking. The obsession for football over here is also pretty special.

Any interesting things to get up to in the local area? I like to spend time at El Campo de Cebada, and of course you cant miss the chance to catch a Real Madrid game at the famous Santiago Bernabau.

Where would you recommend eating in Madrid? Casa Lucio, La Bicicleta Café, and if you’re a fan of ‘big’ food I’d definitely suggest Zombie Bar.

What have you been wearing in your rotation recently? Nike Flyknit Racer, Cortez and Inneva Woven.

Any musical recommendations you’ve been listening to? A Tribe Called Quest, MC Solaar, Perrion, Kaytranada and of course a bit of Wu Tang!

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? Nike Air Max 97 and Flyknit Racer’s.

What sort of things do you like to get up to outside of work? As a foreigner to Madrid (I’m originally from size? Bordeaux) everytime I come into the city I make a new discovery.

Manuel’s Selection

1.Nike Flyknit Racer

2. Reebok Classic Nylon – Shop Now

3. Sneaker Freaker Issue 35 – Shop Now

4. Carhartt WIP State of Play T-Shirt size? Exclusive – Shop Now

Alex Galan – Sales Assistant

What are some of your favourite things about Madrid? There are always chances to meet new people from all over Spain who come here to study or work. I also love to enjoy the sunsets from a rooftop terrace in Gran Via.

Any interesting things to get up to in the local area? If you like art, music and stumbling across weird places ‘La Tabacalera’ is your kind of spot. It’s a multi-purpose cultural centre in the Lavapies district. There are also lots of great bars playing great music in the Malasaña area.

Where would you recommend eating in Madrid? Zombie Bar has a great dish called the ‘Lobster Hot Dog’, I tried it recently and it deserves all the praise it gets!

What have you been wearing in your rotation recently? Asics Gel Lyte III, Vans Old Skool and Timberland 6″ Boots.

Any musical recommendations you’ve been listening to? Freddie Gibbs, Dam Funk, Mac DeMarco, JMSN, Oscar Mulero and some classic Jamiroquai.

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? Nike Cortez, Air Max 95 ‘Greedy’s and Air Jordan XI Concord Low’s.

What do you enjoy getting up to outside of the workplace? I love fixed gear rides around the city at night, and enjoy taking the time to spend hours digging for new music.