Joining the landscape back in 2008, our Middlesbrough store sits just outside of the main shopping strip of the town centre.

Famed for its discovery of ironstone back in 1850, iron and steel have been the major trading assets for the town over the past century and a half, and the industrial feel is properly visible along the riverside area.

Skyline highlights of the town include Anish Kapoor’s ‘Temenos’ and Claes Oldenburg’s ‘Bottle of Notes’ sculptural works, the grade II listed Transporter Bridge, and of course the much loved Riverside Stadium, home of The Boro.

We took a trip up to our Middlesbrough store and met some of the staff to find out their favourite things about the town, and try a Chicken Parmo for ourselves…

Chris Todd – Store Manager

How long have you been working at the store? I’ve been here for about 8 months.

What are some of your favourite things about Middlesbrough? It’s weirdly underrated. It’s hard to put your finger on it. It’s also got some really good places for food. Oh, and the Parmo’s around here are spot on!

Are there any good places to get something to eat in the local area? There are a few right next to the shop, Manjaros does the best Parmo going. Then there’s Purple Pig and Sticky Fingers down the road which is pretty chilled for food and drinks.

What’s been in your footwear rotation recently? The size? Exclusive Vans Old Skool were probably my favourite release of the year, I tend to live in them. Also Converse Chuck 70’s or Clarks Wallabee’s if I fancy a change.

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? Vans Old Skool are absolute classic and go with pretty much anything.

If you could sum up Middlesbrough in one word, what would it be? Different.

What do you do for fun outside of work? Any hidden talents we should know about? I’m not from around here, I live in Sunderland. It’s pretty nice to just chill when I’m not working. I still need to check out a night out in Boro though.

Chris’ Selection

1.Vans Old Skool CA size? Exclusive – Shop Now

2. adidas Originals Superstar 80’s – Shop Now

3. Carhartt WIP College T-shirt – Shop Now

4. Nike SB Knitted Beanie

James Grattan – Supervisor

How long have you been working in the store? Nearly 2 years

What are some of your favourite things about Middlesbrough? Probably the football team. That and the fact everyones really different.

Are there any good places to get something to eat in the local area? Akbars, unbelievable Indian restaurant.

What’s been in your footwear rotation recently? I’ll wear anything from my collection, most recently it’s been WTAPS Vans, Nike Cortez and Reebok Aztecs.

Any musical recommendations you’ve been listening to recently? Post Malone and Jack Garrat.

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? I wouldn’t say I have a Holy Grail, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied.

If you could sum up Middlesbrough in one word, what would it be? Home.

What do you do for fun outside of work? Any hidden talents we should know about? I’m a football referee and coach. Also a season ticket holder with Middlesbrough.

 

James’ Selection

1.Reebok Club C

2. adidas Originals Jeans MKII size? Exclusive – Shop Now

3. The North Face Seasonal Mountain Jacket – Shop Now

4. Carhartt WIP x Starter State 5 Panel – Shop Now

Liam Warren – Supervisor

How long have you been working in the store? 2 years

What are some of your favourite things about Middlesbrough? I’ve lived here for 9 years now and I’ve never paid more than £4.80 for a taxi.

Are there any good places to get something to eat in the local area? Manjaros, Purple Pig, Uno Momentos and Banana Leaf. It depends what you fancy.

What’s been in your footwear rotation recently? Nike Air Max 98, Air Max Classic BW, Vac Tech Air Max 90 and Vans x Supreme Sk8-Mid.

Any musical recommendations you’ve been listening to recently? I’ve been listening to a varied mix when I’m at work, but I mainly listen to hip-hop.

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? I’m a massive fan of the Air Max 90 ‘Tongue ‘n’ Cheek’ designed by Dizzee Rascal. I love that colourway.

If you could sum up Middlesbrough in one word, what would it be? Interesting.

What do you do for fun outside of work? I spend most of my free time at home, but I’ll often go to the pub with my mates, and we might get something to eat at the same time.

Liam’s Selection

1.Nike Air Max Classic BW ‘Vachetta Tan’ – Shop Now

2. Nike Air Max 90 Vac-Tech – Shop Now

3. The North Face SImple Dome T-Shirt – Shop Now

4. Carhartt WIP Watch Beanie

Will Paterson – Part Time

How long have you been working in the store? 3 Months

What are some of your favourite things about Middlesbrough? It’s not too big. Everything I need and like is close enough so it’s easy enough to get about.

Are there any good places to get something to eat in the local area? Jamals, the best curry in Teeside.

What’s been in your footwear rotation recently? Lots of runners lately, Puma R698’s and Brooks being the most recent.

What are some of your all time favourite shoes? Air Jordan 1 and adidas Superstars, the real classic styles.

If you could sum up Middlesbrough in one word, what would it be? Underrated.

What do you do for fun outside of work? I like to try and get to a Boro match when I can.

Will’s Selection

1.adidas Originals Topanga – Shop Now

2. Nike Cortez OG – Shop Now

3. Fred Perry Laurel Wreath T-Shirt

4. New Era Cooperstown Wool Snapback, size? Exclusive – Shop Now