Since 2000, size? has been putting footwear first. Our size? staff profiles explore 26 years of the size? archive, spotlighting the exclusives our team would add to their rotation alongside their key picks for AW26 and beyond. Get acquainted with collectors’ pieces, archive favourites and new-season picks as our staff share the pairs that have caught their eye – and the stories behind them.

Jack – Digital 

What makes an exclusive special? Sometimes, it’s the story behind it. Meet Jack from the Digital team and get to know the size? exclusives he’d never leave behind. From his hometown-inspired adidas Originals Manchester ‘Anniversary City Series’ and the Nike Air Force 1 ‘Manchester’, packed with hidden details and “more of a display piece” for him, to the Keen Jasper he sees built for the city’s infamous unpredictable weather, Jack’s picks are as personal as they are iconic.

Gabby – Merchandising 

With three years at size? under her belt, Gabby from the Merchandising team went straight to the archive for her picks and, truly, couldn’t settle on just one. The adidas Originals Dublin and Shanghai from the ‘Anniversary City Series’ caught her eye for their neon hues and bold colourways, while the Reebok x Kit Kat Clock collab brings a playful edge with its unmistakable orange furry tongue. The archive tour continues with the Glastonbury-inspired Clarks Wallabee, a fitting choice for someone who loves a festival. Having first discovered size? at the Carnaby Street store, Gabby remembers the appeal of finding footwear that felt “fun and different”. The for the unexpected continues through to her current choice, the Nike Air Rift 2, which she sees becoming a regular in her everyday rotation. 

Malachi – Retail

Malachi from our size? Leeds store likes to bring a smart-casual and gorpcore edge to his look. His archive selection taps into a mix of heritage and modernity, with the New Balance 577 from the ‘Estates Pack’ standing out for its tartan lining and mossy green and brown tones – a trainer he can picture taking him from the “golf course to a nice fish and chip shop”. The Nike Blazer Low holds a more personal place in his collection, reminding him of his first Tyler, The Creator pair and his introduction to the sneaker world, while the Salomon XT-QUEST has a “very retro look but at the same time it looks like it came out of iRobot”, making it his go-to for the winter ahead. 

Alfie – Social

With 26 years of size? history at his fingertips, Alfie from the Social team had plenty to choose from. First up, the adidas Originals Micropacer, a pair ahead of its time, followed by the Dave White x Nike Air Max 95 from 2016, which puts an artistic spin on the iconic silhouette with full-print artwork. His third archive pick, the NB 577 ‘Black Pigeon’, stands out for its craftsmanship, with honeycombed ripstop, robust leather and, as Alfie mentions, production “in the Lake District”. Growing up in Hull, Alfie spent weekends at his local size? store with mates and “40 or 50 quid in your back pocket” for a new pair. Fast-forward to today, and his pick is the adidas Originals BW Army ‘Premium Court’, embracing its stripped-back design and a more minimal approach to footwear.

Abi – Buying

Abi from the Buying team brings a mix of football nostalgia, vivid colour and everyday versatility to her size? picks. The adidas Originals Gazelle ‘Dentist Chair’ nods to Gazza’s iconic celebration against Scotland at Euro 96, with the Gateshead-born footballer’s roots close to home for Abi. With its coral accents and speckled detailing, the Nike ACG Huarache makes her shortlist, while the Salomon XT-6 ‘Annecy Hotel’ earns its place as “a great shoe for all circumstances” – whether that’s hiking or heading to a coffee shop. Bringing things up to date, her latest pick is the Stan Smith Lo Pro Ballet, with its “really clean”, “really seasonal” look and premium leather making it a versatile addition to her rotation. Easy to dress up or down, with or without socks, as Abi puts it, “the world’s your oyster.”

Discover the pairs that made the archive and find your next rotation in-store and online at size?