Once again showing how rich the past is when sourcing inspiration, Umbro dips into its archive for a SS19 collection that’s thick with some classic ‘90s vibes. The Archive Research Project (ARP) collection honours some of the Double Diamond's most iconic silhouettes, whilst being complemented by retro clothing for some authentic flavour.
Umbro undoubtedly enjoyed some of its greatest moments in the 90s, with the Double Diamond logo featuring on some of the world’s best football teams including the Brazilian national team during its 1994 FIFA World Cup win as well as the iconic Euro ‘96 England team. Manchester United also wore an Umbro kit when they won their historic treble in the 98-99 season. Truly a golden period and its easy to see why the brand is looking back to that era for inspiration for its latest lifestyle release.
The ARP collection features four iconic football training styles, all subtly refreshed for the modern day. First up, the Run M sneaker is a literal reinterpretation of the original Runner M, first introduced in 1997, which was designed specifically for footballers to wear whilst training. The updated style features trend-inspired colourways including a tonal tan and clean all-white, and two classic colourways of sporty Ibiza blue and blazing yellow.
Next up and probably straying the least from the original’s design, the Neptune features a nostalgic speed lacing system and mesh panels as well as a heavy logo presence which includes an oversized black Umbro double diamond on the white outsole, brand logo across the side of the upper and an embroidered white logo on the tongue. Available in four colourways that are all inspired by the original style, the sneakers combine vermillion, blazing yellow, Ibiza blue and nimbus cloud.
The Maxima is based on an original Umbro football training shoe, and it features the same football boot inspired upper panels, midfoot support frame and mesh panelling for breathability as its original silhouette. The Exert Max rounds out the collection, boasting a distinctive outsole that draws inspiration from an archive style originally developed as a training shoe for aerobic exercise.
The ARP series is complemented by more retro threads from the Umbro Projects Collection, again featuring massive influence from the vibrant colours and designs of the 90s. That jersey is something else isn't it? Get that on a 2019/20 away kit Umbro, yeah?
You can shop the entire Umbro ARP Collection here.
