Mitre Memphis

Mitre Memphis

MADE IN: ENGLAND

Mitre sports (Now part of the Pentland Group) is an old name that has survived over many years doing what it does best; manufacturing premium leather football boot, balls and bags since 1949, although the founders had been in business since 1817.

Worn by stars of sport such as Denis Law and Muhammad Ali, the brand was a common site in the 1970’s & 80’s throughout the Northern England on footballers and school kids alike. Although mostly seen as a poorer alternative to rival brands adidas, Puma, and Patrick, the quality of the craftsmanship made for a really hard wearing sports leisure shoe.

The example we have here is typical of the Mitre equivalent to rival the Samba model produced by adidas. Finished in black premium leather, with the company branding ‘M’ subtly sewn on the sides, it looks very similar to the adidas 3 stripe trademark. A gum rubber sole provided longevity and comfort for the wearer, with black rubber integrated toe bumper to survive a few more sliding tackles. The toe box is double stitched through the lace stay for added stability and support in the shoe.

If you’re of a certain age and are from the North of England, you’ll certainly have a pang of nostalgia for these. Although the kudos of the more familiar brands lives on with re-issues of their back catalogue, a bombproof pair of Mitre would long outlast a certain German rival back in the day.

Photography: Errol

Text: Mike Stopforth