During some rummaging at home, I came across this little swing-tag from the one and only pair of Troop I owned as a kid. I can’t exactly remember the year I had these, probably around 88/89 I guess, but I can’t find any references to the Challenger online anywhere. Troop made some ugly trainers (I was always Nike man!), but these were a bit more understated than the rest. From what I remember (but maybe I’m kidding myself), these were just plain, white quilted leather all over, no odd colours or bonkers prints. I didn’t have these long as it was around the time rumours started circulating that Troop were associated with the KKK – but anyway – somehow the swing-tag survived, check the type!
Here’s a great interview by Sneaker Freaker with the original British designer of Troop, Mike Rhodes.
I recall having a pair of Troop Cobra trainers, must have been around 1988-ish. They were just so OTT! British Knights also followed in the same vein of producing fashion only footwear that was useless for any kind of sport.
I also seem to remember the rumour that TROOP actually stood for ‘True Rulers Of Oppressed People’, even though they were worn by the likes of Public Enemy and other hip-hop superstars. Hand drawn logo… nice touch!
Yeah – those were the rumours – but check the interview with Troop founder here who talks about it a bit.
Troop was not for everyone, you either liked it or hated it. Personally I liked the brand, they were completely different to any other brand back in the day.
Vintage troop gear is now considered very collectible and very expensive, I still have a couple of OG Troop Jackets and Sneakers.
Here is a picture of the Troop Challenger you had.
http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/museum/model/TROOP-Basketball-Challenger-Navy/1213
Ha. Thanks for that Gibo – Yeah, they’re the ones! Funny, don’t remember the Blue details. You gave me some memories today!
+ Nice website by the way – anyone interested in Hijack (or British Hip Hop) check it: http://www.hornsofjericho.com
No problem mate.