During my school days, I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, an experience often touted as a significant rite of passage for British teens. This initiative encourages young people to undertake outdoor challenges, cook some not-so-palatable meals on camping equipment, and engage in activities that Mr. McKee, my teacher, claimed “show resilience.” All I can genuinely recall were the blisters.
Coming from a modest background, I went for budget options when it was time to gather my gear. My hiking boots came from Shoe Zone, the cooking equipment was borrowed from my dad’s old supplies, and my rucksack and tent? All sourced from Decathlon. You must know Decathlon, the massive sporting goods retailer where you can grab a two-man tent for less than the cost of takeout and a fleece for the price of a movie ticket. Everything looked solid, functional, and importantly, economical.
Fast forward to my recent visit to Decathlon while searching for running socks ahead of a trip. I entered, immediately hit by nostalgia, transported back to 2010. The harsh ceiling lights, the endless shelves filled with kayaks, protein shakers, and waterproof jackets in vibrant, almost outrageous colors made the experience all too real. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something distinctive.
Amidst the usual practical trainers was a pair that caught my eye—not “good for Decathlon,” but just plain good. Clean lines and a sleek design combined with a genuinely plush midsole. I leaned in, trying to scrutinize the branding. What collaboration was this? When did it pop up? I glanced down at the tongue. It read: Decathlon.
For a moment, I paused, trying to process it. Since when did Decathlon manufacture sneakers that could fit seamlessly into a modern menswear aesthetic?
Once home, I wasted no time and dove straight into their website. The assortment was surprising, perhaps alarming, depending on one’s perspective. The Player 80, crafted from full-grain leather, clearly positioned itself as a savvy alternative to classic designs. The RR2K, reminiscent of a mix between Mizuno and Salomon, had an intriguing crossover style. The MTC X, fitting snugly between a trainer and a hiking shoe, epitomized the trend of mash-ups being embraced by big brands. Then there was the Graveler Low, featuring suede overlays and a quality Vibram sole, showcasing Fracap-like aesthetics without the hefty price tag. Most of these options fell within the £50 to £60 range.
RR2K ‘Smoked Black’
After an extensive search for the pair I had noticed in-store, I could hardly believe it—nothing. After hours of searching online, I finally uncovered them: the 2Seconds. Named after those instant pop-up tents beloved by genuine adventurers. They had apparently launched quietly and, to my dismay, were sold out without any restocking plans on the horizon.
