Manchester is preparing for huge queues of ‘sneakerheads’ to descend upon the city centre as a local fashion label Drama Call is set to release a limited run of limited edition tram-inspired trainers in partnership with Adidas.
The UK fashion scene continues to ‘Head North’.
Yes, that is the name given to this exciting new collaboration between streetwear brand Drama Call, who have gone viral on numerous occasions with their exclusive drops, and one of the most iconic names in sports apparel on the planet.
In truth, these shoes would have been snapped up in an instant regardless, but there’s something about a Manchester designer teaming up with a global clothing brand to create a product so distinctly like Manc like a pair of trainers inspired by our tram network that just tickles our fancy.
Credit: Adidas x Drama Call (supplied)
You’re looking at Adidas’ Superstar II model the ‘Drama’ edition: a creative twist on an old-school classic design inspired not only by Drama Call’s growing streetwear aesthetic but, more specifically, a retro look at Manchester’s Metrolink trams.
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The Superstar II ‘Drama’ features teal accents that pay homage to the city’s classic tram design – long before the yellow of the modern era, let alone the Bee Network, and is the follow-up to their previous crossover shirt with both Adidas and Manchester United.
For this first release in what is set to be a multi-drop collab collection, you can see Drama’s unmistakable star-shaped logo reimagined on the Originals mainstay shell-toe, as well as an updated heel tab, tongue, sole and a silver hangtag
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There are even nods to the insignia in the small star-shaped slits found between the trademark three stripes which help with breathability.
You can see these features up close and in greater detail down below:
Credit: Supplied
Speaking on their latest crossover, Adidas said: “This partnership between adidas Originals and Drama Call demonstrates the true power of collaboration.
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Born from our shared love and deep-rooted heritage within British culture, the Superstar II ‘Drama’ expertly blends the best of Drama Call with an icon of adidas Originals design, adding even more stars to our shell-toe for 2025.”
As for Drama Call founder, Charlie Bows, he added: “We can’t wait for people to Head North and get their hands on the Superstar II ‘Drama’, a shoe that combines Drama Call’s Mancunian roots with an iconic adidas Originals silhouette.
“We wanted to do our city justice and pay homage to the place that has grown and sculpted us, so we placed the map of Manchester on the under-sole of the shoe, allowing your feet to always be rooted in the city.
“We decided to completely re-create the shoe box to look like the old tram we would get on as kids growing up in Manchester, representing a simpler and easier time. The graffiti artwork on the side of the shoe was done by a close friend of mine who I grew up skating with, to really bring it round full circle.”
Like what you see? Well, you’ll have to have a fair bit of luck on your side if you want to get your hands on them as we don’t even know how many shoes are up for grabs.
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A limited run of the Superstar II ‘Drama’ will be available exclusively on Saturday, 22 March at Adidas Originals and Drama Call’s ‘Head North’ pop-up which will be located just a short walk from Manchester’s Piccadilly Station.
These tram-inspired trainers will be available for £110.00 a pair, from 65 Ducie Street from around 1pm. They’re not the only thing up for grabs either (see down below).
Given that hordes of fans line up to try and get their hands on the latest Drama Call release whenever a new piece is about to drop, you can expect so serious queues around Piccadilly and a few viral videos capturing the chaos, we’re sure.
Manchester United have revealed their latest fashion collaboration with popular homegrown streetwear designers Drama Call, sharing a new teaser on social media.
The football club may be faltering on the pitch, but commercially it’s still one of the best-known and most successful brands on the planet.
More specifically, they’ve made some big splashes when it comes to merchandising and fashion spin-offs in particular, with reproducing retro kits and other collabs like the Adidas x Stone Roses line, which dropped in February last year.
These releases quickly go on to become collector’s items, and that will almost certainly be the case with Man United’s upcoming Drama Call crossover, which they announced in fine fashion – pardon the pun.
Plenty of Drama Call die-hards will be scrambling for this one.
For those unaware of Drama Call, the local fashion label is hugely popular across the region, regularly worn by the likes of Aitch, Headie One and several other celebrities.
It’s actually not even the first time Drama Call and United have worked either, previously colliding to create a limited edition version of the classic blue 1988 away kit back in 2023.
As for this latest United x Drama Call collab, we have very few details on when the release can be expected; all fans can do is try and glean whatever clues possible from the teaser video above.
We always enjoy footballers trying their hands at acting, no matter the result, to be fair. Who can forget Wayne Rooney meeting Deadpool?…
So, if you’re a fan of the viral streetwear brand, watch this space.
Popular Manchester streetwear and footwear brand, CLINTS Inc., is hosting its first-ever festival to mark five whole years in fashion – and it’s going to be big.
The highly sought-after clothing and sneaker make started out from a bedroom in Moston and is now a premium label in British urban, skating, UK grime and hip-hop culture, having been worn by many famous names and welcoming even more through the door of their Deansgate shop.
Located in the ABC Buildings on Quay Street next to Spinningfields, the flagship CLINTS store opened back in 2022 and is much more than a place to buy some new drip: it’s a place that showcases art, music, and a whole sub-sect of shopping beyond just skate silhouettes and trendy trainers.
As hack as it might sound to some, wearing this brand comes along with immersing yourself in the wider style and scene; the very same scene being celebrated in tandem with their fifth birthday.
Not to tease you more than the company already has, but as you can see, details are scarce.
There is no lineup or even location for this festival… only a date.
CLINTS Fest (the inaugural one, at that) will take place on Saturday, 6 September – presumably at or around the 21-23 Quay Street site, but who knows?
Fans of the brand can sign up for the mailing list for the latest details, and pre-sale tickets are also available now, with a couple of clicks on the website revealing that the event is set to start at 12 noon and wrap up around 10:30pm.
If you’re interested, you can register your interest HERE.
Credit: The Manc Group
While you can expect the festival to be packed to the rafters with die-hard followers of all things CLINTS and streetwear, they’re not the only local indie holding a special one-off this month.
In fact, this weekend, a fellow trainer specialist who is still just starting out life in the fashion game but is already making waves reminiscent of their contemporaries.
Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of the journey and they’re the next Manc brand to become a national success story.
Danny Jones -
21st March 2025 
