After several years making waves on the online UK footwear scene, cult Manchester-based trainer brand Clints Inc has revealed it will open its first concept store in the city this weekend.
Loved by the IYKYK crowd for its thick-soled, hiking-inspired 90’s-style footwear, the first drop of its ‘TRL Footprints’ trainers sold out in the space of an hour – and the hype hasn’t really slowed down since.
Two years on and the brand is gearing up to open its flagship store in the city centre this weekend, giving fans a chance to see their shoes in hand for the first time before making a purchase.
Image: Clints
Image: Clints
The new store is housed over on Quay Street close to the ABC Building, and images teased online show a clean, minimal shop front with custom Clints details and a mysteriously-empty vending machine that’s piqued our interest. (A trainer vending machine would be pretty cool, just saying.)
Here, fans of the brand will soon be able to get their hands on all the latest Clints drops with access to new footwear, clothing and accessories including TRL Footprint-shaped keychains, stickers, socks and ‘half-tone’ beanies’.
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They’ll also find a range of graphic t-shirts and tracksuits, which feature heavily in the Clints’ apparel range.
Image: Clints
Image: Clints
It makes a change from the current online setup, where you need to register with an email and a password before being able to view the online Clints Inc store.
Founded by self-taught designer and university student Junior Clint, Clints Inc began selling limited-run pieces that flew out to its loyal cabal of fans.
Known for delivering retro-inspired sneakers and complementing apparel, its trainers have become a must-have for any self-respecting Manchester sneaker head.
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Characterised by rope laces, carbon textures with suede detailing and trademark alphabet ‘CLINTS’ pattern outsole, their aesthetic nods to the classic thick sole trends of the 90s which are currently having a resurgence.
The most memorable trainer drop has to be “The Sting” TRL Footprints, released in yellow and inspired by the Manchester worker bee – a symbol adopted by the city for hundreds of years.
This was then followed up by vests and all-black ‘Vantablack’ TRLs, released to celebrate the first anniversary of the initial drop. Clints has also since collaborated with Patta, with the two Black-owned independent brands joining up to work on the Stepper silhouette sneaker release.
Today, you’ll find all sorts – from vests and belts to Clints denim, jumpers, beanies, fleeces and coach jackets – and it seems like the brand is only going from strength to strength.
You can find the new Clints Inc concept store at 21-23 Quay St , M3 4AE. It opens on Saturday 13 August from 12pm.
Feature image – Clints Inc
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
10th August 2022 
