Clarks Takes Us Back to Hawkins, Indiana for Stranger Things Day 2024
For all the Stranger Things fans out there, get ready to head back to Hawkins, Indiana in 2024 because Clarks is dropping the latest installment of its collaboration with the cult Netflix show. And let us tell you, it’s a nostalgia-fueled follow-up that you won’t want to miss.
The Return of the 1987 Hardware Hype Shoe
If you’re a true fan of the show, you’ll remember the iconic 1987 Hardware Hype shoe that was initially launched around the same time as the show’s setting. This silhouette perfectly captured the retro-futuristic style of the era with its smart-meets-sporty look, featuring a keyboard-patterned sole, leather upper, and embroidered pulse wave.
A Sporty Twist on a Classic
For the revival version, Clarks has taken a more sporty approach, reworking the key features of the shoe into a sleek sneaker form. The gridded sole is now crafted from durable rubber, while the black leather upper has been swapped out for perforated suede panels to make the shoe more breathable.
A Bold New Look
But the most noticeable change can be found in the fastening, where the yellow laces have been replaced with a red and white Velcro strap featuring the iconic pulse wave design. And it’s not just the shoes that have gotten a bold new look – the packaging has also been reimagined with a striking sketch of Stranger Things heroine Eleven on the inside lid.
A Campaign Straight Out of the ’80s
To tie the drop together with the show’s iconography, Clarks has created a new take on the original ’80s ad for the accompanying campaign. In the visuals, a young gamer is seen charged with Eleven’s superpowers upon stepping into the sneakers and embarking on a retro video game. And for the lookbook, the Hardware sneakers are placed on a desk alongside a retro TV, games console, and other childhood paraphernalia.
Win an Exclusive “Upside-Down” Chopper
To really amp up the ’80s fever, Clarks has teamed up with Raleigh to give away an exclusive one-of-a-kind “Upside-Down” Chopper. For all the hardcore Stranger Things fans out there, you can enter a special competition on Clarks’ website starting November 18 for a chance to win this supernatural bike ahead of season five.
Shop the Collection Now
The Stranger Things x Clarks Hardware collection is now available to shop online, with prices starting at £44 GBP (approx. $57 USD). Don’t miss out on this epic collaboration and get your hands on a piece of ’80s nostalgia.