Flight Case Sneakers: Rob Stewart

A fixture of the sneaker scene in the UK and beyond, Rob Stewart (often known as Glasgow Rob) has become one of New Balance's most impassioned collectors, building himself one of the most enviable archives of NB silhouettes to be found anywhere over the course of three decades. Honing in on New Balance in particular, who have remained steadfast and consistent in their release of top-tier sneakers since Rob's early teens without getting caught up in the hype-train which has come to dominate the sneaker conversation, Rob's love for the Boston-based brand runs deep.

A frequent visitor to New Balance's iconic factory in Flimby, Rob is one of a chosen few of New Balance collectors from around the world to be invited to create his own one-of-one iteration of a classic silhouette at the English production facility. "There was a bit of pressure to do a good job because you felt a responsibility to do a good job for all the other collectors who hadn't been offered that chance, but I'm happy with how they came out," Rob says. "I picked a 991 and did a colourway I'd always wanted to see; they're the only shoes I own that I'm precious about and don't think I'll wear out."

Shaping his life and career around his passion for sneaker collecting and preservation, Rob founded OG sneaker care brand, Sneakers ER, from his home in Glasgow, quickly garnering international attention for his sole-saving formulas and rejuvenating paint pens.

Constantly on the move, travelling between continents to attend events, expos, and conventions, and on the hunt for rare and revered New Balance styles to add to his collections, Rob requires a travel-ready sneaker rotation on standby at all times; New Balance only, of course. Catching up at his home in Glasgow, Rob tells END. what made his Flight Case in his own words.

"Believe it or not, I actually picked these up from the sales racks from a store here in Glasgow in 2010. There was very little social media around back then and the shoes only appealed to a very niche market, changed days for sure, now! The profile is super sharp, materials are second to none. The Midsole could do with a little clean up which is a reflection of just how much wear these have had over the years, still to this day one of my favourite pairs."

"This model remains a little bit of a mystery amongst us New Balance heads - nobody is quite sure what region(s) received this MiUK release. Perhaps an Italian or Japanese exclusive? This pair turned up at the NB outlets at Shap and I was quick to pick up a few pairs. The icy blue/white/3M colourway is just simply stunning."

"This model was the last of the 99X series that I needed to complete the entire set, and it eluded me for quite some time. There were many worn pairs both on eBay USA and Yahoo auctions Japan, but the search for a deadstock pair continued for many years until a pair turned up in my home city of Glasgow. What are the chances!? I spotted them on a marketplace, offered a price and had them on my feet within 24hrs; and to top it all off, they were the very rare Made in England version."

"My very own UK Made 1 of 1 sneaker: a celebration of 35 years of UK Manufacturing crafted in front of my very eyes by Flimby's finest craftsmen & craftswomen! What an honour, probably the holy grail for an NB Collector. Over the years I had the privilege of having access to the NB design team, I would often ask for a Burgundy & Gold 991 as a general release, but it always fell on deaf ears. So I made myself a pair of my own! Ironically probably the only NB Shoe I’ll keep on Ice forever and won't wear other than occasionally trying it on in the house."

"The very pinnacle of New Balance manufacturing, so special it only makes a very brief appearance every 5 years. Mixing the very best Horween Leather, Encap Technology & Vibram Rubber Sole. This one comes complete with NB dust bag and is all wrapped up in the classic blue/white box. Simply perfect, simply New Balance."