Bilder: Boris Müller

Fünfzig Jahre Booster.

Als unsere Eltern Irene und Pierre 1976 an der Stüssihofstatt den Laden eröffneten, war nicht absehbar, dass daraus einmal ein Ort werden würde, der für so viele Menschen mehr ist als nur ein Kleidershop.

Heute, ein halbes Jahrhundert später, dürfen wir den Booster in zweiter Generation weiterführen. Mit grossem Respekt vor seiner Geschichte – und mit genauso viel Freude an dem, was sich ständig weiterentwickelt.

Ein Laden, viele Szenen – eine DNA

Der Booster war nie nur Mode. Er war immer auch Treffpunkt, Spielplatz, Zufluchtsort und Bühne. Von den Fifties über Punk, Rock, Hip-Hop, Rave, Goth bis zur queeren Szene: Bei uns standen – und stehen – unterschiedlichste Menschen nebeneinander, respektvoll, neugierig, offen. Genau das war und ist unser Anspruch.

Wir gehen mit den Trends, aber nicht jedem. Uns ist wichtig, dass der Booster sich treu bleibt. Dass man hier ein Outfit für ein Festival  findet – oder eben auch für die Bühne, den Club oder einfach fürs eigene Statement.

Bilder: Boris Müller

Der Tages-Anzeiger über den Booster

Anlässlich unseres 50-jährigen Jubiläums hat uns der Tages-Anzeiger besucht und einen ausführlichen Artikel über den Booster, unsere Geschichte und unser Daily Business geschrieben. Darin geht es um Stammkund:innen, um Touris im Niederdorf, um Jugendkulturen, um legendäre Kundschaft – und auch um die Haltung, die uns bis heute begleitet:

Bei uns wird niemand bevorzugt. Hier wird jede und jeder gleich behandelt.

Wir freuen uns sehr über diesen Beitrag und darüber, dass der Booster für viele Menschen offensichtlich noch immer ein Stück Zürich ist.

50 Jahre – das muss gefeiert werden

Und deshalb sagen wir: Save the Date: 10. Oktober

An diesem Abend feiern wir 50 Jahre Booster – mit einer grossen Party, Liveband und allem, was dazugehört. Mehr verraten wir noch nicht. Nur so viel: Es lohnt sich, vorbeizukommen. Und ja, es darf laut werden.

Danke an alle, die uns seit Jahrzehnten begleiten.
Danke an unser Team – diese Charaktere machen den Booster zu dem, was er ist.
Und danke an euch, die immer wieder durch unsere Tür treten.

Auf die nächsten Kapitel.

Bilder: Boris Müller

Entdeckt jetzt den brandneuen Fred Perry Corner im Booster!
Mitten in unserem Store haben wir einen eigenen Bereich geschaffen, der ganz der ikonischen Marke gewidmet ist. Hier findet ihr ab sofort die komplette Herbstkollektion von Fred Perry – von klassischen Poloshirts über stilvolle Knitwear bis hin zu lässigen Jacken und Accessoires.

Ob zeitlose Essentials oder neue Trend-Pieces – im Fred Perry Corner findet ihr die perfekte Kombination aus britischer Subkultur und modernem Style.

Besucht uns direkt im Booster Store in Zürich – entweder über unseren Haupteingang oder ganz bequem über den Eingang am Place de Finlande.

Kommt vorbei, entdeckt die neue Kollektion und lasst euch inspirieren!

Moccasins are real classics - comfortable, versatile and stylish. They originate from the indigenous peoples of North America and are known for their soft, flexible soles with small studs, which offer a very special feel when walking.

Our moccasins from Castellano are made in Madrid - and still by hand. You notice this immediately: in the quality, the workmanship and the comfort. Castellano stands for genuine craftsmanship and relies on traditional methods and high-quality materials.

Whether worn casually with jeans or smartly with suit trousers - these shoes can do it all and always look good. In our range, you'll find different models to suit every taste:

Penny LoaferWith the typical strap over the instep, often with a small slit - traditionally a coin fits in there, hence the name.

Classic moccasinsSimple and elegant, with a discreet loop - perfect for those who prefer a more understated look.

Whether in black or brown - both versions are stylish companions for many occasions.

Come by the BOOSTER store or shop online at booster.ch - We look forward to seeing you!

We are pleased to announce our participation in this year's ARTY SHOW Zurich, where our shop window will become a canvas for creative expression from 1 to 29 March 2025!

What is the ARTY SHOW?

The ARTY SHOW transforms Zurich's old town into an open-air gallery and combines local businesses with artistic talent. This unique initiative presents 20 artists who exhibit their works in 20 shop windows in the historic city centre. From painting and photography to sculptures and installations, the exhibition creates a special shopping experience that combines commerce with creativity.

Visit us!

As one of the participating shops, Booster is proud to collaborate with local artists to create a unique window display. We will be displaying two works by Sophie Guyot on display. Visit our site to see how art can transform everyday retail spaces and get a route map of all participating shops.

Event highlights:

• Duration: 1 to 29 March 2025
• Opening tourFriday, 28 February, at 17:00 (meeting point in front of Stüssibrunnen)
• Guided tours: Every Saturday at 14:00 (in German) and at 16:30 (in English)
• Special exhibitionCabinet Visarte (Schoffelgasse 10)
• FinissageSaturday, 29 March, from 15:00 at Hobel (Neumarkt 8)

Don't miss this opportunity to discover Zurich's vibrant art scene and support local businesses at the same time. As Andy Warhol once said: "All shops become museums and all museums become shops."

For more information about the event and to book a free guided tour, visit the ARTY SHOW Website or write an e-mail to zuerich@arty-show.ch.

Booster is located in Zurich's old town and is proud to support the local art scene.

Fred Perry has announced its fourth quarter 2025 collection along with significant supply chain improvements aimed at more sustainable production. As the iconic British brand continues to evolve, it is putting environmental responsibility at the centre of its business model.

Sustainability promise

Fred Perry has made impressive progress in improving the sustainability of its supply chain:

• Better Cotton Initiative: All of the cotton used in Fred Perry's clothing range now comes from the Better Cotton-programme, which promotes better standards in cotton farming and practices in 21 countries. According to the brand, its participation led to an estimated saving of 1.8 billion litres of water and around 1,201 kg less pesticide use in 2023 alone.
• Recycled synthetic materialsThe brand has achieved 100% recycled synthetic fabrics across its entire apparel range. Their recycled polyesters are typically made from PET bottles from consumer waste, while their recycled acrylics come from production waste from various manufacturing processes. Nylons are often made from salvaged industrial fishing nets.
• Responsible Wool Standard: Since the first quarter of 2025, all wool used in Fred Perry products has been RWS-certified, which ensures that it comes from farms with high animal welfare standards and responsible land management. The company received this certification in April 2024.
• Sustainable forestry100% of the viscose used in Fred Perry products is now FSC-certified, which guarantees that it comes from responsibly managed forests.

The brand has introduced a transparent rating system for its products, with indicators showing various 'responsible features' such as recycled trims, recycled polyester threads, biodegradable anti-mould bags and recycled polybag packaging.

Fred Perry has also made significant improvements to its packaging:

• All e-commerce mailing bags are now made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable
• Plastic supports have been removed from woven shirts
• All shoe boxes, tags, accessory boxes and shopping bags in the shops are made from FSC-certified cardboard and are 100% recyclable

Transparency in production

Fred Perry emphasises transparency in their supply chain with regular visits to all Tier 1 suppliers and the publication of supplier information on the Open Supply Hub register. Whilst 5% of their collection is made in England - including selected Fred Perry shirts which have been made in Leicester since 1952 - 95% is made in Europe or China with partners who share their commitment to ethical production standards.

New collection and collaborations

Alongside these sustainability initiatives, Fred Perry is launching its fourth quarter 2025 collection, which concludes the year's 'Match Fit' theme. The collection introduces new seasonal colours including Tennis Ball Yellow, Stockport Blue and Warm Oat.

The brand also unveils its first full collection with renowned British designer Craig Green following two successful Fred Perry shirt collaborations. Further partnerships with Comme des Garçons, Perks and Mini, George Cox and Sanders are planned for 2025, allowing Fred Perry to continue to reach new audiences while strengthening its heritage.

With these initiatives, Fred Perry demonstrates that heritage brands can evolve to meet contemporary demands for more responsible production while maintaining their distinctive identity and quality.

Welcome to our new second-hand corner Déjà Vu, your hotspot for vintage lovers and all those who celebrate unique fashion. Here you will find the hottest vintage styles from Berlin and true classics from the last 50 years - from iconic Mozart punk trousers about Smiley shirts up to unique Denim jackets.

Browse through our hand-picked selection of trousers for men and women, accessories, eyewear, belt jewellery and even rare designer pieces from greats like Idil Weiss or Vivienne Westwood. In our cosy ambience you can also expect cool leather jackets and real finds that will make your style unmistakable.

Come by, immerse yourself in the world of Déjà Vu and find your very own favourite piece - a statement of individuality and timeless elegance!

Clarks' Wallabee shoes are more than just a fashion accessory; they are a piece of cultural history that has made a remarkable journey from England to Jamaica. This article explores the origins of Wallabee shoes, their spread in Jamaica and their profound significance in Jamaican society and music scene.

Origins of the Wallabee shoes

The story of Clarks begins in 1825 in Somerset, England, when brothers James and Cyrus Clark founded a sheepskin rug company. To avoid wasting material, they began to make shoes from the scraps. This step marked the beginning of Clarks as a shoe manufacturer.

The Wallabee shoes were introduced by Clarks in 1967. Based on the design of the German shoe manufacturer Sioux and their "Grashopper" model, Clarks acquired the licence to produce a similar shoe model. The Wallabees are characterised by their simple moccasin design, characteristic crepe sole and suede or nubuck leather upper. They offered a comfortable and stylish alternative to the formal shoes popular at the time.

Popularity in Jamaica

The connection between Clarks and Jamaica dates back to the 1920s, when Clarks shoes first became available in the Caribbean. In the 1940s, they were sold in luxury department stores such as Nathans and Issas on King Street in Kingston. Due to their British heritage, Clarks shoes were considered a status symbol and were coveted but unaffordable items for many.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the popularity of Clarks shoes increased significantly in Jamaica, especially with the introduction of the Desert Boots. These shoes were adopted by the youth culture and the so-called "Rude Boys" who wore them as part of their signature style. The Rude Boys were young men from urban areas who stood out for their rebellious style and music.

Significance in music and youth culture

In the 1960s, Clark's shoes, especially the Wallabee models, became the footwear of choice for nights out in dance halls. Well-known ska and reggae musicians wore them on stage and on album covers, which further increased their popularity. Clark's shoes became an expression of youth culture and symbolised individuality and belonging.

The shoes also found their way into the music itself. Many Jamaican artists mentioned Clarks in their songs, making the shoes a cultural phenomenon. Examples include songs such as "Clarks Booty" by Little John, "Lean Boot" by Richie Davis, "CB 200" by Dillinger and "Clarks" by Vybz Kartel and Popcaan from 2010, the latter of which led to a resurgence in demand for Clarks shoes in Jamaica and emphasised their continued importance in the culture.

Social and cultural significance

In Jamaica, Clark's shoes are more than just fashion items; they are a symbol of identity, quality and social status. They represent a part of Jamaican culture that is closely linked to the country's history and its connection to the United Kingdom.

In the 1970s, the then Prime Minister Michael Manley introduced a ban on the import of foreign shoes, which restricted access to Clark's shoes. This led to creative methods being developed to continue bringing the shoes into the country. Travellers smuggled them in suitcases or even in coffins shipped from Miami. Local traders specialised in the illegal import and sale of the shoes, and imitations were created to meet the high demand.

From the street to politics

The importance of Clarks shoes in Jamaica has also reached political dimensions over the years. During his election campaign in 2020, Prime Minister Andrew Holness wore Clarks shoes and showcased them at public appearances. This was seen as an attempt to connect with the population and recognise the cultural significance of the shoes.

Another notable event was Prince Harry's visit to Jamaica. During his trip, he wore a pair of Clarks blue desert boots, which was interpreted as a sign of respect for Jamaican culture. This event emphasised the international recognition of the special relationship between Clarks and Jamaica.

Summary

Clarks Wallabee shoes are more than just shoes; they are a symbol of cultural identity and expression in Jamaica. Their journey from a British shoe model to an integral part of Jamaican culture demonstrates how profoundly fashion can transcend borders and unite communities. The enduring relevance of Wallabee shoes emphasises their unique place in the history of Clarks and Jamaica.

Our selection of Wallabees

We have also had Wallabees in our range for ages and we also have a few of them in our online shop!

More Wallabees

For the complete selection, including advice, it's best to come to our shop in Niederdorf. We have an even larger selection of wallabees there.

Summer is over and slowly but surely the weather is turning back to autumn with a good dose of rain and mud. And now you realise that all you have left is an old pair of trainers lying around that will force you to walk around with wet feet for the rest of the day after one misstep in a puddle. But that doesn't have to be the case, because we have our autumn/winter collection ready for exactly this kind of weather, so you no longer have to freeze on your toes.

Whether it's a practical yet elegant Chelsea boot, a classic lace-up boot or even a pair of lined shoes - you're sure to find what you're looking for here.

Chelsea boots

Zip, zip, in and out - quickly and efficiently, but still in style, whatever the weather. You can't go wrong with a pair of Chelsea boots, because style-conscious people have been wearing them for decades.

More Chelsea boots

Lace-up boots

For more support and even more warmth, a lace-up boot is the clear choice. Whether it's a durable Solovair 8-Eye, an elegant lace-up boot or even a lined version - you'll find all kinds of sturdy lace-up boots here.

More lace-up boots

Half-high shoes

But it doesn't always have to be a high shoe. We have the following shoes on offer for the transitional period and days with better weather.

More Wallabees

Creeper

And last but not least, our famous creepers also deserve a brief mention, as there are also versions that cover the ankle and are therefore very suitable for the coming months.

More Creeper

For the complete selection, including advice, it's best to come to our shop in Niederdorf. There we have a much larger selection of boots and shoes.

The Harrington jacket: an iconic garment through the ages

What is a Harrington jacket?

The Harrington jacket is a lightweight, fitted jacket with a zip fastening, usually made from cotton, polyester or a mixture of the two. Characteristic of the Harrington jacket are the chequered lining, often in a tartan pattern, the elasticated cuffs and hem and the slanted pockets with flaps. The jacket is both functional and stylish and became popular in the 1960s.

History

Die Harrington Jacke wurde in den 1930er Jahren von John und Isaac Miller, den Gründern des britischen Unternehmens Baracuta, entworfen. Ursprünglich als G9 bekannt, war die Jacke für Golfer konzipiert, die eine leichte, wasserabweisende Jacke benötigten, die genügend Bewegungsfreiheit bot. Der Name “Harrington” wurde in den 1960er Jahren durch die amerikanische Fernsehserie “Peyton Place” populär, in der der Charakter Rodney Harrington, gespielt von Ryan O’Neal, oft eine solche Jacke trug.

Pop culture and subcultures

Die Harrington Jacke fand schnell ihren Weg in die Popkultur und wurde von Ikonen wie Elvis Presley und Steve McQueen getragen. Presley trug eine Harrington Jacke im Film “King Creole” (1958), und McQueen machte sie in “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968) berühmt. Diese Verbindungen zu Hollywood-Stars verliehen der Jacke einen Status als modisches Statement.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Harrington jacket was adopted by various subcultures. It was particularly popular with British mods, who combined it with slim trousers and polo shirts. Later, it was also worn by skinheads and punks, who used the jacket as an expression of their rebellion and individual style.

Brands such as Ben Sherman and Fred Perry have also been instrumental in keeping the Harrington jacket popular in these subcultures by combining classic designs with modern elements

Harrington jacket in today's world

Today, the Harrington jacket is a timeless garment worn by people of all ages and styles. It remains a staple of many fashion brands and comes in a variety of colours and materials.

The versatility of the Harrington jacket makes it an ideal choice for different occasions, whether casual or more formal. Its lightweight yet robust construction makes it ideal for changeable weather.

Summary

The Harrington jacket has a rich history and is deeply rooted in various cultures and subcultures. From its beginnings as a golf jacket in the 1930s to its status as a fashion icon in the 1960s and its popularity in various subcultures, it remains a symbol of style, functionality and timeless elegance. Thanks to brands such as Baracuta, Fred Perry and Ben Sherman, which continue the tradition of the Harrington jacket while giving it a modern interpretation, this garment remains an indispensable part of the fashion world.

What are creepers?

Creepers, also known as brothel creepers, are flat leather shoes with thick, soft crepe soles that are often up to 5 centimetres thick and have vertical grooves. These shoes, usually laced, are often made of suede. Nowadays, however, the shoe is also available in smooth leather and a wide variety of colours and designs. Their design and texture make them a striking fashion item that is particularly popular in subcultures and is always on trend.

History

Picture: George Cox Footwear

The origins of creeper shoes go back to the time after the Second World War, when British soldiers returned to London from North Africa. There they wore suede boots with thick rubber soles made by Egyptian and Burmese shoemakers. Called "Brothel Creepers" at the time, the shoes found their way into civilian life thanks to the veterans and were allegedly often spotted in the red light district of Soho, hence the name.

In 1949, the company George Cox Footwear the first fashionable version of the creepers was launched on the market, which became known as the "Hamilton". These shoes were manufactured in George Cox's factory in Wellingborough and quickly became popular.

Teddy boys and punks

In the 1950s, creepers were particularly popular with the Teddy Boys, a British youth culture. This culture was characterised by flamboyant clothing and a penchant for rock 'n' roll. Creepers became an integral part of their look, which combined elegant Edwardian fashion with rebellious elements.

In the 1970s, Creepers experienced a rebirth through the influence of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwoodwhich she sells in her London shop "Let it Rock" were sold. The shoes quickly became an important element of the emerging punk scene, worn by bands such as the Sex Pistols.

Creepers became a key element of the punk rock look. As punk evolved into new wave and post-punk, new styles gained popularity such as less extreme rockabilly styles worn by artists like Elvis Costello, Squeeze and Madness.

"Not just the UK, but throughout the world, where pioneers such as Blue Moon in Germany, John Fluevog in Canada, Let it Rock in the USA, Figgins in Australia, Booster in Switzerland and American Import Export in Italy were introducing British subculture to their respective markets."

Quote from the Website of George Cox

 

Creeper in the modern age

In the 1990s, creepers became popular again thanks to celebrity wearers such as the Spice Girls and Gwen Stefani. In the 2010s to 2020s, they experienced another renaissance, worn by artists and celebrities such as Rihanna, The Weeknd, Rita Ora, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus.

In fact, Rihanna was so inspired by the Creeper that she launched a joint shoe collection with Puma in 2015 called Puma Creeper which was honoured as shoe of the year in 2016.

Today, creepers are not only an integral part of the fashion world, but also a symbol of style and rebellion. They are appreciated by various subcultures and fashion-conscious individuals and can be seen both on the street and on the catwalks. Brands such as George Cox and Steelgrounds continue to set the standard in the production of these iconic shoes.

Picture: George Cox Footwear

Buy Creeper

Irene and Pierre Montandon, the Founder of Boosterwere probably the first to import and sell the iconic shoe in Switzerland. To this day, the Creeper is an integral part of our range, which has continued to enjoy great popularity over the years. Including, of course, the Creeper from George Coxwhich are still "Made in England" today, but also less expensive models from Steelgrounds or T.U.K Footwear.

Click here for our Creeper range!