Sunday, February 28, 2010

Creative Recreation for Barney’s New York – Spring 2010 Footwear














Creative Recreation continues its popular Barney’s collection with the release of their Cesario and Testa, and Dicoco models in some special colorways. These are probably the dopest colorways of these three models that Creative Rec has released this year. The colors and materials used are a lot more flashy than other colorways we have seen from them this year. All of these will be available exclusively at Barney’s New York. Expect these to release next week with the price tag starting around $130 bucks.

G-Shock March 2010 Releases





Los Angeles Lakers Champ Rings 59FIFTY

This custom 59FIFTYa�¢ fitted cap features an embroidered (raised) Los Angeles Lakers team logo on the front, stitched New EraA® branding at wearera�™s left side, and embroidered (raised) Championship Rings. Interior includes branded taping and a moisture absorbing sweatband.

Chicago Bulls Champ Rings 59FIFTY



















This custom 59FIFTYa�¢ fitted cap features an embroidered (raised) Chicago Bulls team logo on the front, stitched New EraA® branding at wearera�™s left side, and embroidered (raised) Championship Rings at back. Interior includes branded taping and a moisture absorbing sweatband.

Boston Celtics Champ Ring 59FIFTY


This custom 59FIFTYa�¢ fitted cap features an embroidered (raised) Boston Celtics team logo on the front, stitched New EraA® branding at wearera�™s left side, and embroidered (raised) Championship Rings. Interior includes branded taping and a moisture absorbing sweatband.

Fitted Caps

Now instead of just posting images and info of the hottest kicks. Now I will start to post Fitted Caps from New Era to Stall & Dean.

Top 30 Sneakers of 2009













‘Best of” lists are usually a source of much controversy, as opinions will always differ on any debatable topic. So, when we started to put together our Top 30 Sneakers of 2009 list, we got as many opinions as possible, asking our entire staff and some friends in the industry to rank their favorites from the year. Each individual list was then indexed and used to create composite rankings, ensuring that a variety of opinions would be factored into the final Top 30. The result is a comprehensive list of all the kicks that made our cut this year, along with some crisp photos and background info on each.




2009 was a big year for sneakers, no matter what your areas of interest may be. Jordan lovers were treated to quite a nice year thanks to the return of some beloved classics like the True Blue Air Jordan III, and of course, the almighty Space Jams, with new looks like the Toro Bravo pack and the Sixty Plus proving to be solid additions. Staying inside the basketball realm, Nike b-ball had a huge 2009 thanks to the overwhelming popularity of the Zoom Kobe IV and then, the Air Max LeBron VII. Both lines already had a nice following, but the latest signature models for Nike’s two biggest names were met with glowing receptions and strong sales to match.



Nike Sportswear also kicked things into high gear with a nice variety of both new and retro releases. A ton of people were excited to see the return of the Air Griffey Max 1 and the Foamposite, as well as new hybrid models like the Air 1/2 Cent and the Air Maxim 1 Trainer. The LIVESTRONG Greatest Hits pack, on the other hand, provided a  nice blend of old and new thanks to the Black/Varsity Maize color scheme being applied to several of Nike’s most coveted “grails.”



While many sneakerheads were beginning to lose faith in Nike SB, the line came back strong enough to keep many collectors around. The release of the elusive Gucci Dunk Highs and Blue Lobster Dunks created a nice buzz for SB, and the introduction of the Stefan Janoski pro model proved that there were still plenty of new places to take their skate designs. Also helping out the Nike SB cause was the release of the Supreme x Nike SB Bruin, always a welcome combination for collaborations, not to mention the start of a new age for the classic Bruin.



Of course, that wasn’t the only hot collaboration of the year. The biggest team-ups of 2009 both involved Kanye West, who put his stylish touches on successful footwear projects with Nike and Louis Vuitton. Other big collaborations of note included UNDFTD’s partnerships with both Converse and Puma and Reebok’s ambitious Pump20 retailer collaboration collection. Last but not least, CLOT’s Air Force 1 and the DQM Air Max 90 Current Huarache also turned plenty of heads with their respective collabos.



Aside from the aforementioned 2009 kicks, there was plenty more heat floating around, so take your time going through our list of the Top 30 Sneakers of 2009 for a recap of the hottest styles from the past year. Feel free to share your opinions on the best kicks of 2009, and let us know if there was anything else that you think should have made the cut. Special thanks to Osneaker, Flight Club NY and Premium Laces.

Nike Auto Flight – Summer 2010 Collection

Jordan CP3.III Wake Forest PEs














Jordan Brand PE’s are tricky. While some make it to retail stores others are actually player exclusives that are only available to the athletes that play for the teams. These Wake Forest Jordan CP3.III’s are such the case




Here you can see the home and away color ways. The Away is done in black nubuck with white accents while the Home shoe is done in white pebbled leather with nubuck accents. The Wake Forest logo is embroidered on the tongue and unfortunately the only place you can find these will be at a basketball game that the team plays in.

Adidas Artillery Mid

One of the first color ways to be scene is this black/white/aluminum model. Yellow is also a great accent on this shoe and oddly enough it doesn’t bring LIVESTRONG to mind, maybe its because its a different shade of yellow. The shoes also pack a TORSION SYSTEM punch. These look great and if memory serves us correct they are very comfortable.

Radii Footwear Unleashes Spring 2010 Collection

Adidas Basketball Spring 2010 – Product Preview


The full product lineup of adidas Basketball Spring 2010 models has been unveiled overseas and here we get an up-close look at the new styles. The top tier silhouettes that will be featured on NBA courts and at NBA All-Star Weekend next February are the updated Commander and Creator lines in the form of the TS Supernatural Creator and the TS Supernatural Commander, both of which feature adiPRENE+ and ForMotion technology tooling. Also present in this adidas Basketball preview is the adidas First Step which features adiPRENE+ and uses the same tooling as the current adidas Speed Cut model

Nike Air Carnivore Retro

It is always good to see some retroed versions of classic models such as the Nike Air Carnivore Retro. This shoe mainly depicts a Huarache look with the strap. Compared to other Nike sports shoes, the Carnivore is not much of a stylish fit aside from its not so common design. The absent of laces is one of the main things that makes it look a little low in profile, however, the Black/White camouflage midsole is a prominent feature.




One unordinary attribute that the Nike Air Carnivore Retro is the overwhelming Green heel panel embossed with Nike Air logo. The same color covers the toe mixed with Black zigzag ripstop and some White overlays. Purple hits come as buckle accessories as well as forefoot outsole.



This shoe might appeal to you negatively but to others, the concept is a good way to embrace a blending of classic and contemporary looks. Expect it to drop this Summer.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Radii Straight Jacket














Radii (ray-dee-eye) footwear was launched in Fall 2008 but because of designs like the Radii Straight Jacket, they are already making a splash. This distinctive design features two buckles around the forefoot and one around the ankle, a side zipper and (to top it all off) striking metallic colors. Although buckles are rarely seen on sneakers, you do expect to find them on sneakers named “Straight Jacket.” And, they work well.

Nike Huarache 2010











Nike plans to increase production of their Considered Design line of sneakers that use Environmentally Preferred Materials (EPMs). The Huarache 2010 is part of that line. They were thoughtfully designed using recycled materials wherever possible. And, Nike also eliminated excessive overlays, embellishments, and backing materials from the Huarache 2010 to dramatically reduce waste. So, you get the best of both worlds. An environmentally conscious sneaker that performs well on the hardwood.

Creative Recreation Testa













The Creative Recreation Testa is a fashionable sneaker that sports an extremely clean design. Their unique closure system features three straps, two small straps over the forefoot and one large strap for the ankle. The Testa also has a great mix of perforated leather and patent leather on the upper, a padded collar for comfort, and a plush fabric lining. Ultimately, this lifestyle sneaker rides the line between striking and subtle masterfully.

Air Jordan Classic '91













Borrowing elements from previously released Air Jordan models, the Air Jordan Classic ’91 sports a simple and unique design that pays homage to Jordan’s first NBA championship won in 1991. They feature a retro look with various overlays, Air Jordan Wings Logo, a tongue similar to the Air Jordan III, and heel panel stitching that mimics the Air Jordan XII. All in all, Jordan Brand has created another sneaker that looks fresh.

Air Jordan Flight 45 High













It’s hard to look at the Air Jordan Flight 45 and not think of the Air Jordan III. But, Jordan Brand did flip the design with a nice strap that wraps around the midfoot, and perforations on the toebox and side panels. All in all, the Air Jordan Flight 45 is a fresh balance of new and old with a silhouette that would be loved in any era.

Air Jordan 2010

In celebration of the Jordan brand's 25th Anniversary, MJ has collaborated with shoe designers Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith to create the newest addition to the Air Jordan collection: the Air Jordan 2010. According to MJ, "The Air Jordan 2010 marks the future of the Jordan Brand and proves there are no limits to what this Brand is capable of doing." The Air Jordan 2010 proves his point by not only paying homage to the brand's heritage, but also passing on the legacy to other Team Jordan athletes like Dwyane Wade, who will be the first to debut the 2010. Taking Jordan's "ability to see through his opponents" literally, Hatfield and Smith created the brand's first see-through basketball shoe, featuring a unique, transparent, perforated TPU window in the side. The 2010 isn't without plenty of high-performance features, either. The flexible leather and synthetic no-sew upper offers a more anatomical fit so players can sprint faster, with perforations that are engineered to be both breathable and responsive while representing the iconic style of an Air Jordan. Modern players need to be faster at every position, and the AJ 2010 is built for speed with its lightweight performance design and lower profile for a more responsive shoe in tune with today's hyper-athletic players. Air Jordans have always reflected MJ's desire for a clean toe and natural movement, and the 2010 takes it a step further with basketball's first-ever unobstructed independent forefoot cover. The 2010's transparent signature window provides a sculpted fit and also reveals a hint of MJ's beloved Carolina Blue on the cushioned sockliner. The asymmetrical collar height provides better ankle support and also contains a separately molded, stitched-in unit that wraps around the ankle for a better fit. The mesh underlay beneath the forefoot cover lets toes move freely and breathe like never before, while the full-length Phylon™ midsole with Zoom Air™ units stacked in the heel adds a crucial layer of impact protection, borrowing from low-profile running shoe cushioning for better court feel. A little something extra was added to the midsole – a graphic that contains a special hidden message from MJ for those who are true to the game. The AJ 2010 is rounded off with a thinner rubber sole for an incredibly responsive ride, with certain colors featuring a clear sole to reveal the Zoom Air™ cushioning at the heart of the shoe. And just when you think it can't get any better, the Air Jordan 2010 continues Jordan's breakthrough in sustainability efforts by using a Considered Design, which avoids the use of harmful toxins and uses environmentally friendly materials.

Nike Hyperdunk – Kobe Bryant – Aston Martin Edition











The Nike Hyperdunk and its innovative Flywire technology was first introduced when Kobe Bryant leaped over a speeding Aston Martin. The Nike Hyperdunk Aston Martin edition is a tribute to this moment and automobile with chromed upper, red leather lining and the AM wings crest on the hood tongue tag.

Nike Basketball Lebron Shoe Gallery

Nike SB Dunk Low Premium – St. Patrick’s Day / Green Hemp

Nike SB March 2010 Quickstrikes called, “Green Hemps / St.Pattys” Dunk SB. This Quickstrike has already hit shelves at a retailer in Mexico and should be available State-side next month, in time for the drinking festivities!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Air Max CB '94









These kicks served as a perfect compliment to the aggressive and powerful style of Sir Charles with their great impact protection courtesy of the large volume Max Air unit in the heel. Fit was also a strong point of the Air Max CB '94 thanks to its speed lacing system and elastic eyestay combo. This may be the most recognizable of the Charles Barkley line thanks to its many Retro interpretations. -Zac, Sole Collector Magazine

Air Max Rise

Brandon Roy of the Portland Trail Blazers has been wearing this color-up of the Air Max Rise as his away court shoe to start the NBA season. It has an injected phylon midsole, and a Max Air unit in the heel for cushioning. The upper is synthetic with a carbon fiber weave in the heel. A stand-by herringbone outsole for traction completes the picture.


 
 
A solid team shoe, the Air Max Rise arrived at the beginning of the 2009 NBA season. It has an injected phylon midsole, and a Max Air unit in the heel for cushioning. The upper is synthetic with a carbon fiber weave in the heel. A stand-by herringbone outsole for traction completes the picture.

Court Raider Mid








The adidas Court Raider Mid is not a re-release of an ’80s or ’90s shoe, despite what your first impressions may be. The Court Raider gets its retro look with inspiration from other models in adidas’ rich basketball history. The silhouette resembles the Forum and Top Ten - both popular in the early 1980s - but with a bigger tongue and collar. The perforated vamp is also like those of the Forum and Top Ten, while the midsole and outsole were taken directly from the adidas Attitude, a style that debuted in 1986.



But the Court Raider also features some unique design elements. Mesh is incorporated into the throat, upper, and sides of tongue. The three stripes on the upper are layed over piecing that surrounds the mesh paneling on the upper. And the collar has extra perforated padding and plastic eyestay units.

Air Jordan Fusion 8











This AJF8 is a combination of the original Air Jordan VIII Aqua colorway that MJ wore at the 1993 All Star Game and the classic Air Force 1. It features the Jumpman logo made of a carpet like material and the famous AJ 8 paint splash on the back heel. The midsole and outsole are taken from the Air Force 1. The outsole is mostly purple with aqua accents. The back heel features a Nike logo in purple and aqua as well. One of the most prominent design cues on the AJF8 is the straps that attach to the velcro on the back quarter panel. The straps cross over top of each other to provide great lockdown and comfort.

Air Jordan CP3.III Mardi Gras










This CP3.III “Mardis Gras” is a festive mix of colors but not one you’re used to seeing on your kicks. You may be thinking “these aren’t Hornets colors, this isn’t a standard black/red or white/blue blocking,” but this CP3.III is displaying traditional colors of the Mardis Gras festival (purple and gold) which tie back to Chris Paul’s NBA squad based in New Orleans. The multi-colored speckling on the purple midsole even recalls confetti you might see in a parade down Bourbon Street.

Prestige High











This Nike Prestige may look familiar to Jordan-heads as the color up is very similar to the Jordan VIII “Aqua” which will be getting the fusion treatment near the time of this release. The black upper is made of suede and leather piecing with turbo green piping and contrast stitching. The Swoosh and Nike logos are varsity purple. The black midsole is set off by some purple and green hilights peeking around the rim of the outsole.