Sole Camp

Special times call for special measures. Yes, I said a month ago that I would probably be quiet on the blog, but there’s always room for an end-of-the-year countdown. 2012 was definitely an interesting year for sneakers. Brands all across the board brought great things to the table. Solid retro releases for days, tons of new technology, collaborations with any and every name possible, and a few new models that got the masses’ attention for one reason or another were what ruled from January to December.

I may have been away from the blogosphere for the most part in the past few months, but I certainly have not been away from sneaker culture as a whole. Some releases from 2012 have fallen out of my favor, but the second half has arguably been even stronger than the first. No need for any more introductory stuff. Thanks in advance for checking out my take on the year’s best, and take a look at my picks for the top ten below.  (more…)

While I am well aware that both Jake and I have not posted on the blog much since we started our college journeys, I figured that this is the best place to post my top sneakers of 2012. Without further ado, here are my top 10 kicks for the year.

BONUS: Extra Butter x Reebok Pump AXT “Ahchoo”

Extra Butter x Reebok Pump AXT "Ahchoo"

While the Ahchoo Pumps came out last year, I did not put them on my list because they came out on New Year’s Eve, and I did not plan on buying a pair until I saw the Ahchoos in real life while covering their release at Extra Butter. After seeing them on all of the staff’s feet, I just couldn’t resist that uniquely paired burgundy and beige colorway. Little things on the shoe, such as the Dee Brown-esque orange basketball Pump, the EB logo on the heel, and the wordy insoles make this sneaker even more special. Great design from a great shop. I look forward to more great sneaker collaborations in the future from Extra Butter!

10. Air Max 90 Hyperfuse “Infrared”

Air Max 90 Hyperfuse "Infrared"

The Infrared AM90 has always been my brother’s go-to beater sneaker, so I could never imagine myself getting a pair to wear. But if I did get a pair of Infrared AM90s, this specific pair would be it. The shiny silver swoosh on the shoe works very well with its famous bright Infrared accents.

9. Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low 2012

Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low 2012

I actually was able to get a pair of the 2012 Supreme SBs for myself when they released over the summer, but for how much I could sell my pair for, there was no way that I could keep them. However, I must admit that the sneaker’s combination of red leather and elephant print is pretty wild, yet also cool enough for me to imagine myself loving if I wore a pair often enough.

8. Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 Low (particularly Black)

Supreme x Nike Air Force 1 Low

This collaborative pack between Nike Sportswear and streetwear brand Supreme is a pretty cool one (and not just because it is from Supreme). Yes, the red Supreme labeling on each sneaker’s swoosh is nice, but these sneakers look great because of their use of the classic white midsole and gum outsole combination. The Supreme Air Forces also use a cool waterproof material on their uppers that looks good even when creased. All of these attributes work together the best on the Black pair, which I bought for the Fall and Winter seasons and have been wearing a lot lately.

7. Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 “Steel Blue”

Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 "Steel Blue"

Simplicity at its finest. While Ronnie Fieg swiped one of the most popular New Balance colorways ever with this design (from the Steel Blue 1300 [also Ronnie's favorite New Balance sneaker that he didn't design]), he applied it in such a great way to the 999, my favorite New Balance model. I love the beige leather, lush grey nubuck, and the odd shade of blue suede on the perforated toebox on the sneaker. These are great for any occasion, and can easily be dressed up or down.

6. Air Jordan IV Retro “Bred”

Air Jordan IV Retro "Bred"

I never really loved this colorway of the IV, but after wearing another IV (that is coming up later on the list) throughout my first few months of college, I was convinced that I had to get the Bred IV to wear throughout the Winter. Combine that motivation with the long-awaited release of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ debut album (and my re-discovery of “Wings” and its sick music video), and I started to truly love these IVs. Not to mention that just from “The Shot” alone, these are true classics in the Jordan catalogue.

5. Nike Flyknit Trainer (particularly Black/White)

Nike Flyknit Trainer

When the Flyknit Trainer first released towards the end of July, I did not get the minimal hype that had built up for it, besides for the Volt colorway (which my brother bought). I only discovered how great the Flyknit Trainer is when I decided to get a pair of these as my new running sneakers. I opted for the Black/White colorway, and boy, I could not have picked a better pair. I love how the colors on the shoe are so simple, yet the design of the knitting near the toe is so radical. I am also surprised that the Flyknit Trainer has not completely broke down on me after much intense wear. And in my book, at least aesthetically, these are definitely over the HTMs. The sole on the Trainer is so sleek, while the sole on the HTM looks like a puffy cloud and does not accompany the upper as well as the Trainer’s does.

4. Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga “Neptune Blue”

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga "Neptune Blue"

My favorite Ronnie Fieg design of the year. I successfully ordered these off the #Kithstrike and, when they arrived at my house, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the colors on the shoe worked together. I especially love the Neptune Blue Sagas because they take the same water-based theme of the Cove Gel Lyte IIIs, my favorite Ronnie design to date. The atlantis-like Cove blue takes over the tiger stripes and outsole on this one, while the upper and midsole feature a lush lavender-ish grey that remind me of cloudy skies and wet sand. Finally, a few touches of white on the shoe’s upper and the round blue/grey laces make it even more appealing.

3. Air Jordan IV Retro “White Cement”

Air Jordan IV Retro "White Cement"

This is the IV that I referred to before. What an awesome sneaker. I have always liked the Air Jordan IV model, but never as much as I have this year. In fact, I didn’t even realize how great the Cement IV looked until I saw my brother and a few others wear it a few times. The white leather upper brings out how technical of a model the IV is, while the black and grey accents make the sneaker surprisingly look great beat up. A Jordan classic that would never look bad, perfect…pretty much. What two shoes could possibly top this?

2. Air Jordan I Retro KO Hi “Bred”

Air Jordan I Retro KO Hi "Bred"

I am seriously surprised that the Bred KO went so under the radar. I was in Israel when these came out, and while I already had a pair on lock, I was able to obtain a second pair with ease. Anyways, I love how the classic “Banned” Bred colorway looks on the KO. The wide red toe, the combination of canvas and leather, even the availability of both red and black laces. Not to mention that the Bred KO did not have the rather silly yellowed midsole featured on the Chicago KO. These are definitely the next best thing to a pair of leather Bred 1s, maybe even better.

1. Nike Air Yeezy 2 (particularly Black/Solar Red)

Nike Air Yeezy 2 Black/Solar Red

Call me a hypebeast. Call me a Kanye stan. I don’t give a fuck. My favorite album for 2012? Cruel Summer. My favorite song for 2012? “New God Flow” (yes, its a Pusha T song, but Kanye steals the show on it). What else would you expect my favorite sneaker for 2012 to be? I loved the first Yeezy model, particularly the black colorway, and I could not wait to get my hands on the Yeezy 2, once again, particularly the black colorway. A year or two ago, I never would have thought that Kanye and Nike could create a shoe on the level of the first Yeezy, but man, was I wrong. I love everything about the sneaker: the glow-in-the-dark Air Tech Challenge II outsole, the bright red lining, the snakeskin-like panel, the thick mesh tongue, the new strap, the gold and black aglets (besides for the fact that they could fall off so easily), and more. If anyone has or knows someone with a legit 10.5 pair, I am willing to trade almost any of my shoes (multiple pairs) for them. I actually bought a pair of these on the resale market, but then sold the shoe for a little less than I paid because I couldn’t justify spending so much on one sneaker, not even my favorite sneaker of 2012.

Five posts in a span of three months. Progress, right? Who am I kidding…

Exactly three months ago, I was in the midst of preparing for a new chapter in my life: attending Colgate University for the first out of four years. I still obsessed over sneaker culture, whether through my long list of desired sneakers, a need to switch up my kicks after each and every day, or my nonstop caring and consumption of sneaker headlines. It was with this mindset that I sought to develop Sole Camp into more of a personal venture than a general news outlet. At that point, when I was still crazed with the hobby, it seemed like a great idea to prolong the existence of Sole Camp, something in which I had invested hours upon hours. Little did I know that it would take only three months for my enthusiasm on sneakers to do a damn-near-close-to-180-degree flip.

Now, I just don’t feel the need to buy the stuff that’s dropping lately. Part of it can be blamed on my being away from (and therefore, not being able to wear anything from) my current collection. Exchanging Long Island and New York City for the rural atmosphere of Hamilton, NY has helped. My adaption of a toned-down style of dress while at Colgate also plays a role. Heck, some of it is even related to concepts on commodification and use-value that I have learned in one of my courses. The fact of the matter is that I just don’t see a point in buying so many shoes just for aesthetic desire when I already have over thirty. For the next few months, I have reserved myself to buying two or three sneakers: “Bred” Jordan IVs this Friday, “Royal” Jordan 1s in 2013, and “Knicks” 1s in 2013, the latter of which has a specific purpose of being my go-to Knicks sneaker. In the meantime, I plan on cutting down my current collection, selling stuff for which I have little to no use or desire to keep.

But back to the main point. I had stated on August 20th, 2012 that any and all posts on Sole Camp would be driven by our passion for sneakers. Dylan has his own views, but I know why I haven’t put much up on the blog in recent time: I can’t seem to find that passion within me anymore. I am not totally leaving sneaker culture on the curb, but I will say that I have wised up a bit. I still appreciate all of those that follow this blog, and all of those that I have linked with through sneaker culture. But now, if you do not hear from me for a while, you know why.

Hey everyone. It may look like Jake has taken the reigns of Sole Camp with his past few interesting posts, but now I have something that I’d like to put up for you all:

My College Rotation – Freshman Year – Part 1

It was not an easy task to decide on what shoes I should bring to college, but after a month of being away from home at Colgate University, I am quite fond of my picks.

adidas Calissage Slides – Black/White/Silver

adidas Calissage Slides

I probably don’t even need to tell you about these, but fuck it. I bought the adidas’ not too long before I came up here, and they have become a go-to shoe for me. Perfect to walk around the dorm in, roll out of bed and head to breakfast in, or wear when it’s supposed to rain hard. I can also wear pretty much anything with them: sweat-shorts or jeans, solid tees or loud ones, you name it. They probably will not be seeing much outside wear when the colder weather comes around, however.

Ronnie Fieg x Sebago Mohican – Green

Ronnie Fieg x Sebago Mohican - Green

Ronnie Fieg’s latest boat shoe design is killer. The Mohican, like 2011’s Abenaki, has a fringed upper, which makes the shoe look quite sicker than your average boat shoe. And while I do not like the Campsides sole as much as the Docksides one, I could not resist the radiant green upper of this Mohican. Not to mention that the suede insoles makes these pretty darn comfy. I usually only wear these for occasions where I need to dress up, but I have worn them casually a bit as well.

Nike Flyknit Trainer – Black/White

Nike Flyknit Trainer - Black/White

The Flyknit Trainer may just be my favorite new sneaker model of 2012. For a good few weeks before I left for college, I was trying to decide if I should get a running shoe, and if so, which one. I lightly considered getting Free Run 2s or 3s and somewhat considered Air Max 2012s, but no model seemed more appealing to me than the Flyknit Trainer. It seemed like the perfect cross between performance and look. Now that I have broken my Flyknits in, they are extremely comfortable, both for walking around and running. They also look so crazy (due to design) yet so subtle (due to color) at the same time. I have worn my Flyknits the couple of times I’ve made it over to Colgate’s fitness center, but I have mostly worn them as casual wear. And they always look sick.

NOTE: Never wear Flyknits in the rain. It takes literally a day-and-a half (even with trying to use a hand drying machine several times) for them to dry to a wearable condition!

Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Low – “Linsanity”

Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Low – “Linsanity”

I’ll be honest; I have not worn my Linsanity Hyperdunks so much. I wore them twice for basketball and once casually, but while I love the color scheme of the shoe, it doesn’t look so stylish. On the court, these are pretty comfortable, yet I lost in 1-on-1 against Jake both times I wore these against him. Maybe I will break them out more once the NBA season starts up…

Air Jordan I Retro KO Hi – “Bred”

Air Jordan I Retro KO Hi - "Bred"

Classic. I have always wanted a pair of Bred Air Jordan 1s in some form (because of seeing old pictures of Michael Jordan and, yes, Kanye West and Jay-Z in them), and that finally came true this past June with the release of the Bred AJKO. I wanted them so much that I bought two pairs, one to wear throughout college (at least Freshman year), and another to have freshly ready for my more exclusive rotation. I have worn the Bred KOs about once a week here and have caught myself staring at those red canvas toes each and every time. I can’t wait to break them out more with black tees and dark jeans as fall sets in.

Air Jordan IV Retro – “White Cement”

Air Jordan IV Retro - "White Cement"

Classic, but not in the same way as the Bred KOs. While I was convinced to get those from seeing so many fresh pairs, I was convinced to get a pair of White Cement IVs from how great they look both straight out of the box AND beat up! I can imagine that scuffs and creases on the upper of my pair will mesh well with the grey/black Cement print. Not to mention that I love the Air Jordan IV model in general and how the black on the mid/outsole compliments the white leather upper of the sneaker. And I have worn these 1-2 times a week, quite a good amount if you ask me.  I even wore these for basketball (not a move that I would recommend) and beat Jake in 1-on-1 with them on! When these first came out in February of this year, I never even considered getting a pair, especially because Jake was so keen on getting them. But after seeing him stunt in a fresh pair, and seeing someone else rock a beat up pair, my mind has been blown.

Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 – “Steel Blue”

Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 - "Steel Blue"

What a perfect everyday wear shoe. I could wear the Steel Blue 999s with jeans, khakis or sweatpants and never go wrong. The dark grey, light tan, and cool blue on this sneaker make it match well with practically any piece of clothing I have here with me. And the quality of the suede on the shoe is ridiculous! Though I already messed it up a bit from wearing these in the rain once…but that’s why I have another pair at home to fall back on! Like the White Cement IVs, I have worn these once or twice a week because they’re so wearable, but yet the Steel Blue 999 is also so comfortable! One of my favorite New Balance releases ever, for sure.

Extra Butter x Reebok Pump AXT – “Ahchoo”

Extra Butter x Reebok Pump AXT - "Ahchoo"

When I first got the Ahchoo Pumps from Extra Butter, I could not figure out what to wear with them besides a black tee. However, when I decided on going to Colgate, it hit me: the Ahchoos are maroon (at least partially), Colgate’s school color! I have the Ahchoos here as my current go-to Colgate spirit shoes, and I usually wear them with Colgate shirts and hats. Though I have also worn these on non-game days with a cool The Hundreds tee I picked up while in LA this past summer. And actually, when I wear these, some people have asked me about and have become quite fascinated with the “basketball” pump on them! Because I don’t want to wreck the Ahchoos up too much, I am bringing them back home during my Fall break (which starts tomorrow). At that point, I will be bringing up a few new shoes to wear here, which you will all see in due time…

Air Jordan IV Retro "Military Blue" Beat Up

I’m sure everyone out there can appreciate the look of a new pair of kicks. “Pristine,” “full of life,” “untampered art”…those are a few of the phrases that come to mind when thinking about breaking out that new purchase just to look at. But sometimes, it’s more rewarding to see a pair of sneakers that has been totally beaten-up still looks awesome. No, I’m not talking about sneakers that look just as new after a year or two’s worth of wears. I’m talking about those sneakers that have a distinct character after facing the motions for years on end. Maybe it’s a retro model that looks good with the yellowed midsole and dirtied upper, or maybe you have a newer model in mind that just looks totally different when beaten-up (no, not “Statue of Liberty” SB Dunk High-different). Yesterday, the guys over at Complex put up a list of sneakers that fulfill these criteria, and while I like their list, I realized after seeing it that the topic has a bit of subjectivity. Looking good is only part of the “character” of beat-up sneakers. You see…there’s also a personal attachment that one makes with his sneakers over the years of wearing them, along with the factor of nostalgia. I could go on about a bunch of personal favorites, but for now, I want to show you all just a couple of my selections for sneakers that look awesome beat up.

Air Jordan 1 Retro “Chicago”

Air Jordan 1 "Chicago"

There’s something to be said about vintage sneakers that are still standing after years of existence. There’s even more to be said about the well-known originator of all modern basketball shoes still standing with some battle scars. When kept pristine, the “Chicago” Jordan 1 can be fully appreciated for its simple, but poignant colorway: White, Black, and that bright Chicago Bulls red. However, this is definitely one shoe that does not lose its appeal with years of wear and tear, but rather, becomes even more iconic. For one, the yellowed midsole works great for any predominately white colorway that has a main accent color. Then, there’s the cracking leather on top. For most, including many owners of “Chicago” Air Jordan 1s, this would be a turn-off. However, as one who appreciates this shoe from afar, the cracking (which does not look nearly as bad on the “Chicago” color way as it doesn on black-based Air Jordan 1 colorways) evokes a further respect for the shoe. It is a subtle testament to the age of the Air Jordan 1 and a tribute to the start of Michael Jordan’s career. Certainly a case of both the cool “weathered” look and sentimentality.

Nike Air Max 90 “Infrared”

Nike Air Max 90 "Infrared"

Here’s the main one for me, the “Infrared” Air Max 90. My pair is beat to the fullest…no question. And I love it. For one, the battered-and-bruised look works well for this AM90. A fresh pair has an upper that’s a predominate mix of bright white and cement grey. On a beat pair (or at least my beat pair), the mesh on the upper becomes a dark grey, thanks to dirt stains and excess rain. And on this shoe, that is actually good, since it makes for a brighter Infrared contrast. I also like that a really wrecked pair (again, like mine) doesn’t just have a yellowed midsole, but rather, a midsole that has turned yellow due in part to the white paint chipping. That’s character, and it’s also one of the major signs that you’ve done a lot in a sneaker…that there is a personal attachment, as I phrased it before. Specifically for my “Infrared” 90s, wearing them and seeing all the wear and tear reminds me of all the activities I have done in them, from hiking in Israel, to playing my last two years of floor hockey, to running on treadmills. And now that I have new running shoes, throwing on my AM90s gives me a nostalgic, throwback feeling. Who doesn’t like that?

Bape x UNDFTD x adidas Originals ZX5000

Before I really got into sneakers as a hobby, the only shoes I got were for everyday wear, and I would always get the same basic shoes for a good three years as my foot kept growing out of pairs. However, in early 2009, I decided to pick out something different instead. I went on Zappos, looked around for a bit, and found one sneaker that I really liked: an adidas Originals ZXZ123 with a blue, light blue, volt yellow, and grey color combo. Ever since I beat those to the ground, I’ve had an appreciation for classic adidas running models, especially ones that go a bit out of the norm.

When I first got wind of the Bape x UNDFTD collection that dropped over the summer, I also heard that the two brands were collaborating with adidas on a couple of sneakers. Now, I don’t know if the amount shall hold true, but I do know that the one sneaker revealed from the three-brand collaboration is pretty awesome. I might say this a lot, but I really do feel that Bape, UNDFTD, and adidas really got a whole lot onto this one ZX5000. Of course, there’s the Bathing Ape Camo, which plays a prevalent part on the shoe. However, because of its suede application and the way that it is placed, the camouflage pattern does not take ultimate precedence over anything else. Major areas of olive and tan tone the sneaker down even more. Gum soles are almost always a plus, and the “almost always” prevails here. Now, the three companies could have easily ended there and had a smash hit of a shoe, but they went further and colored up the three stripes in red, white, and blue. It’s odd…I am sure many people would be inclined to think that the three stripes represent something American. For me, these stripes add on a bit of a European flavor to the sneaker. When viewed from the back of the sneaker, they form a French flag. In general, I think the very bold hits of red, white, and blue add some needed distinction to the otherwise-camouflage sneaker.

There are not many sneakers releasing this year that I will look to buy. Up until now, my only plans for sneaker purchases before the end of 2012 were to buy two pairs of “Bred” Air Jordan IV Retros when they drop on Black Friday. Now, it is safe to say that I’ll also be looking out for the release date of the Bape x UNDFTD x adidas Originals ZX5000. (Picture via Sneaker Freaker)

Thoughts on Forming a Sneaker Collection

Hey all. Dylan and I have been busy with a decent amount of activities over the past week. We’re in our first week of college, but that has not totally stopped my train of thoughts on sneakers.

This is a subject that had plenty of different sides. Here’s my short perspective.

Thoughts on Forming a Sneaker Collection

People collect all sorts of different things. Cars, coins, art, sports memorabilia, vintage toys, and so on. However, there are major differences in the types of collectors. No, not between the general pools of car collectors and toy collectors, but rather, between those car collectors. There are people that collect cars from a specific company, say Ferrari or Mercedes-Benz, or even just different versions of a specific model. Some collect different cars of the same color. And then, there are the non-differentiators, those that just collect any and all cars and strive for variety.

The same differences in collecting can be applied to the sneaker world. Of course, there are a variety of companies for collectors to specialize in. Nike. Jordan Brand. Adidas. Asics. Reebok. Converse. And let’s not forget about all of the subdivisions within each brand. For instance, the collection I pictured above is comprised exclusively of sneakers from Nike SB. There are those out there that specialize in sneakers designed in collaboration with certain figures and stores. What about the guys who have loads of Dunk Lows or Air Force 1s or Chuck Taylors? There are genres of shoes that some collectors go by: basketball sneakers, running sneakers, etc. And we certainly can’t leave out those that only go for select colorways, whether that means something classic like “Bred” or something a bit newer like “South Beach”.

That leaves my outlook on sneakers: the need for variety. Yes, I like certain models and colorways more than others, but for the most part, I’m not attached enough to one model or colorup to limit myself. I love collecting sneakers because of all the different looks you can find on different pairs. Perhaps someone with a plentiful supply of money to blow could put a focus on a specific type of sneaker and still have that variety, but that’s not me.

You see, I’m a huge fan of many different kinds of sneakers, be it for the look of the colors or the look of the silhouette. I like the craziness behind the JS Wings model, especially when paired with a unique print or material. At the same time, I love how certain hues look on the mesh and suede uppers of Ronnie Fieg’s Asics designs. The Dunk Low and Dunk High are two other simple models that have some pretty killer colorways. Some shoes of mine, like the Net/Net Yeezy and “South Beach” LeBron 8, absolutely kill it in both regards. Plus, with all different sorts of sneakers, I can go for so many different looks. From street-sporty one day with any of my Jordan VIs or my Foamposite Ones to a bit more polished with a clean pair or Jordan 1s or Superstars. From a predominately red look with the “Super Red 2.0″ GT-II to green with the “De La Soul” Dunk High to blue and orange with my “Knicks” Roshe Runs.

So, if you’re thinking about starting a solid collection soon, keep the different ways to collect in mind before you go out and buy a bunch of pairs. If you have any inclination to, be varied, like I am. If you just want to go for that one look with a bunch of pairs, you’re more than welcome to do that too. Just don’t come crying to me with your list of shoes for sale when you realize you want to go in a different direction.

In our attempt to give you all a bit more personal content on the channel, we present to you a compilation of both of our Summer 2012 pickups that we haven’t shown to you all yet. Check it out, and don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already!

To all followers, fans, etc,

Over the past two and a half years, Sole Camp has been up and running as a sneaker website. It started as a place for people to reference for most sneaker news, with the occasional personal feature here and there. About a year after I started Sole Camp, I started thinking about the site differently – that perhaps it would be best if Dylan and I focused on stuff that interested us, as opposed to the entire conglomerate of sneaker releases. We took more to doing videos and posting mainly when we thought something was relevant. This has worked for us, for the most part, but over the summer, Dylan and I have had more time to reflect on Sole Camp, and what to do with it in the future as we set off for bigger things in our lives.

After some long thinking about the initial vision for the blog, Dylan and I came to a realization: Sole Camp is not its own entity, like other sneaker websites or sneaker stores (i.e. Sole Camp doesn’t have its own active Twitter page. Dylan and I do.). We always viewed our blog as a place where my brother and I could share news that appealed to us and thoughts that we wanted to get out. However, looking back on all that we have done with Sole Camp, perhaps that never truly showed. The overwhelming majority of our posts have been general “sneaker website” posts: pictures of new shoes, release dates as they come, and of course, “Now Releasing” posts. It is about time we change that.

Enter a revitalized Sole Camp. This is not a website where you will always find the most current, up-to-date sneaker news. There are plenty of sites out there that do a great job with the headlines. Pages like Nice Kicks, Sneaker News, Complex, and Modern-Notoriety have kept me in the know for a long time. Even following the right people on Twitter does you wonders for finding out about upcoming sneaker releases. But anyways…that is not what the blog is about. Every so often, you might find information on a specific sneaker, but when you do, it would be on a sneaker that Dylan and/or I are enthusiastic about. What you will really find on Sole Camp are stories in the place of release dates, videos instead of descriptions, and opinions as opposed to straight facts. Whose stories, videos, and opinions, you ask? Mine and Dylan’s. Simple as that.

I encourage you all to keep up with the blog on some regular basis. You will not see a new post every day, but rest assured that whenever a new post goes up, it will be genuine, from the heart. It will not be up on the website because we feel that it is “necessary,” but rather, because it is something that we feel passionate about. Welcome to Sole Camp, your medium to the thoughts of two sneaker-obsessed dudes.

Ewing Athletics 33 Hi Red/Black-White & White/Blue-Orange

Over the summer, basketball fans were in reminisce mode as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Dream Team’s domination in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Of course, the first guy that comes to mind on that team is Michael Jordan as the leader. Then there are the veterans, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The scoring threat, Charles Barkley. The elite perimeter defender, Scottie Pippen. But what about giving some shine to the main presence in the middle, Patrick Ewing? Looks like that might happen in bundles soon, as Ewing Athletics gets ready to re-release its first model, the 33 Hi. The sneaker originally debuted in 1989, when Ewing Athletics came to fruition, and will now release once again in Red/Black-White and White/Blue-Orange colorways to start. Make sure to be prepared when the 33 Hi comes back after its long 23-year slumber on Friday, August 31 at select retailers such as Kith.