Sole Camp

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)

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.

Nike Air Max 90 VNTG "Infrared"

Ever since I have designated one of my two pairs of “Infrared” Air Max 90s from the 2010 release as my beaters, the shoe has had a special place in my heart. Even now, with that pair totally worn out (creased upper, yellowed midsole, and all), I still appreciate the shoe to the fullest. That is why I might just end up buying yet another pair when the VNTG version above drops. As with all VNTG makeups, this “Infrared” Air Max 90 has a yellowed midsole. For those of you who hate the “splatter-yellow” effect that Nike has taken to for previous VNTG releases, be pleased, as they have yellowed the entire midsole on the shoe, making it actually look like a pair that has sat in the closet for years. In addition, the grey suede on the upper is a bit darker than usual, again showing the effect of age. Not a fan of the Air Max 90? That’s fine too, since this isn’t the only VNTG Air Max dropping in the near future. Along with the “Infrared” Air Max 90 come the “Varsity Red” Air Max 1, “Neon” Air Max 95, and “Silver Bullet” Air Max 97 all in VNTG makeups. Expect all four to drop sometime in early 2013. (Picture via Highsnobiety)

Air Jordan 1 Retro "Royal"

At the start of 2012, one shoe that I sought after more than any other was the 2001 release of the “Royal” Air Jordan 1. I ended up finding a pair by April, but after seeing the 2013 Retro version above, I’ve decided I might just have to get them again. The quality on the full-grain leather looks to be in tip-top shape for this release, and the “Nike Air” tag on the tongue never hurt anyone. If you are as excited for this drop as I am, check Modern-Notoriety now for more pictures.

Here are some of this weekend’s notable releases:

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga “Neptune Blue” – Friday, August 3rd

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga "Neptune Blue"

Tomorrow, Friday, August 3rd, marks the release of the “Neptune Blue” Gel Saga, Ronnie Fieg’s latest sneaker design (and the recent hot topic on Sole Camp). The shoe will hit shores at Kith’s two retail stores in Manhattan (644 Broadway) and Brooklyn (233 Flatbush Ave), as well as KithNYC.com, at 11 AM. You can buy the sneaker individually for $145, or in a bundle, available in-store only, with a Quintin x Kith 5-panel hat and Kith “Neptune Blue” duffel bag for $225. Anyone who wants to snag a pair of the oceanic sneakers can start waiting it out at either Kith location at 7 PM tonight, or just try online tomorrow morning.

EDIT: According to a tweet that Kith just put out, you will only be able to buy the $225 bundle if you buy the sneakers from either roy the Kith retail locations. If you want the sneakers separately, you will have to test your luck on the Kith website.

Air Jordan IV Retro White/Varsity Red-Black – Saturday, August 4th

Air Jordan IV Retro White-Varsity Red-Black

The latest Air Jordan Retro to hit stores will be the White/Varisty Red-Black Air Jordan IV. Even though the shade of red used on it is not the same as on the OG pair (“Fire Red”), it should still be a pretty hot commodity for Jordan fans across the globe. You can get this shoe at your local Jordan Brand retailer this Saturday, August 4th, or $160. If you want a more detailed look at this shoe, stay tuned…

Concepts x New Balance 999 “SEAL”

Concepts x New Balance 999 "SEAL"

The last release for this weekend is yet another killer: Boston sneaker haven Concepts‘ latest collab with New Balance, the SEAL 999. Based on the footwear of the US Navy Sea, Air, and Land teams, the shoe mixes comfort, wearability, and quality all in one subtle design. You can purchase the SEAL 999 (and its accompanying Arcteryx SEAL jacket) on Saturday, August 4th at Concepts (37 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA) in-store at 10 AM or on shop.cncpts.com at 12 PM. If you plan on getting the shoes in-store, get there early! If not, good luck!

Concepts x New Balance 999 "SEAL"

If you know where to look, you might have seen pictures of this sneaker already. Out of respect for the guys at Concepts (and a love for the sneaker), I decided to keep it under wraps until the crew there dropped their own pictures. After a year of waiting, we all can see Concepts’s follow-up to the “Kennedy” 999. This one also has a patriotic theme, but in a different light. The “SEAL” New Balance 999 pays tribute to the US Navy Sea, Air, and Land teams, and more specifically, to their footwear: New Balance’s high-performance water boot, the OTB Abyss II. The non-typical materials used on this 999, like ballistic mesh, stain-resistant microfiber suede, and ultra-breathable nylon, come directly from the Abyss II. Add on the morse code branding on the tongue, military font “999″ on the heel, and the topographic inner lining and insole, and you can definitely see the US Navy influence. And that’s not to say that the shoe isn’t aesthetically appealing, as the different shades of blue combined with tan and grey say otherwise. If you like this sneaker as much as I do, you’ll be sure to either be at Concepts in Cambridge, MA or glued to your computer when this drop happens on this upcoming Saturday, August 4. The “SEAL” Concepts x New Balance 999, will be released in-store at Concepts at 10 am, and subsequently on their web store at 12 pm. Check the Concepts website for more information on the sneaker, and hit the jump for a few additional pictures.  (more…)

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga "Neptune Blue" Bundle

Now that the #Kithstrike has passed, the official release of the “Neptune Blue” Gel Saga is on the way. On Friday, August 3rd (this upcoming Friday), the sneaker, laden with slate grey nubuck and cove blue accents, will release at Kith Manhattan, Kith Brooklyn, and KithNYC.com for $145. Additional features of the shoe to note are the white accents, lavender lining, and 3 options for laces, lavender flat, grey flat, and grey/cove round. In addition, Kith is also releasing an in-store bundle with the “Neptune Blue” Gel Saga. Priced at $225 and limited to 100 sets per store, it includes the shoe, a black/white/cove Quintin x Kith “Just Us” 5-panel hat, and a blue/white duffel bag constructed with canvas and a leather handle. As mentioned on their website, Kith will not let anyone line up at either of their retail locations before 7 PM on Thursday, August 2nd, so do not try to camp or be tricky about it, because you will then not be allowed to purchase the sneaker. Jake and I will try on make it out to Kith Manhattan on Friday like we always do, but are not sure if we’re going to be there yet. Either way, be safe, and good luck! Also, check below for shots of each individual piece of the “Neptune Blue” bundle. (more…)

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga "Neptune Blue"

Like Kith has done for some of Ronnie Fieg’s recent sneaker designs (“Mazarine Blue” Asics Gel Saga, “Steel Blue” New Balance 999), they dropped a small helping of the upcoming Ronnie Fieg-designed “Neptune Blue” Asics Gel Saga yesterday afternoon in #Kithstrike fashion. Both Jake and I lucked out on that, but if you didn’t, stay tuned for an official release date on the shoe, as Kith has said themselves that the date is coming soon. In the meanwhile, you can check out some more detailed images of the “Neptune Blue” Gel Saga below.

(more…)

Nike Flyknit Racer & Flyknit Trainer+

If you are a running sneaker fanatic, then you better have tomorrow circled as an important release day. Back in February, Nike unveiled a new composition technology that the company had developed called Flyknit. This Flyknit composition allows for the upper of any Flyknit sneaker to be nothing but an ultra-light knit. Literally, the upper on the sneaker has the feel of a sock. Combo that with Zoom Air cushioning, and you have a pretty cool running/training combination. Nike will launch the Flyknit material tomorrow on two different models. The Flyknit Racer, the narrower silhouette of the two, is made specifically for running and, as one would assume, racing. The Flyknit Trainer+ is more of a multipurpose sneaker than the Racer, and thus, works well for both running and training. Tomorrow, July 27, two Racer colorways and a staggering ten Trainer+ colorways will be released at Nike-affiliated stores worldwide and very select mom-and-pop running stores. If you are in the New York City area, try Niketown NY, 21 Mercer, or the Nike Running store located at 156 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron district. If you can’t make it to an official Nike store tomorrow, make sure to be on your computer at 8 am est tomorrow when all twelve sneakers drop on NikeStore. For now, check the jump for a visual comparison of the Racer and Trainer+, and check here for a list of all of the colorways releasing tomorrow (see Running).  (more…)

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga "Neptune Blue" worn by Adam Zenou

Apparently, the “Neptune Blue” Gel Saga, Ronnie Fieg’s latest Asics design, is coming. Soon. Ronnie himself posted a picture of him wearing a pair of the Sagas a few days ago, and since then, a few of the other KithSet members, Adam Zenou, Nick Annacone, & Andy Oliver, have all broke out their pairs. The most notable things to take away from the pictures are that the shoe will come with round Blue/White laces and Grey laces, and that the “Slate” shade used on the upper is somewhere between a straight Grey (like in Ronnie and Andy’s pictures) and a Purplish/Navyish Grey (like in Adam and Nick’s pictures). Now all we need is a release date! Stay tuned to Sole Camp for more information, and look below for more views of the “Neptune Blue” Gel Saga. (more…)