Sole Camp

So, March has, undoubtedly, been the craziest month of 2010 so far for sneaker releases. So, I figured, why not make a video to document my March 2010 pickups, as well as my brother’s? This is the start of something special: The Sole Camp YouTube page. Subscribe to the YouTube page here. For now, enjoy the above video, and be on the lookout for more videos as time goes along.

P.S. I know, I was about to call the “Larry Perkins” Dunk Low’s “Chirping Bird”‘s so many times. It has become a habit.

Jordan Brand already has an awesome lineup of sneakers set for April, May and June. You can add two more shoes to that long list of releases though. I just got word today about these two releases, that no other blogs have reported on so far! Without further ado:

Air Jordan 2010 Black/Black-University Blue - April 24th, 2010

A new colorway of the Air Jordan 2010 will drop on Saturday, April 24th. When images of this colorway of the Air Jordan 2010 surfaced on the internet, everyone, even Air Jordan 2010 haters, was struck with awe. The combination of Black and University Blue seemed to work well on shoes like the Air Jordan V, but this just took it to a whole new level. The combination of a patent leather toebox, University Blue accents, and a somewhat clear university blue midsole really makes the shoe pop off. Also, with a primarily black upper, even the “window” of the Air Jordan 2010 doesn’t ruin the design of the shoe, as long as one wears black socks. Unfortunately, though, this Air Jordan 2010 will be a Quickstrike release, as only limited Jordan Brand retailers, like House of Hoops, will carry it.

Air Jordan XI Retro "Silver Anniversary" - May 1st, 2010

I hope the Silver Anniversary releases this past weekend didn’t empty your wallet completely, because the Air Jordan XI Retro for the Silver Anniversary line will release on Saturday, May 1st. Yes, the beloved Air Jordan XI. Not the VI, or the XI, or the X, but indeed, the Air Jordan XI. If you’re a fan of the “Columbia” Air Jordan XI, I would definitely suggest getting a pair of these. Better yet, if you’re a fan of Air Jordan XI’s in general, I would recommend that you pick up a pair of the “Silver Anniversary” Air Jordan XI Retro’s. Like the “Silver Anniversary” Air Jordan IX Retro, this XI Retro opts out of metallic accents, providing for a simple, yet oh-so-decadent shoe. The icy sole is (*pun intended*) the icing on the cake!

So, add those two sneakers to the list of wallet-destroyers. I have a surprise for you all, but you’ll have to wait for a bit. Stay tuned…

Air Jordan 1 Retro "Foamposite"

A few weeks ago, as Jordan Brand’s list of Late 2010 releases leaked, rumors of an Air Jordan 1 made of foamposite material surfaced. Well, with a revelation made at Wish and TheShoeGame’s A Night With Jordan Brand, said rumor can be confirmed. Two greats aspects of basketball shoes make up this shoe: It is the pioneer shoe of the Air Jordan line, and it uses foamposite material. Yes, this Air Jordan 1 has a black foamposite upper. The only stray-aways on this shoe from the black are an ice blue Air Jordan Wings logo and an icy outsole. I think that this Air Jordan 1 will make for a great beater, come Fall/Winter. In the cold, the outsole will probably stay icy for a while. The black color of the shoe isn’t too loud, at all. Furthermore, foamposite material is beyond comfy. Expect the “Foamposite” Air Jordan 1 Retro to hit Jordan Brand retailers later this year. (Picture via NiceKicks)

An Air Foamposite One sample from 2007...could this actually be releasing?!

Lately, there has been confusion among Foamposite lovers about the rumored “Metallic Red” Air Foamposite One. Initially, a release date of May 15th, 2010, was spread around the web. Well, it’s time to clear up any and all release date rumors. There is an Air Foamposite One releasing on May 15th, 2010, but it isn’t the “Metallic Red” colorway. Rather, it will be an Air Foamposite One that closely resembles a 2007 release, in a Black/Black-Red colorway. So, what’s going to be different about the shoe releasing in May from the 2007 release? Well, instead of a solid red sole, the Foamposite releasing in May will have a translucent red sole, closer to the 2007 Foamposite sample pictured above.

That probably leaves you to wonder: Will the “Metallic Red” Air Foamposite One release at all? I am happy to say, that the answer to the afore mentioned question is yes. The “Metallic Red” Air Foamposite One, officially dubbed as a Metallic Varsity Red/Black colorway, will release on November 26, 2010, which is, indeed, Black Friday. Stay tuned to Sole Camp for information on both releases, hopefully in the near future.

Air Jordan IX Retro Premio

Continuing Jordan Brand’s Bin 23 project, after the Air Jordan II Retro Premio, is a Premio makeup of the Air Jordan IX, pictured above. The red wax Bin 23 seal gives the Premio status away. The shoe uses two primary colors: White, in the leather upper, mesh tongue lining, heel tab, embroidery, and outsole, and Metallic Gold, on part of the upper, the lace holders, midsole, “Air Jordan” tongue tag, and Jumpman logo. Just like the Air Jordan II Retro Premio, expect this IX Retro to be high-quality, but have a very limited release. Is this Air Jordan IX makeup worthy of it’s Premio status? Look at additional pictures below and voice your opinion! (more…)

Nike Zoom Kobe V Blue/Black-White

Since the shoe first released on Christmas Day 2009, the Zoom Kobe V has been released in a variety of colorways. In my opinion, only a couple of these colorways have stood out. Most of the colorways of the Zoom Kobe V have used dull two or three-tonal designs. In fact, the only colorways of the shoe that have stood out to me so far are the “Chaos” colorway, with the crazy combination of green and purple, and the “All-Star” colorway, with the use of woodgrain print and bright red for the upper. And while Zoom Kobe V colorways that utilize Blue, Black, and White have been released, like the “Dark Knight” and “Duke” colorways, you can add the Zoom Kobe V shown about to my list of awesome Zoom Kobe V colorways. The Blue/Black-White Zoom Kobe V doesn’t just have any regular shade of blue, but rather, has a bright blue upper. This colorway of the basketball shoe opts out of the complicated textures and finishes normally found on Zoom Kobe V’s, and just has a flywire-laden upper. Also found on this Zoom Kobe V is a nice, crisp white outsole, which contrasts beautifully with the black midsole, and matches well with the white accents found on the upper. While no release information has surfaced for this shoe, I would expect it to come out just in time for the summer. The combination of bright blue on the upper and the fresh-as-hell white outsole make this Zoom Kobe V a perfect summer shoe. Hit the “More” link for additional pictures. (more…)

Nike SB Dunk Low Black/Green-Mustard

The “Purple Skunk” Nike SB Dunk High has been a hot topic of discussion on sneaker forums ever since it was first revealed. Although, it isn’t the only Nike SB sneaker revealed to release soon. Recently, images of this Nike SB Dunk Low have spread across the internet. I find it much more simplistic than the Dunk’s that Nike SB has been putting out lately (“Larry Perkins” Dunk Low, “Huxtable” Dunk High, etc.). This Black/Green-Mustard Dunk Low has an upper composed of green suede, perforated black leather, and a strikingly-odd mustard leather. Something interesting to note, concerning the mustard leather, is that it has Nike’s famous Safari print. For those going for the more laid-back look that this sneaker gives off, look for these to hit Nike SB retailers as a Quickstrike release in April. Mire pictures of this Dunk Low can be found after the jump. (more…)

I’m sorry, guys. Today, I found out that I’ve been making a mistake about the “Silver Anniversary” III, IV, and IX Retro releases. Initially, I said that the shoes would only be released in specific regions. Turns out, that is only partly correct. For sneaker boutiques with Jordan Brand accounts, the releases are regional. Also, though, as Jordan Brand initially said on their blog, the shoes release at specific retailers. The III Retro is available at all Foot Lockers, the IV Retro is available at all Foot Actions, and the IX Retro is available at all Finish Lines. How did I confirm the above statements, you ask? I took a trip to one of (if not) Long Island’s most popular mall, Roosevelt Field.

At Roosevelt Field, I first went to Foot Action, who had the IV Retro, which was slated as an eastern region release. I saw them prior to this instance, though, at a different sneaker store. The leather on the IV is of pretty good material (as in, closer to the premium leather of the “Motorsports” VI Retro, than tumbled leather). Another thing that stood out at Foot Action, though, was that they had the Marina Blue/Marina Blue-Medium Blue-White Air Jordan 1 Phat, which is supposed to release in April. The use of different shades of blue on the shoe really appealed to me online. In person, though, they look, and even feel better than I imagined. The colorway is still just as appealing in person, but furthermore, the shoe takes an odd approach for materials. The upper is primarily composed of mesh, with a foam-like material covering the mesh in places. That probably makes for quote the comfortable shoe!

Next, I went to Foot Locker. To my surprise, they had the Air Jordan III Retro. I looked around the store for a bit, and just out of curiosity, decided to try on the III Retro. The shoe itself seemed comfortable, with an even better-quality upper than the IV Retro. On foot, though, the “Silver Anniversary” colorway of the III seemed sub-par. The metallic silver accents take away from any sort of all-white feel of the “Silver Anniversary” III Retro. I don’t think the III fits well with the Silver Anniversary colorway. Perhaps it’s more of a grower…

After Foot Locker came Finish Line. Finish Line had the IX Retro, which, from the pictures online, seemed like my favorite out of the three Retro’s. In person, I would have to say the same. The IX has a material quality level on-par with the III for sure (if not better than the III). Furthermore, the “Silver Anniversary” IX Retro actually has the all-white feel that the Silver Anniversary Retro’s should give off: All-white, with no metallic silver accents, that is. I also tried on the IX Retro. If I had the money right now (that I spent on the “Larry Perkins” Dunk Low’s and the “Eggplant” Foamposites), I would have definitely gotten a pair of the “Silver Anniversary” IX Retro’s, even with the difficulty of keeping a pair of all-white sneakers clean! Honestly, they look even cleaner on feet that they do on the shelf! Maybe it’s the fact that they are more of a high-top, but something about the “Silver Anniversary” IX Retro just gave off a presence.

And that’s it. Again, I am sorry for causing any confusion, regarding the “Silver Anniversary” releases. I hope you all find the pairs that you like now. As a bonus, I took a picture of the III Retro on my feet, in case any of you are wondering how it looks. I forgot to take a picture with the IX’s on, though. You can take my word that they are beautiful, though. With another break rolling around, I will probably have time to post a bit more than usual, so look out for a lot of posts in the upcoming days!

Myself in the "Silver Anniversary" Air Jordan III Retro. How do you like the III Retro?

Air Jordan III, IV, IX Retro "Silver Anniversary"

Well, tomorrow isn’t just the day of the AJKO return. Saturday, March 27th, also marks the next step in Jordan Brand’s commemoration of 25 years since the original Air Jordan released, or, as many of you refer it to as, the “Silver Anniversary”. Tomorrow, the “Silver Anniversary” Air Jordan III, IV, and IX Retro’s will release. What’s special about this release, though, is that in a majority of cases, not all shoes will be available at one store. In fact, only one shoe will be available per region. In the West, you can pick up the Air Jordan III Retro. In the East, you can pick up the Air Jordan IV Retro. In the South, you can pick up the Air Jordan IX Retro. Well, what if you want all 3, or one pair that isn’t available in your region? You can either resort to buying online, or, go to your nearest House of Hoops or NikeTown, as all House of Hoops and NikeTown’s will have all three shoes in stock. In my case, for example, I find the IX Retro to be much more appealing than the III and IV Retro’s. So, I could go into New York City and go to either House of Hoops or NikeTown to get the IX Retro. Well, what shoe are you guys going to pick up? Which do you find most appealing? If the answers for these questions are unclear at the moment, maybe a trip to one of the afore mentioned locations will do you some good! Happy hunting to you all tomorrow!

Air Jordan 1 Retro KO Hi White/Black-Varsity Red

Air Jordan 1 Retro KO Hi White/Varsity Red

Twenty five years after its initial release, the AJKO makes a comeback tomorrow, March 27th. The idea and execution of canvas on an Air Jordan 1 has excited many for the return of the AJKO. Furthermore, people are just eating up the vintage look that Jordan Brand has given the AJKO, with a pre-yellowed midsole and a scuffed outsole. Unfortunately, though, many retailers will not be carrying the AJKO, in either the White/Black-Varsity Red colorway, nor the White/Varsity Red colorway. So if you’re a fan of 1′s, be on the lookout for stores carrying the AJKO, starting tomorrow! (Picture via Jordan Brand)