Sole Camp

Since the start of the Nike Skateboarding line back in 2002, Nike has released Dunk after Dunk for skaters and sneakerheads alike to drool over. There have been good times (the debut of the Dunk Mid, collaborations with various streetwear brands and stores) and bad ones too (the removal of the fat tongue, an overall dip in quality) for the SB Dunk. But now, Complex has sorted through it all and come up with a list of the 50 Best SB Dunks. While I don’t 100% agree with everything on this list, I think it’s a good read. I hope you all like it and maybe even learn a thing or two from it! Maybe Jake and I should do something like this sometime…

Last summer was arguably Nike Basketball’s biggest summer in a long time, with the World Basketball Festival and the introduction of the Hyperdunk 2010 and Hyperfuse. It does not look like a World Basketball Festival will be happening this year, but regardless, Nike will try to challenge last summer’s releases with a slew of new and improved basketball shoes. In July, two new Nike Basketball shoes will debut.

Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011

Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 Black/Metallic Luster-Photo Blue-Volt

Already? Yes, indeed. Next month, Nike will drop an updated version of the Zoom Hyperfuse: the Zoom Hyperfuse 2011. Although not even a year’s worth of time has passed since the initial Hyperfuse release, it seems that Nike has made an attempt to make improvements upon the shoe. The most obvious difference between the two versions of the Hyperfuse is the change in mesh paneling. The Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 has mesh windows all around the upper, providing even more breathability than its predecessor. Second is the new midsole wrap. The 2011 has a panel by the midsole (where the swoosh is) that gives even more stability to an already very stable silhouette. Finally, the newer Hyperfuse does not have a padded collar like the original. Instead, the designers of the Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 put a less bulky, yet still reinforced collar on the shoe. The people behind the Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 were aiming to create a basketball shoe with even more stability, breathability, and durability. From the details above, it seems like they absolutely accomplished this mission. Look for the Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 (in several colorways) in Nike Basketball retailers on Friday, July 15th.

Nike Air Shox Hyperballer

Nike Air Shox Hyperballer Wolf Grey/White-Sport Red

Earlier this year, the two worlds of Hyperfuse and Max Air collided when Nike released the Air Max Fly By. Next up? Hyperfuse and Shox Air. In recent years, it seems like Nike Shox basketball shoes have been overshadowed by the more popular Hyperdunk and Hyperfuse silhouettes. With the release of the Air Shox Hyperballer, the seldom-used Shox technology can officially be declared back. This shoe builds on the Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 with Shox Air columns, a phylon midsole, and a rubber herringbone traction outsole. If you want to try something new for basketball, then pick up the Air Shox Hyperballer (also in various colorways) from your local Nike Basketball retailer on Saturday, July 9th. (Pictures via Sole Collector)

Nike Air Foamposite Pro "Retro"

While it seems like the “Dark Pine” Foamposite Pro has taken all attention from the “Retro” Foamposite Pro, it is now the “Retro” Foams’ time to shine, literally! The sneaker will release tomorrow, Friday, July 1st, to many Nike Sportswear retailers across the nation. Day-after-day, the hype on the “Retro” Foamposite Pro has risen, and now, more than seven hours before the shoe releases at midnight at Footaction and House of Hoops on 34th Street (in NYC), people are already lined up for them there! Good luck on getting this hot summer release! If you would like to stick to Long Island, Extra Butter and Sneaker Bistro are good options for stores to hit up for the “Retro” Foamposite Pro.

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte III "Mint Leaf"

A couple weeks ago, I gave you all a sneek peek at Ronnie Fieg’s newest Asics collaboration, the “Mint Leaf” (previously called “Mint”) Asics Gel Lyte III. Yesterday, Fieg put up a new flick of the shoe on his blog. From this new look, certain details of the shoe have been revealed. Based on the picture, it looks like the “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III will depart from the normal materials found on Fieg’s Asics collaborations. The shoe will still have high-grade nubuck on the toe tip, sides, and back. However, for this release, Fieg will depart from his normal use of pigskin, instead opting to go for mesh on both the tongue and toebox. Even without pigskin, there is no doubt that the “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III is one hot shoe. Stay tuned to Sole Camp for release information soon!

Air Jordan V Retro "Quai 54"

I am sad to inform you all that the “Quai 54″ Air Jordan V will not hit stores in the U.S. The shoe released at many Foot Locker/House of Hoops locations across Europe this past weekend in coordination with the Quai 54 basketball festival that Jordan Brand put on in Europe. Many people had expected the “Quai 54″ V to debut in the U.S. at House of Hoops locations this weekend, but like I said, that will not happen. If you really want though, you can still get the V’s on eBay (Info via SneakerNews & Picture via Crooked Tongues).

Nike SB July 2011 Releases

As of late, Jordan Brand has been getting all of the attention on Sole Camp. But that’s not to say that the other brands are not up to anything! In fact, Nike SB is dropping its July 2011 lineup at skate shops across the nation within the next couple days. Above, you can see six of the July 2011 Nike SB releases. Two of these, the “UK Passport” Dunk Low and Black/Black Janoski Mid, are “Below the Line” releases. If you don’t recall from past posts of mine, this means that the mentioned shoes are in-store exclusives and more limited. The others should be available anywhere you go for skate shoes within the upcoming days, if not already. Below, I will cover two of my favorites from the July 2011 Nike SB collection.

Nike SB Dunk High “True Red”

Nike SB Dunk High "True Red"

With this shoe, Nike decided to take a design out of the SB Dunk catalog and recreate it; the “True Red” Dunk High takes after the “True Red” Dunk Low released way back in July 2003 in many ways. For one, this Dunk High is covered in the same blood-like red shade as the Dunk Low was. Both shoes have black Nike swooshes, black linings, and black outsoles. In addition, suede can be found on both shoe’s uppers. However, there is one difference between the two, besides for the apparent difference in height. The Dunk Low has some leather paneling, while the Dunk High is completely covered in red and black suede. Nonetheless, the “True Red” Dunk High is a hot shoe! The bright red upper makes for a perfect summer shoe and neckbreaker in general.

Nike SB Zoom Eric Koston 1 Black/Black

Nike SB Zoom Eric Koston 1 Black/Black

Talk about polar opposites. While the “True Red” Dunk High is the epitome of bright, this Black/Black Zoom Eric Koston 1 is the epitome of subtle. The shoe has a seamless black upper with a very complimentary dark grey swoosh. What really sets this shoe off for me, though, is the gum sole. The gum sole is a classic look, especially when paired with a neutral shade like white or black. Last month, Nike SB released a black Koston 1, which I thought might serve as a good beater shoe. I feel the same way about this shoe, but tenfold. If you don’t have a go-to shoe for the upcoming school year yet, then the Black/Black Zoom Eric Koston 1 should definitely be on your cop list. (Pictures via Black Sheep)

Air Jordan XIV Retro "Last Shot"

Here’s a look at the other Air Jordan XIV Retro releasing this holiday season. The reiteration of the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV for 2011 stays consistent with past releases of the same colorway. This “Last Shot” XIV Retro has a predominately black upper, with the utilization of both black tumbled leather and black suede. Varsity Red accents appear on the shoe’s heel, lining, and midsole. Black is also painted along the midsole, and finishes off the shoe on the outsole. However, the striking feature of the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV Retro is the yellow Jumpman emblem close to the heel. This shoe is expected to release in December. For now, though, you can take an in-depth look at the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV Retro on Modern Notoriety.

Jordan Brand Spring 2012 Preview

2012 is looking like a good year for Air Jordans right from the start. In January, two new models will debut in stores. The first one, the Jordan X Auto Clave, looks like a sleek lifestyle model. The other model, the Air Jordan 8.0, seems like an upgraded (in terms of performance for Basketball) form of the original VIII model. It’s like how the Air Jordan 2.0 is related to the Air Jordan II. Anyways, the Auto Clave will release in many colorways throughout the season, while the 8.0 will release in “Aqua” and White/Varsity Red colorways, in January and March respectively. In addition, the CMFT 10 will return in a slew of colorways in Spring 2012 alongside the return of it’s parent model, the Air Jordan X. The last time the X released was in the 10/13 Countdown Pack, in the “Shadow” colorway. This time around, three different versions of the X will release, starting with the first re-release ever of the “Chicago” X in January. Then, in February and March, two new colorways of the X, White/Old Royal-Stealth and Black/White-Stealth respectively, will hit stores. Finally, in February 2012, a new Jordan Spiz’ike colorway (Neutral Grey/Varsity Maize-Dark Charcoal-Sapphire Blue-Varsity Red-Black) will debut alongside an original colorway of one of the shoes the makes up the Spiz’ike, the “White Cement” Air Jordan IV. As of right now, though, the shoe will be colored up in Tech Grey, as opposed to Cement Grey. Stay tuned to Sole Camp for more developments for the Spring 2012 season for Jordan Brand and for information on upcoming seasons (Picture via All-Day/SneakerNews).

Air Jordan XII "Playoff", "Taxi", and "Obsidian"

In 2009, Jordan Brand gave the masses a helping of Air Jordan XII Retros by rereleasing the “Flu Game”, “Cherry”, and “Nubuck” colorways, as well as by debuting a “Rising Sun” colorway. Two and a half years after the end of the last XII Retro wave (Summer 2012, that is), Jordan Brand will release another wave of Air Jordan XII Retros. However, this wave has some even more anticipated Air Jordan XII Retros than the last. For one, Jordan Brand will continue with its recent grey infatuation by releasing a new Cool Grey/White-Team Orange colorway of the Air Jordan XII. However, the rest of the colorways are classics. First, the “Taxi” Air Jordan XII colorway, which last saw a Retro release in the 2008 Air Jordan XI/XII Countdown Pack, will return. Going even further back, Jordan Brand will please the Jordan heads with an Air Jordan XII Retro whose colorway last released in 2004: the “Playoff” XII Retro. Finally, and most notably, Jordan Brand will bring back an Air Jordan XII colorway that has not seen the light of day on store shelves since its original release. The “Obsidian” Air Jordan XII colorway will see its first Retro release ever in the Summer of 2012. If you’re a fan of the Air Jordan XII, then it seems like 2012 will be quite the year for you! Unfortunately, all you can do now is wait for more information on these releases. (Picture via Sneaker News)

Blue & Cream Westhampton

On Sole Camp, we usually cover the traditional sneaker boutique-type stores. However, this might not cater to all of you out there. Are you more into high-end fashion? If so, Blue & Cream might just be your personal heaven. The chain, which can be found in SoHo, Westhampton, and East Hampton, specializes in the upscale fashion and general lifestyle that defines these areas. They have stunning accessories (How about RetroSuperFuture sunglasses and watches from Triwa and G-Shock?), premium-quality denim (from the likes of Spurr and Rag & Bone), and an assortment of products from Blue & Cream’s own clothing brand, The Lamptons. Not to mention that Blue & Cream also has a fine selection of sneakers, ranging from old and new Nike SB releases to high-end shoes from Puma. If you’re looking to live like the glamorous celebrities that venture into SoHo and The Hamptons, then you should definitely visit Blue & Cream! Take a quick look at what they have on their website, and visit their three locations today.