Sole Camp

Nike MAG 2011

Since “Back to the Future 2″ released back in 1989, the sneaker that Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) wore in the future, the Nike MAG, has been the most anticipated sneaker that had no planned release. It was desired by not just sneakerheads, but a whole army of Back to the Future fanatics who even created a campaign to get Nike to release the shoe. Even after Nike released the “McFly” Hyperdunk in 2008, these eager fans refused to settle for anything but the MAG itself. When Nike, Inc. filed a patent for a self-lacing system in 2010, hype on the MAG grew even more, as people began to wait for 2015 to come. But would they have ever thought that the MAG could come sooner? In early September, Nike invited a select number of media and influencers out to Los Angeles for a special event. The invite included a pair of silver shield glasses, like the pair that Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown wore in “Back to the Future 2.” In addition, a day before the event took place, a mysterious YouTube account named DocEmmettBrown88 posted a video that contained a stockroom filled with Nike MAGs. It was about time.

At that event, with a series of videos on the YouTube channel NikeB4TF afterwards, and in a Michael J. Fox appearance on The Late Shoe with David Letterman, Nike announced its “Back For The Future” campaign: Nike would be auctioning off 1,500 pairs of the Nike MAG 2011 on eBay (150 a day for 10 days), and some more pairs in live auctions worldwide. All of the proceeds for the auctions would go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which would help create a future without Parkinson’s Disease through the money raised as well as with a more aware community. The MAGs on eBay managed to raise about $3,000+ a pair! After ten days of auctions (the first of which rapper Tinie Tempah won for $37,500), both live and on eBay, the donated money totaled to an incredible $5,695,190.53. The Nike MAG 2011 “Back For the Future” campaign made pop culture headlines around the world, and has been considered one of the most intriguing stories of the year.

The Nike MAG 2011 sneaker is very special, even without a backstory. The simplistic grey and white upper of the shoe allows details on it, such as the teal-speckling, the lights on the side, sole, and strap, and the rock-like sole, to really stand out. In addition, the noticeably high cut for the shoe makes it seem like a moon boot made for the streets. The box for the shoe is out-of-this-world too, as it can be opened or closed with a magnetic flap, and even displays a “Magnetic Anti-Gravity” warning on it. For young guns like the people on our panel, Marty McFly and his Nike MAGs have always resonated with us and made us hope for the shoe to release. Now that the MAG, while not in full-fledged form (we will have to wait until 2015 for that), is here, there is no way that we could have put it any lower than #1.

So we’re at the end of the year, which means end-of-the-year recaps are aplenty right now. Now, it’s time to add my personal list of top sneakers from 2011 into the mix! I only have nine selections, as I could not decide on a solid #10. Besides, this collection of nine sneakers cannot be messed with whatsoever.

(Sidenote: For those of you who do not know, Dylan and I have one overarching rule for out sneaker purchases: If one of us gets a pair, the other will not. You’ll see why this matters as the list goes on.)

(Sidenote 2: Shouts to Sean Munro, Angel Gonzalez (aka Vagrant Sneaker), Jordan Brand, and Clyde Edwards (aka SneakerboxClyde) for some of these photos!)

9. Air Jordan III Retro “White Cement”

Air Jordan III Retro "White Cement"

In my eyes, this year belonged to Jordan Brand. No question. People will point to different things from the year to show that, but for me, it was the major return of the original Air Jordan III colorways that set Jordan Brand so high. That all started with the release of the “White Cement” Air Jordan III Retro. I cannot say that this is my favorite colorway on the III, but with such an amazing silhouette, how could anyone go wrong with a simple white colorway complimented with red and black accents, along with the elephant print? The answer: never. Throw in the iconic status that the “White Cement” colorway achieved with Michael Jordan’s dunk from the free-throw line, and you have a winner in my book.

8. Air Jordan 1 Retro “Banned”

Air Jordan 1 Retro "Banned"

Before I say anything else, let me say one thing: execution is key. As someone who gets very enthusiastic about certain things, I am one to seek out what I consider the best-looking version of a sneaker design if I am interested in buying that particular design. I love how Jordan Brand went so left-field for the release of the “Banned” Air Jordan 1 Retro (releasing them through Nike Outlets instead of regular Jordan Brand accounts). I love the whole “Banned” concept, with the details inside the shoe, the Nike Air, and one crazy box. I just hate that Jordan Brand made the shoe with tumbled leather. The 2001 version, with the sleek full-grain leather, is one spectacle for sure. The “Banned” 1s? Still very nice, but the shoe does not compare to its predecessor. Nonetheless, this shoe will make for a great consolation prize if I ever give up on finding a size 11.5 pair of 2001 “Bred” 1s.

7. Air Jordan III Retro “Black Cement”

Air Jordan III Retro "Black Cement"

Yes, the same thing applies here, but not in terms of creative execution. In terms of material selection, Jordan Brand stuck to their previous formulas for this re-release of the “Black Cement” III. However, quality also plays a major part in the look of a shoe. With the 2011 “Black Cement” Air Jordan III Retro, that is where Jordan Brand failed big time. I was not a major fan of the cheapened, plasticky leather that Jordan Brand made the 2011 run of Air Jordan III Retros with, and the shine of that leather showed most on this black-based colorway. This ruined the smooth look of the “Black Cement” III colorway for me. But then again, the “Black Cement” Air Jordan III is still one of my favorite shoes of all-time, with its simple (black base), yet eye-grabbing (hits of red, elephant print) design. To not acknowledge and applaud Jordan Brand for bringing back such an awesome sneaker would be flat-out wrong.

6. Nike MAG 2011

Nike MAG 2011

Like Dylan, I have never seen Back to the Future II, or even any Back to the Future movie. However, I learned about the legend that is the Air Mag soon after I started collecting sneakers. It was the shoe that had escaped the grasp of sneaker lovers all around the world for over two decades, and a design that had resonated with me as well. When the news of a Nike MAG 2011 release broke, I was surprised like never before. Because I was away on a school retreat, I did not see any of the teasers that led up to the big news, but instead, the big headline. I was completely taken aback. It all just felt so magical: the official videos created by Nike, the way the MAG 2011 was released, and even the shoe itself. The mix of a futuristic high-top shape (with the infamous strap), light blue speckles, multi-colored LED lights, and the giant “Nike MAG” on the back all drew me in. Had the price tag on a pair been lower than what everyone paid for their pairs, you could have counted on me obtaining a pair somehow. Alas, that dream will be as much of a fantasy to me as the thought of Air Mags dropping was to everyone not too long ago.

5. Ronnie Fieg x Asics GT-II “Ultramarine”

Ronnie Fieg x Asics GT-II "Ultramarine"

Before 2011, I knew of Ronnie Fieg’s work, thanks to Dylan’s enthusiasm over his “The Cove” Asics Gel Lyte III colorway. Alas, out of his released material, there was no sneaker that I really felt like I needed to have. The “Coves” were nice, but with Dylan taking dibs on those, I had no interest in trying to find them anywhere. Then, the first pictures of the “Ultramarine” GT-II dropped, and I was instantly sold on the colorway. The mix of that lush Ultramarine shade with the Turquoise definitely called my name. However, at that point, I did not really see how such a simple model would fit into my collection. So, I passed on the “Ultramarines” and did not look back for a while. Then, I saw people wearing the shoe when I went to David Z for the “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III release, and regret was born deep within me. As time passed, it grew, until eventually, I started sifting through the most obscure places to find a pair. I finally came across a pair in my size on a car magazine’s online forum, bought it from the owner, and have not looked back since. The colorway is purely stunning, especially with the contrast of nubuck tiger stripes on a predominately pigskin upper. Plus, the simplicity of the GT-II silhouette brings the colors on the shoe out like no other silhouette can. All in all, a great shoe with an absolutely killer colorway. Simple as that.

4. Air Jordan V Retro “Tokyo23″

Air Jordan V Retro "Tokyo23"

When it comes to sneakers, some people have self-made standards that they abide by. In some cases, these are brand barriers, model barriers, and/or color barriers. One thing that I stood by at the beginning of 2011 (and for that matter, my entire time as a sneakerhead) was that I would never wear yellow sneakers. Don’t get me wrong. I am a fan of bold and bright sneakers, but to me, mainly-yellow shoes were always tacky and unwearable. In order to change this, a sneaker would have to be very appealing to me. When I saw the first leaked images of this Air Jordan V colorway, I was sold. The crazy features of the Air Jordan V really complimented the Varsity Maize shade well. Black speckles on the yellow “shark’s teeth.” 3M tongue. Grey lace panels. Translucent netting and outsole. Pair all of this with a complimentary helping of black, and it just works. Point blank. The attitude that this shoe commanded was nothing I had seen out of any yellow sneaker before. Hearing that the shoe would be a Tokyo-exclusive only made me want it more. At some point, I came to accept the upsetting truth that getting a pair of “Tokyo23″ Vs would require a boatload of cash – one more boatload than I had. To this day, I will not wear a yellow sneaker unless it is as complete of a colorway as the “Tokyo23″ colorway on this Air Jordan V.

3. Nike Air Foamposite One “Royal”

Nike Air Foamposite One "Royal"

This Foamposite craze is getting more and more tiring by the second. After seeing all of the Foamposite colorways for 2012, my respect for Nike went down a whole deal. While the Foamposite shoes themselves are entering the mainstream, the overall importance of everything behind the line, as well as its “cult” status with sneakerheads, is quickly fading away. The 2009 “Eggplant” and 2010 “Copper” Air Foamposite One colorways were instant classics when they came out, but all of 2011′s new Foamposite colorways have soured the reputation of the line. Thankfully, one shoe still stands today as a symbol of Foamposite past, no matter when it releases: the “Royal” Air Foamposite One.  The fact that Nike dropped the “Royal” Foams this year made my outlook on Foamposites from 2011 much sweeter. When the “Royals” dropped, I made sure to secure my pair quickly. Not only do I love the shoe because of what the colorway stands for. In fact, I probably love the “Royal” Foamposite One more for the colorway itself. Can any fan of blue deny how awesome the Dark Neon Royal shade looks on a shiny Foamposite upper paired with a translucent sole? Please…don’t even try.

2. Air Jordan III Retro “True Blue”

Air Jordan III Retro "True Blue"

As I have previously stated, Jordan fans mainly go crazy for colorways that MJ wore in his Chicago Bulls days. Shoes like the “Bred” 1s, “Black Cement” IIIs, “Black/Infrared” VIs, and “Concord” XIs have extremely large fanbases. But when I look at my list of top Jordans, all I see at the top are non-Bulls colorways: “Aqua” VIIIs, “Grape” Vs, and at the tip-top, “True Blue” IIIs. Why, do you ask? Well, it’s the defiant shape of the III. It’s the pairing of red accents and True Blue details. It’s the use of elephant print by the True Blue lace holes in addition to having it by the toe cap and heel. It’s also how all of this looks on a smooth white leather base. A substantial majority of sneakerheads put “Black Cement” IIIs and “White Cement” IIIs over “True Blue” IIIs, but I will stand by my position of “True Blues” over both forever. And ever. And ever. And ever. And ever. So, why is the shoe number two? Well, literally a month or two before the first rumors of a 2011 re-release leaked out, I put my money where my mouth was and bought a 2009 pair. With the care that I put into my “True Blue” IIIs, I didn’t see the need to buy another pair. And so, I passed. This release did not impact me like a number one sneaker should. Regardless, a spot up this high on my list for the “True Blue” Air Jordan III Retro is well deserved.

1. Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte III “Mint Leaf”

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte III "Mint Leaf"

Tell me whatever you want. Tell me about Nike’s legendary advertisement for the Air Jordan 1 after it was banned by the NBA. Tell me about the campaign by Back to the Future fans that incited the Nike MAG 2011 release. Heck, send a barrage of pictures of Michael Jordan in the air with his knees bent, “White Cement” IIIs on, and ball in hand as he makes the free-throw line dunk attempt. I don’t care. As it stands today, the “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III is my hands-down favorite sneaker of 2011. Back when the shoe released, Dylan and I both liked it, but Dylan conceded the chance of getting a pair to me, as my 11.5 was sure to be gone after his 10.5 would. I failed at the David Z flagship store, but ran to Apple SoHo immediately after to try for a pair online. Still no luck. After the release, I knew what the “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III looked like in person, and knew that they were cool. Just cool. When it came down to actually finding a pair, I was successful, but became hesitant. I was not entirely sure if I wanted to spend $250 on a sneaker that had a similar base color as several other shoes of mine, and not much more than that color. So, I let Dylan nab a pair. Boy, was that a wrong decision. I was happy for him when he found a pair for a reasonable price, but when I saw the “Mint Leafs” up close and personal for the first time, I felt cheated. The shoe looked nothing short of magnificent in person. Surprisingly, this all-Mint shoe’s key feature for me was contrast. The entire upper of the sneaker is covered in the Mint shade, but not all with the same material. While the nubuck portrays the Mint in a subdued way, the mesh makes it extremely vibrant, providing for a beautiful contrast. It’s almost as if the two shades presented are complimentary, but not the same. Then, the light grey on the tiger stripes and midsole makes the Mint pop even more. All of this contributed to my liking of the “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III, and to my jealousy of Dylan’s pair. This jealousy lived with me for a long four months, after which I grew so adamant about getting a pair that I actually looked around for a size 11.5. Nothing to be found. I was afraid that my chances were long lost. Then, this past Sneaker Con came. While at the event, I saw a size 12 pair of “Mint Leafs” for sale. After trying them on, I knew it was over. I had to pay a little more than I would have had I taken a pair back in July, but it was all worth it. I did not care that I was breaking the twin rule. If I could successfully, I would have annoyed Dylan to the point that he’d have to sell his pair. Now, there will be no more of that. Perhaps the excitement of finally getting a pair is spilling out in this ranking, but as I said before, I simply do not care. “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte IIIs over everything else 2011 had to offer. No question for me.

Tonight, I am here to bring you all my Top 10 sneakers of the year. I have put a lot of thought into this list, so I hope you all like it!

10. Tie – Nike Dunk High “Mighty Crown”, Nike LeBron 8 V2 Low “Solar Red” & Nike Air Foamposite One “Royal”

Nike Dunk High "Mighty Crown", Nike LeBron 8 V2 Low "Solar Red" & Nike Air Foamposite One "Royal"

I couldn’t decide on one shoe for this spot, as I thought that all of these deserved it. The “Mighty Crown” Dunk High is a subtle, yet nice shoe, because of its intricate design and high quality. The “Solar Red” LeBron 8 V2 Low is both more flashy and comfortable than the Dunk, but it’s also more one-dimensional. Also, the “Royal” Foamposite One is a classic colorway that looks stunning, even in its 2011 form, but I’ve started to like the Foamposite model less over this year. Consider these my runner-ups, and the Top 9 my real list (All pictures via Nice Kicks).

9. Nike SB Dunk High “Statue of Liberty”

Nike SB Dunk High "Statue of Liberty"

At first, I thought that the “Statue of Liberty” SB Dunk High was cool, but not worth the effort or money. However, after a friend of mine got a pair and I saw him wear his pair a lot, I was sold. The shoe’s shades of green, mint, and off-white fit perfectly together. And its nod to one of NYC’s greatest monuments, the Statue of Liberty of course, is pretty cool too. While I think the quality of the leather used on the shoe could have been better, I can’t deny that the “Statue of Liberty” SB Dunk High is a winner.

8. Air Jordan I Retro “Banned”

Air Jordan I Retro "Banned"

While I passed on the “Banned” Air Jordan I when it came out because I already had a black and red shoe in the “DJ AM” Dunk High, I really regret that decision now. The “Banned” I is an absolutely classic sneaker. The combination of black and red is amazing to me, and that duo is executed beautifully on this shoe. In addition, the ode to when the “Bred” I was originally banned from the NBA in 1985, with the notes on the lining and box, is pretty special. I could easily buy a pair of “Bred” I’s from the DMP Pack, but that Nike Air on the tongue tab of the “Banned” I just looks right.

7. Nike Zoom Kobe VI “Barcelona Away”

Nike Zoom Kobe VI "Barcelona"

I picked the “Barcelona Away” Kobe VI because of its flash. I’ve only seen the shoe once in real life, but when I did, my eyes were immediately drawn to and stuck on it. And while there were some other notable mango-like-colored sneakers in 2011, the “Barcelona Away” Kobe VI takes the cake for the best because of how perfectly the black used on the shoe’s midsole and lining contrasts the mango shade. Boy do I wish that this shoe released in the US…

6. Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga “Mazarine Blue”

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga "Mazarine Blue"

Since I first saw the “Mazarine Blue” Gel Saga at the end in Adam Zenou’s Kith Opening Party video, I’ve been hooked. I love that shade of purplish-blue, kind of like daybreak, used on the shoe. Paired with a black midsole and blue accents, the all-mazarine upper on the “Mazarine Blue” Gel Saga makes the shoe looks ill-er than anything else I’ve seen this year.

5. Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte III “Mint Leaf”

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte III "Mint Leaf"

The “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III is truly stunning. Its mint mesh split-tongue and toe box shine radiantly when hit by light. The mint high-grade nubuck on the shoe also looks very clean. Not to mention that the Gel Lyte III silhouette is very comfortable and has become one of my favorites. I even like the story behind this beautiful colorway, that Ronnie Fieg based it off of mint leaves from his grandmother’s garden in Israel. When I first saw people wear the “Mint Leaf” Gel Lyte III at the release at David Z, I was not 100% sold. But, after I missed out there and thought about the shoe a little more, I knew that I could not totally miss out on it.

4. Concepts x New Balance 999 “Kennedy”

Concepts x New Balance 999 "Kennedy"

As I alluded to in the Sole Camp x Young Guns “Kennedy” post, I’ve never really been a fan of New Balances. That is, until I fell in love with the “Kennedy” 999. When the shoe released back in April, I totally slept on it. However, when I saw someone wearing them at the “Mint Leaf” release in July, I started to regret not paying to attention to them before. Frank the Butcher executed the theme of JFK’s love for sailing perfectly on the “Kennedy”, through ripstop nylon (used in yacht sails), sand-colored suede, very nautical lining, and white mesh on the toe (as a reference to the bags used to catch fish). Heck, the sneaker even came with a white mesh bag! The “Kennedy” also is up a notch in my mind because of the lush suedes used on it and how comfortable the 999 model itself is. I still can’t believe that I’m putting a New Balance shoe on the top half of my list, but boy, does the “Kennedy” 999 deserve it!

3. Air Jordan XI Retro “Concord”

Air Jordan XI Retro "Concord"

I’ve been waiting for the “Concord” XI to re-release since I started learning about Jordans. The shoe’s combination of crisp white mesh and shiny black patent has always caught my attention. However, I could not convince myself to buy a previously-released pair, with a yellowed sole that I did not make yellow (from wear and time). So, I forced myself to wait. And now, after waiting 2+ years and going out early on the morning of 12/23/11, I finally have the “Concord” XI!

2. adidas Originals JS Bear

adidas Originals JS Bear

The JS Bear, especially in the tan colorway, is nothing short of awesome. I kind-of wanted the shoe after seeing some pictures of it online, but when I had the chance to see it in real life, I was sold. The teddy bear head and light fur upper on the JS Bear make the shoe look so cute and me feel like a kid again when I wear it. I also love how the head and arms shake when I walk in the shoe, as if my shoes were living creatures. Overall, Jeremy Scott’s animal-sneaker designs are amazing, but none of them stick out at me like the tan JS Bear does.

1. Nike MAG 2011

Nike MAG 2011

To be honest, I have never seen Back to the Future 2. Regardless, I think the Nike MAG 2011 is the best sneaker that was released in 2011. I have always been a fan of futuristic-looking models (the Yeezy is my favorite shoe ever), and the MAG takes that to a whole new level. The really high cut, teal-speckled panels, and lights all work really well together in my opinion. Like many of you (I’m sure), I wish I could’ve obtained a pair!

That’s all folks! I would love to know what you all have to say about my list. What did you not expect that ended up on my list, and vice versa?

Yesterday, we gave you all a video showing Dylan’s pickups since he shot his entire collection in a video. Now, take a look at all of the sneakers that I picked up in 2011.

Nike Basketball & Jordan Brand 2011 "Christmas" Releases

As always, Nike and Jordan Brand have prepared special editions of signature shoes for their players to wear on the court during Christmas. This year, however, is even more special, as Christmas will mark the official return of the NBA. 196 days ago, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to win the franchise’s first championship ever. Will it happen again? Tomorrow’s NBA Finals rematch will probably give you a signal of what’s to happen. In that game, you will see the “Christmas” LeBron 9 and Fly Wade 2 in action, as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade try to best their ex-Finals foes. Tune in a game earlier, and you will get a glimpse of the “Christmas” Air Max Sweep Thru and Melo M8 on the hardwood when Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony take on the dastardly Boston Celtics. After the Heat-Mavs game, check for the “Cheetah” Zoom Kobe VII Supreme on Kobe Bryant as his Lakers face the Chicago Bulls. The “Metallic Bronze” Zoom KD IV should turn some heads when Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder go up against the Orlando Magic later in the day. Last, but certainly not least, is the debut of the “Lob City” Los Angeles Clippers as the “Christmas” CP3.V-ladden Chris Paul and his squad play against the Golden State Warriors. All of the shoes featured above (and on basketball courts tomorrow) [except for the CP3.V] will be released online as the clock strikes 12:00 am tonight and in other places at various times tomorrow morning. Check with your local Nike Basketball and Jordan Brand retailers to find out the exact details for your area. (Pictures via Modern-Notoriety & Jordan Brand)

Sole Camp x Young Guns Top 10 Sneakers of 2011

Yessir! It’s that time of the year again! After a plethora of mind-boggling, insane sneaker releases, 2011 is finally coming to a close. To commemorate the year, Dylan and I have done something special.

Throughout the summer, our good friend Kyle Powers took some time out of his schedule to show his appreciation for some of the sneaker world’s “Young Guns”, including Dylan and I, on his SneakerTube.tv blog. In his series of articles, Kyle told his readers to take note of what the Young Guns were doing to impact sneaker culture. Well, now you can add something else to the list of accomplishment for several of these young, relevant sneakerheads.

As the end of 2011 drew nearer, Dylan and I started thinking about what we wanted to do on Sole Camp to look back on the great year in sneakers. Last year’s debate on the “top” sneakers of 2010 between myself and Dylan made for some content, but the resulting list seemed a bit biased. We wanted to do something a bit more authentic. So, we reached out to four other friends of ours who were featured in Kyle’s Young Guns series: Jonah, Joe, Justin, and Dan (Check the link above for their Young Guns articles). With extensive preparations and discussion, us six have formed a list of our picks from 2011 – not necessarily what the “top releases” of the year were, but rather, the sneakers that we most loved. And with that, I present to you all the Sole Camp x Young Guns Top 10 Sneakers of 2011. Dylan and I will provide some additional end-of-the-year content on the blog, but the Top 10 will be the main event. Make sure to check back here on Monday for our first pick.

Upscale Vandal Presents #OneMoreChance Nike MAG 2011 Raffle at Extra Butter

This is quite the opportunity. Upscale Vandal, the up-and-coming, exquisite-lifestyle brand headed by a man known by the alias “Charm,” is giving the sneakerhead community one more chance to get the Nike MAG 2011. The brand is teaming up with four sneaker boutiques and holding four raffles. Each store is selling $50 raffle tickets for a change to win a pair of MAGs. Yes…$50! That much for MAGs seems like a dream, right? For all of you Long Islanders, it is anything but, as Extra Butter is one of the stores participating in Upscale Vandal’s #OneMoreChance event. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime shot at Nike MAG 2011s for a ridiculously low price, then get to Extra Butter before all of the tickets sell out! Also, check below for a picture of Extra Butter’s pair of MAGs, courtesy of Tyler Davis.  (more…)

Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle 2011 Collection

While we have already seen the Air Jordan IV in this year’s Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle collection, here is the set in it’s entirety. This time around, Nike has enlisted the help of six kids to create very fun designs of the Air Jordan IV, Air Max 95 and V-Rod for men, and the Shox NZ, Dunk High Skinny and Free Run+ 2 for women. As always, the proceeds from the sales of these sneakers will go towards the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle collection for 2011 is currently scheduled to hit Nike stores on November 5th. Stay tuned to Sole Camp for further updates on the 2011 Doernbecher set, and hit up SneakerNews for a view of the kid behind each shoe, and for a detailed look at each shoe.

Late last week, winners of the highly-coveted Nike MAG 2011 received their pairs in the mail. One of these people (out of the many celebrities, sneakerheads, and Back To The Future fans that bid on the MAG’s), LA-based sneaker reviewer Franalations, posted a video a few days ago of what the shoe looks like on feet. No one could rock the MAG like Marty McFly, but they still look awesome, no matter who’s rocking them! Overall, this video makes me wish that I could’ve bought a pair! I guess I will have to wait until 2015…

Nike MAG 2011

In the past few days, while Jake and I were away, there has been a lot of development on the release of the Air Mag sneaker from Back to the Future II. Dubbed the Nike MAG 2011, here is an official statement from Nike on it:

“The NIKE MAG is no longer the “greatest shoe never made.” The mythical shoe that originally captured the imagination of audiences in Back to the Future II is being released – and they’re here to help create a future without Parkinson’s disease.

The 2011 NIKE MAG – It’s About Time.”

While the Nike MAG 2011 does not lace itself up like in the movie (we will have to wait until 2015 for that), it is still undoubtedly Nike’s greatest sneaker release in recent memory. Despite that fact that the sneaker will not nearly be accessible to everyone that would want it, Nike has gone on leaps and bounds to promote it. For Fashion Night Out in New York City on Thursday night, Nike decorated the outside of it’s 21 Mercer store in Soho as a Back to the Future haven. Nike also hosted a special invite-only conference in Los Angeles on Thursday night to unveil the MAG. In addition, Michael J. Fox appeared on David Letterman, that same night, to reveal the famed sneaker to the world. Finally, like Nike has for sneakers so different as the Air Jordan III and the Zoom Kobe IV, they created a star-studded commercial for the Nike MAG 2011. And as expected, the sneaker has already been so appreciated within not just the sneakerhead community, but by the public as a whole. A co-founder of Google stated that he would match up to $50 Million in funds raised and donate it to Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s Foundation. In addition rappers Tinie Tempah and Kid Cudi have already boasted on Twitter about obtaining pairs (Tempah won the first pair sold at a live auction for $37,500, while Cudi already won 4 pairs from the auctions on eBay). And overall, just between the first two days of sales, the Nike MAG 2011′s have raised over $1.5 Million for the Parkinson’s Foundation! Anyways, in addition to the eBay auctions for the sneakers, there will be a few live auctions for them, including one at Niketown New York. Stay tuned to Sole Camp for any further information on the Nike MAG 2011, and check out the MAG-related links below (Picture via Sole Collector):

Nike MAG 2011 News Stories on Sole Collector - http://solecollector.com/focus/nike+mag/

eBay Auctions for the Nike MAG 2011 - http://nikemag.ebay.com/

“Back for the Future” Channel on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/NikeB4TF

Back 4 the Future Website - http://www.back4thefuture.com/#!home