This is not what all of the hype is about, but it certainly is a large chunk of it. Today, we visited Extra Butter, where they have all three “Galaxy” Dunk Highs and the three Nike Basketball “Galaxy” sneakers – the Zoom Kobe VII, LeBron 9, and Zoom KD IV. Extra Butter will put out the Dunk Highs tomorrow, February 23, at 11 am, and the Nike Basketball signatures at 12:00 am on Friday, February 24th. Click the play button for a look at all six sneakers.
Nike Dunk High "Galaxy"
Nike Air Flight One "Galaxy"
Nike Air Flight One "Orlando"
To kick off NBA All-Star Weekend, Nike Sportswear has a few sneakers releasing, all inspired in part by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Orlando. First, there is the trio of “Galaxy” Dunk Highs, all with 3M eyestays, waxed canvas uppers, removable logos, and glow-in-the-dark soles for good measure. In addition, Penny fans will get treated to two Air Flight One colorways: the original “Orlando” version and a new-age “Galaxy” version equipped with a removable front logo and glow-in-the-dark accents all around. Whether you are after the Dunk Highs or the Flight Ones, it would probably be useful to know that both sets are being released tomorrow, Feburary 23rd, at select Nike Sportswear accounts. If you are planning on lining up, get ready, because looking at what else is coming out in the coming days, you might just be there for the long haul. (Pictures via Extra Butter and Nike Inc.)
Nike Air Foamposite One "Galaxy"
Nike Dunk High "Galaxy" Rogue Green
Nike Dunk high "Galaxy" Blue Grey
Nike Dunk High "Galaxy" Flat Gold
Nike Air Flight One "Galaxy"
Nike Air Flight One "Orlando"
That’s one hell of a visual, right? In celebration of this year’s All-Star Game in Orlando, Nike Sportswear will drop six shoes for the masses. You already know about the zany, glow-in-the-dark sole-equipped “Galaxy” Air Foamposite One, but you may not know about the other five. The first three are all Dunk Highs, each composed of a waxed canvas material that emulates the material that one would find on training suits. In addition, all three have removable NASA-like Nike logos and swooshes. The colors available are Rogue Green, Blue Grey, and Flat Gold. The last two sneakers give a direct nod to Penny Hardaway, one of the most notorious Orlando athletes, as both are Air Flight Ones. The Air Flight One was the second shoe that Penny wore before receiving his own signature line by Nike. As for the two releasing, one takes on the “Galaxy” motif, with a supernova-like lining and glow-in-the-dark accents, while the other takes the classic “Orlando” colorway. There has been some release date confusion with the conglomerate of Nike’s All-Star Game releases, but fret no more. With a concrete release date at official Nike locations of Friday, February 24th, the entire pack is coming sooner than you think. Brace for impact. (Pictures and information via Nike Inc.)
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?
Nike x Doernbecher Children's Hospital Freestyle 2011 Collection
Air Jordan IV Retro "Doernbecher"
Tomorrow, November 5th, the eighth Nike x Doernbecher’s Children Hospital collection will hit Nike stores all across the nation. The sales of the collection, which includes colorways of the Air Jordan IV, Air Max 95, V-Rod, Shox NZ, Dunk High Skinny and Free Run+ 2, created by six special patients of the hospital, will go towards the hospital and will help it save kids such as Isaiah Scott, who cleverly designed this year’s “Doernbecher” Jordan with inspirations of Superman, Nate Robinson, the paths of life, and his personality traits, all in one shoe. The Doernbecher Freestyle collection will release at Nike stores tomorrow morning, although many of the shops will release the Jordan IV at midnight tonight, due to the hysteria that the shoe has already caused. Almost, if not over, 400 people waited outside Niketown NYC a few days ago just to get wristbands for the IVs! Additionally, earlier tonight, 200-something people were already lined up outside of Roosevelt Field Mall (which hosts Nike Roosevelt Field) in order to obtain the IVs. The whole set, including the IVs, will launch on NikeStore.com at 12:00 am, however. To anyone waiting outside on online for the “Doerbecher” Air Jordan IVs, good luck, as you probably will need it! As for everyone who’s picking up another Doernbecher shoe, good for you, because you all will be buying shoes for a great cause! Also, check below to see videos that Nike filmed of five of the six designers, their lives, and the process behind their respective sneaker designs (Pictures via Sneaker News & Jumpman23). (more…)
Nike Sportswear VacTech Premium "Haystack" Pack
Nike’s VacTech construction has made its way onto plenty of recent Nike Sportswear releases, but nothing released so far is as notable as the trio of shoes above. For the upcoming winter season, Nike is giving three of its signature models (the Air Force 1 High, Dunk High, and Air Max 90) a little hiking boot twist. All three models are dressed in a “Haystack” colorway that makes use of VacTech construction, a premium suede material, and hiker boot laces. All three shoes have arrived at Nike Sportswear retailers, like Extra Butter. Check with your local shop now if you have any intention of getting something from the “Haystack” Pack.
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.
Nike Sportswear x Mighty Crown Quickstrike Pack
Nike Sportswear has teamed up with Japanese Reggae group Mighty Crown on both a Dunk High and a Sky Force 88 Low, in honor of the group’s 20th anniversary. Both shoes in this collection were designed with a lot of attention on detail. The shiny Sky Force 88 Low combines 3M and crocodile print on a nice Flint Grey and Metallic Silver Base, while the stealthy Dunk High features a Black upper (with Red accents) that uses a variety of high-quality prints and materials (including woodgrain, suede, elephant print, ostrich, and more) and, while the color-blocking is the same on each individual shoe, the prints appear on different places on each shoe. In addition, both sneakers have specially-designed insoles and outsoles, and crown lace-locks (in Silver for the Sky Force and Gold for the Dunk High). The Nike Sportswear x Mighty Crown Pack will be available at various Nike Sportswear quickstrike accounts (if not already) and online on NikeStore tomorrow, Saturday, October 8th. The Sky Force 88 Low is price at $105, while the Dunk High is priced at $110. I checked out both of these shoes yesterday in real life, and I would highly recommend buying either one (especially the Dunk High), as this pack is one of the most unique design-wise and one of the best quality-wise that Nike has put out in a while. For a further look at both shoes, check out Extra Butter.
Oh, you’re wondering where I saw these? Stay tuned…
Upcoming NIKEiD Products for Summer/Fall 2011
Are you a fan of NIKEiD, Nike’s sneaker customization service? If so, then you will have a lot to look forward to in the next couple months. In the months of July, August, and September, Nike is set to drop some pretty cool silhouettes onto the NIKEiD website. This upcoming Wednesday, July 20th, two of the Nike Sportswear Hyperfuse models will make their way onto the service: The Air Max 1 Hyperfuse and Dunk High Hyperfuse. The Air Max 90 Hyperfuse will join the first two on Wednesday, August 31th. Other models, like the P-Rod 5, Air Jordan 2011, and Air Force 1 will also release on NIKEiD in this period. Check below for a complete list of NIKEiD release dates for the upcoming months. (more…)
Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse
Over the past ten months, Nike’s Hyperfuse technology has undeniably evolved. At first, this technology that provided breathability and a strong build only appeared on one shoe, the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse. However, with the praise that Nike received from the innovative Hyperfuse technology, they had the courage to experiment a little bit. More specifically, the brand not only released more Hyperfuse basketball shoes, but also started using the technology on running shoes. In fact, the most recent installment in the Air Max signature running line, the Air Max 2011, makes use of Hyperfuse technology. The one criticism that some may have for Nike and their further developments on Hyperfuse is that they have only gone further into the future; these people might ridicule Nike for not trying this new, innovative technology on past models. If any of these critics actually exist, now is their time to stop talking. For the summer season of 2011, Nike, under its Nike Sportswear line, will revitalize two lifestyle running classics and two lifestyle basketball classics. On the running side, Nike Sportswear will release several colorways of the Air Max 1 Hyperfuse and Air Max 90 Hyperfuse. As for the basketball side, Nike Sportswear will release a number of colorways of the Dunk High Hyperfuse and Air Force 1 High Hyperfuse. Thanks to both the layering and vibrancy of Hyperfuse technology, the guys at Nike Sportswear have been able to cook up some pretty sweet colorways of the four models mentioned above for the summer. Take a look below to see my favorites out of the collection, and then head on over to FreshnessMag to see the rest. (more…)
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