Sole Camp

Nike LeBron 9 Low "LeBronold Palmer"

Earlier today, LeBron James, who is currently training in Las Vegas for the USA Basketball Olympic Team’s run at another Gold medal, posted a picture of himself wearing this sick “LeBronold Palmer” version of the LeBron 9 Low. The shoe’s name comes from the popular Arnold Palmer drink made by Arizona, and the shoe really takes the drink to heart: both of them are lemony, yet cool and refreshing. The shoe can be described as such for its bright yellow upper, teal accents, and crazy patterns on the upper on lining. This sneaker has been labeled as a PE by other sneaker blogs, but there has been no word on whether the sneaker will release or not, so I have left that out. If any word of a release of the “LeBronold Palmer” LeBron 9 Low comes out, you will see it here.

P.S. – I am a huge fan of Arnold Palmer, so I am really hoping this sneaker hits store shelves at some point soon!

Nike Zoom Kobe VII "Barcelona Away"

Nike Zoom Kobe VII "Barcelona Home"

Did you really think Kobe would change his non-basketball hobbies over one year? Absolutely not. He is still a huge fan of soccer, and specifically, of FC Barcelona. Nike proved last year that perhaps the best way of showing this passion is through sneakers, as they concocted two of the hottest Kobe VIs in tribute to Barcelona’s “Away” and “Home” color schemes. Looks like they are back at it again. This time, a teal and bright red Zoom Kobe VII serves as the “Away” version, while a bright yellow and blue colorway serves as the “Home” version. Unfortunately for you Kobe fans in the USA, both of these sneakers will be dropping exclusively at House of Hoops locations in Europe on Saturday, July 21. Better get your Euro connects ready. (Picture and information via Sneaker News)

Nike Zoom Kobe VII "What the Kobe"

It was only time before another “What the…” concept sneaker released to the masses. Tomorrow, July 7, Nike Basketball will be releasing the extremely zany “What the Kobe” Zoom Kobe VII at a select number of Nike Basketball retailers. The sneaker takes both pattern and color cues from a plethora of Kobe VII iterations, most noticeably from the Poison Dart Frog releases and the “Cheetah” Christmas edition. If you decide to venture out tomorrow to get a pair, be early, as the sneaker will be releasing in limited numbers. If you don’t want to deal with long lines and crashing servers tomorrow, then get to eBay to secure your pair now.

Before Dylan and I left for our three-week trip to Israel, I sent out a preview of things to come in the time while we were away. Alas, I had no idea of exactly how crazy of a period this past three weeks was going to be. The answer: very, very crazy. Check out a few of the headlines I missed in my preview below.

Nike LeBron 9 “MVP”

Nike LeBron 9 "MVP"

After the first half of this year’s NBA season, there was no question that LeBron James was putting up historic numbers for his Miami Heat squad. The second half of the season showed a little dip in his production, but nonetheless, in mid-May, LeBron was named Most Valuable Player of the 2011-2012 season. To celebrate the occasion, Nike created an “MVP” version of the LeBron 9. The sneaker has an upper covered in white, but also taken up by a red-and-black fade pattern. Yellow accents appear on the logos and outsole. More pizzaz comes through with red and yellow speckles on a white midsole. Last, but certainly not least, LeBron’s signature on the back of the LeBron 9 is replaced with a yellow “MVP” badge. No word yet on a release date, but keep your Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 demon eyes peeled. (Picture via Nike Inc.)

Nike Zoom Kobe VII “What the Kobe”

Nike Zoom Kobe VII "What the Kobe"

Nike SB dropped the “What the Dunk” Dunk Low in October 2007. Since then, there have been custom “What the Dunk” Dunk Highs and even a “What the Jordan” Air Jordan 1, but I am pretty sure Nike was the first to come up with a “What the Kobe” concept. The result? Look right above. Can’t miss it. This obscene version of the Zoom Kobe VII takes radiant colors and animal prints found on previous Kobe colorways and meshes them all together into one pair of sneakers. Wild, right? No release date is known on this super-eccentric Kobe VII, but stay tuned for one hopefully in the near future. (Picture via Sneaker Freaker)

Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals Fall/Winter 2012 Preview

adidas Originals JS Bear for Fall/Winter 2012

Soon enough, six months will have passed since the first drop from Jeremy Scott’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection, and you know what that means: more zany-to-infinity Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals sneakers to feast your eyes on. Sneaker Freaker has a preview of the first set of clothing and sneakers being released, which includes the psychedelic JS Bear pictured above. The first set of three sneakers, along with the matching clothing, is set to drop on or around Sunday, August 12.

Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Gym Green”

Nike Air Foamposite Pro "Gym Green"

Foamposite mania hits again. The “Gym Green” Foamposite Pro above is dressed in an iridescent green that is lighter, but still similar to the “Dark Pine” Foamposite Pro’s upper from last year. Gym Green accents can be found on the lateral swoosh and outsole swoosh. A translucent outsole makes sure that this Foamposite is a winner for the Olympic season. Pick up your pair on Saturday, June 30. (Picture via Private Stock)

Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 Release Date Change

Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 "Steel Blue"

For the most part, these past three weeks have been quiet for news on upcoming Ronnie Fieg sneaker releases. No previews of future Asics collaborations have surfaced, but one tidbit of information on his latest New Balance project came out. The release of the “Steel Blue” New Balance 999, initially slated for Fieg’s birthday of June 15, has been moved to an undisclosed date. The information should not be too far away, but perhaps you will have to wait a little longer than you thought. For now, enjoy a gallery of pictures of the “Steel Blue” 999 courtesy of Sneaker News.

Nike Sportswear “Safari” Pack

Nike Sportswear "Safari" Pack – Air Safari & Air Trainer 1

Twenty-five years ago, Nike went a little over the aesthetic edge with the Nike Air Safari – a sneaker built like a classic Nike runner, but with a loud pop thanks to the Safari print. Now, Nike will pay tribute to the Air Safari with a two-sneaker pack. First, the Air Safari will re-release in its original form. In addition, the Air Trainer 1 will get dressed up in the original Air Safari colorway for the occasion. Look for both to drop at select Nike Sportswear retailers on Saturday, June 30. (Picture via Nice Kicks)

Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme “Galaxy” Blake Griffin PE Release Date

Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme "Galaxy" Blake Griffin PE

Ever since the NBA 2012 All-Star Game, many people have been curious about the release status of this player exclusive Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme. Fortunately for those people, this “Galaxy” Blake Griffin PE Hyperdunk finally has a release date. Look for the sneaker to drop in limited amounts at select Nike Basketball retailers on Saturday, June 23. For now, if you have the dough, you can go to eBay to get yourself a pair now.

Released: Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski “Vino Rosso”

Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski "Vino Rosso"

Over the three weeks of our hiatus, there were a few notable drops, including this blast-from-the-past Nike SB quickstrike. For months on end, the “Vino Rosso” Janoski seemed like one of those shoes that had pairs floating around, but would never see a wide-scale release. That is, until this past Saturday, June 9. The “Vino Rosso” Janoski dropped at Nike SB locations across the nation as a regular quickstrike. If you put in effort, you should still be able to find a pair for retail or just a little above. (Picture via Black Sheep)

Released: Air Jordan 1 Retro KO Hi “Bred” & “Black Toe”

Air Jordan 1 Retro KO Hi "Bred" & "Black Toe"

Talk about a blast from the past! Two Saturdays ago, June 2, marked the completely unexpected return of a gem for Jordan connoisseurs – the “Bred” Air Jordan 1 KO. This colorway of the Air Jordan 1 KO hasn’t seen store shelves since…well, the original drop! Along with the “Bred” colorup, Jordan Brand also dropped a reiteration of the classic “Black Toe” Jordan 1, but in KO form. The “Bred” version is pretty much gone, but you should still be able to find the “Black Toe” KOs around. (Picture via Extra Butter)

Released: Nike Air Yeezy 2 Black/Solar Red & Wolf Grey/Pure Platinum

Nike Air Yeezy 2 Wolf Grey/Pure Platinum

Didn’t I tell you this might be coming? Well, I hoped it wouldn’t, just so I could be in the States to witness what could have been the craziest sneaker drop ever. Turns out the release was a day before I got back – Saturday, June 9. And yes, it was one of the most insane drops the sneakerhead community has ever seen. For one, there was a regional split for each colorway; stores in the West received the Wolf Grey/Pure Platinum version, stores in the East received the Black/Solar Red version, and select shops in Chicago and New York City received both. After February’s “Galaxy” Foamposite release hoopla, most stores learned their lesson, and held huge raffles instead of allowing lines to form. This was the first time raffles became so commonplace among sneaker shops. Thousands upon thousands of people across the nation put their names down for a chance at Yeezy 2s, with only a small percentage actually getting a chance to purchase pairs. Even the few House of Hoops locations that received Yeezy 2s held online raffles. Nike-owned stores stuck to the RSVP method, which, while efficient, upset a lot of people who believed that they responded quick enough to their respective store’s tweet. NikeStore even opted to release the sneaker online at a random date and time. And worst of all, while the sneaker retailed for $245, it is being sold on eBay at prices in the $2000 to $4000 range. If you won a raffle and were able to pick up a pair, congratulations. Otherwise, you might want to wait for the market price of the sneaker in either colorway to drop. (Picture via Nike Inc.)

Sneaker Con NYC June 2012

Sneaker Con NYC June 2012

Did you miss out on any of the sneakers that dropped in the past three weeks, and don’t feel like buying them online? In a matter of weeks, you’ll have a great opportunity to see all sorts of sneakers in person at New York City’s first Sneaker Con in 2012. This time around, the event looks to be bigger than ever, thanks to the new 10,000 square-foot venue, Baruch College. Nearly 100 vendors will be at the event, catering to an expected thousands of event-goers. If there are any sneakers that you are looking to buy, sell, or trade, Sneaker Con is the place to be when it all goes down on Saturday, June 30 in New York City.

As you all can tell, it has been a little bit over a week since Dylan and I last posted on Sole Camp. This was mainly because of a lack of good news to share. However, during the next three weeks, we will be on a trip, and thus, too occupied to update you all on upcoming releases. So without further ado, here is what you should look out for while we are away.

Released: Air Jordan XII Retro “Cool Grey”

Air Jordan XII Retro "Cool Grey"

Jordan Brand has been pretty consistent in giving the Air Jordan Retro fanbase something to crave week after week. A four-week streak of Jordan Retro drops started in late April with the release of the “Playoff” Air Jordan XII Retro, and it finishes today with yet another XII Retro, the “Cool Grey” version. If you’re a fan, get to your local Jordan Brand retailer and get a pair now.

Reebok Question White/Red

Reebok Question White/Red

This release could not have come at a more appropriate time. At this time, the Philadelphia 76ers are seeing the most success that they have had since trading one Allen Iverson in the mid-2000s. The last time the Sixers were a playoff-bound team was around the time the sneaker above mesmerized fans of The Answer. Now, the Reebok Question will be dropping in the iconic White/Red colorway with a pearlized leather toe box to the delight of many. Check for the Question at your local Reebok R23 account on Friday, May 25. (Picture via Inside the Sneakerbox)

 Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite “South Beach”

Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite "South Beach"

What better way for Nike to cap off the LeBron 9 P.S. Elite releases than to drop a “South Beach”-like colorway of the sneaker. Even if the Miami Heat can resist the surging Indiana Pacers, do not expect to see this shoe on court. However, you should definitely expect to see long lines and some mania when the “South Beach” LeBron 9 P.S. Elite drops on Saturday, June 2. If you want to avoid the mad rush, get your pair early now on eBay

Air Jordan IV Retro “Military Blue”

Air Jordan IV Retro "Military Blue"

It looks like June will be all blue for Jordan Brand. Two major Retro releases are coming in the month, with the “Military Blue” Air Jordan IV Retro dropping first. As an original Air Jordan IV colorway, this sneaker should garner a bit of attention when it is released at Jordan Brand retailers on Saturday, June 9. (Picture via Hoopcity)

Nike Air Yeezy 2 Possible Release?

Nike Air Yeezy 2 Black/Solar Red

Ever since news broke of an Air Yeezy sequel, the fine details have been in question. Even with an impending June 2012 release, Nike has not revealed any plans for the silhouette’s drop. However, a concrete date has finally been revealed for the Australian release of the Air Yeezy 2. According to a couple shops out there, both colorways of the Air Yeezy 2 (Black/Solar Red and Wolf Grey/Pure Platinum) will drop on Saturday, June 9 in the Down Under. There is no telling what this means for an American release, but these next three weeks could have some information, so keep on the look out. (Picture via Modern-Notoriety)

Thanks to the staff at Exit 36, we have two upcoming releases to show you. First is one of two Nike Basketball sneakers releasing tomorrow, the yellow, black, and red “Taxi” LeBron 9 P.S. Elite. After that is a Jordan Retro that’s set to hit store shelves next Saturday, May 19, the “Cool Grey” Air Jordan XII Retro. Check out up-close and personal looks at both shoes in the video.

Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite "Taxi"

Nike Zoom KD IV "Aunt Pearl"

Over the past few weeks, Nike Basketball has dropped quite a few shoes, from the Jeremy Lin PE Hyperdunk 2011 Lows to the Nike Elite collection. This Saturday, the subdivision of Nike will release yet another two sneakers. First up is the shoe that should hold all of the LeBron fans over until the “South Beach” 9 P.S. Elite. This is also a LeBron 9 P.S. Elite, but in a re-imagined, yellow-based Heat colorway coined “Taxi” by the masses. The second shoe is another Zoom KD IV, but with perhaps a bigger cause than any other version. With the “Think Pink” colorway and pearl pattern on its back, this KD IV pays tribute to Kevin Durant’s late Aunt Pearl. These two Nike Basketball sneakers will hit select retailers this Saturday, May 12. (Pictures via 21 Mercer)

Over this past NBA season, Jeremy Lin took the media-frenzied New York Knicks and their fan base by total surprise, and became one of the most beloved players league-wide. Last month, Nike dropped a special pair of Hyperdunk 2011 Lows in honor of Lin. Check the video for a look at the “Linsanity”-themed Hyperdunk PE.

Nike LeBron 9 Low "Floridians"

I admit, I don’t have many good things to say about the Miami Heat right now. They’re tearing my New York Knicks apart in the first round of the NBA Playoffs (the Heat currently lead 3-0). However, one thing that I do admire about the Heat is their “Floridians” throwback jerseys. LeBron James even wore a sick PE of the LeBron 9 with them. However, the upcoming “Floridians” LeBron 9 is about as close as you could ever get to those PE’s. If you’re in need of some citrusy flare, hit up your local Nike Basketball retailer tomorrow to get the “Floridians” LeBron 9 Low (picture via 21 Mercer).

Nike LeBron 9 Low "Floridians"

During his days with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James was given quite the number of Hardwood Classic Player Exclusives that used the colors of the retro Cavaliers jerseys. The LeBron 9 Low above is not a PE, but it was created in the spirit of an older basketball team. Over this NBA season, the Miami Heat have payed tribute on several occasions to an ABA team that played in the same area called the Miami Floridians. In a few games, the Heat broke out the classic white Floridians jersey with an orange and magenta stripe. In the same vein, this LeBron 9 Low is decked out in shades of Vivid Orange and Cherry and finished off with an interesting orange and magenta color pattern on the translucent outsole. If the “Floridians” LeBron 9 Low intrigues you, then be ready to get your pair when they drop at select Nike Basketball retailers on Saturday, May 5th. (Picture via UGSoles)