Your Sneaker News: 20090310

March 10, 2009

Nike Air Force 1 Free Hybrid - Wear Test Sample

This past year we’ve seen a number of hybrid models come out of the Nike Sportswear category, the Air Max 90 Current Huarache, Cortez Fly Motion, and we’ve even seen an upcoming Air Max (Maxim) 1 that looks to use some Flywire inspiration on the upper. Little has been done to the Air Force 1 when it underwent some changes a few years ago aside from adding a visible Air unit in the heel. However now pictures have surfaced of a wear test sample Nike Air Force 1 that looks to remove the full length Air unit in the sole of the shoe with Zoom Air in the heel and what looks to be something along the lines of Nike Free in the forefoot. Before those of you Air Force 1 fanatics start a petition, understand that these are wear test samples (notice the numbers written on the shoes) and might not necessarily make it to the market. via Jordan-ugg.com

2009-03-10

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Adidas Campus House Of Pain

Adidas has collaborated with House of Pain for this special St. Patrick’s Day shoe dubbed the Campus 80 House of Pain. HOP member Danny Boy O’Connor helped with the design of this shoe which is limited to 1,500 pairs. You need to get down to Concepts to get a pair of these, but you might get a chance to meet House Of Pain as well.

2009-03-10

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Vans Vault Zapato Del Barco Weathered Denim

Here is a new set of Vans Zapato Del Barcos, and they stray away from the regular clean design opting for a scruffly look. These are made with weathered denim uppers, in either brown denim or black with red. Now available in Japan.

2009-03-10

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Air Jordan 1 High Black/Green/Red

Air Jordan has always been pressured to give fans something new, while at the same time giving them their favorite classic shoes. This is a good example of an excellent compromise. The upper is made of suede which is predominantly black. The accents of red and green really mix well, but the multicolored stitching around the swoosh is not to be missed.

2009-03-10

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Nike Blazer High Helmets and Cross Bones

The latest Nike Blazers to hit the market are the Helmets and Cross Bones, a red/silver concoction that puts other shoes to shame. The Nike Blazer Helmets and Cross Bones eschew the simple designs of past Blazers in favor of edgy colors and symbols. These sneakers were featured first at the Weeklydrop.com post linked here.

The Helmets and Cross Bones start with a solid red outsole and a silver upper. If you look at the images after this post, you will see a closer look at the symbols spread throughout these sneakers. The white circles are evocative of a pirate’s skull and bones flag, using a football helmet and weights to add a modern flavor to this old symbol.

The interior of the right shoe leaves behind the helmets and cross bones in favor of a simple brushed silver finish. Nike’s latest Blazers will be available in stores by May 2009, just in time for a stroll down the block in warm spring weather. While the Nike Blazer High Helmets and Cross Bones may be defined by its unique symbols, I think the silver backdrop is worth noting. Welcome to via Jordan-ugg.com

2009-03-10

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Nike - Air Jordan 1 Retro + WMNS Dunk Hi Liberty

Nike - Women (WMNS) Dunk Hi Premium Liberty Edition

Apart from the announced launch of UNDEFEATED x Masterpiece t-shirt collection, this Saturday , March 14th, will also be the day that 2 highly anticipated Nike sneakers be available to the general public – Nike Air Jordan 1 (AJ1) Retro High Rip-Stop Nylon Edition and the Nike Sportswear x Liberty Women Dunk High. Both Quick Strikes will be very limited in units, with the Air Jordan 1 available at all UNDFTD locations. The Nike Sportswear x Liberty Women Dunk High will only be available at UNDFTD locations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

Nike - Air Jordan 1 (AJ1) Retro Rip Stop Nylon Edition

Nike - Women (WMNS) Dunk Hi Premium Liberty Edition

2009-03-10

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Converse Jack Purcell LTT - Perforated Patent Leather - Summer 2009

We’ve seen a bunch of new Jack Purcells lately and Barney’s did a pair of perforated patent leather Chuck Taylor All Stars this past year, so it’s not shocking to see Converse combine the two. The Converse Jack Purcell LTT appears here in black or white perfed patent leather, both with the signature white sole and toecap. The use of silver metal eyelets and eglets lend a nice finishing touch. Both pairs are expected to drop for Summer 2009, so stay tuned to Sneaker News and we’ll hit you up with the latest info as it’s available. via Jordan-ugg.com

2009-03-10

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Vans Vault Chukka Boot Cup - White + Black/White

Occam’s Razor famously states that the simplest answer is usually the best. Vans Vault has taken this advice to new heights, and here’s another example. The Vans Vault Chukka Boot Cup shows the boot-turned-sneaker in simple black or white uppers, both atop white soles. Throw in tonal laces for each, and these will fit in well with the toned-down looks we’ll see dominating the fashion scene when these drop in Fall 2009. via MarcusTroy Jordan-ugg.com

2009-03-10

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Kaikai Kiki x fragment design - Visvim Kiefer ‘Hi & Lo’

Last year, Takashi Murakami's Kaikai Kiki and Hiroshi Fujiwara's
fragment design collaborated on with a slew of trendy companies to
create the "Hi & Lo" collection. Part of that joint venture was a
Murakami Flower-emblazoned Visvim Kiefer, which despite its name is
only available in a hightop silhouette. Aside from the flower
insignia, the rest is standard Kiefer fare: a black canvas upper with
white stitching tops a white and black striped sole, complete with toe
cap. Extremely limited and very expensive, these are available now at
Paresian boutique Colette.

Air Jordan VII (7): 1991-92

With a form-fitting neoprene sock liner, the AIR JORDAN VII gives new meaning to the word ‘comfort’. Meanwhile, the Bulls dominate the 1991-92 season and Michael continues to redefine the game of basketball and make it his own. What to do for an encore? ‘His Airness’ laces up this year’s model for a second championship ring and his sixth scoring title, not to mention a short hop over to Barcelona to collect some highly prized Olympic Gold as part of the USA’s legendry ‘Dream Team’.

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Back to: Air Jordan - History of the Franchise

2009-03-10

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Air Jordan VI (6): 1990-91

AIR JORDAN VI: 1990-91 (February 1991, $125) After seven years in the league, Michael leads the Chicago Bulls to a 4-1 victory over Magic Johnson’s LA Lakers for their first NBA championship. It would be a fitting ‘passing of the torch’ from the dominant Showtime team of the ‘80s to MJ’s and the Bulls’ dominance of the ‘90s. Along the way, he snags his fifth scoring title, his second league MVP Award, another NBA All-Star placing and is awarded the Finals MVP.

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Back to: Air Jordan - History of the Franchise

2009-03-10

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AIR JORDAN V (5): 1989-90

With fit-enhancing lace locks, reflective tongue and clear rubber outsoles for sole-to-the-hole traction, MJ and Hatfield once again surpass previous designs with these new innovations. Michael pilots his way to a careerhigh 69 points against Cleveland and his fourth scoring total with an average of 33.6 points per game. Design inspiration came from World War II Mustang fighter planes, as seen in the shark teeth profile on the midsole.

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Back to: Air Jordan - History of the Franchise

2009-03-10

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Air Jordan IV (4): 1988-89

As cool as its breathable mesh inserts and featuring super-steady stabilization straps and ultra-cushioned soles, Tinker Hatfield creates a sneaker custommade for fluidity, rhythm and grace. Michael makes it a reality with a series of gravity-defying dunks which, along with the distinctive tongues, were fast becoming a trademark. Spike once again pays fond homage when he features the AJIV in a scene from his movie “Do The Right Thing”, while more recently rapper Slick Rick announces his intention to purchase the entire 2006 retro line. With the IV, AIR JORDANs truly enter the modern cultural lexicon.

Back to: Air Jordan - History of the Franchise

2009-03-10

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AIR JORDAN III: 1987-88

With big time innovation and lethal good looks, this is the first shoe designed by Tinker Hatfield and features visible Nike Air and decorative synthetic elephant skin. Another milestone design element is the introduction of the iconic Jumpman logo. This is the season in which Spike Lee as “Mars Blackmon” makes his first appearance in Nike television ads, sparking a huge cult following. MJ steals the show this season by snagging his first NBA MVP award, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and another Slam Dunk trophy. In an interview with SLAM magazine, Michael cites the AJIII as one of his all-time favourites and in 2005 viewers of ESPN agreed, voting it the greatest sneaker of all time.

Back to: Air Jordan - History of the Franchise

2009-03-10

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AIR JORDAN II: 1986-87

(November 1986, $100)

The ’86-87 season is a breakthrough year for MJ, and his assault on the record books begins. Along with a return trip to the All-Star game, Michael wins his first Slam Dunk Contest and claims his first in a series of scoring titles. Averaging 37.1 points per game, he becomes the first NBA player since Wilt Chamberlain to top 3,000 points in a season. And he does it all in a pair of embossed leather kicks made by the master shoemakers of Italy.

Back to: Air Jordan - History of the Franchise

2009-03-10

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AIR JORDAN I (1): 1984-85

It all starts here. A legendary franchise, as both a high performance footwear line and as cultural icon, is launched - the Air Jordan 1. So revolutionary for its day, they are banned by the NBA for violating its “uniformity of uniform” rule. Jordan wears them anyway, incurring a $5,000 fine per game. Likewise, MJ unveils his revolutionary style of play to the league and world at large, making his first All-Star game appearance, earning Rookie of the Year honours and inspiring Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird to observe one performance as “God disguised as Michael Jordan.”

Back to: Air Jordan - History of the Franchise

2009-03-10

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Reebok Spring 09 Footwear Release

In case you are wondering what the above graphic is… It’s the Year of The Ox Pump Omni Lite from Reebok… The originators of Pump sneakers. This spring, Reebok brings out its most unique collection for both guys and girls, with introduction of new styles, and retro launch of heritage Reebok models from the past!