The Life and Culture of Kicks

Archive for August, 2009

So What Is This Sneaker Listing Website?

Screenshot of Sneakerlisting

(and web 2.0 continues)

So I am browsing the sneakerwebs and I came across this post on Freshness.com about a new service for sneakerheads. Its currently still in beta but what the hell, I will give it a once over.

Expect a review of this coming soon. In the mean time, go check it out.


The Sneakerwebs Agrees: Vans Vault Del Barco Chukka

Vans Vault Del Barco Chukka

(so when do they come out?)

According to Nicekicks, the sneaker releases sometime this fall or winter. For something not made from Nike or Jordan getting more than 8 comments on any of the popular sneaker sites means that something is happening that people are reacting to.

I will admit even bad reactions like for the Air Jordan Fusion 13 still shows that people care…. now if no one comments (or its less than 8 like these sneakers) and its on a sneaker blog that usually gets many comments… bad news for you.

Ok, ok, my rule isn’t totally fool proof, but you get the picture.

Luckily Vans gets mostly positive feedback on these kicks. It is a pair you should think about getting if you want to have something on the adult/mature end


What If? Sample Concept of Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low – Yellow Lobster

Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low - Yellow Lobster Sample

(AWESOME… ok I really have to stop saying that…)

Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low - Yellow Lobster

(could this possibly be the next Concept Lobster catch?)

Relax everybody. Don’t start planning on how you are going to stand on line for a pair of yellow sneakers (lol at the color choice but its still a hot sneaker). This is strictly a sample that was given to friends and family of Nike SB (according to Sneaker news.com) and there are only so many pairs of it made.

34 pairs to be precise.

(more…)


Air These Fakes? Starring Air Jordan 11 – 23 Hybrid… yes a hybrid between AJ11-23

Fake as hell is hot AJ Hybrid 11 - 23

(this is just… lawd take the WHEEL!!!)

So I come across this site…. don’t remember if it was one of those spam twitter accounts or if it was someone sending me an IM on one of the sneaker sites I am always on… So I check it out already knowing that its most likely fake and WHAMMMMOOOO!!! And it gets worst! Take a look at this:

AJ 16.5 Fusion is just the fakiest fake sneaker that ever faked a fake

The Air Jordan 16.5 FUSION Air Force One

(yes hybrid fusion Air Force one)

What is sad is that someone IS BUYING THESE THINGS. Do you have fake men and womens shoes? yes, But for some reason fake  sneakers makers seem to go out of their way to be fake.

If you want to buy this type of stuff, fine. But please, for the love of all that is sneaker and shoe, do not walk around actually believing that they are actually real.

Sooooo…. after saying all of that, the question is, Are These Fake? (I dare you to say these are real LOL)


New Ride Force Field Toe Box De-Creasers on Finishline

Force Fields

(because your toe box needs decreasing)

Ok, I never used any of these de-creaser type product and I am not sure I ever will (mostly because I am scared they will mess up my sneakers). So why did I post this? Mostly because I was browsing Finishline earlier today and I came across it… and the fact that 5 people reviewed it (way more than the usual 0 -2 people who comment) seemed like an opperunity to ask a question:

Does this stuff really work?

(more…)


adidas Men’s Microbounce+ FH 08 is On Sale

adidas Men's Microbounce+ FH 08 Leather Running Shoes

(well now isn’t this interesting???)

I never was too into the microbounce from adidas, but these look rather fetching. As I was browsing Finishline I came across these (and the other colorway) and I will admit that they look really cool and smooth.

Plenty of sizes left and the price has been cut by 20 bucks to $99.99

Details:

  • adidas Mens’ Running Shoes
  • Bounce provides smooth, resilient cushioning
  • Thin mesh layers in upper for maximum breathability and light weight; TPU welds for lightweight support and structural integrity
  • adiWEAR outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability

I may… may… give them a shot when I head to the local sneaker shop next week.


Could This Be The Best Colorway Of The Air Max 2009+???

Nike Men's Air Max+ 2009

(I just love it to death… still costs $159.99)

(ps… is it me or are the ladies colorways better than the mens for this sneaker???)

Air Max 2009+ in Leather

second best colorway, but no flywire :(

Air Max 2009+ VOLT

3rd best colorway (but very hard to match casual wear lol)

Air Max 2009+ Gold-Black

4th best colorway (but don’t expect too many people to agree with me lol)


On Sale: Nike Men’s LunarGlide+ at Finishline

Nike Men's LunarGlide+ Running Shoe

(it almost looks like a normal sneakers… for $99.99)

This sneaker is just freaking intriguing. I have always wondered if this “lunar” technology would actually come in a sneaker that would look good. I did not like the first lunar sneakers (although I did try it on and it was rather comfy) due to the fact that in any size about 10 (I am a size 12) looks like a boat.

Now look at it! This just looks like something that regualr people would wear who may not know of all the tech that goes behind it. In fact I have already seen this particular sneaker 2 times this week verses NO TIME for the lunar space boat of previous generations.

I think I would love to try a pair and in fact this is one of the sneakers on my top ten sneaker list that I am working on (and yes I am doing a list for shoes as well)

Details…

(more…)


My Blue Lobster Desktop with wallpaper by chris-o

Blue Lobster desktop with photo by chris-o

(I didn’t get the blue lobster but its on my desktop lol)

My current desktop using chris-o’s shot of the Blue Lobster. This is something you can have too if you follow the Sneaker Pimps flickr photo pool.


On Sale: Cole Haan Zoom Flywire at Zappos

Cole Haan Zoom Flywire

(flywire on a NON-Nike sneaker? what the…)

Cole Haan Zoom Flywire - CLOSE UP

(close-up of sneakers and yes you can almost see-through it)

Here we go again! Cole Haan has another shoe (amongst many apparently) that have Nike technology in them. I think this is one of a couple of pushes to get what is used in sneakers to be put in shoes (Rockport at one time used Reebok DMX technology). Can you imagine using comfort technology that is usually put into performance sneakers and put them into casual shoes and high heels?

Finally.

(more…)


LeBron VII Mania Sweeps The Sneaker Web – More Than A Game

More Than A Game World Tour

(wow… this may be the best LeBron ever to come out)

I am waiting to see what’s next and what people are saying about it… so I am gonna let things cool off for a minute before writing the wrap up. I have to say though, they really giving this sneaker a hollywood debut, that’s for sure. So far most of the colorways shown online look pretty good. Stay tunes tomorrow for a wrap up of the Lebron VII with all videos and colorways(so far)  and OF COURSE what people are saying… and not saying… about the sneaker.

Until then!!!!


Cipher Does Sneaker Freaker… and what a spread

Cipher LookBook on Sneaker Freaker

(I have to say this is really nice)

Check out the lookbook (I guess you can call it a lookbook) and read the interview that Sneaker Freaker had with  Cipher. Here is a clip:

Sneaker Freaker: Hey Collin, you restarted Cipher last year, how did the year work for you?

Cipher:
It was a shaky start, got rough through the middle, but I’m happy to say it closed out well. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished and how we’ve grown as people and as a company. We’re planning some really creative projects and products for 2009.

Sneaker Freaker: Your brand Cipher has been around since 2003.

Cipher:
I’ve been bugging Woody for years now, I remember when we were discussing SF8 and getting Cipher in there, but we were really small then! Well it really started after I finished film school, I really loved Wong Kar Wai films, and always wanted to come out to Hong Kong, so I did, and I just kind of fell into this. It was a little difficult for me to imagine ever directing or producing a feature length film, as I wanted to do something more immediate and still creative. My brother had a tee and hoodie thing going on, and I wanted to get in on it but do something different. I noticed a lot of skate kids with the most busted sneakers so I was like, ‘I’ll design some sneakers.’

If this is what they are going to make, I think Cipher has some promise for the future. These sneakers look good and are colored very nice. Definaitly a sneaker you should want to collect. As seen on Sneaker Freaker.

Just diggin in the sneaker crates… originally published on Sneaker Freaker in May  of 2009


Cole Haan Air Infinity from The Shoe Review

Cole Haan Air Infinity Oxford

(this is getting more interesting)

If you want to get them, you can. Its on Zappos for $128.15 and they have a few colorways.

Video is from ShoeVideoReview


Preview of Spira WaveSpring Technology

(ummmm…. more on this later)


The Feet You Wear… no seriously, it actually looks like feet

Vibram FiveFingers KSO

(why didn’t anybody else think of this? LMAO)

Now this is just crazy! Nothing like adidas “foot you wear” system (of which I also like) and it has some details that just make the sneaker (?) even more interesting:

When you’re scrambling up a rocky bluff or bounding along a riverbank, the last thing you want is gravel and grit seeping into your FiveFingers. The KSO is an all-new design with thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide and breathable stretch mesh that wraps your entire forefoot to “Keep Stuff Out.” A single hook-and-loop closure helps secure the fit. Non-marking Vibram TC1 performance rubber soles are razor-siped for a sure grip.

KSO IS BEST FOR: Light Trekking, Climbing, Canyoneering, Running, Fitness Training, Martial Arts, Yoga, Pilates, Sailing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Surfing, Flats Fishing, Travel

Materials:
UPPER – abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric & Hypalon® straps
SOLE- Vibram TC-1 performance rubber
FOOTBED- Antimicrobial microfiber

*Machine washable. Air dry.

Info from Action Sports. More info on sizing here.

And it just doesn’t stop there.

(more…)


On Sale: Rocawear Zig at Zappos

Rocawear Zig

(a nice style for the lades to rock)

Rocawear Zig - sole

For $59.99 you can get these Rocawear kicks for your feet. They look different – I will give them that  – and come in 4 different colorways. I think the ladies can make this work though. Sizes 5 – 11 left on Zappos as of today.


I Love ACG and Sneaker Freaker Did A Special On It

ACG Sneaker Freaker Special

(I love me some ACG’s… ok, ok, not all of them lol)

Sneaker Freaker has a special on ACG, where the idea come from, and other such info that I am sure ACG fans would want to know.

I bought 2 Air Mowabbs myself (different colorways and yes I got the purple and dark brown one) and I have plenty of those Nike ACG boots.

Here is a quote from part one:


For gear that was designed solely for the outdoors, you’d think ACG would look suspiciously antisocial in the urban environment, but that’s never been the case. The consistent hallmark of all Nike shoe design is performance, but they also generally look good in any application and ACG just might be the pinnacle of this dual achievement. Lightweight sneakers for the outdoors that are versatile has been the ethos, but there is no doubting the freedom the designers have had to push the limit.

And now one from part two:

Sneaker Freaker: When an anniversary’s on there’s a tendency to bring out all the retro hits… it seems like you’re going to resist that temptation?

Stewart Horner:
We have resisted it as much as possible and tried to not do the obvious. ACG has always been about breaking away from the norm a little bit. Even in our own world we try and do things a
little bit differently to the bigger Nike brand. There will be some NSW releases of ACG, particularly the Magma and we are using the Mowabb for example, but more from a colour perspective. Overall though, you can still definitely see the vintage flavour in the new stuff.

Its a must read. And you have to see some of the kicks that they came up with. That flywire boot is no joke.

Sneaker Freaker magazine

(if you want, you can get the past issue of Sneaker Freaker here)

Whats in Issue 14 tht is so special?

- Insane 20 page feature on the history of Nike ACG
- Reebok Freestyle
- Sekure D’s Guide to Customizing
- Jor One’s Advice on how to make a living doing customs
- Best of the Best Sneakers from 2008
- hundreds of new releases
- Nike SB Veloce
- Nash Money custom BW Bushwalkers
- DIY McFlys – how to make a pair of the Nike Back the Future shoes!
- Proper x Vans
- Guide to matching your kicks and threads

Just digging in those sneaker creates… November 2008


From LabelNetworks – Creative Recreation Sneaker Brand Interview: LNTV

(its a year old, but its the first time I’m seeing it lol)

The video is from February 18 of 2008 so if you see a bunch of sneakers that you already have on your feet and been had them for a minute, don’t get all upset.

In fact most of the videos on Label Labs You Tube account is a year old. Nevertheless, its still a nice and interesting archive of many brands that are trendy right now.

The Label Lab blog is still doing its thing though, so check that out.

Just diggin in those sneaker creates… February 2008


SneakGeekZ Got A New Video: Nike SC Trainer Bo Jackson OG Colorway

(and it has a little hybrid Penny action in their too)


Gatorade aka G Has A New Website… now with more MJ

The MJ Tribute from G

(and the background video behind the scenes is great!)

For more head over to the Gatorade site. For more info on that limited edition Gatorade Cooler, head over to Nicekicks.com


Nicekicks Posts More Pics of Air Jordan Force Fusion 13

Air Jordan Fusion 13 white and black

(the Air Jordan Fusion 13 = side eye)

SIDE EYE OF DEATH

And after 112 comments on the NiceKicks post (of which is still way more than the usual), what is the most agreed upon statement about these sneakers? LMAO SMH

I am sure many of you have seen this, but in case you haven’t here is the link to Nicekicks.


On Sale: Cole Haan Air Caprice Strap at Zappos

Cole Haan Air Caprice Strap

(a high heel that is ACTUALLY comfortable?)

Cole Haan Air Caprice Strap - sole

(all yours for$ 201USD)

I have been wondering for a while since I decided to cover sneakers and shoes culture and products, why don’t high heels have technology like adidas or Nike when it comes to cushioned support?

Why do the ladies have to buy something from Doctor Scholls or Rite-Aid brand cushions or whatever else is out there to protect your feet? Why not have air or some special zoom tech to cushion the female foot in these 6 inch monsters?

Looking at many of the more expensive shoes for women, they almost never talk about comfort or any technology that makes them a little bit more comfortable.

Then Cole Haan steps into the high heel debate and gives the ladies something more comfortable.

Here are the details from Zappos:

  • Get stand-out style from these amazing wedges.
  • Patent leather, metallic leather or combination snake-embossed leather and canvas upper.
  • Leather lining.
  • Padded footbed.
  • NIKE AIR Technology in the heel and forefoot for added comfort.
  • 3/4″ platform with stitch detailing.
  • Textured rubber sole.

I have heard from a couple of people on Twitter that these are pretty comfortable. The reviews on Zappos are not very telling but for the 4 who did review it, out of 5 stars they get 4.

Sizes 5 – 11 in womens are still available and will drain your wallet at around 201 USD.

If you bought these and like them (or don’t like them) please comment.


Sneaker Freaker Looks At Chris Aylen’s Vintage Sneaker Collection

Sneaker-Freaker - Chris Aylen Sneaker Collection

(I love me some Air Max Tn!!!)

I loved these sneakers (although I just couldn’t bring myself to liking the mens colorways… now the womens colorways were SUPER HAWT) and when they made a hybrid of this sneaker and the Air Max 360, I supported the move mostly because anything with a Air Max Tn upper is going to turn heads (at least in women colorways).

But he has got more than just Air Max Tn’s in his collection.

Sneaker-Freaker - Chris Aylen Sneaker Collection 01

(wild look, but still smooth… even in orange)

Sneaker-Freaker - Chris Aylen Sneaker Collection 02

(got to look at the slides for more)

This is a very nice collection. I would seem that Chris is very into those Air Max Tn’s (one of my friends called them Tn’s for short… and she totally LOVED her pair to death).

There are 2 things I have to say to all collectors whether its sneakers or shoes or both, get what you like and love them.

The other thing is that I hope people expand to other brands as well to collect. Get some shoes in there! Get some sneakers other than Nike and Jordan. All I ask is give them a try.

For more info, head over to Sneaker Freaker


On Sale: Jordan Jeter Captain on Eastbay

Jordan Jeter Captain

(what can I say bout this other than to each his own)

This is one of those sneakers that is good looking (very good looking actually) on the field but on the street it may need a little more something something…

As of late, I see plenty of people coming from the baseball field and one of the sneakers I see on their feet is this (as well as others). I am sure if they came up with some more colorways for this sneaker, that this sneaker will make its way on the streets on massé. Because of this I will temporarily put this sneaker on the Save-A-Sneaker program, but I don’t think it will be on their for long.

Details from Eastbay:

Derek Jeter is known for his clutch plays in the field and on the plate. Dominate the game with the Jordan Jeter Captain, a superior training shoe inspired by Derek Jeter that allows athletes to take their game to the next level. Leather and synthetic leather upper includes an asymmetrical toe-cap for added protection against toe drag. Lateral window in the ankle area offers freedom of movement. Air® unit in the heel supplies maximum cushioning with minimal weight. Midsole flex grooves extend up the medial and lateral forefoot for added performance. Rubber sole includes expanded herringbone and nub traction for multi-surface workouts.

For 109.99 you can get these on your feet and on the field. I like how they have large sizes for those with lare feet (too bad Nike just doesn’t believe in having widths for sneakers that are popular).


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