Throughout the making of this list I couldn't stress enough my obsession with the Air Jordan 12. Not only have I been waiting on this shoe for most of the year but I've been waiting on this shoe since 97'. The beautiful part about this is that its not really selling out, which I can only attribute to the amount of hype surrounding the "Space Jams", meaning I can go pick up another pair or two as soon as my tax money comes...LOL
It seememed as if the day would never come considering we've known the "Space Jams" were coming every since the beginning of the year. JB sure let the anticipation build this time with blatent diregard for the bootleggers. Now that the day has come and gone, it was everything I expected plus a few headaches. i was literally a day late and a dollar short but in the end it all worked out for the best. With a much better fit than last year's countdown XI(11) there's sure to be many more happy campers (literally).
The Lebron 7 is just what the game's been missing. I truly expect that this shoe will be one that leads the sneaker culture into another golden era, reminiscent of the 90s, where hype didn't influence every purchase and it was about what actually looked good. Jason Petrie, in true Tinker like fashion, has managed you capture the perfect balance of style and function.
As if a cosign from one of the hottest young up and coming rappers in the game, Wale, wasn't enough to sway you judgement of the Foamposite. Nike gave you even more reason to love the shoe by adding an Eggplant paint job, made famous by the Foamposite's first cousin, the Flightposite. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come and we really are headed back to how it was.
The store thats consistantly loyal to the culture celebrated five years in 2009. What better way to celebrate than to put together a beautiful collaboration for the people. What more can I say the colors, the materials, the silhouette everything is on point.
For many sneakerheads across the globe the Air Jordan III(30)True Blue would be considered a grail, so its no surprise that the blogosphere went nuts when word dropped that there was possibly a re-release on the horizon. At the end of the day these kicks never made it across the pond. They were an Europe only release, but if you were lucky and your local sneaker shop put in some extra legwork you may have gotten your hands on a pair.
It would be hard to argue that any other single person had more of an impact on culture, whether it be fashion, hip-hop, or pop, over the past 2 years than Kanye West. But in 2009 he made a particular splash in the ever growing sneaker culture. As he performed on each leg of his tour and even at the Grammy's wearing a mysterious shoe that seemed to be glowing the chatter started. The rumors continued to grow until Kanye himself, as only he can, spilled the beans about his secret collaboration with Nike. Shortly thereafter the three styles were released in limited retailers worldwide and marked one of the first time a major athletic company collaborated with a non-athlete on a signature shoe.
Adding to my obsession with the Jordan 12, in November Jordan Brand released the Jordan 12 "Flu Game" obviously to commemorate MJ's epic Game 5 performance in the 97' NBA Finals where he led his team from behind to defeat the Utah Jazz all while suffering from a stomach virus and wearing these Jordan 12s. Though JB added a nubuck upper which I could do without, I still felt that these should stand alone on the list.
The above photo is the actual first photo that I saw of the Nike Hypermax "Tennis Ball", and i must admit it was an instant infatuation. This picture was originally posted with pictures of the, now infamous, McFly Hypermax. Though the latter never hit retailers stateside sneakerheads were given a treat when the "Tennis Balls" were still released, and the best part is that they were released in a city near just about everyone.
Though Reebok may be seen to many as a dead brand, I don't think anyone would rush to discredit the impact their Pump Technology had on the game and as a result, the sneaker culture. If there were one Reebok that created a cult-like following it would have to be the Reebok Pump. So 20 years later Reebok took that very piece of information and decided to go all in. They teamed up with 20 of the most popular and influential sneaker stores in the world and let them create their very own Reebok Pump. Though they released in quantities of only 31 pairs per, many sneakerheads still decided to pull out the camping gear in hopes of becoming one of the lucky few to get their hands on a pair.
Ok I had to bend the rules a bit in order to fit these on the list. Though I'm not a huge fan of the Air Force One the fact should not be ignored that these 2 pairs are the most beautifully crafted AF1s I've laid eyes on this year if not ever. The appeal of the CLOT AF1(top) is that the foil material can be pealed to customize the shoe to your liking. The appeal of Mayor's Bespoke (bottom) is the brilliant choice of color and material combination and how it was so beautifully executed.
For this particular shoe Nike teamed up with Eddie Cruz, co-owner of UNDFTD, to bring us a finely crafted piece of art as part of the EAST vs WEST pack. Though I might be a little bias considering I'm a Lakers fan, I must admit that there was an instant attraction with this shoe. I'm personally not a big fan of the Air Force 1 but this particular make-up definitely does it for me.
God's favorite DJ also happens to be a MAJOR player in the sneaker game. Here DJClarkKent teamed up with Nike for a Dunk that took the overly used Gucci colorway and somehow gave it a nostalgic energy.
For some reason I have a thing for Nylon Dunks, so naturally when i saw these I was very excited. I must add that I was a bit frustrated with all the confusion about if these would be released or not all the way up until they were released only at Urban Outfitters in select colors.
Though we should never expect to be disappointed by any collaboration that involves UNDFTD, this particular release would definitely take the cake for most jaw dropping. Earlier this year when UNDFTD and PUMA joined forces the outcome was GOLDEN literally! Four styles of the Puma 24K Series Mid were released at a very select few retailers, while one very special style was released, with only 72 pairs, only at UNDFTD retailer stores.
The Jordan 12 is hands down my favorite Jordan so therefore these had to make the list. Back in 2003 I worked at Athletes Foot and we got the Black/University Blue 12s, but we only got sizes 11.5 and up to a size 14. I wear a size 10.5 so obviously I was cut out but I still bought the 11.5 because i was in the 9th grade and figured I would fit them one day. Well, long story short, I'm still a 10.5 so it warmed my soul to see that these were being re-released. As for the "Rising Sun" I just thought this was a beautiful twist on an already beautiful silhouette.
In early 2009 pictures surfaced of an all red suede and an all 3M version of the Air Jordan V(5) together. Shortly after pics surfaced buzz started to build so much that there were several nicknames floating around including, the "Defining Moments 2" and the "Raging Bull". For me it was love at first sight. And on May 23, 2009 the wait was over. The "Toro Bravo" Pack checks in at number 17.
Earlier this year Nice Kicks teamed up with David Z and Asics bringing to life the Nice Kicks x Asics Gel Lyte 3, which would prove to be one of the most anticipated releases of the fall season. The collaboration, which was released in limited quantities at David Z retailers and the David Z online store, was the cause of an October uproar in the sneaker community.
On February 14, 2009 many of us were locked in to what ended up being an epic slam dunk battle between the undersized Nate Robinson and the over sized Dwight Howard. Though I was personally in favor of Nate taking the crown, he was clearly the underdog considering Dwight was much taller and a fan favorite. But in true David vs Goliath fashion Nate conquered Superman draped in Kryptonite green with a striking pair of mysterious green, glowing shoes. This Foamposite Lite was later fittingly nicknamed the Kryptonate to commemorate the night and was later released in limited quantities causing many sneakerheads to get out the camping gear.
Though this shoe seems to be built more for function than style I'm sure no one would hesitate to agree that this shoe is an example of Nike revolutionising the game once again. And though I'm not a huge fan of lowtop shoes I am, in fact, a huge fan of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Therefore its no surprise that the shoe of choice for many Lakers and various players across the league is the same shoe that I've grown to love. The Zoom Kobe IV is checking in at number 20.
In 2009 Jordan Brand came with a solution for all the people out there, like me, who rock kicks rain, sleep, or snow by producing a shoe equipped for just that.
In the era before performance enhancing drugs were prominent in baseball and when many of us were blowing into our Super Nintendo cartridges to make them work, Ken Griffey Jr. was the man. In 96' his Nike legacy truly began when he was granted his first signature shoe and in 2009 Nike finally answered the call with the re-release of the Air Griffey Max 1.
I'll start the list with a set of sneakers that could have made it strictly based on it's cause. The Livestrong Series was released earlier this year to commemorate and help support the fight against cancer.
This great year is finally coming to an end and since its been a while since I've updated I figured it's only right to close out the last 24 hours of the decade in dramatic fashion. So I will be counting down MY top 24 sneaker releases of the year, posting one per hour up until the new year. So buckle up and take a look at my honorable mentions that just barely missed the list... Leave Your 2Cents!
On this day, October 18, 25 years ago, the NBA banned the original Air Jordan One due to its non-compliance with the league's uniformity policy. Little did they know this move would do so much to inspire a culture. The fact that Michael Jordan was fined $5,000 every time he laced up to play a game in these made them that much more desirable which made it worth Nike's while to cut the $5,000 check night in and night out. Leave Your 2Cents!
To all the sneakerheads out there who understand that sneaker addiction is a real condition there is now a diagnosis. We suffer from Obsessive Sneaker Disorder and finally there is someone in the game ready to help treat us. OSD is the first and only interactive broadcast in the world dedicated to the sneaker culture where Dee "SoleProprietor" Wells along with his crew (PaperChasr, Chadio, SneakerQueen, Size15King, InNeedOfHeat, and Kadoma) have been serving as our prescription for 102 episodes strong, each and every Wednesday night @8:30est on obsessivesneakerdisorder.com
In a rather sad turn of events it has been reported and confirmed that popular DJ and well known sneakerhead DJ AM was discovered dead by his friends after they, along with paramedics, broke down the door at his New York apartment at or around 5:20 PM on Friday, August 28, 2009. DJ AM will be dearly missed and remembered by his fans, Hip-Hop, and sneakerheads alike. Here are a few things I came across to remember the energy he brought to the world.
Here's a look at a collection that left me quite speechless. Though many of the kicks shown may be referred to as beaters or runners in the sneaker world because of their condition, I am drawn to this collection and collector for other reasons. Despite the fact that he owns many rare and priceless jewels there is something else that grabs my attention. You see, I have this thing for shoes with apparent (minimal) wear and tear, and age. For some reason I feel as if it adds a certain character or personality to the shoe. Its evident that the collector feels the same way because, not only is he deliberate in stating that he actually wears his shoes but he also, quite noticeably, takes great pride in his collection. Not to mention that throughout the video he refers to his sneakers as she... Leave your 2Cents!
After a great season for Kobe that ended with a ring and finals MVP, followed by a summer where the signing of Lamar Odom and Ron Artest make the Lakers a lock to repeat, what's a better way to cap things off than to be named cover boy of arguably the best NBA video game, NBA 2K10. Here's a NBA 2K10 first look of "Kobe Doin Work"... Leave your 2Cents!
With anticipation growing for the upcoming release of Jay-Z's 11th solo album, The Blueprint 3, it has recently been announced that Hov will grace the cover of the October issue of XXL Magazine, where he will speak on many subjects, such as the aftermath of the D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune) release, his stint as the president of Def Jam, as well as his the role in Hip-Hop today... Leave your 2Cents!
This episode of "Nike SB Un-Pretty" features the first major signee to the Nike SB brand, P-Rod (Paul Rodriguez), clearly before the "fame and fortune". Pay very close attention to the heat on his feet. Leave Your 2Cents!
Though the album cover was released several weeks ago here's a first look at the final track listing for Jay-Z's much anticipated and apparently feature heavy(11/15) The Blueprint 3... Leave Your 2Cents!
1. “What We Talkin’ About” (featuring Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun)
2. “Thank You”
3. “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)”
4. “Run This Town” (featuring Kanye West and Rihanna)
5. “Empire State of Mind” (featuring Alicia Keys)
6. “Real As it Gets” (featuring Young Jeezy)
7. “On to the Next One” (featuring Swizz Beatz)
8. “Off That” (featuring Drake)
9. “A Star is Born” (featuring J. Cole)
10. “Venus vs. Mars”
11. “Already Home” (featuring Kid Cudi)
12. “Hate” (featuring Kanye West)
13. “Reminder”
14. “So Ambitious” (featuring Pharrell)
15. “Young Forever” (featuring Mr Hudson)
Many people's idea of skateboarding derives simply from what they see on the X-Games. Well this video clip serves as the intro to a series I like to call "Nike SB Un-Pretty" which gives viewers a glimpse of the much less mainstream, less structured, and quite frankly less pretty side of the street skate scene. Leave Your 2Cents!
By now the big moment has come and gone for most, but just in case you're like my uncle and happened to be working during the premier of Jay-Z's new video for "Run This Town" here's your second chance to catch it... Leave Your 2Cents! (About how much you loved seeing Rhianna throwing up the ROC!)
Though I've repeatedly expressed the fact that I have no desire what so ever to attempt skateboarding nor do I own a skateboard, it should be duly noted that I do acknowledge, accept, and appreciate the role in which skateboarding played and continues to play in the sneaker culture. So with that being said don't be alarmed by sporadic posts focusing on skateboarding. Leave your 2Cents!
With mere hours left until the world premier of Jay-Z's video for his latest single,Run This Town featuring Kanye West and Rihanna from the upcoming Blueprint 3 album, what could be better than a sneak peak behind the scenes look at the making... And by the way don't forget to tune in tonight(Aug 20) at 8/7c to MTV to catch the video in its entirety!!! Leave your 2Cents!
1. The first thing you notice on everyone is their shoes. 2. When you walk into class people occasionally say Another Pair?!? 3. The teachers even notice when you get new shoes. 4. Instead of taking the shortcut with your friends in the grass or dirt you walk all the way around the cement. 5. Your parents get really mad when you get another pair of shoes. 6. When somebody insults your shoes, you stick up for them like they are your children. 7. You constantly look at peoples shoes when you walk by them. 8. Before you go out, you think for a good 10 15 minutes about which sneakers you should wear. 9. You do not wear certain sneakers to parties/clubs because you are afraid someone is going to step on them. 10. You do not wear White/Clear sole shoes in the rain. 11. You keep every single pair of shoes in the box, stuffed. 12. When people you know (or even strangers) who always see you, look at you, and then look directly down to your feet to see what your shoe you are wearing. 13. Most of the time your shoes are the main center attraction. 14. You feel insulted when someone says Theyre JUST shoes! 15. You want multiple pairs of the same shoe. 16. You browse eBay daily to find that HG (Holy Grail). 17. You are willing to spend good money on your HG in NDS (Near Dead stock) condition. 18. You know at least 2 people in every shoe store you go to. 19. Your paintings are shoe themed. 20. You could have bought a small car for the amount you spent on your collection. 21. You get really defensive about any damage to your shoes. 22. You save up your lunch money over a month to buy a new pair. 23. You look down at your shoes every 5 minutes. 24. Your drawer is full of shoe cleaners. 25. You skip school to go to the mall because new pair of Jordans are being released. 26. You know what NT and ISS stands for. 27. You sit in class and keep turning your foot to the side to look at your shoes. 28. You know a fake shoe when you see it. 29. Your background in your computer is a Jordan. 30. You go to the mall for silica packs and tell the lady that its for a school project because they wont give you any otherwise. 31. You check the weather before you go out so you know what shoe you should wear. 32. You limp when you walk to prevent creasing. 33. You learned the roman numerals from the Air Jordan series. 34. 23 is one of your favorite numbers. 35. When you are bored in class and someone says something about shoes you listen. 36. You never try to get any of your shoes dirty. 37. You carry an Eastbay or Sole Collector magazine in your backpack. 38. You know all the release date for Jordans. 39. You get mad when people say Jordans are a waste of money. 40. When you buy a new pair of shoes you take pictures of them.
Just a little something I read along the way... How many of you can relate? I know I Can!... Leave your 2Cents!
Its a new day. Buying music has become the exception and not the rule, and though personally I pay for my music, statistics show and prove that the complete demise of album sales is inevitable. Social networking sites such as facebook and myspace offer a free service while selling millions of dollars in ad space, so in my opinion its about time hip-hop took a page from that book and depended on itself as its savior. Oh yeah and since it seems to be the major labels who are responsible for compromising and corrupting our music and culture let's pay homage to industry rule #4080 by just cutting them out all together.
So my new formula for the music biz is a win-win situation for all parties involved. In a nutshell,offering free album downloads on the websites of the artists and/or labels you cut out the music pirates by beating them at their own game.This formula won't effect release dates and since the consumers' loyalty doesn't lie with the pirates it will allow artists to use the site traffic to sell ad space. This new formula will also allow indie labels flourish once again.
-Specs of the web site include: >Free album downloads >Better access to songs released between albums >Ad space >Social networking community >Album feedback space >Online listening parties >Tour dates >Concert tickets available for purchase >Tour footage sold in DVD form >Infamous ringtones available for purchase >Artists paraphernalia available for purchase
-Labels and/or artists benefits >Less reliant on album sales >Less pressure from the label >More focus on the quality of the music >No money spent in distribution >Money made in ads >Music reaches broader audience >Artists books more shows >Less dependent on major labels >Cut out pirates >Onus put on artists to be more supportive of newer artists
-Consumer benefits >Convenience >Less risk of virus infection when downloading music (since these are not just shared files) >Music released after album is more accessible >Better music quality
This is just a rough idea open to suggestions so feel free to Leave your 2Cents!
In a nutshell the sneaker culture is simply the lifestyle surrounding the love and appreciation for kicks, but there's much more depth beyond the surface. Like many cultures there are points of origin responsible for helping to shape and mold the sneaker culture. Sneakers started as necessary accessories for basketball and skateboarding, but after the emergence of hip-hop and the NBA's infamous ban of the Air Jordan 1 added a sense of style and rebellion, what started as a trend and a hobby quickly transformed into a culture. The culture as we know it today is made up of 9 main elements in which keep it alive and well. These elements are as follows:
A sub-genre of Hip-Hop, Hip-Hype is the craze which usually follows the recent success of a new musical sound or style where artist try to take advantage of its popularity by emulating the sound or style in order to make money and/or to become or stay relevant. (i.e. crank dat, autotune, etc.)
In a follow up to my recent post, 7 Deadly Sins, here is a quick look at the remaining colorways of the Reebok "7 Deadly Sins" pack. As reported earlier the kicks to represent lust, wrath, gluttony, and envy are set for release in the coming months and will be available at select Reebok retailers. Leave your 2Cents!
In another random turn of events Nike gained inspiration from one of my favorite childhood cartoons for another hot colorway in the newly acclaimed Big Nike High,which as of late has been the shoe of choice for many of Nike's more risque' colorways. This trend is continued with the recent release of the Big Nike High "Flintstones" Pack, in which the shoes are inspired by Flintstones characters, Fred Flintstone and his pet dinosaur, Dino. These shoes were released in very limited quantities at the House Of Hoops, so don't sleep. Leave your 2Cents!
Though many hypebeasts wouldn't consider Reebok to be an "it" brand, the upcoming release of their "7 Deadly Sins" package will surely force them to reconsider. The package takes the Reebok Pump Omni Lite and spices it up a bit with seven different solid colorways, each representing one of the "7 Deadly Sins". While pride, sloth, and greed have already hit select retailers, the remaining four(lust, envy, gluttony, and wrath) are set for release in August and September. Leave your 2Cents!
It seems as if Nike took heed to the recent success of Jordan Brand and their ability to sell shoes in twos. This is evedent in the upcoming release of the Nike Air Trainer "Legacy Pack". The pack will include the original Air Trainer 1 in an OG colorway (old love) and the next gen Trainer 1 in the same colorway (new love). The pack will be released July 18 at select retailers but will be available tonight only on eastbay.com and nikestore.com Leave your 2Cents!
Good question... I consider myself to be a fresh, young, creative, business minded individual seeking to make an impact on the world. I also happen to be an enthusiast of the hip-hop and sneaker cultures. I love the two so much that I often feel that i could talk for hours about them, but instead i figured this is a better way to reach people who actually want to listen, versus holding innocent ears hostage. Myke in the City blog will be the place I document my obsession with urban culture.
