C-N-I

Beer Me

2012-02-17T07:12:00.001-08:00

An upcoming Nike Dunk SB Low release has a booze-related theme to it

Liquor & beer inspiration is nothing new to Nike SB Dunks (Lows: Heineken, Newcastle, Miller High Life; Highs: Tecate, Mickeys), but the gradient effect of brown to black is definitely a nice touch on these.

Flint Grey Appropriate

2012-02-17T06:58:00.001-08:00

I've been going H.A.M. on the Crazy 8 this month, so it's only fitting I add a "Flint Grey" pair to the collection...

I swear I am done with this shoe...for now.

Lin-Sane

2012-02-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

This pic has been floating around the boards today. Is this a real Jeremy Lin's Hyperfuse PE? If so, will it release?

I am guessing this is not a PE; its basically the same color-blocking as the Russell Westbrook Hyperfuse PE (let's see the tongue to settle once and for all!)

Historical

2012-02-16T07:29:00.001-08:00

Many folks will say these look just liked the "Miami Nights" colorway, but this "Black History Month" Lebron 9 features three noticeable differences (besides the BHM hits)...

...white swoosh instead of purple...

...detailed lining ala "Watch The Throne" & "Freegums"...

...and clear outsole.

I love the combination of subtlety (black/grey base) and in-your-face detailing.

G.O.A.T. x 2

2012-02-14T22:08:00.000-08:00

This pair of adidas Crazy 8s will always be linked to the two greatest basketball player of our generation...

The 1998 NBA All Star game signified a passing of the torch from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant. In this game, MJ rocked the Playoff XIII & Mamba wore the Crazy 8 in what is now called the "ASG" colorway.

The shoe features a black/white colorway with Laker-colored accents. Still my favorite adidas hoops shoe...

Re-Run

2012-02-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

No, these are not my pairs. But if you were like me & missed out on the Dave White x AJ 1, we have another shot....Feb 24.

Starry-Eyed

2012-02-12T09:31:00.001-08:00

The adizero Rose 2.5 is slowly beginning to become one of my favorite basketball shoes.

Sick colorways, like the all-orange All-Star colorway shows you one more reason why...

Much more comfortable than the 2.0, the 2.5 also features miCoach capability.

There is also an all-green St. Patricks Day release coming out soon with similar color-blocking.

Royally Surprised

2012-02-12T09:30:00.001-08:00

OK, I expected the Dave White AJ 1s and BHM Durant 4s to sell out instantly yesterday, but I certainly did not expect the Royal AJ 10s to sell out online & in-stores. It didn't seem like the online hype for these on blogs & message boards was big, but boy was I wrong!

Crazy Craze

2012-02-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, Derrick Rose donned a red pair of the adidas Crazy 8 retros in a game against Miami...

The Crazy 8 is my favorite adidas shoe. I believe it to be one of the most comfortable basketball shoes I have ever worn and probably my favorite non-Nike Kobe signature shoe.

I can't get enough of this shoe. I'm glad to know D Rose loves 'em too!

Austin Powered

2012-02-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

85 Duke - 84 UNC! The Blue Devils win on an Austin Rivers 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The game is an instant classic....eat it, Tar Heels!

Can't Top This Ten

2012-02-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Just two days ago, Kobe passed Shaq for 5th on the NBA all-time scoring list. They won three titles together with the Lakers, and Kobe entered the league as an 18-year old rookie wearing these shoes from adidas...

...the adidas Top Top 2000...

Kobe signed with adidas before playing his first NBA game with the Lakers. It was his first NBA shoe, the shoe he wore before any signature shoe was released that beared his name.

The adidas Top Ten features "Feet You Wear" technology. "FYW" helped re-establish adidas in the 90s as a basketball footwear power and also evolved into the technology that is used in the current day footwear of Derrick Rose & Dwight Howard.

This Dark Indigo colorway of the adidas Top Ten 2000 is considered a classic with sneaker collectors. The adidas nailed it with this re-issue...

Hungry Like The Wolf

2012-02-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

I finally gave in to the Kobe System...

The black/wolf grey Kobe VII. Unlike the Supreme versions, this pair just comes with the "Play Fast" insoles...

I feel like these are much stiffer in the midsole than the VI, but break in right away after wearing for about an hour or so...

I have a volleyball game tonight and tomorrow -- I'll be taking these for a test drive. Feedback shortly!

All Rosy

2012-02-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

A nice teaser of the upcoming adidas releases "773" (left), adizero Rose 3.0 (middle) and adizero Rose 2.5 (right). Pic courtesy of my dude Ty over at Leaders.

Infra-Wha?

2012-02-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

When an Nike Air Max 90 release comes out with the color-blocking of the famous Infrared colorway, it's hard to pass it up. But the new grey/volt Nike Air Max 90 signifies the growing trend of retros that are a shell of their original self.

The shape is extremely narrow and looks odd when wearing the shoe. I have owned enough AM90s in my day to know that the fit is getting narrower. Plus, there is a cardboard feel of the midsole; it doesn't even feel like there is an Air unit in the heel.

Sigh...

Triple Tres

2012-02-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

While the rest of the sneaker world beasts over the KD4 "YOTD" dropping today, let's admire some of Durant's past offerings: the KD 3 EYBL Silver (above)...

...Texas Longhorns Players Exclusive (PE)...

...and Mike Miller PE.

Winds Of Change

2012-02-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

At CNI, you're about to see a changing of the guard. You'll see what I mean in coming weeks...

Yay or Nay (Nike edition)

2012-02-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

YAY: Ray Allen's Nike Air Jordan XIII PE

Jesus Shuttleworth shut it down against the Cavaliers the other night when he rocked his XIII blk/green PEs. So simple and so clean...a work of art.

NAY - Kobe 7 "Raptor"

This is a sharp looking shoe, and the colorway is. But again, I just can't do shoes with removeable insoles. When they are in, they don't slide...but this shoe is simply not comfortable. Its very hard and stiff (hush, dirty minds).

YAY: Nike Air Flow Retro

Yes, the front looks goofy with the neoprene toebox, but this photo blue colorway is simply stunning. OG to the fullest. Of course, its only available in Europe right now; we can only hope these hit stateside.

NAY: new Nike Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme BG colorways

Don't get me wrong...I love Blake Griffin. You know I snagged the blue pair. I like the red pair, but that black pair is just plain boring. What makes this a player exclusive? The screen-printed, centimeter-size "BG32" on the tongue?

The lining is supposed to be adorned with a special print, but you can't see it when the shoe is worn. I don't think he deserves a sig shoe yet, but these colorways are just too low-key for a player who plays LOUD.

YAY: Nike KD4 iD
The best Durant shoe yet is now available for customization. I have to hand it to Nike for having a well-timed blend of quickstrikes/limited releases and iD customization for a signature release. "Year of the Dragon" editions are also available to customize.

NAY: Nike Air Jordan 2012
The pic of the wolf grey/volt colorway is the best I have seen yet of this shoe. As it continues to grow on me aesthetically, the three removable insoles and $223 price tag steer me away real quick. At least we should see D Wade should bust out some sweet PEs of this shoe.

YAY: Nike "Black History Month" Collection

The pack features some NSW pairs (a Blazer Low, an Air Force 1 Low, an Air Max 1 and a Huarache Free) and some basketball pairs (Durant, Kobe, Lebron). The KD4 & Huarache Free are just raw...and the Bron looks like a poor man's "Watch The Throne" hyperstrike.

And last not least...

NAY: Nike Air Jordan IV "Cement"

I'll get blasted for ripping this classic from "Do The Right Thing", but you know this retro dropping Feb 11th is going to kill your feet. The last IV retros were hardly comfortable. Even Rip Hamilton wore these for a half against Indiana last week and had to change his shoes at halftime.

They got the cement print correct, but without trying them that your dogs will be barking.

My Kind of Town

2012-01-30T21:14:00.000-08:00

At long last...the elusive "Chicago" Jordan X! This bad boy dodged me in 1995...now I'm elated to have this retro.

Free Your Mind

2012-01-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

Retailers are starting to unveil some "+" colorways of the Huarache Free BBall & runner...but its strictly OG colorways for me...

These take me back to 1992...

...and these remind me of C-Webb & Juwan Howard!

If you're snagging, the runners run small and the basketball ones run big...

All Star Trio

2012-01-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

Durant...Kobe...Bron

Bringing Leather Back...

2012-01-24T22:04:00.001-08:00

My favorite Asics shoe of the moment -- the Ronnie Fieg "Leatherback" Gel Lyte III...

Quality materials, timeless colorway and the comfort of an Asics runner...a winner!

At first I hated the split tongue, but you really don't notice it and it adds character...

Remember to go a half size up when buying a GL 3!

Yes!

2012-01-24T21:51:00.001-08:00

Best news I have heard all day...Dave White x Air Jordan 1 releasing in February!

These > Cement 4s

Sweet Home, Chicago

2012-01-21T14:47:00.001-08:00

Did you get your pair this morning?

Sparty On

2012-01-17T06:43:00.000-08:00

With Michigan State headed to Ann Arbor tonight to face Michigan, its only appropriate we show you the Kevin Durant "Sparty" KD 4...

OK...I coined the nickname, but wouldn't Draymond Green & Keith Appling look sharp in these? Go Spartans!

Run...away?

2012-01-16T19:40:00.001-08:00

Some hits from the Free Run 1 (5.0) are seen on the upper...

...nice spring/summer colorway...

...speed lacing a nice touch...

But...

...what the!? The Free sole flares out like THAT!? Yuck!!

Closer, Actually

2012-01-16T09:08:00.001-08:00

For all the hate the white/cement AJ 4 retro has been getting recently, its actually closer in detail to the original...

The main complaint is that people think the 99 Retro is closer to the OG, but the tiny splatter paint on this year's retro is actually closer...

There is still no denying the 2012's retro won't touch the 1999 retro's quality.

My pairs of white & black Cement 4s from 1999 have stood the test of time...

Also, here is one more idea done to some AJ 3 retros for those that are willing to carve up a pair of the 2012 to look like OGs...

Best Year of Jordan Retros EVER?

2012-01-13T06:32:00.001-08:00

I came across this pic recently...shows a mini-collage of all the Jordan retros dropping this year. I am not sure why the Air Jordan 12 "Taxi" is on there, unless the artist knows something I don't know.

Nonetheless, lots of nice stuff. It all starts next week with the Air Jordan 10 "Chicago".

Red Dawn

2012-01-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

Not only did the Miami Heat lose last night in LA to the Clippers for their first-back-to-back losses of the season, but LeBron unveiled a new colorway of the LJ 9. Not sure if its an iD, but its simple & clean...

Slam City

2012-01-08T08:22:00.001-08:00

With Chris Paul playing for the Clippers, LA has been called "Lob City" lately. But let's be honest -- it's Blake Griffin's team. Here's a peek at the shoe he's currently playing in...the Nike Hyperdunk 2011 PE (Blake Griffin edition)...

The only difference between the pair released and the one he is wearing is a red outsole...

Weezy In The Yeezy

2012-01-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

Two days ago Lil Wayne was spotted wearing the Nike Yeezy courtside at a Hawks/Heat game. With the Yeezy 2 coming in just two months, lets take a closer look at the best colorway of the Yeezy 1...the Net/Net.

Bonus pic...Hova in the Yeezy 2...

These > XMas Cheetahs

2012-01-04T09:39:00.001-08:00

The Kobe 7 Supreme "YOTD" up close and personal. These things crush that Christmas QS....

Dragon Ball Z

2012-01-03T10:52:00.001-08:00

You've seen the China make-up for the LBJ 9...

Now get ready for the KD4 to be done up in a similar colorway...

and for the AJ 2012, AF1, and Kobe 7 to be given "Year Of The Dragon" treatment...

Release date unknown for the whole pack. Stay tuned.

Buzz In The Air

2012-01-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

The buzz in the air? No, its not about Lebron or MJ getting engaged. Rather, its pics of the Summit Lake Hornets Lebron 9, compliments of Ming from Marqueesole. Rumor has it these might be limited in number...

Easter Basket

2012-01-01T21:29:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! To kick off, a beauty...the Easter KD4 quickstrike!

Cool & Melo

2011-12-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

Most anything Jordan-related in the month of December revolves around Concord XI madness. But one over-looked signature model that has been out now for a couple months is the Melo M8.

The "cool grey" edition pictured here takes colorblocking from the CG XI and features double stack Zoom Air in the forefoot, as well as a Max unit in the heel.

The X-Mas green joints are nasty (in a bad way), but I can mess with these....

Definitely a great balling shoe, for those wondering about the $135 pricepoint. A definite steal when you can snag on discount/sale.

Out With A Bang

2011-12-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

The upcoming "Big Bang" Lebron 9. Damn!

Gummy Bear

2011-12-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Lebron 9 "Freegum", designed by Miami-based artist Freegums...

Thunder Roll

2011-12-26T05:53:00.001-08:00

Kevin Durant dropped 30 points last night in OKC's season debut over Orlando. Here's what he rocked...

Bulls Win!

2011-12-25T08:59:00.001-08:00

While Kobe won the battle of better Christmas kicks, Derrick Rose won the game for the Bulls, beating the Lakers 88-87 on his clutch shot with 4.8 seconds left.

Pregame swag...

And one more pic for a good laugh...

LOL...

On The Nines

2011-12-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

My three favorite Lebron 9s...

Chinas - Cannons - Miami Nights.

And there are more coming out that I can't wait to get my hands on...

All-Stars...

...Dunkmans...

...and a Griffey tribute (Swingman). But next up - Freegums!

Got Concords?

2011-12-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

So what's your plan for tomorrow? Midnight release tonight? Whatever it is...good luck!

Yay or Nay

2011-12-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Yay - The new Air Max 2012. Since 2009, the Air Max sig line has gotten better and better. The Hyperfuse upper of these makes for some crazy colorways.

Nay - The Air Jordan 2012 looks more like a Team shoe or D Wade shoe than a JB signature shoe. They probably perform like a beast on the court, aesthetically I find these hard to look at.

Yay - Dropping Dec 26 along with the LBJ 9 & KD4 XMas editions, these Kobe 9 Supreme "Cheetahs" are beyond dope. Taking hues of past Christmas shoes like the Chaos and Grinch, these shoes mark the first Kobe sig with two liners - one with a "sensory strap" for lock down ankle support and one for the traditional low-cut fit that Kobe usually wears. Plus, this colorway is bangin'...

Nay - The Lebron 9 PS Elite not only looks big and bulky, but they want $250 for this? Last year's LBJ 8 V3 PS release was a disappointment - not just because Bron Bron lost the Finals in them, but because they felt terrible compared to the much more comfortable V1 and V2. Outlet bound fo sho.

Yay - The KD4 Home colorway is high atop my priority list, especially after losing out on the Weathermans & Nerfs. Clean colorway...almost better suited for the Mavs.

Nay - I am not booing the KD4 "Year of the Dragon" - this colorway is bangin'. What I am dissin' is the fact that this is a China-only release. That's strike 3 on the KD4 releases, Nike....sigh.

Yay - Another killer collabo with an overseas sneaker shop - the Mita x New Balance ML 581. Super clean neutral colorway with a gum sole outsole. Nice to see a departure from the normal 574/576 collabo. These will be had if I can find away to avoid international shipping costs.

Nay - I know we are due for a new Air Jordan box, but do we need to see the size as big as the Jumpman? SMH

Nerf Bron 9s!?

2011-12-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

For those that missed out on Nerf KD4s (like me), peep these customs from Mache Kicks. Sick!

Hungry Like The Wolf

2011-12-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

Some upcoming Kobe 7 colorways...the "Wolf" ^

...the "Shark''...

..."Duke"...

...and black/volt (which some nickname will appear eventually).

Weather The Storm

2011-12-01T08:58:00.001-08:00

Apparently Kevin Durant wanted to be a weather man when he grew up, thus the inspiration for these KD IV "Weatherman" quickstrikes. Release date is Dec 10.

These grew on me fast; I initially didn't like them but I almost like these better than the Nerfs now.

Wield The Shield

2011-11-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

My favorite shoe of the season: the LunarEclipse Shield edition. Water resistant with a Scotchlite 3M upper for night running...

The new LunarEclipse 2 drops in January and it has big shoes to fill...

Swish Pt 2

2011-11-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

Originally unveiled in October, we now have a release date for the Nerf KD 4s...Dec 17. If you are planning on coppin', go up half a size - these bad boys run very narrow (like a Hyperfuse). Word to my dude Ty from Leaders for the pic.

Powder Blue

2011-11-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

Is MJ mad that Harrison Barnes keeps rocking Kobes on his JB-sponsored alma mater? Who cares...HB rocks the metallic silver 6s to the fullest...

Underrated colorway

O - H - I - O

2011-11-21T09:19:00.001-08:00

The Ohio State Lebron 9, sans the "O"...

903 & Kounting

2011-11-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

Mike Krzyzewski passed Bob Knight as the winningest men's coach in Division 1 Mens Basketball history with Duke's win over Michigan State last night at Madison Square Garden. Congrats Coack K!

Dat Sh*t Cray!

2011-11-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

Ain't nothin' like a Lebron 9 to celebrate the hottest album/tour of the year...

Pics of the "Watch The Throne" Lebron 9 PE leaked yesterday and it's definitely worth the buzz. The laces and lining mirror image prints from the album cover...

Only thing I am not a fan of is that spiky pendant thingee-a-jig. I could just imagine accidentally stepping into your dog and him/her yelping...

Just waiting to see pics of Jay or 'Ye with them on!

Amazing

2011-11-11T22:00:00.001-08:00

Tonight Michigan State took on UNC on the USS Carl Vinson (just off the coast of California) to celebrate Veterans Day. The Tar Heels won 67-55. It was an amazing scene...

Rhythm Of The Night

2011-11-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

To feed my new latest Lebron 9 addiction, the Miami Nights edition...

Bonus shot...

Riddle me This

2011-11-08T10:08:00.001-08:00

Just when I thought I was done with the Kobe 6, the Dark Knight colorway drops...

Not as unique as last year's DK edition, this one is still clean and smooth...

It's a bird, it's a plane...

2011-11-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

...it's a shoe I can't buy?

The Doernbecher AJ 4 drops this Saturday and I just can't can't pull the trigger. I like it, but I certainly don't love it. May not be worth the hassle.

The clear midsole is a nice touch, though.

Merry Christmas

2011-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well, its actually Halloween today, but just had to post the X-Mas edition Lebron 9s. #icysoleFTW

Penny For Your Thoughts?

2011-10-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

Instead of a penny for your thoughts, how about a whole boatload of pennies for some....Pennys?

Sole Collector's Penny Signature Pack drops tonight via raffle at Niketown Las Vegas. 5 shoes for $1,000 in one schnazzy box. A Foamposite One...

...Air Penny 1...

...Air Penny 2...

...Air Penny 3...

...and a Penny hybrid Zoom Rookie (best shoe of the pack, IMO)...

Penny Hardaway will be on hand for the event tonight. Word to my dude Oscar of Modern Notoriety at the event tonight.

Swish!

2011-10-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

A gimmick I can deal with. The "Nerf" edition KD 4. Well played, Mr. Durant!

Pass The Buck(y)

2011-10-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

As you can tell, I am on a lovefest with the Lebron 9. Here is the King rocking the OSU Buckeye LBJ 9 from the University Pack at a recent exhibition game.

Dropping Nov 15. Straight butter...

Cannonized

2011-10-24T10:25:00.001-07:00

The hottest colorway of the Lebron 9 is now dropping December 2nd.

Wildcat Formation

2011-10-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Lebron 9 in the "Kentucky Wildcat" quickstrike colorway...

Straight Bootie

2011-10-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

A peek at the Kobe VII...

Thank God the inner ankle "bootie" is removable.

#ownchicago

2011-10-10T07:15:00.001-07:00

Congrats to all 40,000 runners of the Chicago Marathon yesterday. To commemorate one of the city's biggest events, the Chicago edition LunarGlide 3...

Huaray!

2011-10-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sneaker Freaker yesterday showed off two Huarache Free models dropping next spring, both in OG Huarache colorways...

While many will complain about Nike not releasing the Huarache models with their original midsoles (just give me one lime/royal Huarache runner in a sz 10, Nike!), I will say that the Free midsoles/outsoles are some of the most comfortable I have purchased in the past few years.

If they threw on a 360 Max bag on this model, I would have been pissed. I am very excited for these hybrids. Plus, expect to see a nod to the Fab Five come NCAA March Madness time & seeing many rock the white/turqouise/purple joints!

Think Pink

2011-10-04T10:03:00.001-07:00

Every Sunday, NFL players will be wearing pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

To help promote, I will be wearing these LBJ Soldier V "Think Pinks" to Niketown and for volleyball.

They are actually pretty comfortable!

Real men wear pink...

Signs I'm Getting Older

2011-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

True Blue AJ 3s hit the South Chicago Outlet for $99 this morning. Would have cost me $60...and I passed.

Getting excited about Cole Haan dress shoes one day, passing on cheap Jordans another -- have I grown up!?

Style & Profile

2011-10-03T21:21:00.001-07:00

My day job has just wrecked my dress shoes, so I made my second Cole Haan purchase this past week (first being some Air Yachts); peep the Cole Haan Air Stanton...

Water proof upper and rubber sole FTW!

And Nike Air in the heel.... :hat

Eye of the Tiger

2011-10-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Big win for the Detroit Tigers tonight! The duo of Verlander & Valverde wrapped up Game 3 of the ALDS tonight. Rick Porcello goes tomorrow to close out the Bronx Bombers...

Go Tigers!

Basic Training

2011-09-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

Busted these out for volleyball the other night...

A big fan of these. I wasn't sure how they'd hold up vs. last year's 1.2, but they performed just as well. The fit changed a bit (a little cleaner, less bulky) without sacrificing the weight and cushioning.

IMO, they have a much better fit than the step up, "Yankee" Max Trainer...

Speaking of "Yankees", I think we should just call these the 1.3 Yankee. They emulate the Yankee colorways of the AT 1 and the TR 1.2...

And the colorblocking is very similar to the Lebron 6 Yankee with the white toe cap...

...and hints of it with the Lebron 5 Yankee...

All in all, a solid training shoe.

B-Grade Mags Have Hit The Outlet!

2011-09-27T19:13:00.001-07:00

LOL....I wish!

Johnny Depp called...

2011-09-26T08:12:00.001-07:00

...he wants his look back.

I love me some John Mayer - love his music, his enviable dating life, his kicks collection...but get your own look, bro!

Rocking my fav shoe the Concepts x New Balance 999 "The Kennedy"...

Here's A Free Lesson

2011-09-21T06:44:00.001-07:00

So, as we take a peek at the next generation of the wildly popular Free Run series, the Nike Free Run 3+, I figure I'd give a crash course in the Nike Free series.

For those of you who don't know the difference between the Free models, it can be confusing: the Free Run 1/2/3 uses a 5.0 outsole. The Free Run 3.0 uses a 3.0 outsole. The Free Run 7.0 uses the 7.0 outsole. The lower the number, the more flexible the outsole (3.0 the most flexible).

All numbers aside, when the Free Run 5.0 came out in 2009, I was amazed at the comfort, weight & flexibility. And yes, I wore mine without socks...

In 2010, Nike threw us a curveball and change the named of the proceeding model to the Free Run Plus. I never owned this model, but I thought they looked sweet...

This year's installation, the Free Run 2, remains my favorite so far...

Aesthetically pleasing and easily the most comfortable shoe I have owned this year.

The 3.0 series dropped last year with Nike Free 3.0 V1...

I personally think these shoes are too thin in the outsole to do any real running in them. They are classified as "barefoot training shoes" but I used them merely to get around in.

I felt like Nike took a step back with this year's V2...

Nike replaced the traditional leather ankle collar with a neoprene material that doesn't support all too much. It may be lighter than the V1, but they took some pretty important leather away.

I actually never owned any 7.0s so I can't really comment on them. We'll take a look at the Free Trainers tomorrow.

Don't CHI Away

2011-09-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

A peek at the Chicago Marathon Lunarglide 3, one of 9 "City Series" LG3s...

Here are the past two Chicago Lunarglides...

Been a Long Time Comin'...

2011-09-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Retro of the year! The Nike Air Trainer SC II QS has dropped in two OG colorways - the Citron colorway & Infrared colorways...

The Citron c/w was the first Nike Air shoe I ever owned. I still recall getting a pair at Chernins for $59.99 in sixth grade...lol

Beyond stoked for these!

MAG-nificent

2011-09-10T18:47:00.001-07:00

Back from Turkey! I can't believe this Air Mag release. Truly a ground breaking release. I am now wondering if any future releases will follow suit on the charity train.

OG Status

2011-08-26T22:19:00.001-07:00

Dropping next week, the SC II Trainer in OG colorways (Citron & Infrared/Obsidian)...

Thanks to my dude Justin (Mr Mayhem!) for the pics...

What A CNCPT

2011-08-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

Our second New Balance showcase is my arguably my favorite release this year...

The New Balance 999 "The Kennedy" collaboration with Concepts in Cambridge, MA.

A shoe that celebrates President Kennedy's love of sailing, the 999 "Kennedy" QS was the most sought after NB release earlier this year in April...

Quality materials and construction, perfect colorblocking and the comfort of a 999 make this my favorite shoe of 2011.

A Newer Balance

2011-08-20T08:25:00.001-07:00

Once every year I my eye usually strays away from the Swoosh and onto other brands. Lately for me, its been New Balance and their retro runners...

This general release is a classic, simple colorway of the NB 999. Most of the NB collectors visit message boards like Crooked Tongues to find special collaborations with sneaker shops all over the world...

Tomorrow we will show you one of the collabos of this same model.

Keep On Rockin The Free World...

2011-08-19T07:24:00.001-07:00

Ever since I got em, I've been living in these Free Trainer 2s...

The Free Run 2 gets a lot of the shine, but these TRs are perfect for getting around and for the gym.

And this colorway just pops!

BG Baby!

2011-08-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

The Hype Monster has moved onto the Nike Hyperdunk 2011 model. The Blake Griffin QS release last week has caused a stir with its busy design and loud colorway...

The mango red definitely pops like solar red & has a pinkish hue like infrared.

Here's pics without flash...

...and with flash...

Super lightweight and comfortable!

South Side Love

2011-08-08T17:59:00.001-07:00

The Nike Trainer Huarache 2 didn't have the splash the first one did, but I found the "North Side/South Side" pack to be a neat attempt to add life to just a plainer trainer.

The funny thing for me is that I actually dig the White Sox colorway over the Cubs colorway...

It's not black, but more of an anthracite, giving it a grey/charcoal-ish look...

And so, so comfy!

Eye Of The Tiger

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

A pic of Tiger Woods prototype Nike Free-based golf cleat that he will wear during the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, OH.

At his press conference this AM, Tiger said he runs & trains in Nike Frees, so he worked with the Innovative Kitchen to develop a shoe to give him more stability and address the needs of his recently injured leg.

The upper mimicks Nike's Hyperfuse 2011 with Flywire, along with recycled NIKE Air Max units in the heel. A Free-inspired outsole is paired with a half heel counter in both shoes to give more stability on the lateral side, particularly in follow through.

FreeClipse

2011-08-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Word to my boy Ray for his Free Run 2 iDs to mimick the OG colorway of the Lunar Eclipse...

With flash...

Sick work, my dude! Can't wait to see the finished Pacquiaos!

A Look Back: Nike Zoom Kobe I PE

2011-07-26T08:16:00.001-07:00

After Kobe Bryant left adidas, Nike worked earnestly to come up with his first signature shoe. He wore the Huarache 2K4 as his signature shoe his first year with Nike. Then Nike gave him this...

Outside of the Zoom Kobe 4, this might be might favorite Kobe shoe aesthetically.

The Zoom Kobe I ran big. I wore a sz 9.5 in this shoe comfortable & I wear a 10/10.5 in everything.

Enjoy these pics of a pair I recently gave a new home.

Solar Powered

2011-07-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

The Solar Red Lebron V2 Low almost appears pink in person. Its not as hot as the Sprites, but the red is so unique.....infrared-ish, if you will.

I.E.

2011-07-24T22:08:00.001-07:00

Minus a couple random sloppy stitches, this AJ 11 IE is a well done retro. I like the foggy outsoles, as opposed to the OG clear ones. Its a bit stiffer than the OG, though.

The white/black/silver pair coming out is very tempting.

Summertime Jam

2011-07-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Dropping tomorrow, these SB Dunk "Space Jams" will be hard to resist. As a matter of fact, I almost like them better than the Entourage SB...

World B Free!

2011-07-15T05:56:00.001-07:00

I've been living in these Free 3.0s since I got them. #nosocksFTW

Slowly Growing On Me...

2011-07-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

The Lebron IX. Not sure if they plan on doing the V1/V2/V3 again, but this one ain't bad. An Air-Yeezy-meets-Hawk-Flight. We'll see how they look in person...

Bluestreak

2011-07-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

For me, the shoe of the summer is the Sprite LBJ 8 Low. I finally acquired a pair along with the new LunarGlide 3.

The LG3s fit great. The biggest difference between the LG 2 & LG 3 is the heel wrap counter in the back, along with some midfoot support...

Thanks, JB....

2011-07-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

...for making these Ray Allen PEs virtual impossible to get tomorrow. SMH...

YES!

2011-06-29T22:39:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite summer shoes is coming back in three weeks...the AJ XI I.E. What the I.E. stands for...to this day, I have no idea!

Swag

2011-06-23T20:52:00.001-07:00

FlintGrey gettin' his Sperry Topsider on with these Cole Haan Air Yacht Club boat shoes...

Purple People Eater

2011-06-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I got excited for a Pegasus, but this year's edition has me excited!

With the addition of Flywire and some crazy colorways, the Pegasus 28 is definitely worth a peek. This all-purple one grabbed me from the get-go!

Dank, You Have Done It Again...

2011-06-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Just when I think he's done his best work, he outdoes himself yet again...

Word to my man Jake Danklefs on his AJ 3 x Chaos Kobe 6 custom. Straight bonkers, my friend! Peep mroe pics and his blog here.

Long Time, No See

2011-06-18T16:53:00.001-07:00

I couldn't tell you the last time I bought a Nike SB shoe...

These "Watermelon" Kostons were just screaming my name! These pics don't do these justice...

Very comfortable. The look of a Bruin, but not as narrow and ten times more comfy...

Camoflauged

2011-06-16T21:46:00.001-07:00

It's gonna be hard to pass on the rest of the Camo Kobe VI pack (grey/blue & blue/yellow).

Lone Stars

2011-06-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Dallas Mavs on winning the NBA Finals! Dirk FTW!

"No Shoes For You!!"

2011-05-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

Jerry Seinfeld is rocking the Air Edge cross trainer from 1993 above ^ . Want to see every pair of Nikes Jerry rocked? Peep this amazing compilation. Now thats true OG heat.

(H/T Panicsteak).

Before/After

2011-05-24T09:59:00.001-07:00

Sorry....the Bulls fan is coming out of me.

But it was Lebron that had the last laugh, dropping 35 pts and the Bulls to a 3 games to 1 deficit.

I couldn't help but stare down at his feet tonight and see that he wasn't wearing the GR LBJ VIII PS V3 -- its a PE (and a nice one)...

Yummy!