Friday, December 6, 2013

Adidas D Rose 4

*Image from nba.si.com**
These are the Adidas D Rose 4's. Let me start off by saying Adidas why do you cut your shoes so freaking tight?! I had to go up a full size to even consider the shoe comfortable. I love the look of it but the feel of the show still needs work. Now the shoe is still lightweight, and its synthetic upper keeps your feet cool and dry for the most part.


 Also, I'm shooting for variety in my blogs so yes in this current one I am bashing this shoe because it still needs some work. First it sucks for anyone who has a wide foot like me because I'll tell you what this shoe hugs your entire foot and yes it gives that secure feeling but it felt like I was going to lose circulation in my foot! In all Adidas open the shoe up a little more and I couldn't complain much after that.

Sc-Trainer "Bo-Jackson"

*Image from sole collector**
These are the Bo-Jackson you may recognize the name from that ever so famous saying "Bo Knows" But about the shoe it’s very versatile just like Bo himself. It was originally created for football practice and cross training, the Nike Air Trainer SC works well keeping your feet stable and cushioned in a wide variety of high-top profiles.


They're also equipped with Nike Air underneath. The eye-popping color contrasts and many different colors to choose from will set you apart from the crowd. Trust me there are color sets for everyone. Also, the padded collar is super comfortable and breathable too, and Waffle lugs on the sole take can conquer any surface in this lightweight, multi-use shoe.

Retro 11 "Cool Grey"

* Image from sole collector.com**
These are the Retro 11 "Cool Grey" This shoe has so much history is crazy so I’m going to give you guys a briefing to what’s behind this iconic shoe to start its designer Tinker Hatfield designed the Jordan XI and it featured patent leather for the first time on a basketball shoe. The upper was made of a polymer–coated, thin nylon ballistic mesh material. The collar and tongue were padded for max ankle comfort. The translucent outsole lay atop a full-length carbon fiber shank plate which provided extra spring.


The shoe also included a full-length Air-Sole unit for maximum cushioning. MJ wore the black/varsity royal/white version in the movie Space Jam. Jordan also wore the same "Air Jordan XI Space Jam" shoe in the NBA playoffs. Many Brand Jordan athletes wore the AJ XI over the years. Also recognize that while MJ was wearing the Air Jordan XI, he was elected an All-Star for the 10th time, the All-Star game MVP for the second time, scoring champion for the eighth time, and was again league MVP. The Bulls went on and won the NBA title for the fourth time, and as he was for the previous three championships, Jordan was again the Finals MVP.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Nike Roshe Run


*Image from Foot Locker. Com*
These are the Nike Roshe Runs. Do not worry these are actually affordable and have become very popular very quick since their initial launch. The Roshe Run is a lightweight running performance shoe and a trendy casual shoe combined.

They are a new twist on the full mesh Roshe Run Shoes that were released in early 2012, the new model showcases a unique upper for a stylish look that stands out from the crowd. So if you are looking for a lightweight shoe that you can dress down with boom here's the shoe for you and they are so comfortable! I haven't seen a color that fascinates me yet, but when I do believe it will be in my closet!

Air Yeezy


*Image from Google image*
What you are looking at are the grails of all grails! I'm talking about the Air Yezzy of course! This shoe once sold for a whopping $90,300!! I mean if you have it why not spend it? Right? HECK no not for a pair of shoes I don't care who's name is on that shoe or designed by I will never in my life pay that much for a pair of shoes. Let alone $400 is pushing the limit!
 All I will say is this shoe looks really good in person from the people that I've spoken to they say their light and comfy but not a shoe to wear on an everyday basis. So a word of advice if you plan on buying a pair BE CAREFUL there are so many fakes and replica's it is crazy so do your research before purchasing!

Jordan 6 Rings


*Image from Google Image**
These are the Jordan 6 rings! To be honest I wouldn't wear them for casual wear but mainly for basketball for a patent leather shoe it’s pretty darn comfortable! This shoe sported pieces of every model that Spike Lee helped promote with Michael Jordan. Lastly, the Jordan 6 Rings features elements from each of the 7 shoes that Michael Jordan wore to win his 6 NBA Championship Rings. The shoes include the following:

Air Jordan 6 – Lacelock on laces, heel loop
Air Jordan 7 – Huarache style inner sock
Air Jordan 8 – Fuzzy tongue logo, Velcro strap
Air Jordan 11 – Silhouette of upper
Air Jordan 12 – “T W O 3″ on tongue, metal lace loops at top
Air Jordan 13 – Outsole
Air Jordan 14 – Jumpman at bottom of tongue near the toe

Nike Air Mag

*I wish these were mine but they're not, Image from Google Image"
These are the infamous Nike air Mags! Where most people find this shoe crazy I look at it as a piece of art. This shoe has so much going for it, it’s ridiculous! The Air Mag is the first rechargeable footwear from Nike was designed as an identical replica to the originals seen in the Back to the Future II movie. Some of the constant elements include the upper contours, the glowing LED panel and the electroluminescent (Try saying that 10x fast!) Nike logo in the strap. And yes the Mags actually do illuminate with the pinch of the "ear" of the high top, glowing for five hours per charge. Oh and their set to release in 2015 so believe I will try to snag a pair! Since I missed the first round.

Reebok Shaq Attaq

**Image From Google Image**
     Before I start I'm picking up a pair of these next week!! So Stay tuned! anyway these are the Shaq Attaq's! I bet you didn't know that Speed lacing systems hadn't become a regular part of sneakers back in 1992. Actually, the Reebok Shaq Attaq was one of the first basketball shoes to feature the reinforced eyelets that made lacing up the Shaq Attaq a cinch. 
     Also, I bet you didn't know that the Shaq Attaq was the quickest turnaround project the designer, Judy Close, ever worked on, with less than four months from conception to being on the court. Talk about under pressure! These shoes are very comfy! If you are looking for a classical basketball shoe, you don't need to search far at all!

Retro 10 "Steel"


*Image From Google Image**
These are the Steel 10's and I regret selling my pair ;(. But in case you didn't know the history behind the shoe here's some insight. The Air Jordan X's design was very simplistic. The original "steel" version was designed with a stitched toe piece.
 MJ didn't like the toe piece, so all subsequent colorways of the AJ X had a clean toe cap. The X featured a padded collar, pull tab at the heel and an elastic band lacing system. The midsole of the X was constructed of lightweight Phylon connected to a rubber outsole. The outsole listed Jordan's career achievements on alternating stripes.

Air Max 2013


**Image From Google Image**
These are the air max 2013's and boy are these shoes comfy! It delivers maximum cushioning and flexibility with ultimate performance and style too. I hight recommend this shoe to both active and people that want to run for the hell of it. Hyperfuse upper with dynamic Flywire technology delivers lightweight, flexible support. Nike did everything correct with this shoe and is crafted like no other air max which puts it in a class of its own because of how light yet comfortable. My cousin has been wearing Air max's since 06 and always says he'll never wear anything else except for these when he's working!

DB Retro 9

*Image from Google Images*
My hands down favorite colorway of the DB series. I simply love everything about this shoe, its just perfectly crated, the shoe is so comfortable especially for a retro! The Jordan Doernbecher has risen to incredible many heights in popularity, rivaling some of the most praised Jordan originals as the most coveted releases of all time, demanding insanely high dollars in the re-sale market due to its limited units and distinct colorways. No matter what I will always love this particular shoe and what image Doernbecher has given the retro 9. I get jealous every time I walk past someone who has them on!

Retro 6 "White Infrared"


** Image from Google Image**
The are my hands down favorite sneaker ever!!! Ladies and gentleman I bring to you the Retro 6 back for another colorway but this one has more of an impact on me! Why? Because I have a pair that released back in '08 and they are busted! So this means these are a must cop!!! I love everything about this shoe. From the way it looks to the way it feels this shoe wins in any and all categories possible. I cannot wait to get my hands on another pair and when I do I'll be sure to post it for everyone to see. Now I do not have a picture of my 6's because they are cooked/ destroyed and rather not post them because I'm ashamed I let them get that bad!

Doernbecher Retro 5




*Images from Sole Collector**
These are one of the most unique shoes I've ever seen in my life! The attention to detail in these is immense!!
I mean the shoes come with a blue light so you could see the true detail behind these shoes. I love everything about this shoe period. When the blue light isn't on it, it has a deep glossy black upper and if you look hard enough you could see them plethora of words. But no need to strain your eyes! Why? because the shoes come with a blue light and when turned on you could see this shoe glows and gleams each word perfectly! And looks incredible when glowing like it is in the picture below!









Retro 5 "Black Tougue"


** Photo Cred: Me These Were Mine**
    These are the Retro 5 "Black Tongue"'s  Although I haven't been a fan of how Nike & Jordan are producing their shoes I felt like I had to pick these up only because i don't have any 5's in my collection. In my opinion the 5's yes are comfy but they look so cheaply made. The paint looks fake, the leather creases incredibly fast and feel synthetic, and the list goes on.
   So for these I sold them because I never wore them and to be honest didn't need them in the first place so I sold them to someone who would wear them and give the shoe some type of love. That love was not coming from me, but aside from that if I get another pair of 5's its going to be older ones that are actually built to last.

Retro 1 "Chicago"


** Image from Google image**
  These are the Retro 1 "Chicago". Here's some food for thought, The AJ I Black/Red colorway was banned by the NBA because of rules regarding shoe colors; Jordan was fined $5,000 for every game he wore them.
   In MJ's rookie year he walked away with an All-Star appearance, Rookie of the Year honors and leading the Bulls to the playoffs after a four-year absence. Michael wore the Air Jordan I Red/White/Black (above) as he scored 63 points against the Boston Celtics in the 1986 playoffs. Aside from that I love the look of the AJ1 among a few favorites. But hands down a classic shoe.

Adidas Teyana Taylor "Dark Knight"


**Image From sole Collector**
 These are the Adidas " Dark Knight" by Teyana Taylor. Let me first say Teyana got her name from that show on MTV "My Sweet 16" since then she has blown up and even created her own shoe. I will say I freaking love this shoe but is way out of my price range for re-sell value.
 Cheapest I seen was $550 anyway I just read Adidas dropped her contract (womp, womp) and instead picked up the rapper Kanye west who the world loves to hate. But I do love the shoe and everything about it and if I ever get my hands on a pair I will NEVER wear them, just admire them.

Retro 11 "Gamma Blue"



*Image Taken From Google Image*
Here's a small look into the retro 11 'Gamma Blue" These are another shoe due to release at the end of the month and has people going crazy. I personally think it is simply for the fact that it is a retro 11. Although its a new colorway for the shoe the hype is real and as always with every retro 11 release people are going to do everything they can to get the shoe early. In my opinion it doesn't matter to me if I get them or not. Do i Like the shoe? Yes, but its not on my list of "I have to have it". again if I get my hands on them great! If not, oh well I wont be losing sleep over it!

Retro 12 "Taxi'


** Taken From Google Image**

These are the retro 12 "Taxi's". They are set to release on December 14 so that's why I don't have a picture of them on my feet. Anyway, this is one of the most hyped up shoes for 2013 because the last time these were released were in the Countdown pack that released back in December of '08 so its been a long time coming for this particular retro! It is on my list of pick-ups for the season because I'm just a 12 fan period. Not joining the crowd but I had the fusion version of these and couldn't wait to get my hands on the real thing and now I have so I can't wait!

Lebron X "Cork'



** Taken From Google Images***
These are the Lebron X "Cork". Yes these shoes are made from actual cork material that you plug a wine bottle with!. The feature a leather tongue and sock liner, full air max technology, and the famous cork outer. This shoe was retail at $250 but resell value is $800+ because there was a limited amount made. Nike released a special edition where only 21 are made in existence. Features a metallic gold box and a card with a designated number 1-21. The value for those is astronomical so if you can afford it by all means grab them if not just stare at pictures like I do!

Nike zoom Flight "The Glove"



** Not Mine, But I do Own A Pair!**
These are the Nike Zoom Flight "Gloves". One of the most slept on shoe of 2013!! I remembering always wanting these as a kid and when they re released I made it a point to grab a pair. The moment I put them on I fell in love instantly! The feel the look even better the look it gives off when that zipper is down and the sides are folded down. This shoe is simply a head turner. I suggest if you don't have a pair that you invest in one. You'll be glad you did! I know I am! Again, let me emphasize 'Most slept on shoe of 2013" because it is and it was an easy cop.

Lebron 11 Gamma Blue

*These are Mine*
These are the Lebron 11's his 11th shoe in his series. Now we all know how big of an icon Lebron is in not only the sneaker community but the basket ball world as well. Now these aren't as good as the Lebron 10 because the look and feel of them take ALOT of getting used to. They feel much flatter although they have one of the most elite insoles to come in a shoe. Overall, I like the look of the shoe on the shelves but on foot I'm not a big fan because they make my foot look incredibly long compared to the clean look of the Lebron 10. BUT I couldn't resist grabbing a pair!

Lebron 11 'Kings Pride"


** Taken From the Internet**
These are the Lebron 11's his 11th shoe in his series. Now we all know how big of an icon Lebron is in not only the sneaker community but the basket ball world as well. Now these aren't as good as the Lebron 10 because the look and feel of them take ALOT of getting used to. They feel much flatter although they have one of the most elite insoles to come in a shoe. Overall, I like the look of the shoe on the shelves but on foot I'm not a big fan because they make my foot look incredibly long compared to the clean look of the Lebron 10.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Retro 12 "Cool Grey"



     Since I got these I have wanted to wear them almost every day, but I can't because then there would be nothing left of the shoe! These are my Cool Grey Retro 12's. These are just another colorway of the Retro 12 I previously blogged about. All I will say is I love the Grey suede and how it pulls the accents of orange just right.
     The feel of these are the same as my other 12's so just was comfortable and just as stylish. What I did with these was a lace swap, meaning I took my "Playoff" 12's laces and put them on these and vice versa. I just simply love the Retro 12's so I will never complain about them!

Retro 11 Low "Red Bottom"






** Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my friend's kicks**

    These are the Retro 11 Low "Red Bottoms". I love the look of these. Now i do have my own pair I just never took a picture of them so I featured my friend's 11's. There really isn't anything special about these, only special thing is it’s the low version of the popular Retro 11 (high top).

     There are two ways you can pull this shoe off either play ball in them or wear it as a casual shoe, as my friend Darren above is wearing them. Personally, I wouldn't play basketball in them because there is no ankle support so that is an absolute no-no for me. Regardless I love the look of these and can't wait to wear mine again, given I haven't worn them since last year when they released.

Lebron X Elite "Superhero"





    These are my favorite Lebron's I own when it comes to performance and style. These are my Lebron X "Superhero"! These shoes provide all the cushioning and support any player would need. Although I never play ball in my Lebron's just for simple casual wear I absolutely love these. I think it's mainly due to the carbon fiber on the outsole and that infamous Air Max 360 technology.
  These shoes are definitely a head turner when on foot! And on top of all the Flywire, carbon fiber, Air max technology, and insole the shoe is relatively light. Now, the only down fall about these were the price. Priced at $250 is a big investment, I bought them when they were fully priced and with my discount still came out to a pretty penny! So if you want to invest I suggest waiting until they go on sale because that is a hefty price tag!

KD V N7





** Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my friend's kicks**

      These are the Kevin Durant N7's. They were inspired by Native Americans and feature colors that are symbolized on the Native Medicine Wheel.  The yellow seen on the shoe is one of the four colors on the wheel and symbolizes health.
      Durant worked with N7 and Aboriginal youths and Native youths to encourage them to get out and work to their fullest potential. Also, the shoe was made to minimize waste and made with ecological materials. I love the collaboration with N7 and Durant the shoe symbolizes so much and can still perform both on and off the court.

Reebok Kamikaze II


** Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my friend's kicks**


These are the Reebok Kamikaze II. I personally don't own a pair but I have tried them on and I must say they are very, very comfortable. They offer everything a classic basketball shoe should! Reebok put Hexalite technology in the heel and forefoot of the shoe. Hexalite cushioning is superior in shock absorption and impact. Also featured is a Ortholite insole that offers a great "step-in" feel, now this isn't where the cushion is supplied but gives the shoe that "first time wear" fit until you break them in.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Nike Free 5.0 "Atomic Red"



       I'm making a transition from basketball shoes to running shoes! These are my Nike Free 5.0 designed for barefoot running and to give the feet increased freedom this is my top choice when it comes to cross training shoe. The sole of the Free's have deep grooves that go horizontal and vertical to allow for better quick and multi-directional running or training. The upper portion of the shoe features a breathable mesh and gives the shoe increased flexibility.
      I love these Free's for the simple fact that they give me a feel on my feet like no other shoe I own. When I train in them I feel more engaged and more powerful and quicker. What's also a plus is I don't have to sacrifice no cushion for the feel that these offer. I truly get the best of both worlds, I get a lightweight and close to the ground feel but also have the cushioning and some support too so Nike I applaud you on the Nike Free 5.0!! (Claps hands)
         
     

Shaqnosis "Miami Heat"




**Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my brother's Shaqnosis**
     I'm switching over to Reebok for a moment. These are the Shaqnosis "Miami Heat". Originally, in black and white the Shaqnosis has made a big return in almost more than 18 years. These shoes are very comfortable especially for a Reebok basketball shoe aside from the Kamikaze and Iverson Question & Answers!
      The design is influenced by Shaq's peculiar personality and his intense style of playing basketball. Its crazy how this shoe once sold in Payless Stores and now is a major hit with the crazy colorway’s that are releasing. These are definitely a head turner when their on feet. So when you see this unique, hypnotic looking shoe recognize their Shaqnosis's!

Retro 6 "Olympics"




**Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my brother's Retro's**
        One of my favorite colorways of the Retro 6 is the "Olympics". Released on 07/7/2012 this Retro was a must have! Not only because it was the year of the Olympics but because this was the first time the colorway has been released. The Retro 6 made its first appearance in 1991 and is among one of the most loved Jordans in the Retro collection.
       It's probably because of the finger holes in the tongue that allows for us to get a good pull on the tongue without slippage. Or maybe it is because this is the shoe Jordan was wearing when he won his first NBA Championship ring. Not to mention Jordan averaged 31.4 point per game wearing the VI's and was named NBA Finals MVP.

Lebron 9 "Scarface"




**Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my brother's Lebron’s**
        These are the Lebron 9 "Scarface" or better known as the "Freegums". The Lebron 9 has a triple carbon fiber weave pattern and has Flywire technology incorporated into the mid and forefoot panel. In the heel region there is a 180 Air Max technology giving the shoe a well cushioned heel region, perfect for shock absorption on the court.
        In the forefoot Zoom Air technology is blended into the sole as well. In addition, the shoe also features Cushlon technology for stabilization, and Nike Combat Pro padding in the lining. It's amazing because with all these innovations and technology the shoe is still relatively lightweight. Award for the most innovative Lebron? I give this award to the Lebron 9!

Retro 5 "Grapes"



**Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my brother's Retros**

      These are the Retro 5 "Grapes". Originally in black and red the Retro 5 was inspired by a World war II plane. The shoe has an asymmetrical collar and was reverted back to that "high top" look. The shoes above were the first basketball shoes to have a purple and turquoise color scheme.

     Some of the Retro V's include a 3M reflective type material on the tongue (particularly the "Metallic" V's) this really pushed the envelope for the look of the shoes. Retro V's introduced lace locks as well for added support and lockdown of the foot during game play. Jordan won his 4th league scoring title and named to the ALL-NBA First Team as well as All-Defensive First team while wearing the Retro V. I love the look of the shoes not so much the comfort level, that's just me though!

Retro 3 "Fire Red"




**Disclaimer! These are not mine, they are my brother's Retros**
   I bring to you the Retro 3. With this Retro Hatfield removed the Air Jordan "wings logo and put the Jumpman logo on the tongue, a first for the Jordan shoes. Also, another new addition was the mid cut, not a high top but not a low top either, hence "mid-top". The air unit was visible as well (bubble shown in heel region on outsole). Hatfield introduced the elephant print to the shoe. This is the black parts on the shoe above on the heel and on the front of the shoe.
   The upgrade on materials was another plus on the shoe. Constructed of tumbled leather and with the midsole being constructed of polyurethane gave it a more "broken in" feel to it. This meant that Jordan didn't have to worry all types of stiffness and the time it takes to break in the shoes when the shoes already came feeling that way. MJ won the slam Dunk Title in these too in 1988! I personally don't own a pair yet but their on my list of pick-ups!

Lebron X "Pure Platinum"




        I recently took this picture and had to post it up!! These are my Lebron X "Pure Platinum". These are my absolute, no questions asked, favorite colorway in my collection! Why? Simply because the way the pattern is designed and the perfect collaboration between turquoise, orange, blues, and silver makes this shoe my favorite.
        Also, not to mention how comfortable they are (again). I really don't think anyone will know the level of cushioning and support these shoes have unless you have a pair. This is number 6 out of the 10 I have in my collection. I made it a point to have 10 pairs of these because I love them so much! More to come stay tuned!

Retro 4 "Mars" & "Bred"





This blog is on the Retro 4 "Mars" and "Bred". I love the look of the Retro 4. It features a breathable mesh and two straps on both sides of the shoes to stabilize the foot during play or even casual wear, unless you don't tie your shoes of course. The shoe was created Tinker Hatfield. He also designed the Retro III all the way through the Retro XV. I have much respect for this man, for not only being the best sneaker designer ever! But for creating a line of sneakers that have such deep meaning along with one of the best players in the NBA. The two together are a force to be reckoned with and I look forward to the future with these Retro’s.

Lebron X "Christmas"




                Here's another one of my Lebron X. These are the "Christmas" edition Lebrons. They feature a unique metallic red upper and have pine green accents. Incorporated in the laces, soles, backwards swoosh, and the Flywire cables. There really isn’t much history behind these. I just really like this colorway and this one is number 4 out of the 10 pairs that I have in my collection. I will be showing them all throughout my blogs so stay tuned for all my colorways! Oh, and I must mention that out of all the Lebrons that have released these have to be one of the most comfortable althought they run a little bit small, (as many if not all Nike’s run small), they are still my favorite Lebron shoe hands down. 

Retro 13 "Cherry" & "Bred"



    The Retro 13 was first released in 1998. The inspiration of the shoe comes from the black panther. Representative of this was Jordan'ss quickness on the court and he dog eat dog (or cat in this case) nature. The 13's feature a Jumpman hologram that represents the panther's eye and a Zoom air sole. Also, the pattern of the sole represents the paw of the panther. Pictured above are my own "Bred" 13's and "Cherry" 13's.
     Simply because the shoe is perfectly crafted for style and comfort. the sock liner is plush and the high top portion of the shoe hugs the ankle perfectly. Mind you, I wear my shoe's untied! And their just as comfortable than if they were tied! The "He Got Game" 13's were featured on Denzel Washington's Movie "Training Day" and have been a must cop (pick-up) for many people because of the movie but more so for the history behind the shoe.

"My Adidas" Adidas "Shell Toe" and "Hardcourt"





      Taking it old school with the Adidas Superstar also called "Shell-Toes" (white on the right). Also featuring the Adidas Hardcourt. The Adidas "Shell Toe" was first brought on the scene in 1969. At first it was used as a basketball shoe before it transformed into the iconic causal shoe. Many basketball players played in the high top version of the shoe including Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Now, you may be asking why do they call them "Shell Toes" or "Shell Tops"? Its because the front of the shoe features a rubber shell inspired design.
      In 1983 the shoe really took off due to the rap group RUN DMC. The reason why the shoe has the reputation it does is because of them. They wore their Adidas with no laces and rocked jump suits to match up with their kicks. A few years later they released the song "My Adidas" and since then the Shell Top gained much respect had an iconic meaning to each and every person who rocked their Adidas. In the picture above my sister and I payed homage to RUN DMC on the anniversary of Jam Master Jay's death. Jay Master Jay was shot and killed in outside of his recording studio in 2002 and the group officially broke up after the homicide. I will forever own a pair of shell tops, they have so much history and meaning that I still get excited when i buy a new pair. My Adidas...

Lebron X "Area 72"


        Today, I'm switching gears a little bit. I've brought out a shoe that took me a while to find and when I finally found it I had to jump on it immediately! What your looking at is the Lebron X "All Star" a.k.a "Area 72". These released last year and the need for these was at an all time high. The shoe was released in a set of three including the Kobe 8 and Kevin Durant 5.
        Each shoe is special in its own way but the Lebron's (to me) are the best out of the 3. Particularly, its the way the upper is built with the perfect blend of bright colors and technology that separates this shoe from all other Lebron colorways and basketball shoes.
       




Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Retro 7 "Olympic"

The Jordan VII was released in 1992. This model of Jordan's was very unique for its time because it used Huarache technology that conformed to the person's foot for a more comfortable and cushioned ride. This was the first shoe that didn't have a visible "Nike Air" on the outside of the shoe. Where it wasn't visible on the outside it was on the insole so the logo wasn't completely lost. The campaign for the 7's included Bugs Bunny hence the nickname that the 7's (Hare's). Get It? 

So if you hear anyone talk about "The Hares" chances are their referring to the Retro 7. Back in 1992, Jordan competed at the Barcelona Olympics to play for the US Men's Basketball Team, they were also know as "The Dream Team" At this time Nike came out with an Olympic colorway of the Air Jordan VII model. The shoe had Jordan's Olympic jersey number (#9) although most of the retros that were made at that time had a "23" on the back of the shoe. The photo next to this paragraph are the Olympic colorway.

Retro 12 "Playoff"



The Retro 12 made its first appearance in the '96-'97 season of Jordan's reign. This particular retro is among my top 5 favorite because of its style and feel. Originally, the Retro 12 was inspired by a woman's boot and was considered the most durable of the Jordan line. Jordan put in a little inspiration from the Japanese flag as well.

 The shoe also features a zoom air sole and gold lace loops. There are currently 5 colorways and each are unique in their own way. Including the "Flu Game" 12's. It was also retroed in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013. These were worn by Jordan when he played a game with the flu and still pulled away with a win. These are easy to spot so if you see that lizard skin upper with a big "23" on the heel remember their Retro 12's!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Retro 9 "Johnny Kilroy"

So what does this even mean for someone who doesn't know or who could even care about the sneakergame well folks thats why im here! As my first topic I chose the Air Jordan Retro 9 "Johnny Kilroy". As we all know Michael Jordan's number is 23 right? well as you see his number isnt on the shoe because this was a crazy moment in time because Jordan didnt actually play in them because at the time the Retro 9 was to be released Michael went into his 3rd retirement from basketball to pursue baseball. See Johnny Kilroy isnt a real person it was Nike's way of being a "place holder" for Michael since he wasn't playing at the time.But since Nike went so far as to make this campaign seem like Johnny was a real person the soul of the shoe didn't die and became an all time favorite (to me) to the Retro 9 family. Note on the tongue you see "Kilroy Kicks Butt" this slogan was all apart of Nike's campaign as well and the slogan stuck just like the number 4 on the back of the shoe. SO just remember this when you see these shoes and that Johnny Kilroy is fictional, Nike had a great imagination, and Jordan is one of the best players to step foot on the court.