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.

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.
       

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!