Hi Y’all,

I’ve been browsing not just new pair of fresh kicks for the summer (yeah, fresh purple kicks hunt is still on) but also a pair of basketball shoes for the summer’s upcoming pickup games. This edition is thus more focused on the basketball shoes. That said, what I recently came across with sure made me feel nostalgic. A pair of Adidas Kobes.

These were the shoes I wore back in high-school when I was still actively playing basketball. Naturally I did play for many years since then but these were the shoes that “helped” me in my games back in the day. The shoes really fit my feet, probably better than many other shoes since then. The kicks had one major flaw though. The shoelace loops broke after few months of active wear. I remember having had something like 3 pairs in one season. Then again I did break a lot of other shoes as well, so not really blaming the shoes because I liked them. The shoes were designed in collaboration with Audi and the design was inspired by Audi TT. The shoes still look like space shoes but I like them. Now that I found a pair online in my size I’ve been very tempted to get them but then I found these.

Nike Hyperdunk + Zoom Kobe V x Aston Martin pack.

Pictures courtesy of freshnessmag.com.

I saw this video way back and thought it was a pretty nice viral video. At least it got people talking and sending it around. The video also inspired the respective shoes. So if you haven’t checked it yet, you can do so now.

Aston Martin collaborated with Nike and Kobe on a silver and gray shoes with Kobe and Aston Martin logos on the shoe tongue and other video related features like “I told you” and “I got this” slogans on the lacelocks which refers back to what Kobe stated on the video. The rumor is that these are limited to only 500 pairs so I might have tough time copping a pair. Nevertheless the shoes look nice enough for few pickup games.

Another basketball shoe I am fancy is the new Air Jordan IX. The shoe is inspired by Japanese designs and reflects the stardom of Michael Jordan. The shoe is among the best known designs from the AJ series. I think this pair is so fresh that it would fit casual wear just as well as a pickup game.

Picture courtesy of marqueesole.com

We’ll see what pair I end up copping but I will be sure to post a little something on that pair once I get them. There’s still plenty of snow that needs to melt before the street season starts so there’s also time to browse around for more shoes that spell F-R-E-S-H. That’s all for now, I’m off to chill from the blog for a minute now just to get back to it like an addict. Peace…

Hi Y’all,

Momotaro Jeans is getting its due attention in the online media and I was happy to see some of Nordic Denim House’s pics at the Sartorially Inclined.

The sneaker world never seizes to amaze me. The world is full of awesome kicks and in a perfect world I would have a pair of sneakers for every situation. The Spring and Summer are approaching faster by the minute and I personally can’t help but to check for new kicks every other day. I got my eyes on a certain pair of Nike Gucci RESNs but I might change my mind after seeing the below kicks. Big Nike High Kobe Bryant “Black Mamba”. The shoes are inspired by Kobe’s favorite movie Kill Bill. The black leather upper and yellow rubber soles with top having blood splatters and the silver swoosh representing Hattori Hanzo sword (I suppose). I also read that the insoles would have Black Mamba’s kill list on it, with a Kobe Bryant twist. Since Lakers beat Celtics for the championship last season, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are already crossed over, heh. I really like these kicks.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com

Another set of shoes I am seriously thinking of copping for the summer are the Converse Chuck Taylor Sweatshirt sneakers. With sweatshirt fleece top and the basic Allstar essentials this shoes has an edge to it and it would go very well with a very special pair of Momotaro Jeans coming up this summer (wink, wink).

Picture courtesy of Freshnessmag.com

Next up, something for the ladies. I know Valentine’s day has passed already but if you’re still without a gift and would like to make up for that and if your girl happens to be a sneaker freak, you might want to consider getting her the Nike Women’s Air Force One Premium Valentine’s day kicks. The colorway is true to the theme of the day and the shoes come in a nice box.

Picture courtesy of Kix-Files.com

And if you really want make your girl happy you can surprise her with a pair of Jimmy Choo sneakers (once they’re available in May). Yes, the time has come that Jimmy Choo does not only mean slippers and heels but the ladies can wear their favorite shoe brand and still represent their inner sneaker freak. With five high top and three low top models mixing materials like patent leather, suede and slim soles these kicks look like a winner. Good to see the brand bringing out something fresh. I mean this is something, I got worried after the H&M collaboration. Wonder if Jimmy himself is still behind the design?

Picture courtesy of Freshnessmag.com

Nevertheless the initial pics look good so you might as well get ready for the release in May. Oh yeah, the price range is from $465 to $595 depending on the style of the shoe. Not too bad, what else would you expect from Jimmy Choo.

That’s all for the new Lunar Year’s first kicks edition. We’re finally getting back on track after the Copenhagen trip. Life’s good so cherish it. Take it easy everyone and those interested of becoming and official stockist of the Momotaro Jeans brand you can check some initial info here and drop an email to info(a)nordicdenimhouse.com for more details. Peace, I’m out.

Hi Y’all,

As you well know, the year of the Tiger is approaching and you can sense the prosperity of the new lunar year. We’ll be celebrating the lunar new year (in style) in Copenhagen, Denmark due to the CPH-Vision/ Terminal-2 fair, which we’ll be attending together with our friends from Momotaro Jeans. But I’m sure it’s going to be an auspicious CNY.

New Lunar Year is a new beginning which should be embraced in dressing yourself in fresh gear. For myself and the fam this means copping new gear for the new year. Of course Chinese New Year is much more than just Ang Paus and new gear. It’s a time of reunion. I will defo talk more about this closer to the CNY, but here’s a little something on the topic.

Nike Sportswear is commemorating the event by launching Cortez Classic inspired by the Year of the Tiger, tiger stripes and all. The details are pretty awesome, sil screened tiger stripes, highlighted horsehair and extra pair of laces by Starks. Oh, and the kicks will be launched as a limited edition (200 pairs) release on the 10th of February with a very nice thematic box. But those more interested of the shoe and not so much of the box, it will also be released with a normal shoe box on the 13th of February.

Pictures courtesy of sneakerfreaker.com

Nike Asia Pacific has also created the below video in celebration of the launch.

Another brand making moves in the sneaker scene in celebration of CNY is Converse. The brand has launched a series of the year of the tiger designs for the season. Converse has produced a Chinese New Year 2010 collection that features all of the lines under Converse flag. These include: Chuck Taylors, Jack Purcells, classic One Stars and a concealed Weapon. The designs feature plenty of red and gold colors in celebration of this prosperous season. The kicks will be available in the beginning of the new Lunar Year, but only in China. So give a call to your connections there and cop yourself a pair of fresh kicks in celebration of the year of the golden tiger. Pics below.

Pictures courtesy of sneakerfreaker.com

Finally I drop you a little hint on a future post I will be making on the topic of The Year Of the Tiger. I’m kind of excited about an upcoming expansion of The Year Of… brand. Some of you already know what I’m talking about here but just a teaser now. Will post more on the topic once the time is right.

That’s all for now but rest assured we will be welcoming The Year Of… the Tiger in style. Stay cool everyone but don’t get cold, the spring is on its way. I’m out, peace.

Hi Y’all,

2010 has started well and we’re on our way to the Year Of The Tiger. They’re saying that Tiger’s Year should be a prosperous one. 2009 was full of hard work and steady progress and hopefully everything this year will run like a charm. Speaking of running, you need good shoes to run. That said I’m gonna get started with the first kicks edition of 2010. I guess we will see some tie ins between the “Stuff to Wear” and Kicks editions in the future but hey when it comes to clothing and accessories everything’s related and connected. This year’s first kicks edition could also be called the Purple Edition as I’m just sharing some ideas on this seasonal color.

But first a pair of kicks that pack a huge hype, DJ AM Nike Dunk Hi.

Pictures courtesy of highsnobiety.com

The sneakers have been subject to plenty of online and offline discussion and available in limited numbers through selected retailers. The shoes that were originally launched as a part of DJ Rivalry pack, but following the death of DJ AM, the rivalry part has been taken out. DJ AM was a known sneaker freak so the kicks feature number of great details from DJ AM logo on the tongue, contrast red and black patent leather, silver swoosh and dots on the heels representing the marks on turntables. The shoes have what it takes to be a classic, just like the man behind the shoe…

…RIP DJ AM.

So instead of presenting a huge number of recent kick releases I will only discuss the color purple and its use in the shoe biz. It’s great to see quite a few brands bringing out fresh purple kicks though the subject of whether guys can wear purple kicks and still look cool, has interestingly popped up in few online and offline chats lately. Personally I find the purple color to be a fresh alternative to the traditional sneaker colors though some folks seem to feel that the color is more associated with pimps, players and hustlers. And by players I’m not referring to Kobe Bryant, heh.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com

But yeah, I mean Yuko Ishida made purple kicks look real fresh on the KIKS TYO -tee.

But is that just it? Do folks in general associate purple color kicks as just ladies wear? I see no reason why you could not rock a pair of purple Dunks instead of the fresh white ones. Although I do have to admit this color requires a bit more color coordination if you care about such a thing. I am actually in pursuit of a pair of purple kicks as I am writing this. I need a perfect pair and I do not limit myself to any particular brand. They can be Dunks, AF 1’s, Adidas, Supras any brand as long as the kicks look fresh, clean, purple and come in size 14 US. So suggestions are welcome, heh.

Finally an awesome clip from Cool Hunting about Nike’s flagship store in Tokyo. I posted the clip on our Facebook page and on Twitter but I’ll post it here too once more for the blog’s sake. Pictures speak a thousand words, so video I guess speaks millions. Be easy everyone, I’m out like the 80’s…

Hi Y’all,

Brand new day, brand new week and almost a brand new month. So without further due let’s get it cracking. During my daily online escapades I bumped into quite a few nice kick releases of which I’ll now share few.

Starting off with Nitro Microphone Underground x Air Force 1 High Supreme. Coming out in black and gold colors, this collaborative shoe is dropped in celebration of ten year anniversary of Nitro Microphone Underground’s first album. Make no mistake the Japanese hip hop heavyweights are not rookies when it comes to shoe collabs, as they have already collaborated with Nike in the past. The anniversary aspect is visible in the shoe tongues as the right says 1999 and the left 2009. This heavy-duty shoe also includes screw-top caps on the laces. The shoes are available at selected Nike retailers next month. Below a video featuring the shoes and more importantly music from the group.

Picture courtesy of dunk.com.cn.

Being a Lakers fan and all I could not help but include few Lakers inpired kicks this week.

First the new Nike Auto Flight High, which comes in Lakers signature purple and yellow colors with LA font on the heel.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com.

And the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Gradient Lakers shoe featuring signature purple on the heel and collar, yellow accents and leather toe area. The Kobe 5 will be released early next year, but until then Kobe 4 will be seen in action. The shoe hits retail in October in celebration of the nee NBA -season starting October 27th.

The picture courtesy of kix-files.com

Another pick of the week comes from Adidas Originals OT Tech Collection. The Tokyo Lo running shoe looks slick. It’s OT but not OTT for sure. Looks good and comes packed with features such as Gore-Tex lining. I don’t know, I just like the looks of the shoe, heh.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com.

Then few updates; new KIX TYO -tees will be available shortly and don’t forget to check the last day of Back to School promotion.

The weather looks a bit gloomy but I don’t mind. Much to do, so better get things done.

Prosperous week to everyone.

HI Y’all,

Yesterday was fresh but I have a feeling today will be even fresher. Fresher you can imagine. Well at least the weather is even colder, ah the approaching autumn. Rain, chilly weathers and no sign of sunshine. Before we know it, it’s already winter.

Talking about Autumn, I am seeing a pattern emerging with regards to new and upcoming kicks this fall. The trend for the fall seems to be metallic colors. I know I know, metallic color sneakers have been there for a minute already, but what I’m trying to say is that perhaps they’re making it a trend this season, or trying to make it a trend.

This week I just picked few of my favorite metallic designs. I mean something that I could imagine wearing, where as a lot of the shoes are just way too golden, heh.

Starting off with the upcoming Nike Fall 2009 Royal Mid Metallic.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com.

The shoe has an interesting coloc combination of silver, gold, blue, red and gray. Could be that I missed a color there, but you get the point. The shoe is a follow up to an all so popular Nike Royal Mid. For fall 09 the shoe is making its comeback in metallic colors.

Another design out from Nike is the basic colorway Air Force 1, which is out in silver color. Perhaps not as extreme as our first example, but I think you can see a pattern emerging, heh.

Picture courtesy of kix-files.com.

Back to more flashy designs, Bape’s the Road Sta Foil is coming out in six different metallic uppers this fall as a part of Bape’s 09 collection.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com.

Last but not least, it’s not just Bape and Nike who are bringing out metallic shades this season, Adidas is introducing a new Jeremy Scott (JS) mid top Sequin featuring a metallic silver upper, white leather base and the signature black stripes.

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com.

Obviously these few items are just the tip of the iceberg, as other brands already have or are bringing out metallic designs for this fall. I have never rocked a pair of metallic color kicks, but maybe this is a good time to change that. A sharp contrast to the number of topsiders surrounding the shoe scene this year. And you know what, I like it.

Alright, that’s it for this Tuesday’s all metallic kicks edition. Check out the on-going Back to School Promo, with goods from Kato, KIKS TYO and Momotaro all available at special promotion prices.

With that, I’m out. Peace…

Hi Y’all,

Fresh week and fresh kicks. Last week I was so preoccupied with everything else that did not post nothing on the kicks zone. Well this week I want to start off with some updates on the kicks scene that caught my eye.

The first thing that caught my attention was Nike’s ongoing Vintage line of shoes. Nike introduced a first set of Vintage Tennis Classic shoes back in April and have now brought out two new color-lines. Vintage has been and still is a ruling trend in the fashion scene. It’s not just jeans, tees and outerwear but shoes as well. Reebok pumps have experiences a much celebrated revival in just few years and the Vintage elements can be seen all over numerous brands’ new collections.

Another Vintage Nike design brought out recently is Challenger Vintage, which was originally brought out in 1979 and now re-introduced to the anxious public. The shoe is constructed of different vintage elements, from suede to distressed fabric and yellowing laces. Most likely a collector’s item to many.

Pictures courtesy of kix-files.com

Following up to my previous entries of denim inspired kicks, I now introduce to you DJ Clark Kent x Lazything x Nike Air Force 1. AF1 is one of the DJ’s all time favorite shoes and this inspired him to wok together with custom sneaker artist Lazything to produce and exclusive denim AF1. A good scruffy look, which might throw off some, but caught my attention. I’m liking the shoe.

Pictures courtesy of highsnobiety.com

I guess Vintage seems not to be the only fad for this year. Brands have introduces loads of preppy stuff (like topsiders, heh) to the markets and Bape seems to be no exception. Where as I do like the checkered look of the Bapestas I am not too sure what to think about the bow ties? Haha, fashion cycles move faster by the year and I can’t wait to see what the world of fashion has in store for us next year!

Picture courtesy of highsnobiety.com

I’ve been checking some new basketball kicks for myself as my trusted Huaraches and And 1’s have resigned from service. There are plenty of nice basketball kicks (for real use) out there and I am leaning towards the new Kobes. Though the Retro-Jordans are cool some of them just don’t work well on the court. That I know from experience, heh. However, Jordan line of sneakers does have more to offer as well, Carmelos, Lebrons and the new Chris Paul CP3.II. China Edition “Zhao Yun” – Little Dragon kicks, which are just to say fire. The shoes are inspired by a great general “Zhao Yun” familiar from the  Chinese literature. The shoe has many armor elements around it and reflect Paul’s self proclaimed warrior status. I think these shoes would work well in action.

Pictures courtesy of kix-files.com

Alright, that’s about it for now. But stay tuned for updates on my 0901 project and more to come. We’re living exciting times and although life sometimes throws curveballs at you, just stay focused and look at the bigger picture. These curveballs teach you a great deal, so learn from them. With that, I’m out. Peace.

Hi Y’all,

Whew, back on my BS. Yesterday passed by in a less productive way. Lying in the bed like John Lennon, well I wasn’t really protesting against anything but feeling unwell, sick that is. Well it’s all good now, and feeling like everyday is my birthday.

OK, well I have been pondering about the recent emergence of top-siders. I mean few years back I remember folks grinning when some young gun was wearing a pair of these ever so popular sailing shoes or deck shoes might I say, but now different sources are advocating for these kicks.

I mean it’s great that the shoes have somewhat fashionable status at the moment but I just can’t get over the whole “Tea Partay” image presented in an ad for Smirnoff Raw Tea. And I quote, …white tennis visors right down to our toes in a pair of top-siders. I guess these dudes were trendsetters already back in 2006, heh. Got to love the different influencers in the fashion scene. Note: I do not think the actual video is the influencer but the style per se.

Enough about that, do you still remember I posted some stuff about the Nike baseball kicks? Well new images of the kicks have surfaced and decided to share em’ with you folks. The shoes do look great I have to say. The leather and stitching are supposedly same as the leather used in the baseball gloves.

Pictures courtesy of kixfiles.

A bit shorter post today I know but I am still in a chill mode, heh. We’ll be back tomorrow with new KIKS TYO Tees so keep your eyes open. Life’s great so enjoy it. I’m out…

Hi Y’all,

Now normally I only post this kicks stuff once a week, however this week I just wanted to make an exception in that. Few days back I bumped into the new Nike Terminator Hi Premium Denim Selvage -sneakers. I posted stuff about the Adidas Kaihara collaboration sneaker some time back and I thought it would be nice to check Nike’s selvage denim alternative.

Pictures courtesy of Size?

I don’t have any specific preference over either brand as I rock Nikes and Adidas depending on the day. However in the series of selvage denim sneakers I do have to say I like the Adidas Kaihara collaboration a bit more. The particular design used the selvedge lines in a very creative way combining the element with the classic three stripe design.

Still the Nike’s alternative is a killer as well. The stitches, “belt loop -heel” and the the leather patch, not forgetting the denim upper make the kicks a collector’s item for both sneaker- and denim-heads. Back in April they released images of the design inclusive of copper rivets as well. The current images don’t show the rivets though. Not sure if Nike decided to drop the rivets or maybe they are still available as a limited edition design.

Photo courtesy of sneakernews.

One problem with all these great sneaker releases is the apparent lack of sizes US 14 up. Most of the designs are only made up to size US 13. Bigfoots like your’s truly have hard time finding a fresh pair of kicks. But it is what it is, haha. Hey I could still cop a pair as a collector’s piece but I prefer to rock the sneakers i cop, heh.

But that’s all for now. Do stay on a lookout for some new releases from KIKS TYO bound to hit our shelves shortly. Before I forget, the KIKS TYO summer promotion is still running for few days as well. Keep grinding everybody, I’m out…

Hi Y’all,

I’m back with a bit short kicks edition today. Maybe more shall follow. Just needed to touch upon the recent near release of the all so hyped Kanye West Louis Vuitton sneakers.

Picture courtesy of lamjc.com

The sneakers were supposed to be released last spring and the nagain on July 1st. However nydailynews.com reported on July 2nd that the release would be once again delayed to the end of the year.

Are these shoes ever going to come out? I mean the hype over the shoes has been pretty huge. Bigger than hype revolving around Kanye’s last album I would say. We have seen the shoes, we have heard my Yeezy talk and talk about the shoes. But where are the shoes?

I could be wrong and the shoe boxes could be shipped to your nearest LV convenience store as I write this entry, but then again the shoes could be a hyped up release never to be released to the public. Something like a movie including all Hollywood action heroes from the 80’s and 90’s (oh yeah they’re making Expendables already), now that would be badass.

But in all seriousness, the shoes are reportedly going to cost between 800 to 1200 USD. A hefty price for a pair of sneakers. I mean many would and will probably carry this sum to Nike and trade it to few pairs of rare kicks. But I guess the shoes do have that collector’s value in them as well. And since they are LV x Kanyeezy sneakers you are sure to be adored by everyone around you, especially once you tell them how much you paid for them.

Now I do admit I really like the black low top Dons (below). But I wonder if I will ever be able to try them on or buy them?

Picture courtesy of lamjc.com

If you have up to date information about the shoes and their release or if you already have the shoes, do give me a shout. I would be glad to hear whether you like the shoes or not.

Peaceful day to everyone. I’m out…