Nike is taking Kobe's iconic shoe line to another level by releasing The Kobe Prelude Pack. Although, I tend to gravitate to clean and simple color ways, I love how Nike worked with Kobe and artists to form this amazing retro release pack. It will be interesting to see what else they release in the coming year.
Go more in depth and learn about each shoe's inspiration at nike.com/kobepreludepack.
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We are truly honored and humbled that one of our favorite stores in Kansas City will be selling select Relaced items! The Bunker has been a fashion staple ever since it opened in the heart of the Westport District in midtown KC.
If you're in the area, make sure to check them out:
The Bunker
4056 Broadway Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 561-7407
You can view the entire collection of Famous Shoes by Federico Mauro.
]]>Photos courtesy of Sole Collector
I was first introduced to Chris Tang's story last December. Jay Caspian Kang, writer for Grantland.com, wrote a great piece about Chris Tang and his basketball journey to reknowned high school basketball mecca, Oak Hill Academy (http://goo.gl/ro8x7). In it Tang talks about the comparisons he now gets to Jeremy Lin. They're both point guards, both athletic specimens, but let's be honest the comparisons arise because they're both Asian.
I know a lot of people are hating on Jeremy Lin this year especially after his monster contract with the Houston Rockets. I'm not one of them. Do I think Lin should be statistically better this year? Do I expect more out of him? Yes and yes. But I'm going to give him more time. After what he did for the city of New York and the game of basketball last season was flat out amazing. Even if it was just for a short portion of the season, Jeremy Lin gave hope to a lot of ballers out there that get overlooked, picked-over and just flat out dismissed as having no game.
That's the main reason I'm so interested in this story. There are thousands of rec leagues around the country. They come with a variety of different restrictions: The Over 40 leagues, The Under 6' leagues, and among a countless number of others… The Asian leagues. I'm all for these different types of leagues where everyone can have fun, be competitive and enjoy playing a game they love. But I'm not interested in those leagues right now.
As an Asian-American, I want to see a great basketball player that is "like me" compete at the highest level of the game. I want to see him/her not back down, but go against the best and earn the respect of the best. I know I'm biased. I'm interested in the Chris Tang story because I'm Asian. But people of all races in all facets of life know what it's like to have to wait for the chance to prove yourself. What happens from there is on us.
Play Chris Tang.
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If you're in the area, make sure and stop by.
KC Sneakfest
Bartle Hall Convention Cente
Saturday, March 23, 1pm - 7pm
Sick Nike commercial coming straight out of China with cameo from Kobe Bryant.
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Lebron James: The LeBron X outfitted in glittery purple and red.
An indestructible force originating from fictional Nike Space Program (NSP) planet NSP-LJ6, LeBron James’ dominance was born from the volcanic surface in the planet’s mantle. He is rumored to have journeyed to earth on a meteor made of the galaxy’s hardest substance – black diamonds.
Kobe Bryant: The Kobe 8 in orange, red and green.
Engineered to the specifications of Kobe Bryant’s Houston mission, with origins rooted on a planet marked as NSP-KB24. The Ice Mamba circles the volatile surface as guardian of the five rings. The wise veteran is known to strike with moves that leave his opponents frozen.
Kevin Durant: The KD V in dark green, off green and orange.
Identified as Dark Matter, the biological and molecular breakdown of this figure remains a puzzle for scientists. Early readings of its origin, NSP-KD35, have sent back conflicting reports of a planet that is simultaneously solid, liquid, and gas – properties that make his game adaptable to any situation.
Dwight Howard: The D Howard Light in camo red and chrome.
The D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition signature shoe will roll-out in an impact camo red colorway for one of the most explosive players in the league – seven-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard. The D Howard Light is his lightest signature shoe to date and features more support and comfort. It features a reflective tongue made of chrome material inspired by the backside of a compact disc to pay homage to his passion for music.
Tim Duncan and Jrue Holiday: The Crazy Fast in camo green.
The Crazy Fast design is inspired by the speed and power of a combustion engine and the drive inside players to dominate on the court. The bold, green zest Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition will be worn on-court by Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia 76ers (East), Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (West) and Rising Stars Challenge and NBA All-Star Saturday Night participants.
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You know we had to share this ESPN video honoring His Airness who will be turning 50 this month. ESPN will also be airing short videos each day up until Jordan's birthday.
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Here are other Player Exclusive cleats supplied by Jordan Brand that were inspired by the Jordan IXs. Team Jordan players included Michael Crabtree, Josh Freeman, Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, LaMarr Woodley, Hakeem Nicks and Charles Woodson.
Photos from Freshness Mag
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This weekend is slated for another "must cop" for most sneakerheads. Whether you have the 2004 retros or not, sneaker enthusiasts can't get enough of the Jordan XIII in the classic black/red "Bred" colorway.
No surprise that Tinker Hatfield was the mastermind behind the genius design of the XIIIs. MJ's nickname on the court was "Black Cat" for his speed and quick reflexes. That was used by Tinker as to use the black panther as the inspiration for this model.
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To start the New Year, Jordan Brand has ground breaking news for 2013! It is the 25th year anniversary for the iconic Jordan IIIs. Sneaker enthusiasts will not only be ecstatic that the white and cement original color way will be re-releasing, but they will be in their original format with the coveted “Nike Air” logo that most sneakerheads have sought after and desired for so long!
Rumor says they will be dropping in February to celebrate MJ’s 50th birthday, and to also pay tribute to the historic 1988 Slam Dunk contest. The Re-release of these kicks are nearly identical to the ones that originally released in 1988. However it will be foreseen whether the quality will also meet the standards of the originals that most retros have lacked in the past.
It has not been determined whether or not Jordan brand/Nike will continue to add the original “Nike Air” logo on other 25th year anniversary kicks in the coming years. Stay tuned and we will keep you posted.
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"I absolutely love what Relaced has brought to the table. The overall quality is superb! From the print, to the colorway and garment choice. You just can’t go wrong with Relaced. The clothing is very lightweight as well as the print! So all around you will definitely love what you are getting from Relaced. The staff over at Relaced is very friendly also! So if you are in the market for some new apparel, then we highly suggest you look into Relaced. I can’t wait to see what else Relaced has in store for the future! This is a brand you should definitely keep an eye out on!"fkn-famous.com/2012/12/relaced-package
Big shout out to Jerry Rodrigo and the awesome people at Fkn Famous! They had nothing but kind words to say about Relaced, and we know this is just the start of a great relationship.
Visit Fkn Famous for the full review.
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Nike is ending the year with a bang! On New Year's Eve, Nike will be releasing four iconic runners, each of them in their original colorways. The launch will feature the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 95, and the Air Max 97s. The Air Max 1 and 90s will being adding the VNTG look which means the classic red and infrared coloring will be accented by a slight yellowing of their midsoles and air bubbles. The 95s and 97s will showcase their original looks that made them famous while also adding modern day advancements including a stronger build.
Stay tuned for the unveil of the two designs that will be featured in our Exclusive Collection! Can you guess which ones they are?
Photos from Jack Threads
]]>"We love bringing you some of the most dope brands & stores around the world. Holding things down in the fashion industry we’ve got an awesome streetwear from Kansas City, MO & San Diego, CA by the name of Relaced." fkn-famous.com/2012/12/fashion-relaced
We are super excited to get our first feature interview with the folks at Fkn Famous! We are big fans of Fkn Famous and their efforts to help small startups, like ourselves, catch their big break.
Visit Fkn Famous for the full interview.
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The Exclusive Collection honors the "classic" sneakers we love and focuses on what made the pair timeless. Whether its the performance of the shoe, its inspiration and design, or the Superstars that made them iconic, classic sneakers impact our lives and our culture. They empower us during competition, and express individual style and creativity. Each Exclusive Collection release will only be limited to 100 shirts.
We will premier the Exclusive Collection by releasing shirt designs for the Nike Air Jordan XI "Concord" & the Jordan IV "Black Cement". They will be available to order on Thursday night, December 13, 2012, at 9pm PT / 12am ET. Again, they will only be limited to 100 shirts so don't sleep!
]]>Enter the promotional code: FRIENDLY15 before you checkout to receive 15% your entire order. Promo code expires December 31, 2012.
]]>Twenty years ago today, Jerry Rice broke Steve Largent's reception touchdown record of 100 career touchdown receptions. In 1992, Jerry Rice connected with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Young on a 12 yard route against the Miami Dolphins to score his 101st touchdown and become the unquestionable, greatest receiver of all time. Rice would continue his career, ending up with an amazing record of 197 TDs! Rice had an untouchable Hall of Fame career and still holds the NFL record for career receptions, career receiving yards, career touchdown receptions and total touchdowns!
Earlier this year Nike released three new Nike Air training shoes that dropped in stores and online in San Francisco 49ers-inspired colorways; the Nike Air Max Express, Nike Air Max Speed Turf and Nike Air Trainer SC High.
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New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News via Getty Images
Even if you don't like his music. Even if you don't like hip-hop. You have to respect the man and what he's created in the world of music, what he's accomplished in the entertainment, sports and business industries, and the number of lives he has positively effected as a social entrepreneur.
Watch the documentary following Jay-Z and the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to his first performance at the Barclays Center.
]]>Jordan Brand has been been making a lot of noise in the sneaker game as of late and it continued yesterday with the official unveiling of the Jordan XX8. Designed by footwear legend Tinker Hatfield and Jordan Brand developer Josh Heard, the Air Jordan XX8 was inspired by the concept of stealth. It is the lightest, most responsive Air Jordan to date. See more photos below the break.
Courtesy of nikeblog.com.
The newly-engineered Jordan Flight Plate improves the performance of the shoe’s Zoom cushioning. The JPF is a Pebax moderator plate that ensures the heel and forefoot Zoom Air units have maximal responsiveness by compressing, deflecting and “unlocking” the air units on the fly.
Meanwhile, the shoe sports Dynamic Fit tech for superlative lockdown, stability and comfort. The Dynamic Fit system wraps the foot with internal straps, then integrating with the laces for optimal fit without adding bulk or superfluous material.
Below that is the molded external heel counter, further stabilizing the foot and reducing weight thanks to its carbon fiber construction.
And then there’s that performance-driven, second-skin-like synthetic shroud, an eight-inch-high layer comprised mostly of Schoeller mesh, a durable, breathable material often used in motorocycle jackets. When zipped all the way up, it gives the wearer an extra measure of support and stability, not to mention a little eye-catching flair.
The Air Jordan XX8 release date is set for February 15th in Houston, the host city of the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. The shoe launches nationwide on February 16th with the price tag of $250.
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Photo from Nice Kicks
Air Jordan XI (11) “Breds”
Black / Varsity Red - White
December 21, 2012
$185
Here are the rest of the retros JB will be launching to finish the year off:
Air Jordan IX (9) “Motorboat Jones”
Challenge Red / White - Black
December 1, 2012
$160
Photo from High Snobiety
Air Jordan I (1) “Gucci”
Black / Gym Red - Gorge Green - White
December 1, 2012
$110
Air Jordan IX (9) “Cool Grey”
Medium Grey / White - Cool Grey
December 15, 2012
$160
Photo from Kicks on Fire
Air Jordan IV (4) “Thunder”
Black/Tour Yellow
December 22, 2012
$160
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One hundred and twenty one years ago today, James Naismith created the game of basketball. It was a harsh winter day at a local YMCA, where Naismith was told to come up with an indoor game that would provide an athletic distraction. This is where the game of basketball was born. James Naismith invented the game and wrote down 13 basic rules. This original document was auctioned off in 2010 for 4.3 million dollars.
The first game of basketball was played in 1891 with a soccer ball and two peach baskets. In 1898 the University of Kansas men's basketball program officially began. Ironically, Naismith was the only coach in the program's history to have a losing record, (55-60).
However, Naismith also coached Forrest "Phog" Allen, his eventual successor at Kansas. Allen followed his mentor and embarked on a coaching career that lead him to be called "The Father of Basketball Coaching." During his time at Kansas, Allen coached Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp who are currently in the top 5 of winningest coaches in NCAA Division I history. Even after all these years, Phog Allen still remains in the top 15.
All three coaches stemmed from Naismith at University of Kansas who all are members of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Basketball has evolved into a international phenomenon. It has extended its reach to new heights and created hundreds of iconic superstars and role models. But never forget, the University of Kansas is where the true originals began.
]]>One of Bo's highlights of his career took place on Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks in 1987. He broke and still holds the record for the most rushing yards on MNF with 221 yards. The most memorable moment was when he blew past the entire Seahawks defense for a 91 yard touchdown. We will never forget that run as he sprinted down the sideline and continued to run through the tunnel into the player's locker rooms as if he couldn't stop himself.
Because of his freakish athleticism, Bo's popularity went beyond sports as he endorsed Nike in 1989 and 1990. It was only fitting as he crossed over as a professional football player and baseball player, he easily became the face for Nike's Cross Training line as he promoted the "iconic" Nike Air Trainer SC II.
Photo by Mayhem
Nike's commercial "Bo Knows" was one of the greatest ad campaigns, not only for Nike, but all of advertising. It featured the likes of other superstars such as Micheal Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, John McEnroe, and blue's legend Bo Didley.
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Today Dee Brown celebrates his 44th birthday. He was the Boston Celtics 1st round draft pick in 1990 and became a member of the NBA All-Rookie Team that year. The main highlight of his career was when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest with the "no look" dunk in 1991.
Not to take anything away from the dunk but what was more memorable, and what most sneakerheads remember, happened before the dunk when Dee Brown famously pumped up his Reebok Pump Omni Lite's! Thanks to Dee Brown that moment alone ascended The Pumps as one of Reebok's most iconic shoes.
]]>In 1989 an iconic shoe was born. The Jordan IV was designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield. It was the first Jordan shoe to be released on the global market. Black Friday is the anticipated date for the black/cement color way. Sneakerheads will again have the opportunity to cop their "holy grails" or add another pair of classics to their collection. Hypebeasts or not, get your connects in line. If not, have your tents ready. It will be a long night.
* Stay tuned for upcoming news and launch date for our limited shirt that pays homage to the Jordan IVs. It will be one of the first of our Exclusive Collection!
Photos courtesy of Mita Sneakers
]]>A couple of weeks ago, we gave our family and friends the opportunity to cop and rock Relaced before it was offered to the public. What a turn out! We did not know what to expect nor did we anticipate all of the positive feedback. The uproar caused us to have to dip into our launch production run just to fill all requests. Thank you to all of those who showed love and support. We appreciate all of the encouragement to continue to follow our dreams and passion for Relaced. A special shout out goes out to our better halves for all of the support, sacrifice, and enduring the long meetings and late nights. On behalf of Relaced, thank you all!
...One love
Revolve. Respect. Relaced.
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