Sneaker Freaker

[NEWSFLASH] PIRATE BOOTY - PT 19

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Get freaky with this amazing Nike Brazil book chock full of animation and artistic interpretations on your favourite sneakers. This could be yours if you enter the comp here!

For a complete list of the Booty you could win, go here!

[NEWSFLASH] SOLEMART ONLINE AUCTION

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Hikmet, (the king of Solebox) is selling off his entire collection of Nikes on his online shopping site, Solemart. If you log in and become a member, you too can sell off your unwanted kicks. Check out Solemart's auction site for the finest in not only Nike but Puma, New Balance and beyond. Cha-ching!

[NEWSFLASH] PIRATE BOOTY - PT 18

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

This exclusive OG Homer Simpson figurine has been with Sneaker Freaker since day one. He may be in UNDS condition, but his eyes have seen everything and anything that goes down behind the doors at SF's HQ. He could be yours if you enter the comp here!

For a complete list of the Booty you could win, go here!

[NEWSFLASH] SIMPLY BREAD 4 'ARTISTIC SERIES'

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

After a killer third round of Simply Bread, the Fat Kids are back with the 'Artistic Series' for SB4. Roping in painter Drewfunk and infamous sneaker customiser Sekure D, this is set to out-do all three series of past. Once again, it all goes down at Miss Libertine with a bounty of free proddy thrown out throughout the night and a massive Custom and Collab Sneaker Battle on the night. With banging beats provided by Fat Kid B.Two, Scatterblog's Mu-Gen, Sneaker Freaker's M.A.F.I.A. and 25th Hoodlum, SB4 has never looked so fresh. Keep Friday 21st August free! For more info hit up the Fat Kids blog.

[NEW RELEASE] PF FLYERS CENTER HI (COLOR REVEAL)

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

These pristine patent PF Flyers lead a secret double-life. By day they appear to be a swishy rendition of the venerable Center Hi. But wear them in a little and the leather starts to change, revealing a bowling-ball like marble grain. Kind of like Hypercolour for feet! Available in black-to-white or black-to-mahogany colourways from Bloomingdales, Saks, and Zappos.com.

[ARTICLES] VINTAGE NIKE SNEAKER COLLECTOR - LINDY DARRELL

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Back in the seventies, a little brand started called Blue Ribbon Sports, which in turn became a colossus called Nike. None know this early era better than running afficionado Lindy Darrell. With a closet chock full of only the finest and rarest Nike ‘flats’ to have ever graced the track, Lindy has patiently and methodically assembled what must be one of the finest stockpiles of early Nike sneakers in the world. Strap on your spikes as we hurdle through the ups and downs of Lindy’s collection and behold the power of nylon!

Hey Lindy. How did you first became interested in track and distance running?
When Frank Shorter won the marathon gold in Munich, the running boom hit America. A lot of folks wanted to take a shot at running 26.2 miles and I was one of them. In the late sixties and early seventies I would jog a bit, but after 1972, I went crazy for the next three decades. My last race was the 1996 100th Boston Marathon. Although I don’t race these days, I stay active in the running scene, having a son that runs at the college level. He’s faster than I was! OUCH!!!

Obviously, Pre prefontaine was a big hero to most distance runners, do you think he would have made his mark at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and beaten Lasse Virén?
Pre was an animal, but so was Virén. Pre was young and had plenty left. Who knows? For me, I will admire him for taking on the AAU and the impact he had on helping the American Olympic/Pro runners to be able to train and compete with the rest of the world. Nike also had a big part in this.

How do you define vintage in regards to sneakers?
Vintage to me is 1972 to early 1980. The answer is easy on this one. I only collect vintage Nike running shoes and track spikes made in Japan and the USA. Again, this is just my opinion of what I consider vintage.

When did you first come across Nike?
I hacked around in a pair of Onitsuka Corsair and even ran in Converse Track Star when I first started. I would have to say 1974/75 I purchased my first Nikes. They were the Waffle Trainer. Over the next few years, I ran in many different Nike shoes. LD1000, Sting, Eagle and LDV. In the early years, I became fond of the Elite. From 1979 to 1985 Nike produced some of the best running shoes ever made such as the Mariah, American Eagle and Air Edge to name a few. To this day, it is my opinion they haven’t even come close to making a shoe as good as the Terra TC. First generation Phylon and Permafoam were two fantastic Nike inventions. In 1985 some basketball player for the Chicago Bulls signed an endorsement with Nike and the running shoe had to go to the back of the bus! From 1985 to 1995 Nike running shoes were garbage in my opinion. Nike didn’t need to make good running shoes when ‘AIR MICHAEL’ was on board. They just lost their way and forgot about the runner. They have made some nice shoes as of late. The Jasari and Zoom Kennedy were amazing track spikes.

What makes Nike shoes from this era so amazing? Was it the colors?
There was really nothing like Nike when they first started. Racing flats were nothing more than house slippers. The running boom had started and only a few companies were making running shoes. Nike was cutting-edge. From 1972 to 1985 they really knew what they were doing. I believe it is because the people working for Nike at that time had a passion for what they were doing. Now, Nike is bigger than life itself. They can put a Swoosh on anything and make $$$$$$$$$$$. I guess I still have that old school in me and that’s why I collect the vintage ones. For me, the most amazing part of this era was watching how it evolved, because I grew up with it.
In the beginning, you could hardly tell the difference between Onitsuka and Nike. Same uppers. Same soles. Same colorways. The shoes even had the same names. Some of them being the Boston, Boston73, Marathon, Obori, Kenya – the colors were not flashy. From 1975 to the early eighties, Nike had arrived with the nylon, mesh, leather, suedes, waffles and a crazy brilliant rainbow of colorways. I really have a passion for the wild colorways of the SMU (special make up) Nike. These are rare and hard to find.

Who’s you favorite Nike shoe designer and why?
Jeff Johnson, Geoff Hollister, Nelson Farris and my friend Jeff Sink, who was on the Nike Team that created the Terra TC. He helped in the development of the Phylon midsole. Again, I can’t praise the Terra TC enough. Not from a collector standpoint, but from a runners’ standpoint. If this shoe were produced today, Nike wouldn’t be able to keep it on the shelves.

Have you worn any other brands for recreation or training?
In the seventies, I ran in the Converse World Class Trainer. Not many people ran in them, but they seemed to work for me. I also raced in the Tiger Jayhawk and Tiger Obori. In 1985 I picked up an endorsement with Team Etonic for a couple of years. Etonic racing flats were great, but their training flats just about crippled me. Other than a few different times, I have always been in Nike.

When did you start your awesome collection? What’s the rarest piece in the collection?
My collection started 10 to 20 years ago. It is really hard to say which ones are the rarest or have the most value. Although I purchase different models, my collection only consists of Nike running shoes and track spikes made in Japan and the USA. I have about 10 pairs of SMU Nikes that are pretty rare. I have a pair of first generation Astrograbber made in Japan that seem to be dinosaurs. At one point, my collection was at 100+ pairs, but there are two pairs that I would still love to get my hands on, the Obori and Boston73.

What is your opinion of the current wave of vintage reissues such as the Daybreak and LDV?
I have not seen the shoes up close, only in pictures. They look awesome. Much better than Nike’s first attempt at reissues. I didn’t really care for the Waffle Racer 2 and the Waffle Trainer reissues from a few years back. As for the Nike X Junya Watanabe, they are a bit too pricey for me – I would rather have the real thing when spending that kind of cash. They are really cool though. I believe Nike has made great strides over the last five to ten years. Their track spikes are very good and the trainers are getting better. The Jasari track spike was amazing! Why did they discontinue it? They seem to always do this, they make something great and then stop producing it. I would love to see them get more involved in the road racing flats like they used to be.

And finally, can you explain what it is about old shoes that makes them so beautiful and alluring?
I believe it is a number of things. First and foremost the materials that were used. For example, hold a deadstock Boston73 in your hands, feel the nylon and the big fat Swoosh and how the stitching is not quite uniform like the ones mass produced these days. The thick foam rubber tongue and that Japan gorilla glue running on the midsole. Even the smell. Just something about being taken back in time with these archives. Like being frozen in time.
It’s my passion.

Top 5 collection Nikes
- Colorado
- New Boston
- Astrograbber
- Marathon Red/Blue
- Oregon Waffle Racer

Top 5 collection Nike Spikes
- Americas
- Pre Montreal
- Att West
- Universe
- Triumph Green/blue/orange

STORY BY TRAINERSPOTTER

This article appeared in Issue 12 of Sneaker Freaker. Buy it here

[ARTICLES] MISS SAIGON CUSTOMS INTERVIEW

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Beware! You’re about to get numb-chucked by the all-girl sneaker powerhouse known as Saigon Customs. Originally from Vietnam, mackstress Miss Saigon gained knowledge in the art world through a unique forum, which laid the foundations for creating a customizing sensation. Not content with going it solo, Miss Saigon has built a movement that is well on its way to a worldwide takeover, courtesy of a sexy yet refreshingly witty outlook. We caught up with the first lady literally minutes after receiving another custom trophy for the pool room!

Hey lady, how’s tricks with you?
Awesome. Just went to the I.S.B. (International Sneaker Battle) to grab a trophy real quick with Miss Edla (my super right-hand Aussie lady) along with our amazing manager Cedra. We had a ball - we went full throttle and it really paid off.

Congrats! Can you give as some insight into the sneaker customising powerhouse that is Miss Saigon?
Well I was born in Vietnam and adopted by a couple living in France. I've been lucky to live in some of the most culturally dynamic cities in the world: Paris, London, LA and New York. I fell into the world of customising because I've always customised my life to suit me without even realizing it. Customizing is taking something and making it yours, whatever it may be.

You’ve obviously had some sort of experience with the paintbrush before! What were you doing before you started to bang out such amazing customs and how did it lead to where you are today?
I’ve worked in a whole lot of different jobs in fashion production while attending college with a Fine Arts Major. I've helped designers with production from the bottom up, and although it's tougher to learn a business that way, it's really good if you want to get a solid understanding from the inside. I've done hand painting for Miskeen, a New Jersey-based company that is very big here on the East Coast. But quite frankly I learned the most when I was a model for art schools in NY – for example, the School of Visual Arts, F.I.T, Parsons and the Pratt Institute. Those are some of the top art schools on the East Coast, in the world even, and I feel as though I got to go to class for free (and get paid at the same time) while compiling a whole lot of knowledge on different techniques. When you pose, you're stuck having to listen and observe. But one of my favorite things to paint are portraits, as I am fascinated with human universal behaviors.

Well, you certainly live up to your moniker in your designs – how important is it for you to adopt an Oriental flair to your customs?
It's important for me to represent my Asian heritage through my art. Although the family that raised me was Caucasian, I am extremely proud of my ancestry. For years now I have incorporated the Vietnamese hat into my art. It's my way of paying dues to my wonderful culture and exposing it to the rest of the world - and in a different light than all the clichés, like all the Vietnam War movies out there!

It seems a nice touch considering most customisers steer clear of originality in order to sell product. What standards have to be met before you will consider about doing a custom order, or in fact your own designs?
It has to be something I would definitely be happy to show. As an artist, the whole point is to showcase my skills, because I like to push my own boundaries. I like to sit at my desk with a computerized image of my design and question whether I can reproduce it by hand - it's like a battle with my Mac! Maybe I sound self-centered saying that I don't think much of people when I produce a pair of kicks - I just make sure I paint something I'm really feeling at the time. For custom orders, an artist has to be super-skilled so that the client feels comfortable enough letting us take initiative and control in designing something that will suit them. Of course there are always instances when a client can be difficult to please, but then again, as a customiser you have the option to not take the job!

Most artists struggle to find the balance between creating work for the love of it, and selling it to generate a career out of it. How thin is that line for you and how difficult is it to make a living out of this art form?
It's difficult not to sell out sometimes! We all get hungry. But what matters most to me is respect amongst my peers - my artist peers that is. If I can gain and maintain that throughout my career, finances will follow accordingly. It's hard to make a living at anything you do on your own, and working for others does offer some stability and a sense of security for most, but I would like to define my own success as I go I guess.

Speaking of success, you won the ‘Best Custom Themed Sneaker’ at Funkmaster Flex’s International Sneaker Battle Comp last year – what shoe won that for you and how much prep time did you put into getting it perfect for the event?
Well I'm pleased to say that we also won for Best Custom this year! That was a great experience for all of us, especially Aussie Girl - she's totally the sneaker fiend of the team (read: most knowledgeable, well-informed head in the crew). We definitely had a blast and want to give big ups to the judges. But as for '08, I won the competition with a pair of Stan Smiths I entitled ‘Three Headed Ellie’. I was inspired by the Laotian flag while creating a pair for a Laotian guy I knew. I found out that in the ‘70s they stopped using the flag that bore ‘Ganesh’, the three-headed elephant God. I spent probably about four and a half hours straight on each shoe and it was one of the last two pairs I completed right before the I.S.B.

How significant are these competitions in furthering not only your name but also your skills?
Bragging rights are important (haha) but it's also super important to stick to your skills: you can't be arrogant or cocky if you're not going to bring it! But those competitions are important platforms to showcase your skills and your products. It's also fun to get a chance to see other customiser’s work, and get inspired by the sneaker fiends - their responses are what keep us going hard!

You’ve said in the past your canvas of choice is the adidas Stan Smith. We actually got to meet the man last year. Top bloke, but not a lot of people know the history about the shoe. What is it about the Stan Smith that gets your palette whet?
I love the Stan Smith for its totally uninterrupted canvas space. Stan Smith is a total legend and we would love to have him as a stallion - oh my, if it's okay with his wife, of course. I would like to ask him in person what he thinks of his shoe not being tailored for the modern tennis player - I mean what's up with that? We were thinking of driving to South Carolina to ambush him with his own custom pair of sneaks. What do you reckon?

Go for it! For those in the dark, tell us about the Saigon Stallion…
Ah, you mean the Saigon Stable. We simply like using great models for our sneaks. The thing is, every girl has a stallion or two in her life, it's just that they don't organize it well. They're all fixed on the idea of finding that ‘one’ perfect man, when a stallion fits perfectly into just one part of your life. We have artistic stallions, we have extreme sport stallions, we have computer programmer stallions, but the one thing they all have in common is that they have great respect for us and we respect them also. They are all great company and they know how to treat a Saigon Girl. I always wanted to be like Hugh Hefner with his bunnies, but I'd much rather own more noble animals - the Saigon Stallions are only half of the story. We are now signing up girls that are skilled in their field to be down with the Saigon Way. We are happy to say that Mafia, we would like to invite you to become an official OG Saigon Girl. We've attached the certificate for you and everything.

Aw shucks! Well I’m in very good company aren’t I? Give us the 411 on the rest of the Saigon Custom team…
We have Cedra our manager, Edla who is a Saigon Customs artist and for the summer we have a little dynamo working with us called Christina - plus myself. We pride ourselves on being an all-female crew. We're aiming to build a crew where egos are out, and eventually that team will include our lawyer and more artists, all of them female. So far it's a winning formula for us. As for the future? I was hoping eventually to have my own reality show with my Stalllions, ha ha. But seriously, sign up now at kickassdumpling.blogspot.com. We were thinking of buying a real stallion and racing it in the Kentucky Derby so we can wear those ridiculous hats to match our wonderful sneakers. Edla wants to buy Tasmania and dissolve it and incorporate it into mainland Australia because she's tired of people thinking she's an albino from Tanzania, Africa. And Cedra will be on a cruise ship in Jamaica with her own stable. We plan on visiting her a lot, as long as she puts in the runway because otherwise I won't have anywhere to park my jet.

I like that you think big! Where we will see the business in the next five years?
We don't talk much about the future until it happens, except to say that the outlook is overwhelmingly positive. We have a great team and that's how pretty much how great things happen. Speaking of which, we want to give a big shout out to photographer Marlon Lawe, Kondor and Jamez Smith our hairstylists, Phelena Jean our stylist and true Saigon Girl and makeup artist Aretha Evans for all their help in making the photos you see here a reality. Signing off! The SC Crew

Thanks Miss Saigon!

[NEW RELEASE] NIKE MR CARTOON/FOOTSCAPE X LIVESTRONG

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

In keeping with the theme of the LIVESTRONG pack, the next 'stage' of Lance Armstrong's Nike project will begin releasing from Friday July 10th. The AM90 will release on the 10th followed closely by the Mr Cartoon Air Force 1 and Hide Out Footscapes the next day, Saturday July 11th. The insane LIVESTRONG Firefly jacket will be released Monday July 13th. Get your money rolls in check, Provider is the exclusive local store to stock all the gear so pay them a visit if you need the hook-up!

'Stages' brings together more than 20 of the world’s most creative and diverse artists to create original works of art inspired by Armstrong and his mission to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This unique project brings together the world of art, philanthropy and sport, in a way never before seen, to create artwork that represents the power of human potential in overcoming adversity. Artists participating in the 'Stages' tour include names such as Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst, Tom Sachs, Barry McGee and Marc Newson. All artists will begin working on their pieces between now and July, leading to an exhibition at the world renowned Emmanuel Perrotin Gallery in Paris on July 16th, 2009. Once it’s unveiled in Paris, each one-of-a-kind work of art will go on sale with proceeds benefiting the LAF. The exhibit will also travel to New York, Portland, Oregon and LA with final dates to be announced.

'This year it’s about more than winning the race. It’s about people coming together to use our talents and abilities for a cause bigger than ourselves and doing everything within our power to help those in their fight to overcome cancer,' said Lance Armstrong. 'This endeavor will help raise awareness and much needed funds for the foundation and those who need it most, researchers, patients, and their families.' To further support the fight against cancer, Nike is releasing two sportswear collections, all proceeds of which will be contributed to the LAF. There will be a 'Hope Rides Again' apparel and footwear collection and footwear 'Greatest Hits' pack.

[NEWSFLASH] PIRATE BOOTY - PT 17

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Supra Gangsta is in the house. Get your mean muggin' on with this extra stealth Supra bandana, unavailable down under! This could be yours if you enter the comp here!

For a complete list of the Booty you could win, go here!

[NEWSFLASH] ADIDAS SUPERSTAR BREAKOUT

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

If you loved space invaders, then you're going to go bonkers for the new 'Adidas Superstar Breakout' online game. While the actual rules of the game are quite complex, it's actually just as much fun to go ballistic with your mouse and shoot up a whole stack of adidas kicks! Get more info here.

[NEW RELEASE] NIKE SKINNY DUNK HI (JAM JAR)

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Reeewind! It looks like the 1950s have come to town, and the Stepford Wives have taken over at the Swoosh factory! Part of the newer, slimmer line of Nike Dunks, it seems the ladies are finally being heard with this slice of kitsch cuteness hitting the shelves anytime soon. Hallelujah for gingham!

[NEWSFLASH] 'BLABAC PHOTO' SKATE BOOK OUT NOW

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Following a monster opening night for his new exhibition at NY’s powerHouse gallery, veteran DC skate photographer Mike Blabac is currently winging his way around the globe promoting his debut book, BLABAC PHOTO – The Art of Skateboarding Photography, which chronicles his amazing twenty-year career.

BLABAC PHOTO is the first skateboarding book of its kind featuring 224 pages of iconic images in skateboarding in a beautifully designed, cloth-bound, large format hardcover book. Published by powerHouse Books, BLABAC PHOTO takes you on a visual journey from Blabac’s humble beginnings as a kid who was intrigued by cameras to shooting some of the most legendary skateboarders of all time.

Both the book and the signature pair of Azure Mids DC have christened to mark its release are available from the DC website, powerHouse, and selected skate stores and book shops.

[NEW RELEASE] VANS SK8-HI VARSITY PACK

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Vans’ new SK8-Hi Varsity pack gives a nod to the brand’s historical roots, with the numbers “19” and “66” (1966 being the year Vans began) embroidered onto the heels in chunky Varsity style. The upper comes in either crisp blue or red with a fat Vans cable-stripe embroidered across the side. Throw these on with a natty Varsity sweater and you’re coming correct like Richie Cunningham! Via District Footwear.

[NEW RELEASE] ADIDAS INSTINCT HI (WMNS)

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Playing big brother to the Ecstasy Hi that we showed you last month, the metallic Instinct Hi gives the three stripes a winner’s makeover double dipping it in glistening gold and finishing it off with copper tones, powder blue bolts and perky pink pingers. A gold digger's dream!

[NEWSFLASH] PIRATE BOOTY - PT 16

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Golf nuts - stand up! This ones for you. Fancy a pair of fresh Nike SB Golf glove covers for your nine-iron? Well, these could be yours if you enter the comp here!

For a complete list of the Booty you could win, go here

[NEWSFLASH] MARKER GALLERY X FRESHLY BAKED

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Say goodbye to one of Melbourne's freshest exhibition spaces with a new show entitled 'The Winter Set'. Closing the doors at their Collingwood space, Marker Gallery along with the Freshly Baked crew will go out in style with the 'Winter Set' - featuring new original works by Ape Seven, Mephisto Jones, Caitlin Rigby, Aida Sabic, Satta van Daal, Baden Pailthorpe, Max Berry, Daniel Foothead & Alastair Mooney. Their best collection to date, come witness the fitness and wash it all down with boutique beers from the generous peeps at U-Brew-It and wine by Yalumba! A surefire recipe for keeping the winter blues at bay...just remember your Snuggie!

'Winter Set' exhibiting online at Freshly Baked Gallery from 9 July - 9 September with selected works on display at Marker Gallery - 159 Johnston St, Collingwood until 25 July

[NEWSFLASH] FEDERER - LOVE FIFTEEN

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

To celebrate Roger Federer's amazing 15 grand slam titles, a host of Nike A-listers have banded together to congratulate the big swiss cheese. Make sure you hit up the Nike Tennis website to leave your own personal high-five to the 'Federer Express' legend.

Video cannot be displayed. Please click through to article to view the embedded video.

[NEW RELEASE] ADIDAS SLVR COLLECTION (WMNS)

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Launched early this year with a tagline boast of being ‘Simply Perfect’, this new range from adidas is a cocky start to a whole new ballgame. Whilst SLVR appears to be a high fashion concept, adidas PR describes it as ‘affordable, attainable and ultimately wearable’ which, given prices for the footwear are all under €130, seems fair enough. Perhaps the most interesting SLVR footwear innovation is what the shoes don’t have. Like the deadpan Stan Smiths of yesteryear, the range has no adidas branding, no trefoil and zero stripes. The only indication of a maker’s mark are three horizontal bars. There’s also tote bags, socks and a line of classically basic clothing that
has a slight sport tinge to it, and even SLVR flip flops.

Distribution suggests SLVR might be more of a marketing driven project – pop up stores in Paris, Miami and LA along with the adidas Brand Centre in Beijing and Sport Performance Centres in Moscow and Berlin will stock the label. Other than that, it’ll be available online sometime this year. Along with Y-3, the new SLVR reinforces adidas’ enthusiastic embrace of all things fashion. Check out some of the women's collection below and for more information on the brand, hit up our high-end sneakers feature here.

[NEW RELEASE] ADIDAS SLVR COLLECTION (MENS)

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Launched early this year with a tagline boast of being ‘Simply Perfect’, this new range from adidas is a cocky start to a whole new ballgame. Whilst SLVR appears to be a high fashion concept, adidas PR describes it as ‘affordable, attainable and ultimately wearable’ which, given prices for the footwear are all under €130, seems fair enough. Perhaps the most interesting SLVR footwear innovation is what the shoes don’t have. Like the deadpan Stan Smiths of yesteryear, the range has no adidas branding, no trefoil and zero stripes. The only indication of a maker’s mark are three horizontal bars. There’s also tote bags, socks and a line of classically basic clothing that has a slight sport tinge to it, and even SLVR flip flops.

With design on the minimalist side of things, there are a few unconventional elements. The standout on the men’s footwear side is the 7 Piece Shoe, which as the name suggests, is made from a six piece upper glued to a single outsole. Most sneakers are made from at least 25 pieces so I guess the shoes have had quite a bit of thought put into them. All the cotton in the garments is organic, which is also a nice touch.

Distribution suggests SLVR might be more of a marketing driven project – pop up stores in Paris, Miami and LA along with the adidas Brand Centre in Beijing and Sport Performance Centres in Moscow and Berlin will stock the label. Other than that, it’ll be available online sometime this year. Along with Y-3, the new SLVR reinforces adidas’ enthusiastic embrace of all things fashion. Check out some of the men's collection below and for more information on the brand, hit up our feature here.

[NEW RELEASE] ADIDAS NIZZA HI

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1000

Adidas channel their inner MJ with this triple zipper Nizza. A refreshingly new concept that works wonders, the Nizza has seen a barrage of makeovers lately, as the vulcanised sole phase continues its onslaught. You can pick your pair up from Atmos Japan. Shamon!