When you see the shoe pictured above, you know it’s part of the Air Jordan legacy, but it’s probably one of the most overlooked models in the vault.  They don’t have a name like their regular season counterpart, the ‘Taxi’ and there’s no single moment of dominance they symbolize like the ‘Flu Game’, nor any controversy in their release like the also white ‘Rising Sun’.  Despite the apparent lack of history, yours truly likes these best of all the Air Jordan XIIs (12).

I still remember sitting in the wood-paneled den at my best friend’s house on opening night 1996, staring with disbelief at a new red-on-white colourway of the upcoming Jays I had recently seen teased in a Sports Illustrated ad.  The Taxis weren’t even out as of this point, so the sight of what the original ‘rising sun’ was a shock (Air Jordan XII marked the first time an Air Jordan released in five colourways during the season).  Maybe that’s what compelled me to trade my size 9  Zoom Flight 96s for my seventh-grade classmate’s size 6.5 Twelves during gym class about a month later.  I still remember that November night watching TNT and to this day can barely fathom a shoe so amazing that I’d risk breaking my feet to wear them.

With all these vivid memories, you can imagine how personally exciting our latest Sneaker Wallpaper is for me.  It features the shoe so at home on the road that during that 69-win season that SI depicted a cartoon MJ wearing them while buffing his fingernails in mockery of the competition.  You can relive the beginning of the second greatest season in NBA history by making these your new desktop wallpaper thanks to our new SneakerNews Wallpapers.

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Maybe they are taking the whole 2012 thing seriously, cos with only three years left ’till the supposed end of the world, Jordan Brand is emptying their vaults of highly sought-after heat.  It already started this holiday season with all the Air Jordan XI and XII retros, and January’s Air Jordan VI (6) release points to no end in sight.  Somewhere along this timeline we’ll find the above pictured Air Jordan Spiz’ikes at retailers.

One mixes ‘cement’ and ‘grape’ base colourways, much like the cement/true blue/fire red thing that happens on the ‘Fresh Since 1985′ joints that are also slated for early ‘10.  As for the black joints, call them ’stealth’ and you’ll immediately recognize the connection to the most popular pair of Air Jordan XXs (laser-etched nubuck is both quintessentially ’stealth’ and a dead giveaway).  Take a closer look at both of these 2010 Spizike releases after the jump.  via Warped

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Though the championship inspiration is clear, we all wondered why Nike would push out so many Zoom Kobe IV colourways when we know the ZK5 is right around the corner.  It’s not too often that we see non-retro releases of an earlier sneaker than is the more recent, but such is the case with the Nike Hyperdunk Low.  You could say it’s a sequel of sorts, but given that the Hyperize is already firmly set as the number one choice for this basketball season, it’s slightly strange to see its predecessor suddenly pop up in a lowtop.  Then again, we’re not complaining either, cos this shoe looks pretty much perfect in the Chicago-style colourway.  Take a look at these photos in advance of the 2010 release and stick with Sneaker News for updates on the entire Nike Hyper- series.  via Kinstor

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While we sincerely hope that you never need to use ‘em for that, the Nike SFB (Special Forces Boot) is equipped for any kind of battle you might need to enter.  The Kevlar-sheathed lightweight tactical boot features a Free sole for superiour traction and feel, while the upper is constructed to be among the fastest drying footwear in existence.  This pair in black with purple nylon underlay is just nutty, and we can’t see anyone actually wearing these into combat.  In light of the whimsical colourway, we’re going to repeal our warning against using them for actual battles, and instead suggest that you cop a pair so you can best your friends as ‘most outrageously dressed’.  Get yours from Japanese retailer NOS.  via FRESHNESS

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Earlier in October, we gave a quick look at what’s to come for the holidays from Converse’s new CONS skateboarding division.  Now we can look at some other drops as part of the respective collection.  Like the all suede grey CTS OX we’ve already seen, there will also be an all suede black pair.  You’ll notice there’s a lobster graphic found on the backside of the tongues.  No info as to why those are there and why that specific style has it out of all the holiday stuff.  Graphic or not, still fresh.  For those who prefer a more authentic Chuck Taylor feel, the exact colorway will be available in the traditional canvas upper with rubber toe cap.  But we can’t forget about the classic high-cut.  For those who prefer a mid, CONS supplies us with the CTS Ox Mid, in a chocolate suede, and the CONS Reverse Mid II in grey and white suede with mesh tongue.  Don’t forget, the CONS versions now have a high density foam on the upper lining and tongue and a more stable shank and heel counter for more comfort compared to the original Chucks.  And going with skate fashion, the suede and laces are made for high abrasion to ensure durability and last while skateboarding, or whatever it is you wanna do in these. via Silo

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Vans Syndicate has produced some pretty dope pairs lately.  With weather motivating the design of the the Mountain Edition Mid, these Chukka Low’s are more of a geographic and historical tribute.  Designed by Feal Mor, these are inspired by by French military boots.  The “Land” pair has an upper made of very rare French marine camo canvas, while the “Sea” pair sports a beautiful french navy, both enzymed washed for a weathered effect.  Battle slogans are written on the sides to further correlate the French military theme, added by Syndicate emblems on the back with molded foxing strips along the midsoles.  Limited in quantity, these can be copped at Silo for $70 – a great deal for a dope pair to the collection.

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Ever since Nike’s reintroduction of the Big Nike High, it’s gotten a lot of love.  With some good colorway releases so far, it’s certainly making a name for itself.  Some of you elitists think it’s trying to imitate the Dunk but just doesn’t make it, but take a lot on the streets- the Big Nike High has been well received in the mainstream retail world and doing just fine on its own.  Nonetheless, Nike produces yet another one to further its distinction from the Dunk High.  This one brings forth much more a sophisticated look compared to, say, the Flintstones Pack or the Wolverines.  The upper is a mix of suede, leather and snakeskin, colored with a sort of navy-grey and white.  The swoosh may have been able to do without the novelty “silver,” but that’s really up to you guys to decide.  If you don’t have any Big Nike High’s, this might be a good place to start.  via Limited Edt.

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Vans Syndicate releases these two new Mountain Edition Mid’s for the holiday season.  Function-specific to the max for the winter conditions, the uppers are fitted with ballistic nylon and Wolverine leather.  No, not the animal wolverine, but rather Wolverine World Wide- the company that’s been producing high-quality rugged shoes for over two centuries.  The pigskin nubuck is actually scotchguarded for water and stain resistance, facilitating cleaning and maintenance.  An Outlast liner is put in to ensure a stable foot temperature, while the outside foxing tape is custom-made to ensure durability.  As said before- build with function in mind.  The Mtn Edition Mid ‘S’ will come in Warrior/Black and Warrior/Khaki.  Limited in quantity, these are now available at Vans Syndicate retailers like Silo.

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