This past year we’ve seen a number of hybrid models come out of the Nike Sportswear category, the Air Max 90 Current Huarache, Cortez Fly Motion, and we’ve even seen an upcoming Air Max (Maxim) 1 that looks to use some Flywire inspiration on the upper. Little has been done to the Air Force 1 when it underwent some changes a few years ago aside from adding a visible Air unit in the heel. However now pictures have surfaced of a wear test sample Nike Air Force 1 that looks to remove the full length Air unit in the sole of the shoe with Zoom Air in the heel and what looks to be something along the lines of Nike Free in the forefoot. Before those of you Air Force 1 fanatics start a petition, understand that these are wear test samples (notice the numbers written on the shoes) and might not necessarily make it to the market. via 21 Mercer

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About a month ago, we got a good look at the University of Akron PE of the Nike Zoom LeBron VI.  Continuing their three-year partnership with Nike and King James, Akron players have recently been sporting an exclusive version of the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier II.  Done in the University’s royal blue, gold and white colourway, these would be a solid edition of the second Soldier for any court.  Throw in the Zips logo-emblazoned heel tab, and these are sure to inspire the next generation of young Ohio ballers to reach for D1.  via LRJ23

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Occam’s Razor famously states that the simplest answer is usually the best.  Vans Vault has taken this advice to new heights, and here’s another example.  The Vans Vault Chukka Boot Cup shows the boot-turned-sneaker in simple black or white uppers, both atop white soles.  Throw in tonal laces for each, and these will fit in well with the toned-down looks we’ll see dominating the fashion scene when these drop in Fall 2009.  via MarcusTroy

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Last year, Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki and Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment design collaborated on with a slew of trendy companies to create the “Hi & Lo” collection.  Part of that joint venture was a Murakami Flower-emblazoned Visvim Kiefer, which despite its name is only available in a hightop silhouette.  Aside from the flower insignia, the rest is standard Kiefer fare: a black canvas upper with white stitching tops a white and black striped sole, complete with toe cap.  Extremely limited and very expensive, these are available now at Paresian boutique Colette.

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We saw a buttery leather set of Vans Zapato Del Barcos about a month ago.  Typically known for it’s use of similarly elegant designs, these new pairs from Vans Vault are a bit scruffy.  Done in a rugged tonal brown denim along with a slightly less weathered pair in black with red accents, these pairs look like perfect colours for fall.  We found them in Japan, so you can be the first on your block when you cop one or both from Proceed.

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We’ve seen a bunch of new Jack Purcells lately and Barney’s did a pair of perforated patent leather Chuck Taylor All Stars this past year, so it’s not shocking to see Converse combine the two.  The Converse Jack Purcell LTT appears here in black or white perfed patent leather, both with the signature white sole and toecap.  The use of silver metal eyelets and eglets lend a nice finishing touch.  Both pairs are expected to drop for Summer 2009, so stay tuned to Sneaker News and we’ll hit you up with the latest info as it’s available.  via Dunk.com.cn

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We saw some new pictures of the Air Jordan 1 Phat Low today, and here is the original hightop version in pictures from the same source.  The result is quite different: an all black upper with hints of red, green and white.  Though the colours are the same as the AJ1s inspired by A Tribe Called Quest, the effect is quite different.  Especially notable is the white outsole.  It might not look that way for long, but at first glance is striking in contrast to the midsole and upper.  Stay tuned to Sneaker News for more info.  via NT

Update: This is part of the Air Jordan 1 Cinco de Mayo Pack.

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The first pairs of Air Jordan 1 Low Phats we saw with polka dots were more or less following the Phat’s movement toward becoming Jordan Brand’s answer to the Nike Dunk Low.  The latest pair, pictured above, are more like the ‘classic’ Air Jordan colourways.  A white upper is topped with Carolina blue dots, no doubt in homage to MJ’s time in Chapel Hill.  No word on the release date for these, but you know we’ll keep you posted with new pics and release info here on Sneaker News.  via NikeTalk

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Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls started a trend during their streak of six NBA titles in eight years.  Heavily influenced by various Air Jordan models, the Bulls agreed to all wear black shoes and socks during the playoffs.  This trend has been unofficially adopted by most NBA squads, but this year, Beaverton is going in the opposite direction.  The theme for this year’s Nike Playoff Pack is white, including new makeups of the Zoom Kobe IV, Foamposite Lite and others.

Among these rebels is the Steve Nash signature shoe, the Nike Zoom MVP.  The two time winner of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy is currently in danger of missing the postseason for the first time since he arrived in Phoenix, but if the Suns can right their ship, he’ll be rocking these at the point.  Take a look at all the pics after the jump and stay tuned to Sneaker News for updates.  via NiceKicks

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Recently Skate Shoe manufacturer DVS has been coming strong with their ‘Original Intent’ collaboration efforts, and their latest effort is no exception. DVS has teamed up with ‘The Berrics’ to produce an exclusive limited edition shoe. The Berrics is not only a private skate park owned by the legendary skateboarders Eric Koston, and Steve Berra, but it is also arguably the most popular skateboarding blog on the web. The limited edition DVS x Berrics shoe uses the Berra3, Steve Berra’s third signature model for the brand. The black, white, and red colorway draws inspiration from The Berrics.com blog. The upper features a soft suede with a single white stripe matching the flexible vulcanized sole.  A red pinstripe on the mid sole matches the DVS logo on the shoes tongue. The shoes are extremely limited and are available now only on The Berrics Canteen for a friendly price of $59.99. Info: The Berrics.com

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The concept inspiring this pair is so fresh you can practically smell them.  Your author has experienced a similar effect to the one making this pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars unique: fresh cut grass has the tendency to dye the white midsole common to most Chucks an uneven if organic-looking green.  This sample takes it a step further, using a white upper to highlight the enevitable creeping of that discolouration onto the lower part of the canvas.  There’s no word yet if these will hit the market, so if you have a large yard, you might try making your own.  Otherwise, stay tuned to Sneaker News for updates.  via ConverseBlog

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Earlier today, we previewed the latest Nike Twilight, and now we fittingly bring news of new colorways for two of the classic models that inspired it. The Nike Air Tailwind ’92 and the Air Structure Triax have both made big comebacks over the last year and now they are back again as part of Nike’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

The Air Structure Triax features a combination leather/mesh upper in off-white and aqua with black and magenta accents. The Air Tailwind ’92 model also sports some vivid colors, splashing large sections of the shoe with bright blue and yellow atop the white base. Both pairs have the look of their era of origin, but will surely be right at home amongst today’s models. Expect these to hit select Nike accounts, including End, at the end of April. via HighSnobiety.

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