Now that streetwear’s ‘grown up’ and gone all cut-and-sew on us, it’s only a matter of time before chambray makes a big splash.  The linen-like cotton fabric (we’d forgive you for thinking it’s just an Air JordanVII Retro) is getting some shine on a new pack of Vans Classics that includes Old Skools, Eras and Sk8-His.  The chambray cloth covers the side panels, while canvas touches come in on the toes and heel areas.  Looks like each pair will drop in black or blue, so check your local Vans retailer.  via HB

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You’ve probably never asked yourself why shoes still have laces.  It’s one of those little things about life George Carlin made his living on and you probably never would have thought of it were the sneaker world’s terrific trio.  Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker are known collectively as HTM, and with their HTM2 collection, these fellas are looking to push the shoe game in a new direction.

The Nike HTM2 Running Boots make you forget about Marty McFly’s Mags and see these as the future of running.  Assuming the fit is good, why would you pass up a super sleek, breathable, flexible yet supportive runner that fits like a sock?  And with the Free 7.0 sole, you’ll find your balance improved and feet strengthened.  It remains to be seen if this really is a watershed moment for sneaker design, but stick with Sneaker News and we’ll keep you posted.

The Nike HTM2 Run Boot is available exclusively in Japan and at 21 Mercer on Feb. 20th and March 1st.

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Though not technically a classic, we get a glimpse at what could have been a classic.

As Dr. J retired in ’84, a young rookie by the name of Michael Jordan would carry the torch and change the game of basketball forever. But everyone knew his reign couldn’t last forever, and as he faded out in 2003, the torch would be carried on by another promising up and comer- Lebron James. The talented baller from Akron, Ohio would occupy the vacant throne for the new generation; fitting for his moniker of King James. And what took Nike $90M to secure Lebron, would be the beginning of a new powerhouse signature line. As the new Air Max Lebron VII continues to cause a stir since its debut, we reflect upon where it all started- the Nike Zoom Generation. Specifically a look at a sample that only few have had the privilege to see first hand. Check out the entire feature at SneakersNews HD.

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If you’ve been following up on our coverage of other brands, you’d know that Converse Skate is ollie-ing up the ladder for 2010. Over two months ago, Sneaker News presented images of Anthony Pappalardo’s lowtop pro model with Converse Skate; on Tuesday, Converse hosted a get-together at NYC’s Arturo’s pizzeria to celebrate the launch of the Converse (RED) Anthony Pappalardo Pro Model. Friends and family present at the event received a gold miniaturized rendition of the shoe in the form of a keychain. The shoe will be available at select skate-shoe retail spots like Skate Park of Tampa, Supreme, KCDC, and more. via HS.

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The other day we showed you the latest images of a new colourway of the Air Jordan 2010, presumably that of the Air Jordan 25th Anniversary Collection. These were apparently released only at NikeTown in Chicago with an alleged limited production run of 72 pairs, although that remains to be seen. Each pair came accompanied with a number of bonus extras, like exclusive Jordan socks, Dwyane Wade poster, and a Jordan retail bag. Keep checking back with Sneaker News for more information regarding this limited pair and the possibility of a wider release, but if you’re a hardcore Jordan collector and don’t want to risk it, you can grab yours now from trandandco on eBay.

Style: 387358-111
Color: White/White-Metallic Silver

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For those who were unable to be in Dallas for the Jordan Brand 23/25 Experience, check out this video to get a first-hand look at what was going on. Interactive touch-screen media, a video of the great Tinker Hatfield discussing the structure of the Air Jordan 2010, the Air Jordan White Collection exhibit, and some sneakerhead star-sightings were the happenings at this iconic, one-of-a-kind event. It truly a Museum of Jordan History, as artifacts from his past were up on display, from his college days to his roles in feature films. Thanks to DJ Greg Street for the vid.

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Lance Armstrong’s charity has had such an impact that whenever we see black and yellow kicks, we’re not thinking “Pittsburgh Steelers” or “Wu-Tang” any more.  This pair of Nike Air Max Skylines is sure to draw comparisons to the extensive and ever growing Nike x LIVESTRONG arsenal, although its actually part of the Athletics West collection despite the color scheme similarities.  With these Skylines, the addition of healthy portions of grey balances out the otherwise harsh contrast and makes them more streetwear-friendly.  Grab a pair today from Nike Sportswear retailers like StepToRun on eBay.

Style: 343886-071
Color: Dark Grey/Vibrant Yellow-Anthracite-Metallic Silver

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Sneakerhead traditionalists frequently bemoan the rise of hybridization/modular design.  They probably don’t realize that most sneakers are similar because of the progression of development, but then again, some combos just weren’t meant to be.  Take for example, the Nike Vandals and Air Max 90s.  Seperately, each has a rabid following and sells a ton to ‘regular’ shoppers.  Tell a sneakerhead they’re being mashed together, and there’s sure to be tears and gnashing of teeth.

Well, lighten up, guys.  The Nike V-Light is a lesson for you to avoid making yourself sad with your keen observation skills.  Yes, this shoe resembles both the Vandal and AM90 in some ways.   They also have a Swoosh on the side just like the Air Jordan 1.  But seriously, take a second look at the V-Light and notice how it captures a series of iconic Nike design elements for an interesting new kid’s shoe, just like the above-linked Nike Vunk.  A mostly black pair and one in black/grey/white with orange hits are both available from NikeStore.

Style: 386754-101
Color: White/Dark Grey-Cool Grey-Urgent Orange

Style: 386754-001
Color: Black/Black-Metallic Silver

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Reebok’s Top Down is probably the most widely seen fold-down hightop to date.  They might have started a full fledged trend, cos here’s a new look from Asics that reminds us of a Puma Urban Vistech Linen from early this month.  The Onitsuka tiger Kamogutsu share’s the Puma’s sense of floppiness with its cloth ankle that can be folded down to reveal an accent colour on the lining.  Despite the obvious similarity, these are very unique, their suede and textile uppers one of the few examples of appropriately-placed pinstriping on a sneaker.  Check your local Asics retailer, they just arrived at Japan’s ripe.

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Nike ACG made a brilliant choice in adding a grid pattern on the new Air Salbis Mid GTX that dropped last fall.  All Conditions Gear managed to capture the spirit of the original collection, and update it while keeping things quirky.  Here’s another trail runner with an engineer pad for the underlay, the new Nike ACG Air Abaziro.  They use a similar palette to the relatively subdued Pyroclast that just dropped, but these are significantly busier.  They just released at Nike Harajuku, so we’ll keep you posted on a possible stateside release.

Style: 384661-051
Color: Black/Varsity Purple-Cool Grey

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Puma unveiled the Kehinde Wiley x Puma Africa Unity Football Kit along with a small collection of awe-inspiring artwork yesterday night in SoHo, NY for the Legends Of Unity cause. Among the exhibits were a small collection of Puma footwear and shoelaces with intricate graphics designed by Kehinde Wiley, the LA-Born artist of African descent. The oil paintings combined detailed textiles that required meticulous discipline and photorealistic portraits of some of Africa’s prominent footballers. The artwork, apparel, live music, and attendance of prominent artists like Chuck Close all combined to create a momentous event that celebrated the worthy cause. Be sure to check out the nice collection of images after the jump.

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Don’t you just love when a pair of kicks drop that’ll perfectly match something in your closet? My Mitchell & Ness fitted with the same all-over print would go perfectly with these new Blazers. All kidding aside, this type of graphic would definitely appeal the sneakerheadettes in the making; the summer-insired graphic of strawberries, citrus fruits, and rainbows set off by a clear candy-yellow swoosh and light-pink trim would be a nice summer shoe for the kiddies. These Nike Girls Blazer Mids are available now at NikeStore.

Style: 386599-171
Color: White/Sunbeam-Soft Pink

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