Hybrid shoes will be one of the keynote sneaker memories of the latter half of the decade, and this unreleased hybrid sample combining the Air Force 1 and Air Max 97 in a black colorway. A released version in the classic ‘silver bullet’ colorway was released but this tonal black leather version never made it beyond the cutting room floor. The midsole features a translucent window into the full-length Air Unit synonymous with the Air Max 97, with a tongue featuring the interlocking lace-holes and the Air Max 97 tongue face featuring an oval with a swoosh. So, would you have copped these if they released? Check out the extra shot after the jump and let us know what you think. via soonyou’llunderstand.

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We’ve come to expect a ‘Blackout’ Nike LeBron sneaker every year (plus one for the playoffs) but 2010 marked the first time the triple black colorway would be the first we’d see on the King’s feet.  Our first glimpse at the Nike LeBron VIII on LeBron himself was this all-black colorway James donned at the King’s Academy Camp back in July.  And after the inline colorup plus China, South Beach and Veterans Day editions, this super versatile LeBron 8 is the latest to hit retail in what should be a long line of hot colorways.  Click on the jump below to see some new photos of the Blackout LeBron VIII and grab yours today from 95Soleman on eBay.

Style: 417098-001
Color: Black/Anthracite

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The Converse All-Star is an integral cog in the extraordinary history of athletic footwear and in this collaboration with Swedish retailer Sneakersnstuff, Converse is paying its own tribute to a centuries-old tradition. Lovikka, a northern village of Sweden, was notorious for its harsh cold and wind conditions but remarkable for its hard-working townspeople. A local villager named Erika Aittamaa knitted wool mittens to keep her family and fellow villagers warm in the unfriendly climate, and soon the growing popularity of the wool accessories became a growing business and trademark of the village that is still recognized today. Converse, in a partnership with Sneakersnstuff, has created the ‘Lovikka’ All-Star, a wool-construction Converse All-Star taking after a mitten, with the ‘SNS’ logo stitched on the medial wall and multi-colored tassels at the heels. The Sneakersnstuff x Converse Lovikka All-Star will release on December 3rd exclusively at Converse First String accounts such as Bodega, Undefeated, Colette, Sneakersnstuff, and Hanon.

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Lately many of the re-issued Air Jordans are being produced with minor yet dauntingly noticeable changes, like the switch from leather to mesh on the upcoming Air Jordan XIII ‘Altitude. Sneakerheads have opined, in several differing viewpoints, regarding the alterations; some lament the brand’s decision and point to a lack of continuity, while others seem to take it in stride, perhaps suggesting the newer releases as an attempt to preserve what’s already out there, leaving the originals for those who were “in the game” the first time around.

The upcoming limited released of the Altitude XIII features the most obvious change – swapping out the leather-uppered dimple shroud to a ballistic mesh. The only other change, as noted in this great comparison by SoleCollector, lies in the shade of Altitude Green on the bottom sole; the 2010 version appears to be a brighter hue than the 2005 version. Outside of the updated Jordan box and lack of a Retro card, everything else about the shoe appears to be consistent with the original 2005 version. Take a look at the gallery of comparison shots after the jump and let us know which version – mesh or leather – you prefer.

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Just over a year ago now, it seemed like one of Nike Sportswear’s core footwear strategies would be to take classic silhouettes and apply the lifestyle friendly vulcanized sole.  A few of the best of these still release every now and again, but much of the hybrid attention has turned to other mashups (Foamposite, anyone?).  Largely lost in the shuffle has been the Nike Auto Trainer, a model we’ve not seen for a few months and one that’s been silent in the upcoming NSW seasonal previews.  Could this smooth pair in black with grey and white accents be the last pair we see for a while?  Stick with Sneaker News to find out, and grab yours today from 95Soleman on eBay.

Style: 407935-003

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Yesterday Sneaker News gave you a teaser preview of the Nike LeBron 8 V2 in Black, Grey, and Neon Green – but here’s an all new detailed look at this upcoming colorway. The upper features a mix of black and grey tones with neon green playing a minute supporting role, as it is used in minor portions on the lion’s eyes, flex-’8′ on the bottom sole, the insole, FLYWIRE notation on the upper, and on the lace-tips. We’ve already seen a preview of the Nike LeBron 8 in a similar trio of colorways but the lighter V2 version clearly features a lot less neon green – nearly matching the ‘Cool Grey’ Air Max LeBron VII of last year. Take a look at this detailed gallery of this upcoming colorway of the Nike LeBron 8 V2 after the jump and let us know which colorway of the LeBron 8 (in either version) you like best. via MarqueeSole.

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The University of North Carolina Tar Heels are ranked 25th in this weeks polls and look to move higher with a win in this year’s Big Ten/ACC Challenge.  And when the Heels hit the floor at Illinois’ Assembly Hall tomorrow night, there’s a good chance some will be rocking the above pictured Air Jordan 2010 Team PE.  UNC’s blue away jerseys mean they don’t need black kicks like many road teams, and the mix of white and University Blue looks great when personalized with UNC details on the tongue and eyestay.  Have a look at this super-rare size 9 sample that just popped up and if you wanna add them to your collection, hit up JackpotVintage on eBay.

Style: HO10-MNJDSP-521/206432 PC
Color: White/University Blue-Metallic Silver (UNC)

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Even with months of hype leading up to the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, Black Friday at Nike Sportswear in New York managed to exceed expectations.  We’ve known about the huge docket of high profile sneaker drops for a good while now, so stuff like the Air Force 1 Foamposite in black and the seventh Doernbecher Freestyle collaboration were hotly awaited.  But along with these drops came the insanely deluxe AF1 Low Destroyer ’1664 Pack’ plus the Nike Mobile Customization Lab so sneakerheads on hand could apply custom laser etching to whatever they chose.  The fever pitch has become more of a droning note as we get ready for four straight weeks of buy-buy-buy, but be sure to stick with Sneaker News for the latest in holiday release dates.  via FRESHNESS

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Kevin Durant is the ‘people’s champion’ for sure; not only does he want his fellow NBA players to wear his own signature shoe, he’s doing what he can to rep his loyal fans on the basketball court. Kevin Durant and his newest fan and neighbor Matthias Murphy are launching a twitter contest which will result in one winner. The prize? Kevin Durant will play an NBA game in his Zoom KD III with your twitter handle written on the ankle collar of his kicks for the entire world to see. All you need to do is answer an easy question that will be posed by @kd35sneighbor so check out the video after the jump for full contest instructions!

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Although his offensive game is very well-rounded, Ray Allen will be remembered as one of the greatest sharpshooters in the history of league for his sniper-like precision and accuracy from beyond the arc. He’s a lock to surpass Reggie Miller for most 3-pointers ever made and his during the earlier days of his career, his perimeter shooting was valued by Team USA as he was a member of the American National squad during the 2000 Gold-medal winning Olympic Team as well as the 2003 Olympic qualifying squad. For those 2003 qualifiers, Jordan Brand fashioned this pristine pair of the Air Jordan XVII in white and navy blue, with ‘RAY 12′ stitched on the outer ankle collars. Sugar Ray’s Air Jordan PE closet is filled to the brim with rare gems and this AJ17 should be one of the shining lights of that group due to its rarity and sweet USA-inspired colorway. Check out the extra detailed images after the jump and pick up this size 14 Promo sample pair from sole_supreme on eBay.

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Only an elite few high schools can claim they get personalized gear from the major footwear and apparel brands.  Fewer still see their player exclusives released to retail, so when you see the Air Jordan Take Flight PEs for Oak Hill Academy and St. Patrick’s High School, you know both programs are premier.  Oak Hill’s edition gives a white Air Max look to match with Carmelo Anthony’s alma mater’s home uniforms, with St. Pat’s SVSM-like colorup showing another way to make a shoe ‘Chicago-style’.  Check out photos of both pairs by clicking the jump below and look for them at your closest House of Hoops.

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2010′s sneaker ‘award tour’ will be comprised of the year’s biggest releases, and if our Sneaker News Top 30 of 2010 were done solely on quality of materials, the Nike Air Force 1 Destroyer ’1664 Pack’ would have to be right at the top.  The super-luxe AF1s came with a dope Nike Sportswear Destroyer varsity jacket just like the above pictured collabo kicks, so it’s particularly interesting to see how different the Stussy x Nike All Court pack turned out.  Set for a December 3rd drop, these joints incorporate snakeskin accents onto plain leather uppers, a look that exemplifies the ‘Past, Present, Future’ tagline.  More shots follow the jump, and be sure to check out another, entirely different style of Stussy collaboration later today. Via Stussy Japan

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