Price an Air Jordan fairly, and it’s hard to say no. That’s the gist of the first two comments left by Sneaker News readers during our last report of this shoe, and many of our readers seemed to agree that $120 is a flexible number especially for an Air Jordan XI. In these new set of images of the Air Jordan XI IE Low, we see again that the blue tint on the outsole is rather pronounced, giving the shoe a completely different appeal opposed to true ‘ice’ outsole as seen on the Air Jordan XI ‘Concord’. Gripes regarding the outsole aside, the upper color combination of a simple black and white is executed perfectly, with the black portions accentuated by a tonal black-on-black elephant print. Kicks-crew has a few pairs available now so head there to get a pair early and let us know if you’ll cop these once they release this July.

Air Jordan XI IE Low
White/Metallic Silver-Black
306008-100
$120
07/2011

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When it was first released back in 2007, the Nike SB Zoom P-Rod II was heavily influenced by the interlocking-G brand.  The model’s overall luxurious feel was obvious, right down to the Gucci-inspired quilt embossing that typified the P-Rod II’s side panels.  So with all this background, it was only a matter of time before we saw this colorway come out on the vulc-soled update: a ‘Gucci’ P-Rod 2.5.  This pair is mostly black with select Noble Green and Varsity Red accents to get its theme across, and though they’re not pictured in these images, you’ll have the option of striped laces to finish off the look.  Click through to see more angles of the Gucci P-Rod 2.5 and look for yours at select Nike SB retailers like Flatspot.

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It’s been one of the company’s staple retro model for years but over the past month-plus in particular, we’ve seen NB give extra attention to the New Balance 574 silhouette.  It all started in April with the ‘Made in USA’ Custom 574 and we’ve since seen a series of general releases plus the festive Tropical Fruit Pack and team spirit-inducing Season Ticket Collection.  And the latest NB574 revelation is a navy, red and silver look that’d be right at home amongst that latter Varsity-style set, though the colorway is perhaps closer to an American beer can than any of the nation’s sports teams.  But no matter the inspiration, this is a bold look that’s sure to turn heads this summer and you can see more images when you click on the jump below.  via mita sneakers

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Gourmet has long outgrown the days when their lineup was entirely derived from classic Air Jordan silhouettes, but one of the few active silhouettes from the brand’s early years is back in a design that does indeed take cues from other major brands including Nike.  But to be fair, the Swoosh and the rest of the companies who have produced various boot-themed sneakers are themselves borrowing from brands like Red Wing, so this pack of Gourmet Uno hightops makes for a poetic full-circle.  The Uno looks something like an Air Jordan VII workboot thank to white stitching on premium burgundy and black leather uppers, but stops short of super-rugged thanks to a notable absence of special eyelets, laces or other details.  Click through to see more angles and stick with Sneaker News for updates on this summer 2011 release.  via Dunk

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Two new adidas Originals ZX8000s will be hitting retailers shortly, and unlike the themed ‘packs’ that have dominated sneaker releases over the past few years, these are about as disparate as you could get from a single model.  First up is a black ZX8000 slated to release in July, its mix of suede and leather nicely contrasted by a soft green on the tongue and dubraes that appeared mint in earlier images but more of a sage in today’s shots.  And joining that model come September is one in rich brown leather whose white contrast stitching, rugged metal eyelets and ticked hiking laces give them the look of a rugged boot.  Images of both pairs follow your click on the jump below and be sure to stick with Sneaker News for word on the US release dates.  via Sneak-r

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When you mention ‘Cardinal’ in the context of the Air Jordan Legacy, you’re talking about the OG Air Jordan VII colorway that’s set for a retro release in June.  But if you ever wanted to imagine this distinctive bred variation on either the Air Jordan VIII and/or 2010 Team, here’s your chance.  The Air Jordan Phase 23 Hoops is a mashup of those three key design influences, the AJ8-style streaking graphic altered to accommodate the Cardinal motif on an otherwise white/black design.  Click through to see some additional angles and grab a pair from select Jordan Brand retailers like Finish Line.

Air Jordan Phase 23 Hoops
White/Cardinal Red-Bronze
440897-105

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The Air Max 90 SI just released in a trio of two-toned colorways with reptile texture on their mudguard, but what would happen if Nike Sportswear stretched the faux-croc look across an entire silhouette?  One possible answer is this new Nike Blazer Mid in Varsity Red, a look you wouldn’t exactly expect to see in a swamp, and yet somehow a perfect chioce to compliment the upper’s bold texture.  White on the Swoosh and vulc sole sidewalls makes for a classic and clean look from afar that gains some extra ‘bite’ as you draw closer, and you can grab a pair today from select NSW retailers like JBseller on eBay.

Nike Blazer Mid
Varsity Red/White
315877 600

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Younger sneakerheads might know the model best for its recent Biz Markie-designed collaboration but the PRO-Keds 69er is a model with a ton of history behind it.  The story starts, as you might have guessed, in 1969 when the shoe was first released as the PRO-Keds Super, a popular lowtop that actually even predated the Nike Air Force 1 in being nicknamed ‘Uptowns’.  And while things have obviously changed in The Bronx since the 69er held that title, there’s little arguing the impeccable style of these two new microperfed releases.  Both are quite subtle and befitting their classic status, grey and brown leather pairs covering both ends of the neutral spectrum.  Click through to see more angles and look for these at select retailers today.  via HB

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Its status as one of Three Stripes’ quintessential heritage models is beyond debate, but we don’t see all that many new adidas Originals Micropacers these days.  Here’s a look at one we expected to see earlier this year but was delayed from March to May and remains the lone Micropacer colorway so far in 2011.  They’re done in the super-clean mix of white and grey with red, yellow and blue accents enhancing the quirky computer-powered classic’s playful vibe.  And perhaps best of all, should you decide to go out for a (timed) run in harsh conditions, you’ll be pleased to find they’re constructed of waterproof Gore-Tex material.  An impressive if whimsical collection of tech specs, the latest adidas Originals Micropacer is currently available at Schuh-You.

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It may not be as common as those models but the New Balance 998 is every bit the elegant classic as the 1500, 1700 and other notable NB silhouettes.  Check out this new colorway that hit European retailers and is just starting to make its way Stateside, a mostly-grey New Balance M998GNR that keeps the OG look alive with select red and navy accents.  This color scheme seems to work particularly well in the case of this release, its tongue embroidery in the same palette reminding you that these were ‘Made in USA’.  Click through to get a better look at the latest American-born New Balances and grab yours today from West.

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Recent technological advancements in performance footwear all boils down to one basic detail: Lightness. The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse, Zoom Kobe VI, the LeBron 8 PS evolution, etc. all boast a lightweight package that, when paired with proven comfort technology, will lead to optimal results. Then adidas popped their heads in and came out wit the adidas adiZero Crazy Light, which is the lightest basketball performance shoe ever created. Weighing 15% less than the next lightest basketball shoe, the Crazy Light is a fitting name that describes the shoe without fail, and recent sightings of the Crazy Light on a number of NBA players during the 2011 NBA Playoffs has shown that adidas Basketball will continue its push as it expands its label around superstars Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard. This new ‘Blackout’ colorway features a tonal black package, leaving no room for other colors and exuding an aura of confidence. Check out the extra shots of this new Crazy Light colorway after the jump and expect these to hit adidas Basketball retailers soon.

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Mizzeecustoms has been killing the custom sneaker game for a long while, using the Nike LeBron 8 V/1 as one of his primary canvases. We’ve seen his ‘Raptor’ custom and his tribute to The Big ‘O’, but here’s a look at his latest creation that is certainly to break necks. Using the Undefeated x Air Jordan IV as the inspiration, Mizzeecustoms transformed the LeBron 8 V/1 by painting the leather upper an army olive green and slapped on some orange laces to match the altered tongue border and LeBron James insignia on the heel. Another snazzy detail is in the Flywire paneling, which reveals a shimmering orange tone in certain lit angles. Best LeBron 8 custom to date? Check out the detailed images below and let us know what you think.

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