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Classics Revisited: OG Nike Air Force 1 Low (1983)

bam — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:56 +0000

As avid supporters and participants in the culture, it’s hard to deny Nike’s presence when retrospecting our love for sneakers. Air Maxes, Air Jordans, Trainers- the catalog is endless. But one of the most highly praised models, even comparing shoes from other brands, has undoubtedly become the Nike Air Force 1. At almost 30 years old, the first Nike basketball shoe to feature an Air unit took some time to gain popularity, but since has transcended courts to the closets and feet of people across the world to become a global icon in footwear.

The Air Force 1 was first created in 1982 by Bruce Kilgore, with inspiration taken from the US President’s airplane, Air Force One. Though it was a pioneer for basketball footwear, being the first of its kind to integrate Nike Air technology, it was in fact discontinued the following year of its debut. It was until 1986 when the AF1 was endorsed by The Original 6 that gave the shoe creditability and true basketball roots.

Though there are three variations of the AF1- low, mid and high cut- the low has becoming the prevalent image synonymous to the AF1 name. Though the very first version featured canvas medial panels, this 1983 production, believed to have been a scrapped sample right before the discontinuation, gives the closest insight to the birth of the infamous AF1. Notice the sheen leather that is certainly no longer seen on recent releases. But more importantly is the difference in the Nike branding on the heel tab. Notice the letters are non italicized and is missing the Swoosh. Furthermore, the popular lace lock wasn’t present until the last decade. Remember that even the finishing is different from today’s releases, as each panel’s edges are now rolled for a more streamline look.

The color blocking reminds us of how classic a simple colorway can be; a notion that has only been revived in the last two years or so from a bombardment of multi-uxuberant colorways. However the Air Force 1 has seen its share of designs, as its received over 1,700 color combinations since its debut. A foundation for many of the most exclusive and coveted pairs of sneakers the culture has seen, we reckon the AF1 will continue to hold its ground as one of the top sneakers of all time for another 25 years.

Nike Air Max 90 Current LE – Dark Army – Sample

bam — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:00:52 +0000

This AM90 Current was just spotted in the Nike Fall/Holiday preview. Most of the 90 Currents we’ve seen come out of Nike have either been black or some combo of vivid colorways, but this pair seems to hold it down for more natural, earth tones. Taking a look from the previous image we showed, it seems that this sample featured a slightly darker green for the leather overlay. If you’re a collector of samples, or simply a size 9 that can’t wait for the official ones to release in the Fall, get yours now from cigar0330 on eBay.

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Nike Air Classic BW – White – Violet – Pink

bam — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:00:57 +0000

Another Summer release for Nike, the Air Classic BW gets a fresh colorway that seems to be inspired by one of the most popular WMNS Air Max 90′s from a few years back. Variations, however, are found in the slightly different tone of blueish-purple, and the the substitution of black for light grey. The colors get dropped on the mesh and leather upper, along with neoprene for the ankle lining. Sorry ladies, this one’s for the dudes. However it looks like even smaller sizes are available for female feet at Titolo

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Air Jordan IX (9) Retro – White – Black – Varsity Red – Available Early on eBay

bam — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:00:05 +0000

This is a big year for the Jordan IX. The installment for the Jordan Silver Anniversary dropped back in March, while the highly anticipated Powder University Blues just hit stores this past Memorial Weekend. Also to come in the future are the Bin 23′s, Black/Citrus, and also the Charcoals later in the year. In the midst of all these releases, JB will also be retroing the White/Black-Varsity Red; a big surprise as it was just seen as part of the Collezione 14/9 during the Countdown Packs in 2008. Nonetheless, its a classic that we’re sure quite a number of fans didn’t buy during the CDP’s because of distaste for having to buy the XIV with it. On the other hand, it’s also very likely of the number of readers that are upset to find out about this release because they did in fact buy the CDP just to obtain the White/Black/Red 9′s. As we look forward to see how well it will do for its scheduled August release, you can cop yours early thanks to RMKstore on eBay.

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Nike Dunk High – 3 New Fall 2010 Colorways

bam — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:30:55 +0000

Previews for Fall 2010 collections have been in full effect, and here’s a bit more coming out of NSW. These three Dunk Highs feature the same applique; with suede on the vamp and medial panels, while the overlays and Swoosh gets a very nice pebbled leather- something we don’t see much anymore on many Nike products but are very welcomed when it does show up. Simple colorways are no surprise for the Autumn, but its nice to see that each get laces with an off-set pop color to help emphasize the overall look. We showed the second pair not too long ago; from the looks of it, the there seems to be some variation in color due to lighting in photos, so it looks less Papa Bear than previously seen. But we’ll just have to wait for more images to surface to confirm its true color composition. No word on when they should be arriving to stores, but we anticipate them starting in a few weeks. Stay tuned for further info and releases. via Dunkbar

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Nike Blazer Mid 09 + Air Max 90 – World Expo Shanghai Pack – Closer Look

bam — Fri, 28 May 2010 22:00:53 +0000

In typical Nike style, a pack has been created to help celebrate this year’s World Expo hosted in Shanghai. The Quickstrike pack consists of a Blazer Mid 09 and Air Max 90; two classic styles fitting to appeal to the diverse masses that the World Expo attracts. While there’s no surprise that an Asia-inspired would utilize a rich red, the graphic pattern found on the AM90′s mudguard and Blazer’s medial panel is a unique take of the Chinese National Pavilion.

Though both pairs tie in with the same aesthetic, it’s the different material application that creates a distinction of each pair. The Blazer utilizes super premium leather for the medial panel. No photo can do it justice; it’s only obvious to the touch. To contrast the soft leather, ripstop nylon is found on both the vamp and the Swooth. Another applique that readers might not have been aware of is the pearlized patent for the white midsole trim that wraps around the entire shoe.

Moving onto the Air Max 90, the first noticeable difference from the Blazer is the use of mesh in the vamp. Patent leather sees to this pair as well, but more prominent as its used for the upper overlay. The mudguard is where the China Pavilion pattern is found, but on a typical leather seen on most Nike products. The pattern is also found on the collar, however now seen on canvas rather than leather. Finally detailing, as well as the China theme, translates on the insole, created by similar lines of the China Crown concept but with bursts of colors. Already released, these have become one of the best conceptual packs to come out Nike, and certainly one of the biggest disappointments for US consumers as the pack is an Asia-exclusive.

New “1-Of” Customs by SBTG

bam — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:00:43 +0000

After years in the custom game SBTG’s name is only getting bigger, putting him on the fast lane of customized sneaker pieces. Aside from his self-initiated collections, the amount of custom orders are more then ever. But Mark Ong wouldn’t have it any other way, never letting quantity get int the way of quality. Here’s a look at a few recent custom requests he’s completed. Because of past projects he’s done, prospective custom clients have open their eyes to the potential of non-Nikes, as seen in the ‘Black Saigon’ New Balance and the ‘Apocalypse’ Converse. But of course, you just can’t deny how fresh he can make a Dunk, AF1 or AM90 look. Some of the aesthetics seem to take some inspiration from his recent ‘Flying Tiger’ and ‘Lucky Strike’ creations. Scope all the works after the jump. via SF

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