It was kinda easy to dismiss the Nike Zoom LBJ Ambassador II since the Swoosh decided that only Asian buyers could cop these in their local sneaker stores.  The only way you’d miss these is in the dead of night, cos the mix of black and anthracite commonly known as ‘triple black’ is smooth enough to take another look.  The tumbled leather upper should do well for outdoor courts, sustaining their shape and (lack of) colour.  We’ll keep you posted with release updates.  via NLB

Style: 375508-001
Color: Black/Black-Anthracite

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Let’s take a close-up look at the LeBron James sneaker Nike doesn’t want you to have.  Ok, so that might be a bit harsh, but the Nike Zoom LBJ Ambassador II ORAP is pretty clear in ending with ‘AP’, which signifies an Asia/Pacific-exclusive drop.  The geographically-limited release is probably the Swoosh’s attempt to do something special while continuing to grow the game of basketball abroad, because we know that these deep blue denim lowtops would play well to the stateside crowd.  And truth be told, resourceful sneakerheads can always get what they need from the ‘bay or forums, so let’s enjoy these photos and you can keep checking Sneaker News for updates.  via NLB

Style:  375508-441
Color:  Midnight Navy/White

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Vans Vault has celebrated some of the great American pop artists of the last century this year.  There’s no questioning, say, Robert Crumb’s cult status, which is also true of Japanese comics and cartoons in America.  Anime is pretty widespread thanks to Cartoon Network, but there are probably plenty of sneakerheads who aren’t yet aware of  ‘manga’ (Japanese comics), much less its prominent figures.

Much as Vans is shedding light on their chosen artists, exposing them to the younger set, this Nike Hyperize designed by Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue will draw some into the artform.  The kicks themselves actually look more like those ‘china’ plates your grandma won’t let you eat off of, and since these are an Asian-exclusive for the time being, they’re just as hands-off.  via Trendy

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We’ve seen quite a few of the 20th Anniversary Reebok Pump collaborations recently, but who knew NBC was making one?!  It’s one of the great networks in American TV history, but the whole Jay Leno thi…oh wait, that logo actually belongs to Hong Kong’s JUICE.  The first Asian entrant in a long line of European Pump20 teamups, this pair has a stunning design highlighted by sparkly metallic sections that could look like well-polished bronze, or just rust, depending on the lighting and perspective.  Metallic silver hits on the rear would be too much for most kicks, but these avoid the Tin Man steez with a healthy portion of white leather and a couple blue touches to cool off the hot metal sections.  A mere 24 pairs of these joints will hit JUICE’s HK flagship on November 20th.  via HB

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Nike Sportswear’s flagship store in New York opened just over a year ago.  This project representing both the brand reorganization/renaming (remember ‘Nike Sport Culture’?) and the store itself have done phenomenally well, especially given the current economic climate.

Rather than just resting on their success, the Swoosh would rather, say, head ‘out’ for a treadmill run accompanied by a floor-to-ceiling video display.  Clever stuff like this ‘Runner’s Studio’ is what makes Nike’s new store in the Harajuku section of Tokyo immediately indispensable.

The hardwood floors are painted with metallic silver ‘lanes’ so you can run through the store if that’s more your style.  You can customize your own kicks in the Nike iD Studio, which is emphasized by a floating display of all-white samples that would have any fan of the Try-Ons series sweeping from joy and envy.  The store is fully stocked with all of the current releases, as well as some special limited drops from before.  Take a look at the new Nike Harajuku flagship after the jump.  via ShoesMaster

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A Bathing Ape’s URSUS Bape collection debuted this fall, marking the first set of designs from WTAPS head and new Bape lead designer Tet.  The collection has centered around some interesting fonts paired with an old hotrod graphic that has popped up in a few places, along with a few others that have the look of modernized classic Americana.  And URSUS has added their touch to the Bapesta lowtop, although modernized might not be the best descriptor for the change.  Mostly, it’s a stitched side panel that has these looking different from any of the other high-contrast Bapestas we’ve seen before.  Grab yours from Cliff Edge.  via HB

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Japanese mainstays Chapter and Stadium got up with Reebok to create a really interesting take on camouflage.  The Reebok Reverse Jam ‘Camouflage Jam’ Collection consists of one pair that has a tradional four-coloured camo patterned upper with a bright red sole.  Where it really starts to get interesting is the wheat coloured joints that look like any other Timbo-lookalike until you notice the embossed lines.  Camouflaged camouflage…genius!  If you’re feelin’ these very ‘meta’ styles, cop both of them from Chapter Express.

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Nike is pretty tight with House of Hoops, so it wouldn’t be all that shocking if atmos and Reebok ended up doing something similar.  As it stands, there’s no store in the works, just a long line of Japanese-exclusive collaborations.  This duo takes on a velour upper that either looks like it’s tie-dyed or maybe it’s a bowling ball.  The Pump Omni Lite is in purple/white and the Court Victory Pump comes in bright green.  Both are available at, you guessed it, atmos.

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