We’re seeing a huge influx of red, white and blue sneakers for the Olympic summer, designs referencing both the United States and its past glories, as well as those designs inspired by this year’s host nation. The first from Off the Wall is this 430 BMX x Vans Japan capsule leaning more on the latter side, a couple of Far East action sports concerns coming together to craft a trio of London-flavored red-and-white-accented navy blue silos. The Vans Sk8-Mid, Chukka Low and what’s likely a San Lucas slide have been blocked identically and each feature 430 branding on the footbed; do any of these stand out enough to warrant importing them upon next month’s release? via Unbar
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Didn’t we already see a Nike SB Dunk Mid covered in Bill Jordan’s Realtree Camo prints? Longtime Sneaker News readers will be able to point you back to October 2010 when Dunks and Bruins dropped featuring unique camouflage prints, and now here comes a couple of new drops with more than a passing resemblance. The Realtree x Thrasher Buchanan Dog looks so familiar because this mita sneakers x Kicks Lab collaboration applies a similar print to lines that are clearly inspired by the Dunk lineage (and its imitators). Like all the Thrasher kicks so far, these will be hard to find in the US; will you make the effort to import them after seeing more images below? Photos: mita sneakers
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About two months ago, Sneaker News gave you a first look at an upcoming four-pack of classic Pumas bearing the name ‘Takumi’. This isn’t a designer or a Tokyo boutique, but rather, the Japanese word for “artisan”, a reference to the quality on these Japan-built Ralph Sampson hightops. The Puma RS ‘Takumi’ comes in a couple of colorways reminiscent of the Nike Basketball Elite Series, but their simple leather construction makes clear the fact these aren’t a modern performance model. They’re better suited to those times when you want to sneak your kicks into a ‘classy’ environment, and they’re available now at select Japanese retailers like mita sneakers.
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It’s something you’ll recognize as a fan of Sanrio’s signature character, and though its role as one of the most oft-licensed likenesses in the world of children’s entertainment makes this seem as obvious as sociology 101, Hello Kitty has still managed to impress with a huge range of sneaker collaborations. Brands including Asics, Reebok and Ubiq have all applied cartoonish embellishments to their designs in much the same way that this new Hello Kitty x Vans collection for summer. Models including the Vans Sk8-Hi, Slip-On and Authentic have all ben covered in a variety of prints, and you can see the entire set after the jump before they arrive at select retailers June 1st. via nitro:licious
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Aside from the textured TUF that was no doubt also inspired by burlap bags, we haven’t seen any sneakers themed after the good ol’ gunny sack. That changes with word of this new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox duo from the One Star’s Japanese division, two earthy, ruggedly constructed lowtops that could become an everyday standard for you in much the same way that farmers have relied on those trusty bags for ages. Their rough uppers add quite a bit of depth to those fairly plain shades, and just a hint of color on the tongue finishes these off nicely. ’Gunny shoe’ is another name for that kind of bag but that might change, now that two pairs that literally reflect that style are now available from Converse Japan.
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Given Vans’ own status as the standard of California cool, it only makes sense that they’d team up with a local brand with a similar outlook on life. The thing is, though, Standard California is actually a Japanese clothing label, but that in no way impedes them from getting right at the core of the Off the Wall style. This Standard California x Vans Authentic comes off as an left field homage to a dearly admired style, its old school/Vault-style tag and conspicuously placed checkerboard pattern the equivalent of a perfect distillation of the Vans style that’s been garbled in translation. There’s no mistaking these for any other brand, and you’ll only be able to find them at Japanese retailers like Intention Line.
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Though you may have never spoken the word ‘huipil’, chances are you’d be able to pick one out of a lineup. This traditional dress is one of the foundational ladies garments in Mexico and Central America, and its the latest international flavor to be mixed in with one of the US’ best recipes. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi ‘Huipil’ features a multicolor stripe print that you might call a ‘Mexican blanket’ were the One Star not so forthcoming with their inspiration. Two pairs give your choice of energetic or cool, and you’ll find them available now at select Converse Japan retailers.
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The Air Max 95 is about to turn eighteen next year but we’ve been treated to a couple revisions in 2012, one of which is currently setting Japan ablaze. The Nike Air Max+ 95 BB is off to a strong start thanks to collaborations with two of Tokyo’s top sneaker boutiques, one of whom even went so far as to create a special display for all of Nike Sportswear’s Air Max classics in honor of their BBs. atmos‘ new Air Max+ 95 BB headlines a group that includes the ‘What the Max’ Fuse set in addition to new 95 No-Sews and AM90 Hyperfuses. One of the more intriguing elements therein compares the modern full-length Max Air cushion that debuted in 2009 to the original encapsulated airbag hidden away on pre-Visible Air drops like the Tailwind. It’s crazy to see how far Nike has come in two decades in just those two frames, then zoom out and see even more of this incredible journey on display (and you can even buy them!). Check it out in greater detail below, let us know how this compares to the most impressive in-store display you’ve seen and stick with Sneaker News for more insights on the Japanese sneakerhead scene.
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