July 14th, 2012 by Aaron Hope
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Steven Alan’s understated collabo designs started 2011 off with some strong momentum for the Nike Air Lava Dome, and in their latest styles, Nike Sportswear proves it doesn’t need to bring in an upscale menswear designer to achieve a similar effect. Applying monochromatic suede and nylon to two new grey and black styles gets you in the same neighborhood, but the black pair’s bright blue sockliner suggests these are hiding a bit more playfulness. Have a closer look at these upcoming releases, let us know which you like best and stick with Sneaker News for release info. via CT
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May 29th, 2012 by John K.
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Branding is paramount to success – just ask the founders of Apple, Inc., McDonald’s, automobile manufacturers, and clothing labels that have risen to worldwide prominence and retail dominance in the history of consumerism. The importance of visual iconism was a concept grasped thoroughly by Phil Knight, who created Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964; once BRS became more profitiable, Knight commissioned Carolyn Davidson, a student at Portland St. University, to create a new logo that would represent the new brand, and although Knight claimed that he initially didn’t love the design, he stated he would eventually let it ‘grow on him’. Knight paid Davidson $35 for her work and the first Nike shoe bearing the Swoosh logo was released just one year later in 1972 during the U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR. Since its debut, the Swoosh has matured into the definitive logo in the world of sports, evolving from a simple running sneaker into the utmost in athletic outfitting covering the entire spectrum of sports activity.
The domain of the Swoosh branched out to a number of specific kingdoms, later giving way to a wide variety of species that were visually and technically distinct from one another; In Basketball, there was Flight, the Alpha Project, Force, Battlegrounds, and in Running, there was Max Air, Tuned Air, Zoom Air, Shox, Free – a seemingly endless kingdom covering every possible corner limited by whatever was humanly possible. The Nike Logo Project, displayed in an exhibition space at Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, OR, is a recollection of the vast history of the Nike logo and its offspring, sprouting from the original Swoosh into some of the most historic emblems ever known like the ‘Jumpman’ and the simplistic Nike Sportswear crests. Nike embarked on the Logo Project not long ago and was rather secretive about it until its completion, and not until you see the hundreds of logos blocked together in this manner do you realize that having the mindset of ‘no limits’ will only lead to this level of widespread dominance. What’s more amazing is that these few hundred logos were able to exist in a world where singular iconism – exhibited by the aforementioned Apple and Golden Arches – make or break the true longevity of a brand, so could the argument could be made that the Swoosh is the ‘logo’ of the last half-century? Much props to the crew at Sole Movement for bringing this insane display to the public, so flip through the amazing gallery below and let us know which logo is your favorite!
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May 10th, 2012 by Aaron Hope
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Especially with recent years’ superb new designs, Nike All Conditions Gear has become something of a default for sneakerheads who live in areas where they engage in constant battles with the weather. But this is the time of year when ACG really shines, that perfect window in late spring/early summer when all you need is a curious mind and a pair of Nike Air Lava Dome 2.4s to traverse the innumerable paths nature has to offer. These four new pairs are split into two groups unified in their blocking, July’s black and Granite joints offering a more uniform look than the range of tones you’ll find on October’s slightly more expensive Henna and Hasta/Seaweed drops. You’ll see all four of them depicted on the other side; which one looks best for late 2012? via CK
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April 29th, 2012 by Brendan Dunne
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The Nike Air Terra Humara was a sneaker already outfitted with everyone’s favorite bubbly running tech when it made its debut, as evidence by the nomenclature, but apparently they weren’t quite bubbly enough to get a 2012 retro of their own accord. Instead the model has been retooled a bit, riding now on a more straight forward window borrowed from the original visible air sneaker the Nike Air Max 1. Click through for a look at three colorways of the new Nike Air Max Humara that are on their way for Holiday 2012 and let us know what you think of the continued process of upping the air on Nike ACG models. Photos: TSG
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April 29th, 2012 by John K.
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The crossover appeal between Nike’s All Conditions Gear and Nike Sportswear continues with the Nike ACG Arabak Low. Set to arrive during the Fall 2012 season, the Arabak Low, at quick glance, appears to be something like a low-to version of the Nike ACG Zoom Meriwether, which debuted in 2011; it;s got a similar lacing constructing as well as the off-center mid-foot wrap, but the outsole is redesigned (the Meriwether uses Zoom cushioned Trail Frame) and a heel-cap has been added. Expect at least two colorways to hit later this year, so take a look at both below and let us know what you think. Photos: sportsmario
Nike ACG Air Arabak Low
525544-001 (Black/Blue)
525544-001 (Grey-Red)
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April 18th, 2012 by Aaron Hope
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With the news cycle unrelentingly pounding us with new information with each passing hour, it’s hard to believe over a year has passed since the tragic earthquake/tsunami that struck western Japan and its Fukishima Prefecture. It’s this ‘state’ that’s home to one of the country’s most beautiful preserves, and luckily, the Oze National Park has remained relatively undamaged from the fallout. And although its signature boardwalks remain intact, Nike All Conditions Gear has made sure that this area will be remembered even by those who never get to see it in person. The Nike ACG Oze Mid GTX is a rugged, Gore-Tex waterproofed midtop trail shoe that’s perfect for those days when you just want to head out to appreciate nature’s expanse, and they just dropped at Nike Harajuku in (relatively) nearby Tokyo.
Nike ACG Oze Mid GTX
511319-050 (Purple)
511319-001 (Black)
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April 9th, 2012 by John K.
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It’s clear that some of the most creative and visionary minds of footwear and apparel design are centralized in Beaverton, OR. One such individual is Nathan Van Hook, who has created quite the list of achievements in his run as Senior Footwear Designer for NSW; Sneaker News had the opportunity to pick his brain when his Aina Chukka released in early Summer 2010, and during the two years that passed, Van Hook has penned some of the sickest NSW offerings, like the Nike Zoom Meriwether and Nike Lunar MacLeay. Today, we get a visual exploration of Van Hook’s design concepts, as seen in his preliminary sketches and 3-D renderings. Just how does an idea become a sneaker? A quick look at Van Hook’s sketches below might answer that question.
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April 5th, 2012 by Brendan Dunne
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When you think Nike ACG you’re probably prone to imagine more winter-ready offerings, boots and the like. But hey, it’s ‘All-Conditions’ gear after all so it’s only right that we get a few lighter and brighter pairs to lace up in for the Spring season. In that category we’ve got a look at two new colorways of the Nike Air Lava Dome 2.4 both of which stick to tradition in their material selection, opting for some nappy suede sectioning to bring together the tough mesh panels on the upper. Click through for a look at both of the April 2012 colorways for the Nike Air Lava Dome 2.4 and hit up the folks at 21 Mercer now to get a pair for yourself.
Nike Air Lava Dome 2.4
Soft Grey/Lush Teal-Midnight Fog-Silver
329476-031
Black/Magenta-Anthracite-Light Brown
329476-004
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