Sneaker News 
While we’re mining through the upcoming releases all day every day, it’s impossible to avoid falling in lust here and there and pulling the trigger on the objects of our sneaker desires. Everyone on the SN team brings a different sense of style and taste to the table and there’s usually some nice diversity on-feet in the office. For this week’s edition of Staff Insights, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite recent pick-ups, featuring a nice variety of different styles and brands.
JOHN KIM
Nike Air Footscape Woven Motion – University Blue/Prize Blue-Atomic Orange
2014 has been a slow year in terms of sneaker pick-ups. At this juncture of my life, I was directing my finances to other, arguably more important things, but for the purchases I did make, I never questioned my decisions. I went after what I wanted with unhindered intent, but for these Footscape Woven Motions, I took extra steps to secure a pair; I hit up one of my favorite stores asking the owners to hit me up when the shoes ended up in their stock, and I purchased immediately at full price.
I always had a thing for the Footscapes, Wovens, Chukkas, and Nike’s other quirky made-for-walking “sneakers”. They were hard to come by as they were released rather sparingly, but over the last 18 months, the whole NSW look became big and more releases started to pour in. This perforated blue suede was a neck-breaker and the multi-colored woven stripe was irresistible, so for me this was a no-brainer. Can’t want to un-DS them on the perfect day.
AARON KR.
Premier x Saucony Shadow 6000 “Life on Mars”
I got an early look at Premier’s Saucony two-pack last summer and had been lusting over them ever since. Both pairs are killer, but to me, the tonal red make-up gets the slight edge. The contrasting red tints were color-blocked masterfully and the suede is fantastic.
I’ve been a fan of the Shadow 6000 for a long time and I dare say this is a top 3 colorway to ever grace the silhouette. Hats off to Premier for flexing their versatility on a non-skate shoe. Looking forward to seeing what other models they’ll get their hands on in the future.
JORDAN HAGEDORN
Packer Shoes x Reebok Shaq Attaq “Friend of the Program”
Although it’s not super recent, one of my favorite pick ups in the last couple months is this “Blue Chips” inspired pair from Packer Shoes. As a kid, Shaquille O’Neal was one of my favorite athletes. I had his rookie cards, magazine covers and posters in my collection. He and Penny were the reasons for the massive Orlando Magic logo painted on my bedroom wall.
When the Blue Chips movie came out, I rented the VHS tape and watched Neon Boudreaux and Butch McRae do their thing alongside Nick Nolte. It was a pretty incredible movie that still rings true today with “Friends of the Program” and all kinds of shady business going down.
With these kicks being a nice tribute to one of my favorite sports movies, favorite athletes and favorite brands, I had to pick them up. I was fortunate to grab the entire pack, which included a sick jersey and duffel lined with cash.
BRENDAN DUNNE
Nike SB Project BA – Black/Pink Foil
I love me a super duper outlet scoop. With that being said, I’ve tried to do my best lately to stay away from buying sneakers just because they’re cheap – the Nike SB Project BA here was an exception. I had been eying them last year and that Nike INC image made them look particularly sweet, and fortunately the wait paid off with this week’s $30 outlet pickup.
It wasn’t without its snags though, as the package got delivered to my neighbor and I had to fight a little bit to get my hands on them. As soon as I did, I got my feet in them, and I look forward to their transition into beater status.
PATRICK JOHNSON
Nike Air Max 1 Essential “Gym Red”
The recent “Suede Pack” offering gave the Nike Air Max 1 a casual monochromatic overhaul in either a forest green, black, or gym red while the branding stuck to a simple sail. When it comes to the flagship Air Max model, I’m a sucker for tonal offerings and of course, suede, so this was an easy purchase for me.
I opted for probably the most obvious choice in gym red just because I feel like it’s hard to pull off an all red sneaker these days and make it look casual enough to the point where it looks like you’re not trying to stunt too hard or about to hit up #BeenTrill in a stretched-out Uniqlo tee so you look like an expert at layering.
The gum bottom and off-white midsole gives this pair the sort of aged look that will allow me to front like these have been sitting in the back of my closet somewhere and I just decided to bring them out on a pristine Summer day. Perfect. Well done, Air Max 1.
