John Kim 
As it turns out, June was a massive month of updates, new developments, and intriguing samples/PEs. The official launch of the Nike KD 7 in five new colorways was a big story, as was the unveiling of new Kobe 9 Elite Low colorways. Air Jordan Retros are getting remastered treatment in 2015, promising better quality and true-to-the-original simulation on these key shoes. But Nike Basketball and Jordan Brand are the usual names you see here, so what else went down in the month of June?
NikeLab was officially unveiled, unifying its global Sportswear concept shops under one label. Black Sheep’s Nike SB Dunk design was pulled from store shelves, adidas unveiled a sick new Summer-ready shoe, and New Balance’s Authors Collection promises amazing colorways in the expected top-shelf quality. There are 10 headlines that you should keep in mind, so check them out below and stay tuned for another big month os updates from the sneaker world.
Air Jordans to be Remastered for 2015
Quality on Retro Jordans has been the focus of some heavy criticism over the years, but Jordan Brand is looking to change that negative culture with a “Remastered” method that will be unveiled in 2015. It’s been confirmed that the price-point on these “better quality” Jordans will be higher than normal, which has stirred up an interesting response from the public; some say they’re down with paying more for a sturdier sneaker, while others say this “Remastered” should be the standard for Retros across the line.
Read More: Remastered Air Jordans
Nike Unveils the KD 7
Nike officially unveiled the KD 7 at a special media event in DC. Five colorways have been revealed, release dates and all, with NIKEiD varieties joining the fray. The KD 7 is a swift departure from the materials used in prior models, with a Posite, Mesh, and Dynamic Flywire combo comprising the majority of the build.
Read More: KD 7
Kobe 9 Elite Low in Two New Coloways and on NIKEiD
Earlier this year Nike Basketball released a limited-edition set of Kobe 9 Elite Low releases exclusively at Milan. More colorways at wider distribution have already been confirmed – the “Michael Jackson” and “Beethoven”. In addition to the new Low colorways, the silhouette appeared on NIKEiD, with three Flyknit options and a slew of colors allowing for an endless array of colorways.
Read More: Kobe 9
Black Sheep Dunks Cancelled
Scrapped/unreleased SB Dunks were once at the top of the most sought-after Nike kicks out there. The mystique surrounding these forbidden pairs have waned a bit, but the sudden cancellation of Black Sheep’s rendition of the Nike SB Dunk High, stirred up a ton of interest around the shoes. Some pairs that were already sold at other retail outlets are up for sale on eBay now at a much higher pricepoint than anticipated.
Read More: Black Sheep Dunks Cancelled
OVO Jordans?
Jordan Brand has stayed mum regarding any upcoming OVO x Air Jordan Retro releases, but we caught a look at an Air Jordan 4 and Air Jordan 6 bearing the familiar owl logo this month. Whether or not these are even entirely a certified pair is still up in the air, but you can bet that the Drake x Jordan partnership is more than just a few sample pairs!
Unreleased “Championship” LeBrons
Miami Nights, Part 2. We predicted that a Championship Pack of LeBrons was in store if he pulled off the three-peat (honestly, not that hefty of a prediction on our side), but unfortunately for the sneaker community, the Spurs put an end to that. We did catch a look at the Champ Pack, which features the LeBron 11 Elite and the LeBron 11 Low.
NikeLab is Unveiled
This month, Nike officially unveiled its new concept store NikeLab, which unifies all of its Sportswear outlets under one name. 21 Mercer, Milan, 1948 London, and other similar spots around the world now bear the NikeLab title. As expected, the new shops will stock some choice sneakers.
Read More: NikeLab
Sneaker Pawn Shop Opened by a Harlem Teen
This kid is going places! A new sneaker pawn shop pops up in Brooklyn, run by a teenager and his father. The pawn shop offers up cash as well as 80% of the profits above the agreed price.
Read More: Teenager Opens Sneaker Pawn Shop in Harlem
adidas Originals Introduces the SL Loop
The low-profile, slip-on sneaker is still a hit, and adidas Originals might have the best new model for the Summer. Several great in-line colorways like the OG 72 joints are in the mix, while WISH ATL’s “Independent Currency” collaboration adds some more steam.
Read More: adidas Originals SL Loop
New Balance’s “Authors Collection”
The NB brand has a slew of great releases in store for the Fall 2014 season called the “Author’s Collection”. This premier set combines the Made In USA quality with some outstanding colorways inspired by some of the greatest literary works of all time.
Read More: New Balance “Authors Collection”
Another Gucci-Inspired Nike SB Bites The Dust: Black Sheep’s Dunk Release is Cancelled
