Nike SB Dunk High Premium "31st State"

Damn, it must be good to be Theotis Beasley.

Another classic from the Nike Skateboarding archive gets re-imagined as a high-top.

Following the release of the "Tiffany Diamond" Dunk Highs earlier this year, the much-beloved "Cali/31st State" SB Dunks will hit retail in high-top form. The release is as much a natural extension of the low-tops as they can get. The colorway remains loyal to the California flag, and the star detailing finds its home on the ankle areas.

With California's deep connection to skateboarding (and the status of the Cali Dunks among SB collectors), expect this release to sell fast. These dunks will be hitting nike.com and select Nike SB retailers in limited quantities on August 30. No word if any local stockists will be carrying them, but that information will be relayed as soon as word comes through.

Will the trend of re-imagining classic Nike SB sneakers in different cuts carry on? Only time will tell. Check out more looks after the jump.

Update 9/12/2014: 

We Legendary will be releasing them tomorrow at their Ronac store. The drop will happen at 2PM. You know the drill, first come, first served.

Nike SB Stefan Janoski Canvas "White"

Heralded for its simplistic look without sacrificing on-board performance, Stefan Janoski's Nike SB signature shoe has gone on to establish itself as an iconic sneaker enjoyed by both skateboarders and sneaker enthusiasts alike. Since its debut in 2009, countless looks have kept the shoe fresh well into 2014. One of the latest colorways making the rounds on the net is this simple all-white look. Constructed with a canvas upper, this sleek, clean, and decidedly minimalist colorway is sure to be a great addition to any summer sneaker rotation.

As of now, there's no timetable for when you can pick up a pair for local stores, but you can cop a pair now over at Flatspot. 

Check out more looks after the jump.

Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 by Lance Mountain

When news broke out earlier this year about Nike SB hooking up with Jordan Brand for some sneakers, the skate geezer in me rejoiced because this official collaboration was a long time coming. When you look at skateboarding, the uneducated opinion is quick to associate it with rebellious attitudes that serve no place in "proper" society. But most of those people have never stepped on a board in their life. With skateboarding comes creativity, quick thinking, and a masterful sense of repurposing things. To a skateboarder, the functions of stairs, rails, and roads are challenged, creating new venues for breathtaking performance art.

Now if that sounds too high-brow, all it really means is that this collaboration was the result of that mindset to find new uses for old things. And if you didn't know, the Air Jordan 1 enjoyed the distinction of being an unofficial skate shoe among skaters of decades past due to their superior cushioning and durable leather construction. Among those leading the charge during the 80's was skate legend Lance Mountain. He would intentionally rock mismatched Jays in some attempt to preserve the life of his shoes. Old photos would show him rocking a Carolina Blue AJ1 on one foot, while a Royal AJ1 adorned the other. So it all makes sense to see the mismatched look come full circle on his designs for the collaboration.

Upon first glance, you see predominantly black or white uppers with hints of red and royal blue. You get the idea of the mismatch, but the real kicker is that the black and white are actually painted on. And through continuous wear and actually skating in the shoes, the painted areas will give way to a couple of classic Air Jordan 1 colorways. It's a move that's reminiscent of how Maison Martin Margiela worked on the Chuck Taylor, because it ensures that no two pairs will be exactly alike. And the choice of colorways will certainly take the hype level up a couple of notches for sure. To finish them off, a special "Paint Shoes Not Walls" graphic by Lance Mountain can be found on the insoles.

Whether you like them to start off in black or white, Lance Mountain's Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 designs will be released in limited quantities at select Nike SB retailers and on Nike.com on June 7.

WeLegendary brought out Craig Stecyk's designs, so here's to hoping they bring out Lance Mountains as well! Check back often for any updates leading up to the release!

Nike SB Dunk High "Rival Pack"

In the spirit of March Madness, Nike SB is dropping a pack that pays homage to two of college basketball's most storied teams. Composed of two Dunk highs, the Nike SB "Rivals" Pack pays tribute to Patrick Ewing's Georgetown Alma Mater while the other pair is decked out in Michael Jordan's UNC colors.

Nike SB x Jordan Brand is happening.

After the much-anticipated release of the Nike SB x Diamond Supply Dunk Highs earlier this month, it seemed like the hype for Nike SB would die down pretty quickly. But in true Nike fashion, they pull out another surprise that's sure to get people talking: Nike SB x Jordan Brand.

Nike SB x Diamond Supply Co. "Tiffany" Dunk High

Photo via Kicks On Fire

Back in 2005, a tie-up between Nike Skateboarding and Diamond Supply Co. resulted in the "Tiffany Diamond" SB Dunk Lows, which to this day remains to be one of the most sought after sneakers among collectors. And next month, after tons of speculation, Nike SB and Diamond are teaming up once again to release the much anticipated high-cut version of their first collab shoe.

Photo via Highsnobiety

Don't get me wrong, the Tiffany Diamond Dunks had such an undeniable effect not only in the world of sneakers, but in street culture as well. The hype that built around and after its release marked a watershed moment where more and more people started to pay attention to the world of streetwear. But in the 9 years that followed, a high-cut version of a previously released shoe is that's coming out?

At this point I'm quite sure this'll be an unpopular opinion, but honestly, I can't help but feel a little let down with the forthcoming release. I was expecting something totally new, some fresh concept that takes inspiration from diamonds. Hope Diamonds, Black Diamonds, Blood Diamonds, whatever. For all the hype, I was looking to see something that would its own trail within Nike and Diamond Supply lore, and not some re-hash that feels lazy given the stratospheric levels of success its predecessor reached. Again, I'm not trying to hate on Diamond Supply or Nike. I love the Tiffany Diamond Dunks. Given a chance, I'd have a pair in rotation, without a doubt. But I can't help feeling like me and the general sneaker collecting public could have gotten something a little better for waiting so long.

But who am I kidding. It's a Nike SB and Diamond shoe. It'll probably sell out faster than I can say "Nick Tershay".

There's nothing much else to say really. Anyone familiar with the original will know the colorway, the faux croc skin accents and that chrome swoosh that sets them all off. They're absolutely beautiful, and personal feelings aside, I can't judge you for liking them. I'm not looking to get a pair, but I do hope the distribution is wide enough for everybody who missed out on the originals to get a fair chance to cop at retail come February 8, 2014.

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Check this entry back for more details pertaining to when and where you can pick up a pair!

Flashing Lights

If you're a serious sneaker collector, you've had to hear DJ Clark Kent's name at one point. Or at least see it in some entry in your favorite sneaker blog when you were too caught up with those Red October Yeezy 2s.

Photos from http://bit.ly/1iMZgrf

Lights off.

Well to cut things short, DJ Clark Kent is huge in the sneaker game. He's up there with guys with Ronnie Fieg and Jeff Staple in the conversation of dudes who put out heat every time they collaborate with a sneaker brand.

Constantly featuring 3M material, elephant print and neon accents, every release in Kent's "112" series is always something to look for. And continuing that tradition are 3 new Nikes done up in collaboration with California streetwear and skate apparel retailer Primitive.

Lights on.

While the P-Rod Hyperfuse Max and the P-Rod 7 aren't slouches in both the performance and design aspects of the game, my favorite has got to be the premium SB Dunk low. Not only is it the first SB Dunk in the "112" line, the mix of materials just works. Eye-catching as hell, and it'll be available on November 29th at COG Centris starting at 11am!

Price - PHP 5495
Size Range - 6-12 (including half sizes)

Send Help 2 Typhoon Yolanda Victims.

Again, you don't need me to tell you how bad the effects of Typhoon Yolanda have been. Instead, if you're up to helping out, here's another way you can do so while scoring some fresh kicks in the process.

We Legendary just got in their new delivery of Nike SBs. And in a rather apt matter of coincidence, the new "Send Help" SB Dunks were included. Designed once again in collaboration with artist/illustrator Todd Bratrud, these dunks feature a simple colorway complemented by purple cement print and neon green outsoles.

Image from http://bit.ly/HQcIfS

Image from http://bit.ly/1aDwOAo

A portion of the total sales of the "Send Help 2" Dunks will be donated by We Legendary to NikeTalk.com to aid their relief efforts towards those affected by the typhoon. So if you're one of those SB heads who have been eagerly waiting for these to drop, now's your chance. And if other pairs catch your fancy as well, click the link below for a complete listing of what's dropping TODAY at We Legendary Ronac, Taft, and Kamuning.  

What's Dropping. 

Brian Anderson's New Shoe Gives You Reasons To Care About Nike SB Again.

The Nike SB hype may have died down in recent years, so it takes some really creative and groundbreaking shit to turn people on to most of their new releases. The last new model I seriously liked was the Koston 1, but that was up until Brian Anderson's shoe dropped.

Dubbed the Project BA, the sneaker is an exercise of skate shoe badassery. Though what's in the picture above is the premium version, the regular version is hardly a slouch, either. As much as I enjoy just looking at them, I have to say this shoe is pretty fucking comfortable to wear, even more so than the Kostons, SB Dunks, and Blazers because of the Lunarlon cushioning working in tandem with soft, yet protective ankle cushioning.

Design-wise, the upturned toe is what really strikes me about the shoe's design. I haven't skated in a really long time, so I can't say just how helpful it'll be when it comes to flip tricks. The nod to running shoes is pretty welcome though, and pronounced enough to turn the heads of all your Flyknit and Asics wearing friends.

If you're a longtime SB head who's looking for something other than just Janoskis and Kostons, or if you just want a comfy, new shoe to beat into the ground, head on over to COG - Center Of Gravity in Burgos Circle and score yourself a pair!

Because Camo and Floral Prints are So Hot Right Now.

A few years back, Nike SB's were some of the most hyped up shoes to wear. I remember the days where there weren't any local shops that carried them, which made people covet that shit with so much more fervor. Fast forward to the present, we got a few shops that carry them, and the hype may have died down considerably, but leave it to Nike to drop a couple of SB bangers every now and then.

Dropping TODAY at We Legendary Ronac are two Camo/Floral releases of a favorite SB silhouette of many, the Stefan Janoski. If you saw the first release, there was a shitload of hype that went with it. And yup, they were gone pretty fast. Expect the two styles in the photo above to go the same way the first drop did. So if you've got all the time in the world to cop a pair of sick shoes, and not a working stiff like me who just blogs about them from my office desk, head out to the Ronac Art Center in San Juan before they're long gone!

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