Nice Kicks x New Balance "Grand Anse"

In true #TeaserTuesdays fashion, Sole Academy updated their Facebook page with a picture of a New Balance 1600 done in collaboration with sneaker store and blog Nice Kicks. The "Grand Anse" 1600 is the third collaboration between NB and Nice Kicks, and takes its cool colorway from the namesake beach on the island of Grenada.

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.

***

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

Mita Sneakers x SBTG x New Balance MRT580SM

Photo from http://bit.ly/1fZC7n2

Almost a month into a year that I've been projecting as a big one for runners and already we've got a pretty sick three-way collab dropping on our shores! Japanese retailer Mita Sneakers teams up with Singaporean artist Mark Ong (aka SBTG) to hash out this awesome looking 580.

Photo from http://bit.ly/1imJN2M

Majority of the shoe is decked out in black nubuck with hits of bright green and SBTG's Vine and Tiger Stripe camo patterns strewn across the tongue and ankle collar. Personally, I really like how downplayed the camo is. In a world where mediocre, lazy design passes off as sneaker dopeness, the use of restraint with the pattern is much appreciated. It doesn't scream at you should you manage to see someone in them on the opposite side of a street, but you'll find yourself taking a closer look when you get nearer.

I also don't think I have to say a lot about how crazy good the insoles look!

Photo from http://bit.ly/KGeUaS

Sole Academy is dropping a limited number of these on Saturday, January 25! To cop them, a raffle system will be in place. The mechanics of which are listed below.

Raffle & Stub Mechanics:
1 raffle stub - OPEN FOR ALL who show up during release day (1 person = 1 stub)
2 raffle stubs - If you are an Academy Member - just present your card on release day 
3 raffle stubs - for any purchase of NB shoes from our stores starting tom (Wed) - Just present your Original Receipt on release day to get your 3 stubs 

***Cut-off for dropping of stubs is at 12nn this Sat / Bring at least one valid ID / You can only participate in the raffle if you are wearing NB on your feet...NO NB, NO CHANCE.

Sizes Available: 

Sizes: 8/2, 8.5/1, 9/2, 9.5/2, 10/1, 11/2, 12/1 (11 pairs total)

Lucky raffle winners will get to cop them at a price of P8095! Good luck!  

Jesus Walks, and Shoots Really Really Well From 3 Point Land.

I may have mentioned this in another blog entry before, but I'll say it again. I love the Los Angeles Lakers. How is this relevant? Because Titan and local streetwear brand Progress are teaming up to launch a capsule collection inspired by Jesus Shuttlesworth, a movie character once played by Ray Allen of the Miami Heat.

All images are from the Titan 22 website.

Yup, the very same Miami Heat who have won the last 2 NBA championships. The same team Ray Allen was on when he hit a 3 to tie the game and save Miami's title hopes in game 6 in the finals series against the Spurs last year. We all know what happened after that. Barring any negative backlash coming from Heat (I come in peace, I know there's a lot of you out there) fans, I have come to accept the Heat's emergence as a real team to be reckoned with, and I will concede that Ray Allen's Got Game. Hah. See what I did there? 

After seeing pictures pop up on Instagram, the whole collection features nicely done appropriations of religious imagery, which if you've been following streetwear, has been quite a popular move for many brands as of late. But so far, I haven't seen anything quite like this. 

Check out images of the Titan 22 x Progress "Jesus" Capsule Collection below and get a live look on October 30, Wednesday, 6 PM at the Titan 22 Flagship store over at Two Parkade, Bonifacio Global City. And from the looks of the poster above, we're gonna be in for some solid DJ sets and Mexican food too!

Titan x Progress "Shuttlesworth" Jersey @ P2495
WOW.

Titan x Progress "Jesus Saves" Pullover Hoodie @ P2295

Titan X Progress "Jesus Saves" Tee @ P995

Titan x Progress "Jesus Saves" Socks @ P795

Out Now: Vans x Liberty "Green Mountain" Era

Vans dropped these Eras as part of their collaboration with London's Liberty Art Fabrics. I got to chance upon them during a lunch break and I immediately knew this was the standout in the selection available locally.

I could've taken a better picture, but you can already see the intricate detail of the shoe's upper. Blending mountain patterns to form a solid "camo" pattern, and given the ubiquity of camo in the worlds of sneakers, streetwear, and menswear right now, this pair is a welcome new spin on a trend that everybody's hopping on.

Though I wish they could have come out with an Authentic instead, the Era is one of Vans' timeless silhouettes for a reason. If you love Vans, or love sneakers in general, these are definitely worth the look.

Check this and other styles in the Vans x Liberty Collection available in Vans stores!