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KSM: DJCK's 112 Pack

Welcome back to this week's installment of Kick Start Mondays. This week we decided to feature one of the greatest collabo packs Nike has released, DJCK's 112 pack.

If you don't already know who DJCK (aka DJ Clark Kent) is you've probably been living under a rock for quite some time. DJ Clark Kent is a pioneer in the hip hop game whose accomplished a ton of great things. There have been so many it's difficult to cite them all here (google this man and you'll see!).  Besides DJCK's accomplishments in hip hop, he's also known to many in the sneaker world as an OG. DJCK has been featured in a number of articles and documentaries documenting his affinity for sneakers (more specifically Nike AF1s). Not only is he known as a member of the infamous ATF sneaker crew, his personal collection of kicks is second to none.

In 2008, Nike commissioned DJCK to help design a limited quickstrike pack entitled the "112" pack. The retail "112" pack focused on a number of Nike's "One" models such as the Air Max 1, Air Trainer 1 and of course the Air Force 1. The pack featured a predominantly 3M and black nubuck upper with neon and elephant print accents. All three pairs also featured a neon outsole with matching laces.

Everyone already knew DJCK was crazy in the sneakergame but I don't think everyone knew how crazy his designs would be. Due to the crazy success of the pack, DJCK has continued to design a number of other Nike models under this makeup (i.e. AF25 lows, Lebron VII, Air Trainer SC 2010). Unfortunately many of these pairs have never seen the light of day in stores and are normally reserved to a select few within his inner circle.

I've been very fortunate to be able to get my hands on a pair of the Air Max 1 from this pack and I must say they do not disappoint. The 112's never released in Toronto so I had to grab my pair from the 'bay and paid a pretty penny.

Will we ever see another release from the 112 family in stores? Let's hope so!

Image via: TheShoeGame

beatdown...

Another great track from one of NYCs finest...

Don't Sleep: Air Jordan III "White Cements"

I don't think I should need to remind anyone about the drop that's occurring this weekend courtesy of Jordan Brand. This Saturday (01/22/2011), we see the official re-release of the Air Jordan III (White/Fire Red-Cement Grey).

Considered to be the holy grail to many Jordanheads (including myself), this sneaker will be a general release w/limited quantity. Imagine the same pandemonium multiplied by 2! If you're in the GTA, be sure to stop by C-apsule and Livestock to grab your pair(s).

I got my pair in October and already re-upd on a next pair. Will YOU be grabbing a pair this Saturday?

KSM: Nike Air Barrage

This week we're featuring a pair of sneakers from Nike's vault that most of the younger sneakerheads probably don't remember.  We're featuring a Nike Turf classic, the Nike Air Barrage.

The Nike Air Barrage was the signature shoe for Marshall Faulk back in 1995 while playing for the Colts.  The Nike Air Barrage featured a predominately nubuck upper with a forefoot strap seen on many of Nike's turf shoes during that time.  The shoe itself did not boast many additional features but did stick in most peoples minds for the "Air" featured along the midsole and swoosh found directly on on the forefoot strap.

My mom got me a pair from the local Sports Authority store and these were my shoes for the good part of Grade 7 & 8.  I can remember my mom opted to purchase these shoes for me over other models cause they were on sale (a blessing in disguise).  Like many, I really liked Nike's runners that had their air units on full display.  At the time, I didn't appreciate these sneakers but I do now.  The Barrages were slightly heavier than your average runner due to their large midsole but I can remember that they had really good support around the ankle area and often felt like they molded to my foot.

Unfortunately, there are no future plans to have these bad boys retroed anytime soon.  For those who remember these bad boys, we can all dream and hope Nike will bring them back form the vault one day.

Image via: The Krusader

Trendsetting: Rolex Milgauss (Bamford Custom)

Love...

Source via: Hypebeast

Year of the III

Is 2011 the year of the Air Jordan III? Looks like JB is making a serious campaign at making 2011 the year of the Air Jordan III.

During the tail end of 2010 we saw the release of the Doernbecher IIIs and received confirmation on the True Blue, White amd Black Cements for 2011. On top of the already crazy fire set to drop, new news surrounding a special Black History Month version of the IIIs are hitting the interwebs hard!

Will JB decide to release more retros of the IIIs throughout the year as they've demonstrated with the XIIIs? Or will we be seeing new colourways of the 3s like they demonstrated with the VIs?

Could we finally see a re-release of the beloved Mochas again this year? I wouldn't put it past JB but only time will tell...

UPDATE: Sneakernews also feels it may be the year of the III

NSW Sleepers...

2011 is going to be a big year for NSW, one that you won't want to sleep on...

In my opinion, there are two breakthrough shoes you'll need to keep an eye out for in the Nike Lunar Orbit and Nike Air Footscape Woven FreeMotion.  For many traditional North American sneakerheads, these shoes will probably not appeal to you very much but our friends overseas will be all over these releases.  The Footscape Woven series has been ridiculously successful in Asia and this upcoming release will be no different.

I'm gonna go out there and say that these two pairs are crazy and will be highly sought after in the years to come.  

Grab your pairs now on pre-order at Kicks-Crew.

AF1 Supreme "Year of the Rabbit"

All I have to say is WOW...

Nike recently released some teaser images regarding an upcoming limited release to help commemorate Chinese New Year and the year of the rabbit.  Nike has opted to use some premium materials on this release and although some ppl will be critics on the make up of this shoe, it's undeniable that Nike China has really come out with a winner in this release.  Every year on top of the special make up of the shoe, Nike also ups the ante with special packaging.  This year is no different as they've decided to incorporate a classic Chinese candy into their design for the special limited release version.

If you're like me and grew up eating these candies, you'll surely appreciate the detail put into this design.

Images via: FreshnessMag

The Challenge 2011

With the new year comes a new quota.  

As you may recall, last year I started a quota system to help me curb my sneaker expenditures that I deemed The Challenge.  Here's a preview for 2011.  Same quota, same penalties...

1. Air Jordan III Retro ('11 Release) - Black/Fire Red-Cement Grey (Jordan Brand)
2. Air Jordan XI Retro - "Concords" (Jordan Brand)
3. Nike Air Penny I (HOH Exclusive) - "Highlighter Pack" (Nike Basketball)
4. Nike Lebron IX - White/Black-Varsity Red (Nike Basketball)
5. Nike Lunar Orbit+ - Black/Black-Summit White (NSW)
6. Air Jordan V Retro Pack - "Laneys" & "Grapes" (Jordan Brand)

Stay tuned as this list continues to grow and is updated as more releases are announced...