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

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

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

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

Black Cement IIIs for 2011

WOW 2011 is already starting to look like another crazy year for JB. Already announced is the BRED Is, Bourdeaux VIIs, Concord XIs, Laney Vs, Grape Vs, True Blue IIIs, White Cement IIIs and now Black Cement IIIs.

If you recall, the Black Cement IIIs were recently retroed back in 2008 as part of JB's 20/3 Collezione pack. More recently, JB has been known to retro the same shoe within a three year timeframe (i.e. AJ IX White/Black-Red, Bred Is and TB III). Rumoured to be released in the same special packaging as the 2011 White Cement release, will this be a big enough impact for consumers to get another pair?

With so much HEAT dropping in 2011 (don't forget the rumoured White Cement IVs too), will YOU be copping?

Don't Sleep: AJ XI "Cool Greys"

As the holiday's quickly approach us, many of us jordanheads patiently await the release of the Air Jordan XI "Cool Grey" this weekend.

Unlike most JB releases, the Cool Greys will be available for sale on the 23rd (Thursday) and NOT the 25th (Saturday). Be sure to be on the look out at your local spots to snag your pair. Livestock and C-apsule will be carrying these this week but expect some serious line ups as these sneakers are going to sell out quick.

Will YOU be copping these bad boys?

Concords for 2011...

It's been announced that the AJ XI "Concords" will be set to release in 2011. There doesn't seem to be many details available as of yet but here are a few things I'm sure we'll see with the release:

1. They'll be released in December (probably the 24th)
2. They'll be released in the same packaging as the SJ and Cool Greys with a Concord makeup.

There shouldn't be much surprise that the Air Jordan XI "Concords" were going to be re-released in 2011 as we saw the success of the Space Jams and can ALREADY feel the success of the Cool Greys.

The Gift & The Curse - JB Style...

When one gets their hands on a pair of pre-drop sneakers before retail a lot can go their way. You may be one of the fortunate few who is able to get their hands on a pair of rare samples or even a pre-production pair that sports subtle differences from the version that is due to hit retail. Case in point the rare samples of the Air Jordan VI "Infrareds" from 2000 that had the infrared accents reversed on the midsole or even the 2010 AJ XIII "Altitudes" release less the frabic upper.

In some cases like the AJ III (White/Cement Grey-Fire Red) 2011 release, we aren't actually better off. For those individuals who were fortunate enough to get a pair pre-release months in advance of the 01/22/2011 release date, we received these sneakers in a standard JB box. It's been rumoured (and somewhat confirmed via ebay) that these sneakers will be released in a throwback to the OG packaging (complete w/ the OG information pamphlet).

For many, the nostalgia factor plays a big part in our sneaker purchases. For some, the packaging doesn't matter and will not dictate a purchase. To a certain extent, I do agree with this rationale but as a collector when the entire package is executed so well, it's very difficult to deny it's appeal.

Retailing for 150USD (and most likely 189.99 - 199.99CAD), will YOU be copping an extra pair as a result of the packaging?

Share your thoughts...

KSM: Air Jordan V

If you were to conduct a survey with a five Jordanheads on which Air Jordan silhouette is their favourite, I'm positive at least one would say the Air Jordan V. Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics stated in an issue of Sole Collector that the AJ V was his favourite pair of Jordans growing up. Many will argue that this sneaker is one of the best in the line and also has arguably one of the best colourways in the "Grapes".

Designed by the guru himself, Tinker Hatfield, the AJ V was inspired by the Tomahawk Fighter Jet. Visible in its subtle accents, one can see the inspiration via the shark tooth design found on the mid sole and 3M reflective tongue. The AJ V featured a slightly higher upper section made up of leather/suede. Taking cues from its predecessor, the AJ V also housed mesh like side panels and plastic accents along the lacing. The most notable items on this silhouette however were the molded ankle area, lace locking system and clear/translucent out sole accents. The AJ V was the first in the series to have the now commonly used clear/translucent sole and lace lock.

Coupled with the Mars campaign and MJ's dominance on the hardwood, its no surprise that this sneaker was a success.

AJ3 "Doernbecher" Release (12/04/2010)...

So this past weekend saw the release of the much anticipated Air Jordan 3 "Doernbecher" at select Nike retailers.

Unfortunately due to the nature of this sneaker many of us were left out in the cold northside of the border. All proceeds from the sale of any sneaker from the Doernbecher Freestyle line goes directly to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.

Were you able to snag one from your connects Stateside? If not expect to pay an average of 350USD for a pair of these off the 'bay.

KSM: Nike Air Zoom Turf Jet

It's been a while since our last KSM but for this week's feature we're going back to another classic Nike shoe. Today we're gonna be talking about the Nike Air Zoom Turf Jet which was first released back in 1996.

The Nike Air Zoom Turf Jet features a predominately leather/suede upper with a clear outsole. The clear outsole features rubber nubs and can be seen throughout the outsole. The upper also features a velcro band that serves to stabilize the mid foot area. The most iconic aspect of this sneaker however is found on the mid sole of the shoe where a large piece of plastic is seen advertising the "Zoom Air" technology. Many of the OG sneakerheads will remember these as the signature shoe Brett Favre use to rock while on the Packers. Back in the mid to late 90's, Nike started releasing Turf shoes in the market due to the popularity of the NFL and their flagship stars like Deion "Primetime" Sanders. Although not originally designed for street wear, many sneakerheads opted to rock these on the regular.

I remember seeing these at Sports Authority when I was growing up and thinking they were pretty cool. I remember they were expensive and that my parents told me that they wouldn't be very comfortable since they weren't meant to be worn as everyday shoes.

Did you own a pair of these? Would you cop a pair if they were retroed again?

Image via: NikeTalk

AJ3 "Doernbecher"...

We recently brought to your attention that the Air Jordan III would be partaking in the annual Doernbecher charity.

JB's released a preview of the model which features a red/black upper, silver/black midsole and clear outsole. A lasering design covers the upper in checkered design. Proceeds from the sale of this shoe will go to the Doernbecher Hospital for Kids in Portland. Show your support and get a pair of truly unique sneakers in the process!

Source via: FreshnessMag

AJIII Doernbecher - Nov 2010

Every year Nike does a collabo with Doernbecher Childern's Hospital where they allow a group of children to design one particular model for charity. In years past, we've seen some pretty dope models spring from this collection. This year news has gotten out that the Air Jordan model which will be used in the line will be the Air Jordan III. No specific images have been released of this shoe but details surrounding the colourway (Varsity Red/Metallic Silver-Black) and price ($160 USD) have surfaced.

Scheduled to be released with the rest of the line on November 12th, be sure to go and get your pair as proceeds from the sale of this product go directly to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.

Hate it or Love it: Jordan Comfort Viz Air 11...

There's been a general notion going around the Internets that the upcoming JB Hybrid; Jordan Comfort Viz Air 11 is not getting as much love as JB would like. The general consensus is that most people aren't feeling these hybrids. Many have either said that these are straight garbage or that they'd only cop IF these were on sale. Not exactly a glowing endorsement for the sneaker that is set to drop in September 2010.

In my opinion, many are prematurely lumping these hybrids in with AJF which I don't believe gives this sneaker the credit it deserves. I must agree that JB pumps out a lot of quantity rather than quality as of late (i.e. Jordan Rare Airs and AJFs) but these are more of the latter. I can still remember when ppl first saw the Tinker P-Rods or the Spizikes and weren't feeling them. I think the combination of design cues from both the AM1 and AJXI integrate quite well in the two upcoming colourways.

I'm a fan of these hybrids and plan on copping them when they drop September 4th

Source via: Extra Butter

AJ XIII Retro Preview

Excited?

If the AJ VI retros were any indication, be sure to expect more colourways to drop throughout 2010/2011.

Thank you JB!

Source via: Hypebeast

Air Jordan 1 "BRED" - Banned Edition

JB has decided to release the Air Jordan 1 "BRED" colourway again (released earlier in the DMP pack and also as a High Strap version) with a slight variation. This sample pair differs from previous iterations with black "X's" crossing out the Jumpman logos throughout the shoe, an homage to the AJ1 being banned back in 84/85 by the NBA. No release date is set but be sure to be on the lookout for these in the near future!

Source via: NiceKicks

Pickup VII...

It's been a while since we've hit you with some pickups and some sneaker content but hopefully that will change soon. The boys over @ e n t e r s p a c e have been uber busy this past few months. Stay tuned for some exciting news and posts in the near future on some of the projects on the go!

Here's a recap of some of the more recent pickups that I've made. As you're all aware, JB released a plethora of sneakers these past few months. Once model in particular and the first to be released from the "For the Love of the Game" series, the Air Jordan VII Retro (White / Midnight Navy / True Red) was my most recent purchase. If you've been going on the sneaker blogs you already know that this particular model is retroed after the Air Jordan VII's MJ wore while winning the gold with "The Dream Team" in Barcelona. This particular model which is retroed after the 2004 version (the OG pair in 1992 sported a different colour scheme and boot design) features three significant variations from the other retros.

First, the colour of the navy accents on the soles is a more distinct blue colour whereas the 2004 and 1992 versions sport a darker if not blackish colour on the sole. Second, the placement of the "9" on the heel is similar to the 1992 version. The 2004 model had the "9" placement on a different angle. Third is the addition of the "FTLOTG" embroidery on the side heel of the shoe.

All in all this sneaker looks great and sports the same JB quality of recent retros. Shouts to Justin down @ C-apsule (Toronto) for hooking that up.

The second pair that I got were a gift and they were the "Nike Air BW Gen II (Netherlands)" from the "True Colors" series. I featured this sneaker in my Top 10 Sneakers of 2010 so you know I had to get these. These sneakers were not released in Toronto so I was fortunate to grab my pair online off the 'bay. I highly recommend these sneakers if you're looking for an ideal summer shoe that can break necks while maintaining comfort!

Source via: C-apsule


BONUS: How do these pickups play into "The Challenge", here's an update:

1. Adidas ZX Boat - "Yoda" (Adidas)
2. Air Jordan I Retro KO Hi (Jordan Brand)
3. Nike Air Foamposite One - "Eggplants" (Nike Basketball)
4. Air Jordan VII Retro (FTLOTG) - White / Midnight Navy / True Red(Jordan Brand
5.
6.

KSM: Nike Zoom Flight '98

Welcome to this week's edition of KickStart Mondays!

Today we feature a classic that anyone who was playing ball back in the late 90's will remember. Today we'll be talking about the shoe that Gary Payton made famous, the Nike Zoom Flight'98 (aka "The Glove"). This shoe was first released back in 1998 under the "Flight" series but was renamed unofficially to "The Glove" by sneakerheads as a result of the player who rocked them on the court. Gary Payton who was also known as "The Glove" sported this sneaker during the height of his career and gained notiriety in this sneaker. Known to rock Jordan's on the court as well, GP came into his own on the Supersonics while rocking these kicks.

The sneaker which featured Zoom Air (most sneakers were rocking this technology in the late 90's) was housed under a very subtle upper to the naked eye. This marvel designed by Eric Avar sported a black neoprene upper with prominent swoosh placement on the toebox that really acted as a glove to the shoe. Under the zippered neoprene cover housed a "monkey paw" like design along the ankle area. The shoe which lay underneath was called the "exoskeleton" and was made primarily of mesh like material. The shoe itself was a hit and has never been retored since it's original release.

I have found memories of these sneakers since they came out while I was still in HS. I had a friend who owned a pair so i was able to see them up close and personal and really appreciated the unique design. What stood out most of this sneaker was the fact that Avar continued to leaverage the use of the human body in another sneaker (the first being the AM95).

I really love these sneakers and hope that Nike will bring them back out of the vault for those who didn't get a chance to own them during their original release.

d o n ' t s l e e p...

This Sat, Nike will be blessin us with one of their classics. Releasing on the 24th, the Air Max 90 "Infrared" colourway is set to be retroed as a general release across North America.

The AM90's have seen a re-release (QS) about 1-2 years ago and instantly sold out. I'm sure even though this time around they'll be a general release like the AM95 "Neons", they'll sell out quick. Who can resist a fresh pair of "Infrareds" straight out the box?

I know I can't!

Don't sleep this Saturday, July 24, 2010. The AM90 "Infrareds" will be dropping at your local sneaker store, independents (LS & C-apsule) and online.

Will YOU be copping?

Image via: Primitive (you guys killed it!)