Do you know, do you know, do you know?

Check out this awesome article by dsicle about every sneakerhead's favourite hero, Mars Blackmon.

Check out the article here.

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.

NSW Lunar Orbit+

The NSW guys have been killing it recently with their innovative designs on some of their runners. Their "Lunar" series, which features their patented lunar foam sole, have been turning some serious heads. With the popularity of the Lunar Rejuven8 and the Lunar Woven Chukka, it was no surprise that a new model would be added to the line up.

Coming 2011, NSW is set to release the Lunar Orbit+. The Lunar Orbit+ features an asymmetrical zip enclosure and 3 layer mesh upper. Subtle hints can be seen throughout the shoe which give it an added flair.

Be sure to grab these shoes when they drop cause not only will they be super comfy and serve as an awesome summer shoe, I'm confident these will become highly coveted years after their drop!

Source via: FreshnessMag

beatdown

Feeling like some good ol' hip hop, B.I.G. style...

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.

The Challenge - Update (12/02/2010)...

If you remember correctly, I started this year off with a goal to curb my spending and appetite for sneakers. As the year comes to a close in a few short weeks, here's an update on "The Challenge" and how I've done.

1. Adidas ZX Boat - "Yoda" (Adidas)
2. Air Jordan I Retro (AJKO) - White/Black-Varsity Red (Jordan Brand)
3. Nike Air Foamposite One - "Eggplants" (Nike Basketball)
4. Air Jordan VII Retro (FTLOTG) - White/Midnight Navy/True Red (Jordan Brand)
5. Jordan CMFT VIZ Air 11 - White/Black-Varsity Royal (Jordan Brand)
6. Air Jordan III Retro ('11 Release) - White/Fire Red-Cement Grey (Jordan Brand)

Penalty Purchases
1. Air Jordan XIII Retro - French Blue/University Blue–Flint Grey (Jordan Brand)
2. Nike Air Max Lebron VIII - White/Black-Varsity Red (Nike Basketball)

Upcoming Purchases
1. Nike Air More Uptempo (Release Date = 12/01/2010)
2. Air Jordan XIII Retro - White/Black–True Red–Pearl Grey (Release Date = 12/18/2010)

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.

food4thought - Nash & The Sneakergame

With the sneakergame becoming ever so popular these last couple of years, we've seen a large surge in the number of resellers. Though resellers have always been in the game, we've seen a larger number of these individuals spring up who aren't necessarily sneakerheads. In most cases these individuals serve as sneaker brokers, picking up their stock at cost and quickly turning them for a profit.

It is human nature to try to maximize our personal gain/benefit when the opportunity presents itself. Thus we experience Nash's Equilibrium in the sneakergame. Nash's Equilibrium is defined as, "Nash equilibria are sets of strategies for players in a noncooperative game such that no single one of them would be better off switching strategies unless others did."

Let me explain this theory with a practical example:

When Nike announced that the Air Yeezy was slated to release in limited quantities over the world a large buzz/hype was created. Sneakerbrokers instead of purchasing with the intent to own the sneaker, purchased them with the intent to sell. Once the sneaker was sold out, all brokers increased the price of the sneaker with the intent of making a large substantial profit. Now you may ask how Nash's theory applies to this phenomenon. In a perfect world, "Broker A" and "Broker B" would acquire the Yeezy and sell it at face value. However, "Broker A" understands there is demand for the Yeezy and assumes that "Broker B" will sell the sneaker at face value and will charge a higher value to increase his overall benefit. "Broker B" also assumes the same thing and increases his price for the sneaker. Thus increasing the overall price of the sneaker for the end customer.

When there is a large presence of brokers in the game, the end customer always loses. One would assume that with more brokers the consumer would be better of butthis is not the case when brokers/resellers are only acting in their personal best interests.

Don't be surprised when you notice this phenomenon with the Cool Grey XI and Doernbecher III drops later this year. Atleast now you can put a name to it...