Air Jordan X Chicago 1-21-12

The first Jordan X release of the year starts out strong with the OG colorway in the “Chicagos.” Early on, there were rumors when the details leaked that the Xs would feature Jordan’s number 23 on the side of the shoe, as well as other rumors claiming there would be his NBA returning number 45. Despite all the rumors, the Chicagos and upcoming Royal Xs will not feature any number.  Continue reading

Air Jordan XI “Concord” – 12/23/2011

 The most anticipated Jordan sneaker, and sneaker in general, of 2011 is approaching us. Sneakerheads and average joes have been buzzing about the upcoming release since the leaked images and details this past Summer. Other than the DMP (Defining Moments Pack) XIs that were slightly varied with gold, the Concords haven’t been seen since Y2K. Which makes the hype even stronger. Jordan has stayed true to the trend of dropping a pair of XIs near the holiday for the past three years now, and rumor has it he won’t stop by supposedly releasing the Columbia XIs for the 2012 holiday. Continue reading

My Top 15 Childhood Sneakers

Most of us sneakerheads are nostalgic folk that hunt our favorite sneakers that we fell in love with during childhood. I was born in 1988, not only the Year of the Dragon but also the stellar Jordan IIIs.

I’m 23 years young now and the sneakerheads in my particular era, and slightly before, truly cherish the sneaker line of the ’90s. The ’90s, in my mind, undoubtedly birthed the greatest sneakers and Signature lines we will ever see and I just happened to be in the prime of my childhood then.

From Jordan to Penny, Deion to Griffey, Iverson to Payton, and Barkley to Pippen…this era was the without question the illest. If you are a true sneaker connoisseur then it started when you were a kid and became a beautiful problem once you matured to truly appreciate it.

Most of these I’ve had or now have but some I’m still hunting for. So here’s my 15 favorite shoes from childhood in no particular order but in specific colorway.  Continue reading

Air Jordan III Flip – Black/Metallic Silver

The final Air Jordan III release of 2011 is set to hit select retailers a week after the craziness of Black Cement Friday.

The “Flips” are a reversal of the traditional layout of the Jordan III, making the elephant print the predominate feature on the majority of the shoe. These will be the “yin” to the White Flip III’s “yang” which released in 2007.

The upper consists of the iconic elephant print in a smooth black, while the toe and heel take the opposite role with a black tumbled leather. The midsole is all black with the newly acquired glossy look throughout, with the classic Max Air pocket.

Black leather accents the backdrop of the eyestays, ankle collar, and tongue with perforations and also the inner lining giving it a premiere feel. Metallic Silver works the rubber outsole, as well as the tongue and heel Jumpman branding for the finishing touches.

These are set to drop December 3rd, 2011 at a retail price of $175 much like the Black History Month IIIs seen earlier this year.


Air Jordan Retro XIV “Last Shot” – Black/Black-Varsity Red 12-17-11

This holiday some very memorable Jordans are dropping, and perhaps the most memorable shoe in MJ’s career releases in the Jordan XIV “Last Shot.” You can bet Bryon Russell will be copping a pair to keep his family warm this Christmas by feeding his fireplace with ‘em. These are nearly identical to the Last Shots that previously released in 2005, with very minor alterations.

The upper rocks a ribbed black tumbled leather on the side panel with perforations, only this years models emphasizes the tumbling. Another slight difference is the toe box features a smoother nubuck suede with a lighter tone of black, which also falls on the lateral heel portion of the upper. The midsole and midsole “claws” are a glossy black, with varsity red accents throughout the midsole and outsole. The inspiration for the shoe is again defined by the Ferrari-style Jumpman logo on the side with a capturing yellow. The rest of the details stay true to the OG and ’05 version, other than the XIV on the inside of the tongue being grey rather than red. Varsity Red highlights the remaining Jumpman brands, rear 23, and Jordan name on the tongue.

These joints drop December 17th for $160 and will have you balling up your receipt, shooting it into the nearest trash can, and standing holding your follow through with no chance of returning em. Just make sure you don’t push off, and have enough saved for the Concords a week later.

Follow Seth on Twitter @SirIzaacShoeton

Follow Hemingway of the Hardwood @HoopsHemingway

Air Jordan III Retro Black/Varsity Red-Cement 11-25-11

The highly anticipated arrival of the Air Jordan III is amongst us. Appropriately labeled the “Black Cements”, this colorway has been sought after since its previous release in the CDP package (with the XXs) in 2008.

These are without question the most hyped release of November, and possibly the year rivaling the “Concord” XIs. There was some controversy early on when samples leaked of the IIIs sporting a nubuck upper. Sneakerheads were later relieved to see that the release will feature the traditional leather build.

With that said, the upper will rock a glossy black leather look with more of a tumbled leather up top and a smooth leather wrapping around the lower portion.

Cement grey graces of the tongue, inner liner, and mid-eyestay, while the classic elephant print material wraps around the toe box and heel. Varsity Red accents the lower eyelets, tongue Jumpman, and inner tongue padding.

The midsole is majority white, with black falling under the heel elephant print while white also highlights the rear Jumpman branding. Finally, the rubber outsole is mostly cement grey with touches of white and red.

These drop on Black Friday, November 25, 2011. The retail is set at $160, but in my opinion these joints are worth every penny. Might have to camp out for ‘em but once you get these you won’t forget this 2011 Black (Cement) Friday!

Follow Seth on Twitter at @SirIzaacShoeton 

Follow Hemingway of the Hardwood at @HoopsHemingway 

Air Jordan XIV Retro Light Graphite/Midnight Navy-Black-White – 10/8/11

This weekend the Air Jordan XIV drops in a newly seen colorway. The recently introduced Air Jordan XIV feature a Georgetown-esque color scheme, so plan on seeing some Jordan brand sponsored Hoyas in these this upcoming season. These XIVs feature a smooth “graphite” grey suede material throughout the upper sections, and will fittingly be labeled the “Graphite XIVs.” Black captures the tongue and liner, as well as the midsole and midsole claws with a glossy appearance. The Midnight or Obsidian Navy accents beautifully on the midsole, heel, and lace loops; while white contrasts on the sole and laces. These boys drop this Saturday, the 8th, and will retail for $160. Sneakerheads unite and go cop the Gerogetown XIVs, as I call em.

The next XIVs to drop will be Bryon Russell’s LEAST favorite Jordan sneaker, the “Last Shots.” Information will be posted this Holiday nearing the release date.

Follow Seth Landrum on Twitter @SirIzaacShoeton

Follow Hemingway of the Hardwood at @HoopsHemingway

Kicks: Nike Air Total Foamposite Max – 9/30/11

Releasing on September 30th is the Nike Air Total Foamposite Max, better known as the Tim Duncans. These drop in the Metallic Silver/Black/Photo Blue colorway. The upper consists of a wavy Metallic Silver foam, while Black takes care of the sole, tongue, liner and laces. The heel detailing and the full-length Max Air bubble are graced by the Photo Blue color. Staying true to the OG release, an iridescent Swoosh badge is featured on the ankle. The price tag on these boys are a crazy $225.

Kicks: Nike Air Foamposite Pro – Pine Green

The much awaited arrival of the Nike Air Foamposite Pro in the Pine Green colorway has finally come. Many places, like Nike and Eastbay, has made them available at midnight. The retail is a crazy $200, but it may just be worth it. The Foams are primarily in the Pine Green colorway with a lighter green on the tongue stripes, mini and back swoosh. The most attractive feature, in my opinion, is the recently popular icy soles. If you’re not in line for em already, then get ready to hit the refresh button to check for your size because they’re going quick. Happy hunting!