Dee and Ricky x PONY 2012 Preview

You can keep your Jeremy Scott adidas (yeah I’m talking to you ASAP Rocky), Dee and Ricky are here to jazz up Pony once again. It’s not the first time the NY twins have teamed up with the sneaker brand of yesteryear; in 2011 they teamed up to recreate the concept of alphabet soup on a velcro-covered shoe, and the designs still haven’t calmed down. But what else would you expect from the innovators of the Lego accessory scene?

Famous for their aforementioned Lego brooches and recent G-Shock collaborations, the duo have applied the same childish and colourful schemes to this year’s line-up, using bright neons and more out there materials. At this point in the post, I’d usually summarise the collection but I literally have no idea to start so I’m going to take the easy route and just let the photos talk. Oh, by the way: they were taken at the Bread and Butter tradeshow in Berlin, where the shoes were previewed this month.

Check out Pony® at www.pony-europe.com

Video: Sh*t Sneakerheads Say

Here’s a little shout out to the footwear freaks in the great beyond. This, my friends, is “Shit Sneakerheads Say,” Complex Magazine‘s take on the internet meme sensation Shit (aptly named stereotypes) Say. I find it pretty amusing, and though I don’t necessarily catch all the humor expressed in this video (Deadstock…? I’ll never catch up with the pre-teens at Foot Locker at this rate), I still think it’s cool to see the infamously stuck-up sneakerhead community being able to laugh at themselves.

Check it out:

NIKE YEAR OF THE DRAGON PACK

I’ve never been too hot on the old zodiac thing, but thankfully Nike have me covered for the 11th year running with the ‘Year of the Dragon’ pack for 2012. Thank god it’s a fictional animal this year – you should’ve seen the looks I got at the pet store last year…..I was just feeding the rabbits, damn. Lets get into it!

First up is my favourite from the pack; the KD IV. The shoe itself only dropped late last year and the extravagant colourways have been steady flowing ever since, so you know this special release was going to be no exception. The upper of the shoe is mainly a really nice blue colour with various dragon creatures floating about and somehow sneaking their way into the lining, weaving around the orange accents also found on the shoe.

To be honest, I was hard pushed to find a second favourite sneaker but I have decided upon the Air Force 1s, mainly because of the canvas-like material used on the majority of the upper complete with tonal dragons which feature without, making the shoe resemble the Clot 1World collaboration of 2009. Pair that with a scaled swoosh and you have a half-decent zodiac shoe.

Using Kobe Bryant’s seventh signature shoe, Nike and the ‘Black Mamba’ have somehow managed to make one of my least favourite basketball shoes look somewhat respectable. Done up in red, green and yellow, the shoe does look like it belongs in the Christmas pack rather than the Year of the Dragon but the colours are traditional for Chinese New Year and the embossed dragon on the back cements the pack’s motif.

The above Nike Dunk is the only GS exclusive shoe in the pack – much to the anger of many of those who wear anything higher than a US6. The scaley leather, gold swoosh and red bottom all tie this show to the mythical creature and the 2012 embroidered on the back tab allows for no mistake with the year of release. Low top Dunks have never been my favourite silhouette but you can’t go wrong with a majority black upper and subtle hints of colour.

And collecting the wooden spoon on behalf of the Year of the Dragon pack is the Air Jordan 2012. Lets be honest; Nike could’ve spent long enough brainstorming colourways for this shoe and they would have still failed. But to be fair, the final product could look worse. Using a mix of blues and yellows with the interchangeable sock-liner Nike Basketball are so obsessed with, I’ll let you make your own mind up……but it does suck.

AHOODIE AWARDS 2011: Best Sneakers (Sponsored by VIHMIRU)

2011 has been a great year for sneakers and whether you’re a Nike fanboy, Jordan-head or even one of the few who is still sticking with adidas – I’m sure you’ll agree. We’ve seen everything from countless retro Jordans to Nike colourways galore and even some teddy bear infested adidas and so it was only right we kicked off the very first AHOODIE Awards by begging the question: which sneaker was the best? Well, to put your weary little head to rest, we at Ahoodie have taken the liberty of compiling what we believe to be the five best sneakers of the past 365 days. All you have to do is leave a comment below stating what you think is the most worthy nomination. But the best is still to come…..

By leaving a comment, liking this page and sharing the post around, you will be automatically entered into the first of our prize draws, and it’s a goody. The lovely Ben over at  VIHMIRU has very kindly given us a snapback, keyring and bottle opener to send out to one of you lucky commenters, as well as a 10% off voucher for his online store so you can pick yourself some new threads for Winter. All you have to do is leave your name, location and e-mail address (see the end of this post for more info*)

And the nominees are:

Top 5 Leopard Print Shoes

Over the past couple months, leopard print is a pattern that has moved from ‘tacky prostitute’ to ‘high end men’s fashion’ and become a favourite for brands of every size and style. For this reason and since footwear is (strictly speaking) my forte, I thought it was only right that I helped you keep your feet safari-ready with a rundown of my top 5 leopard print shoes. From sporting giants Nike to spike specialists Christian Louboutin – you’re bound to find something to satisfy your leopard needs.

5. Fragment Design x Nike – All Court Low

Coming in at last place is a collaboration between Nike Sportswear and Japanese design group Fragment Design from almost a month ago. With three different colours of leopard (grey, pink and what I suppose is considered original leopard colours), the trendy take on the classic tennis shoe proved a big hit, just like the vast majority of Fragment x Nike releases!

The pack released at Tier Zero accounts (meaning it was pretty limited) all over the world on the 10^th of September so you may have trouble finding yourself a pair now but nonetheless; a great shoe.

4. Gourmet Quadici

Although these are actually named as cheetah print, I think I’ll let it slide and reduce the world’s fastest land animal to a mere leopard for a while because it’s worth it, just to be able to include this extravagant duck boot in the list.

Breaking free from the dull colourways normally seen on Gourmet’s Quadici, this black/leopard do-up was released earlier this year for Spring 2011. With a black on black midsole and hit of leopard print up top, this shoe is one of the best Quadicis to come out to date, in my opinion anyway…

3. Adidas Forum Mid – Chapter

This is the most recent release included in the list so you’d think it’d also be the one you have the best chance of getting but unfortunately, this adidas mid-top is exclusive to Japanese retailer Chapter so you’ll be lucky to get your hands on them.

Probably the least outgoing shoe on the list but that doesn’t mean it’s not crazy cool. Subtlety is the key with this one as only small hits of leopard can be seen around several areas of the shoe amongst the black leather upper. I think I’ve mentioned before how much I love a gum bottom and I’m obviously a fan of leopard print so for me, this is an awesome shoe that would’ve been a “must-cop” if it wasn’t for the nature of the release.

2. Christian Louboutin – Rollerboy

Not to be outdone by the casual brands mentioned above, the high end designer famed for his red-soled shoes had to throw a little bit of the animal kingdom on the classic Spiked Rollerboy.

As I said in my other post about these shoes; to release these in simple block colourways is quite an injustice and to be honest, I don’t think this shoe was loud and obnoxious enough…

This is the kind of shoe more than capable of speaking for itself so I think I’ll just leave it at that.

(Click here to read my post on the tartan version)

1. Nike Footscape Woven Chukka

Drumroll please – the number one spot on my list goes to – *dum dum dum dum dum* – the Nike Footscape Woven Chukka! The title may be quite long and unfamiliar to you but you’re bound to recognize the shoe from the picture above.

The shoe is majority faux leopard fur, complimented by a wrap-around white woven material and sits upon a white midsole and black outsole. It is most definitely not to everyone’s liking, it even took me a few months to come round to it, but between the leopard fur, diagonal lace, Nike Air bottom and just the sheer weirdness this shoe has – it’s just an amazing release from what’s meant to be a sports company!

Although released in April this year, these sold out pretty darn quickly and (if lucky enough to spot a pair) go for a fair packet on eBay so you can either wait it out, or settle for another fierce pair featured above.

And so concludes the rundown of my personal favourite leopard-based items of footwear. If you have a favourite or two of your own which I have missed, feel free to tell me in the comments below!

Atmos x Asics Gel Lyte III

The Asics Gel Lyte III has been the canvas for some great artistic endeavors over the past two years.  This is due largely in part to the efforts of Ronnie Fieg, and his collaborative work with Asics.

However, it’s a big world out there, and Ronnie Fieg wasn’t the only person doing great work with Asics, and judging by the upcoming Atmos x Asics project he won’t be the last.

Slated for an October 2011 release, Atmos and Asics have come together to create a pretty stunning Asics Gel Lyte III.  The model is entirely blacked out, save gold accents on the side panels and heel, minimal gray accents on the out sole, and a starry night pattern throughout the midsole.

The space based pattern on the midsole is the biggest feature of this shoe, save what appears to be fantastic quality materials, which Asics is known for implementing on their sneakers.  To be honest, I haven’t seen stars that groovy since I went to a rave in Atlanta, and woke up in a dumpster with my pants missing and a strange pain in my backside.  Oh, too much information, sorry?  Peep the pictures of Atmos and Asics upcoming project below, and contemplate if you will be in line to pick these up in October.

Stussy x Nike Sky Force ’88

Stussy is no stranger to big name team-ups.  Ever since becoming one of the dons of streetwear culture, Stussy has teamed up with the likes of footwear greats, near and far.

Keeping the tradition in full swing, in July Stussy is slated to release a Nike Sky Force ’88 Mid model, in four colorways.  Information has been sparse, but a new round of images have surfaced, detailing two of the four featured sneakers and their subsequent colorways.

The first Nike Sky Force ’88, features a predominately gray upper,with a purple camouflage design on the toe-box, side-panels, and ankle area.  The second Nike Sky Force ’88 brandishes an entirely blacked out upper, including the mid-sole and outer-sole.  Taking each shoe in to account, the materials look premium, but one model takes obvious liberties with creativity, to the chagrin of the other model.  By looking at these new images can you tell which shoe is the proverbial, ‘stick in the mud’?

No pricing or specific availability details have surfaced, but you should be prepared for this quartets appearance on July 9th, 2011.

Radii Goes ‘Back to the Future’!

Back to the Future themed sneakers aren’t a new creation.  The Air Mag’s futuristic colorways have been applied to sneaker-canvas by artists, and even big name companies for years.  Specifically, Nike has applied the much lauded Marty McFly colorway on their Hypermax and Hyperdunk basketball sneaker models, to much praise and hype.

That is why, it comes as no surprise that another company has decided to dip their toe into the proverbial time traveling ‘pool’.  Cue the Radii Noble, a clean hightop model that takes notable cues from some of the best known sneakers.  At first glance, the Radii Noble looks uncharacteristically unlike its predecessors.  Ditching the abundance of straps, it maintains an uber high frame, while streamlining its appearance.  However, the shoe looks frightening similar to Supra’s TK and Skytop II models.

The Radii Noble ‘Back to the Future’ has an upper composed of supple tumbled leather, with white contrast stitching.  Standing against the subdued colored upper is a white tongue, that sports a stitched Radii tag in turquoise and a turquoise tongue lining.  The biggest draw to this shoe appears to be its vulcanized outersole, which is wrapped in a speckled print.  Rounding out the theme, the Radii Noble’s cushioned inner-soles feature a striking ‘Back to the Future’ hover-board design.  Unfortunately it doesn’t have powered laces, I suppose we’ll have to wait for a true Air Mag release for that.

No release dates or pricing have been presented, but with the appearance of the shoes existence, those details are sure to follow.  Until then, enjoy these images, and ponder your decision to purchase.

Kobe Bryant & Nike SB Eric Koston One Redux

The initial release of the Kobe Bryant and Eric Koston project caused quite a stir in the sneaker community.

Only a blind person can say that he or she didn’t see the hype coming (lol).  With a limited release of 24 pairs, one release location, and two of the biggest names in basketball and skateboard it was destined to be madness.  The dissenting opinions and internet furor surrounding the first batch of released images didn’t help quell the pandemonium.

Now that the first release (and probably the best) of the Bryant x Koston One has passed, Nike has released images for the second release.  This looks to be a general release, as the shoe has undergone obvious alterations.  The upper is no longer smothered in the synthetic snakeskin material that drapes the Kobe VI.  Instead, it sports a nubuck upper, with a grizzly etched snakeskin that runs throughout.  Additionally, the tongue tag has been changed from the Kobe logo, to an “Eric Koston” tag.

Those appear to be the major changes, as illustrated by images that were recently released.  However minor, these may be game changers for those seeking to purchase the sneaker, when it becomes conventionally released.

Kanye West Debuts the Nike Air Yeezy 2 at Cochella

The Internet has been ablaze with this news all day, but I would be doing a disservice to Ahoodie readers if I didn’t at least weigh in on this sneaker shattering announcement.

Earlier today images from a Kanye West performance at Coachella were released, featuring the LV Don wearing what has been confirmed to be the Air Yeezy 2.  It is unknown if these are sample models, or a run of what can be expected for the sneakers launch, but that doesn’t matter.  What does matter is that they are real.

From what we, and by ‘we’ I mean the public, know the Air Yeezy 2 will feature an upper composed of synthetic materials as opposed to leather, which the original Air Yeezy sported across its upper.  It has a slightly smaller strap than the original Air Yeezy, a white midsole, and light green outsole, which I presume will glow in the dark, another similar trait to the original Air Yeezy.

Additionally, the heel has a molded ripple design, which is surround by a texturized upper (croc-skin?).

It’s infinitely hard to tell if there are a hit or miss, especially since it’s so early, and the images available are so spotty.  I don’t doubt that they are bound to make a big ruckus in the sneaker scene, and I personally look forward to seeing what this potential release has in store!

Puma Urban Mobility Highlander

Puma, according to Biz Markie, were the first “fly” sneakers. In the 1970′s they reigned supreme within hip hop culture but also evoked their own culture with their iconic shape, durability, and at the time, incomparable color-ways.

Puma have upheld their eminence within sneaker culture but have recently begun to fall into the shadow of high-end sneaker brands such as Bape and Louis Vuitton. However the Puma Urban Mobility Highlander, designed by Hussein Chalayan; a Turkish-born British fashion designer, may bring Puma right back up to the top.

The sneaker is in a clean white and cream leather with two Velcro straps, a ribbed heel collar and a powerful black sole which all together, gives it that blend of high-end fashion and Puma’s  simplicity signature. The Puma Urban Mobility Highlander has definitely won me over with its futuristic touch of class and iconic puma shape. I could really see Michael Jackson wearing these. Oh right, he’s dead.

Only available at select Puma retail stores.

Adidas Originals Vespa PX 2 Mid

It’s not very often I’m lost for words, but over the weekend whilst shopping I saw these trainers in a store window. From that moment on it was like Baghdad in my brain! Everything shut down. Drool trickled from the cusp of my lip as my eyes slowly rolled into the back of my head. Where had you been all my life!

An Adidas x Vespa collaboration is nothing new (I copped myself a pair of the original trainers about 18 months ago), but something was different about these. The Italian-inspired flowing curves of the first generation had been replaced by the more efficient, clockwork precision of the Germans. It would seem that after Vespa had consumed many bottles of wine, Adidas, a lager fuelled behemoth, came and took advantage, producing this glorious offspring.

All a bit much for you? Me too! But one thing is for sure, this sneaker looks incredible. As a huge fan of Mod culture, I can safely say that Phil Daniels would never have thrown his scooter over the cliff at the end of Quadrophenia if he’d had these on his feet. He wouldn’t have wanted to get these bad boys dirty!

Get yours now from the Adidas Store for £65

SHOES: Blackspot by Adbusters

It’s a bold statement, to believe in brand liberation. But what does it mean? To Adbusters, it’s a return to the fundamentals of ethical, locally run and sustainable business. Instead of crying out against the big man at Nike or Wal-Mart (which they do in other forums), they’re proving that organic capitalism in the hands of the proletariat can lead to a better economy, by actually doing it themselves.

Blackspot is the ultimate in brand liberation. It’s the model citizen for corporate responsibility, by using sustainable materials (hemp, recycled tires and vegan leather) and keeping all operations completely transparent, they prove that sweatshops, cruelty to animals, and environmentally-heinous materials need not exist in a world where we definitely know better.

I think the real glowing point here is in the factory. In too many cases, we hear of factories in rural communities that subject their employees to 12-hour shifts, no breaks, no orientation, no training, no safety equipment, health hazards, and constant intimidation from their employers who abuse their circumstances for personal benefit. The workers in Blackspot factories have been run by the same families for three generations, who enforce strict safety standards and allow the union to negotiate wages and unfair dismissals. They are also paid over the minimum wage at the lowest level, and have full access to healthcare. It’s these human endeavours that make social justice possible on the most mundane of levels. It is truly admirable.

Blackspot comes in two different models: the Classic Blackspot Sneaker (available in black and fiery red) and the Unswoosher, a really sexy lookin’ boot. Available wholesale from a local independent retailer or from the Adbusters website, it’s definetly a worthy investment in a worthy cause. ($75.00 – $99.00)

SNEAKERS: Supra Skytop 2.0 Navy/Gold

Did you see those nice curves ? Look at that lucious soft shiny skin, I just want to put my hands all over and caress those sweet sides, then I want to lace her up and put her on my feet ! This beauty is up to follow the legacy of Supra’s line of footwear. Supra has seen some ups and down in the past year I’d say, but this pair defenitly meets the standards I’m expecting.

I’m not sure how they well they skate, but the Skytop 1′s were great . Maybe the laces were a bit of a problem, just because it was kind of hard to tie them up all the way and the other alternatives made it weird for you to skate in. Anyways, if you guys found a solution tell me, Supra might’ve found one with these.

SNEAKERS:Paradox Artistry Super Mario High Tops

You ain’t never laced chucks up like this sh*et. Any Compton OGs need these sneakers to rep that Tupac 90s sh*t. (Wait when was Mario created ? that was before my time right ? Just like rap music.) Anyways, Paradox Artistry custom paints their own shoes and you can request your own or buy these for 160$. Overpriced ? Not really, I understand how hard it is, I’ve tried painting my own shoes before and they turned out to look like this piece of sh*t.

Buy the shoes here for 160$ USD and if you want my turds go see Reebok.

SNEAKERS: Best Nike Dunks of all time.

According to Complex Magazine the Nike dunks themed after hip hop megagroup, Wu Tang Clan, are the number one dunks ever created. In number 5 comes another music collaboration shoe, the N.E.R.D. dunks. I couldn’t agree more, on terms of rarity ? Dunks are pretty common nowadays and you know the models that are people’s feets and whether they’re fakes or not and this is that model that you just know that no one wears because of it’s exclusivity. So I would agree that yes “hype-wise” they win.

Check out the rest of the the list here via Complex. Check out KidDestroy’s article on them I guess he knows greatness, I mean he did pick Ahoodie after all as his blog.

SNEAKERS: Android Homme Propulsion High

Android Homme has had these kicks out for a while pretty much, but they just had a restock with a new color palette for their shoes you can check it out on their website. These babies go for 220 $ on Karmaloop, which I found surprising for them to have being that these are pretty high end sneakers so maybe I’m expecting them to start getting Lanvin sneakers ? Maybe maybe not ? Who knows. Save a dollar and order from the official Android Homme website.

SNEAKERS: NikeID Air Force 1 “Makoto”

Not a very concrete concept Nike?

Makoto from Five Star Japan got the opportunity to break every NikeID constraints and design his model with cement all over the place. I say, screw that ? If we’re not allowed to put just one panel of cement at all on the shoes then why should he be allowed to put them everywhere. Hypebeast said to be friendly regarding the design, but here it’s Ahoodie so you guys can trash all you want. (:

Via Hypebeast.

SNEAKERS: Supra TK Society + 24 pairs Giveaway + Maestro Knows Episode 9

Three in one post ! Can anyone say c-c-c-c-c-c-ombo ?

Terry Kennedy has been working with Supra ever since his departure from Ice Cream Skate Team. What came out of Chad Muska and Terry Kennedy’s collaboration are The TK Society Supras. They just dropped very recently in 2 colorways, Purple/White and Black/Red.

Pickyourshoes is giving away 24 pairs of autographed TK Society sneakers and all you have to do is purchase a pair and you might be eligible to get them for free instead of paying them for around USD 139 $. Check out the full details here.

Just a heads up, not only are Supras nice for show, but they make pretty damn good skate shoes as well.   My skytops are still in pretty good shape and the padding inside them gives you maximum support when trying to pop also the thick sole doesn’t give you any rebounds or “aftershock” when landing. I’m not quite sure how the TK’s will hold up against me this summer, but I’ll let you guys know when I get them. As for now only Mastro Knows and TK too.

Maestro Knows – Episode 9 (Terry Kennedy) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

SNEAKERS: Nike Air Yeezy Black/Pink Colorway

Yo that is crazy ! People waited a whole week out there just to get the Air Yeezys ? “I lost my job, but I’ve been living on my savings and I’m still going to buy the Yeezys”. KanYe you better have a plan to help the recession with them Yeezys because that dude will be chewing his sole in no time. On another note what makes the Yeezys so great ? Who’s dick do I have to suck in order to get some pairs for the whole staff ? Any Ahooders work at Nike ?