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These Wild Nike Air Prestos Are Available Now
By SoleInsider
The Nike Air Presto has been one of Nike Sportswear’s most relevant retro offerings for awhile now and you can’t blame people for trying to grab as many colorways – both old and new – of the silhouette once heralded as a ‘t-shirt for your feet’. Now the Nike Presto is back in a crazy new graphic print that falls somewhere between a sunshine gradient, hot lava, and soundwaves. The breathable neoprene upper allows for the Nike Presto GPX to shine while the black TPU cage does it’s best to not draw any attention away from the multi-color array throughout. Get with us after the break for a better view of the latest Nike Presto and grab this wild graphic colorway today from Oneness for $130 USD.
Introducing the Nike Kobe 11 “What The Mambacurial”. Kobe Bryant’s love of soccer has inspired plenty of Mambacurial releases in the past, a look that takes the latest Kobe signature model and transforms it, pulling inspiration from the Mercurial soccer boot series with forefoot Swoosh placement, bold ‘Nike’ medial side panel branding, and an unparalleled vibrancy that’s sure to grab attention wherever you wear a pair. But none of the past Kobe Mambacurial releases have been as eclectic as this upcoming Kobe 11 What The Mambacurial slated for a September 15th release.
This Nike Kobe 11 What The Mambacurial is inspired by Nike Soccer’s own “What The Mercurial” soccer boot that saw only 3,000 pairs release to honor the lineage of the iconic Mercurial series that started back in 1998. This updated Kobe 11 design utilizes a bold ‘Nike’ print in the spirit of past Mambacurial releases while splashes of Pink Flash, Action Green, and Red Plum all create a dazzling array throughout the interestingly color blocked upper. Heavy use of graphic and vector shapes create the signature mismatched “What The” look throughout.
What do you think of the latest Mambacurial Kobe 11? Stay tuned for more updates and check out more of the What The Mambcurial Kobe 11 right here on Sneaker News.
This Nike Air Max Zero Takes Inspiration From Another Classic Air Max Silhouette
By SoleInsider
The Nike Air Max Zero will soon be releasing in a colorway inspired by another OG Air Max silhouette.
Seen above is the Persian Violet colorway of the Air Max Zero which takes inspiration from the OG colorway of the Nike Air Max BW that made its debut in the early 90’s. This OG-inspired colorway of the Air Max Zero features a combination of Black, Persian Violet, and White on the upper and midsole that resembles the classic Air Max BW. The Nike Air Max Zero Persian Violet is scheduled to arrive at select overseas retailers later this month with a stateside drop expected later this Fall. Are you looking to cop or will these be a pass for you?
The Nike Air Max BW “Persian Violet” is a classic 90s retro offering transformed by Nike’s need to always build upon the past while tinkering with new technologies. This year alone we’ve seen a number of Persian Violet releases either update performance aspects of the Nike Air Classic BW or add a signature lifestyle twist with premium materials. Now the “Persian Violet” aesthetic returns on a brand new model, the Nike Air Max Zero.
The Air Max Zero is finally ramping up production on general releases. There’s always been the option to customize the early Tinker Hatfield gem via NIKEiD, but now Fall 2016 looks as promising a time for the silhouette as any. Once just an early design sketch in Tinker’s notepad, the Nike Air Max Zero burst onto the scene to help celebrate Nike’s Air Max Day a few years back. This “Persian Violet” look fits perfectly onto the fuse and mesh upper, as a black base sees white overlays display a nearly translucent aura. The Persian Violet shade shines thanks to the neoprene collar and matching Swoosh branding.
There’s no word yet on a stateside release date, but expect this Air Max Zero “Persian Violet” to arrive at overseas retailers on August 29th.
Happy Birthday, Mamba: The Kobe Bryant adidas And Nike Signature Shoe Rankings
By SoleInsider
There is no such thing as a performance basketball shoe that truly stands the test of time. A sneaker can hang on because they are easy on the eyes and great for casual wear, and fans of a particular model will swear by how they feel years later, but as an on-court performer, their shelf life lasts as long as their technology and design can withstand change. Some stave off obsolescence longer than others, but eventually time catches up to them. Mids becomes lows, bulky becomes sleek, leather becomes yarn, Air becomes Lunar.
No shoe is eternal, but go back to almost any time period over the past 20 years and you can bet that whatever Kobe Bryant was wearing at that moment was competing for the crown of “best basketball performance shoe”. Save for his rookie year and one amazing sneaker free agent season, Kobe had a shoe that was designed with his specifications in mind and a goal of being the best. There were times when you could say that Kobe’s shoe was the best and there were times when it failed to hit. But he didn’t stop competing and neither did his kicks. If nothing else, at least you know he tried. Here is how we ranked Kobe Bryant’s Nike and adidas signature shoes.
adidas KOBETWO
People that have worn the KOBETWO swear by their performance and that’s fine. The problem with the shoe is that it looks so half-baked compared to the excellent precursor that you get the feeling this shoe was rushed out to the market even though in reality Kobe and adidas held off on releasing the KOBETWO because The KOBE was so popular. When it did drop, Kobe eventually ditched them in a move not unlike what LeBron James had to make with the Nike LeBron 11. It’s a concept car on feet and even in 2015 it still looks ahead of its time. I just hope I won’t live long enough to see that future.
adidas KB8 III
sneakerreport
You might be forgiven for not knowing these existed, but seriously, there’s an adidas Kobe Bryant signature shoe between the adidas KB8 II and the adidas THEKOBE. Here’s a picture of Mamba wearing them to prove it actually happened.
kicksoncards
Now that we got that out of the way, the KB8 III is notable for being the final shoe tied to Kobe that used Feet You Wear technology. Like the KOBETWO, it’s another shoe that has its devout fans, but ultimately, the lackluster design and Kobe not wearing them for the Lakers’ 2000 championship run doomed this shoe to obscurity.
Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K5
Yes, we’re including the both Huaraches that Kobe wore during his pre-signature Nike days because of how revered they are and their connection to Mamba’s sneaker legacy. Designed by Eric Avar, the 2K5 was even lighter than the 2K4, made possible by the cut grooves on the midsole. Everything about the 2K5 was designed with performance in mind, so a little bit of the look was sacrificed in order to make a sneaker that was ostensibly better than the instantly classic 2K4.
Fun Fact: The Huarache 2K5 is the first shoe to feature Kobe’s Hattori Hanzo sword logo that isn’t totally jacked from Kill Bill at all.
Nike Kobe 7 System
Nike
Modularity was all the rage during early part of this decade as we saw kicks like the Air Jordan 2011 and 2012 come with interchangeable midsoles and booties. The Kobe 7 would attempt something similar with its “Attack Fast” (Zoom) and “Attack Strong” (Cushlon) Systems, but the result was a confusing mess that felt less like an attempt to really capture every type of baller and more like a way to get more money out of the consumer because there was no high-cut Kobe. At least not yet…
Nike Zoom Kobe 3
Nike
There’s something about the number 3 that just isn’t the cards for Kobe signature sneakers. Even though Kobe claims that this is one of his favorite shoes ever (his performance during the 2007-08 NBA season, which included his lone MVP nod and a trip the NBA Finals, might have something to do with that), it felt like a transitional shoe with its mesh upper and webbed design that looked less like something designed for a Black Mamba and more for a Black Widow. Thankfully a revolution was on the horizon.
adidas KB8 II
Packer
Worn by Kobe during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 NBA season, the KB8 II was another cult favorite from those who owned them when they first dropped. With Feet You Wear and a move to synthetic materials, the shoe was lighter than the bulky KB8 and played like it too. Sadly the retro that adidas now calls the Crazy 2 switched up from adiPRENE cushioning to EVA and the difference is noticeable. Great as a nostalgia piece, but maybe not for playing in them, I guess.
Nike Kobe 10
Nike
We’ll defend Kobe’s desire to chase the perfect low-cut shoe any day of the week, but only if we see marked improvements from one year to the next. While still a solid performing shoe that is worn by what seems like half of the NBA, it would be crazy to say that this made a dramatic jump over the Kobe 9. Still waiting on that pure Flyknit basketball shoe, Nike.
Nike Zoom Kobe 6
Nike
More than any other sneaker line (including Jordans), the Kobes always seems to spark debate as to which shoe is actually the best in performance. As somebody who loved most everything about the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 and Kobe 5, the Kobe 6 (and as you probably noticed in these rankings, the Kobe 7) was a letdown in terms of aesthetics and playability. But again, there are people who will swear by the 6 as the best of the early low-cut Kobes. My complaints were with the scaled upper that might have made sense from a signature storytelling standpoint, but was terrible for breathability.
Nike Zoom Kobe 1
NBA
It was bulky and very much unlike the Huarache 2K4 and 2K5 in a variety of ways, but the Kobe 1 will always be remembered for being the shoe Mamba wore when he scored 81 points, the second highest-scoring performance in NBA history. Damn, there’s that word “performance” again.
Nike Zoom Kobe 2
Nike
It’s crazy how similar the LeBron 2 and Kobe 2 are viewed in terms of perception. They were derided early on for their unconventional look, but as the years have passed, the desire and praise for them has only grown louder. And if the Nike Kobe 2 Prelude proved anything, it’s that when some thought is put into the style part, it can hang with its low-cut little brothers.
adidas The KOBE
Packer
It’s a work of art that was never meant to be touched. The brushed metal look and a style that was the brainchild of adidas and Audi gave us maybe the most futuristic shoe not named the Nike Air Foamposite One. The only difference is that when you put on a pair of Foams, you felt they were indestructible, but when you put on these Kobes, they crease like a (expletive) from the moment you take your first step. Unlike the KOBETWO, Kobe enjoyed a successful (it was the shoe he wore for each of his first three championships) run with these. Imagine how different things would have been had adidas not screwed things up with the KOBETWO.
Nike Kobe 9
Nike
How can a shoe that’s so disappointing still be so good? When word started to hit the internets that the Nike Kobe 9 was going to use Flyknit, my mind was instantly blow away by the possibilities for colorways, not to mention I really thought Nike had figured out how to make the material survive a basketball game. Turns out that the Flyknit was nothing more than smoke and mirrors, especially on the bootlike high-cut models that were seemingly created to placate the haters who refused to buy a low-cut Kobe. The shoe still turned out great as it was heavily used by many NBA players and both the Flyknit and EM versions produced spectacular colorways, but you get the feeling a lot of potential is still there to get better. And based on our ranking of the Nike Kobe 10, they still have a ways to go before they fulfill that potential.
Nike Kobe 11
Nike
It’s what we hoped the Kobe 9 and Kobe 10 would become – a pure Flyknit shoe. The TPU threads (ok, it’s not really “pure Flyknit” but it’s as close it’s ever going to get) allows the 11 to retain the strength of its predecessor while becoming a more lighter model. The drop-in midsole that mixes Lunar and Zoom Air is unobtrusive in the way that the Kobe 7 wasn’t. The sleek upper design that literally blends into the sole does away with a lot of the bulk that hampered the look of both 9 and 10. A fitting finale for Mamba to get Flyknit right just before he said goodbye this past April.
adidas KB8
Examiner
The adidas KB8 – now known as the adidas Crazy 8 – could have been the Air Jordan 1 of that generation had Kobe stayed with adidas. Imagine if Mamba never left the three stripes and he was conducting his retirement tour in some signature adidas Kobes with Primeknit and Boost. People would be nostalgic for the old days when a Young Mamba faced Michael Jordan during the 1998 NBA All-Star Game even more than they already fetishize that era.
Nike Zoom Kobe 5
EUKicks
Big Stage. Dark Knight. Chaos. Bruce Lee. Aston Martin. There might not be a better top five colorways of any Kobe shoe than that and quite frankly, that’s a damn good top five that could stand toe-to-toe with any shoe. The Kobe 5 improved on the Kobe 4 in a variety of ways, most notably with the return of bonafide Zoom Air, but this was also the shoe that really showed off what sneakerheads can do on NIKEiD. When the worst thing you can say about the shoe’s reputation is that Shannon Brown kinda tarnished his dope PE with a lame duck Slam Dunk Contest performance (again with that word), you did something great.
Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4
Modern Notoriety
Kobe has said that the Huarache 2K4 was first time he felt like a shoe was like an extension of his feet. Now that could be just him talking that s**t because of his bad feelings towards adidas, but there is no denying what Avar, Mamba and Nike created with the 2K4 as a bar setter. Don’t be surprised to see somebody in their late 20s or early 30s still balling in the latest reissues of these classics because they managed to combine the best of all worlds for the time: a lightweight and sleek silhouette that evoked memories of classic ’80s and ’90s design. They are that good and yes, I’m still trying to find a good price on a pair of laser cut Kobe PEs.
Nike Zoom Kobe 4
Sneakerfiles
Ankle Insurance? It sounded like a bizarre way to promote a basketball shoe, but Nike and Kobe were practically daring you to play in these low-cut kicks. Of course, there have been several low-cut basketball sneakers before the Kobe 4, but a combination of Kobe’s endorsement, rave reviews, dope colorways and success on the court (Kobe would get his first post-Shaq ring wearing the Kobe 4) was the game-changer that the sneaker world needed.
Nike Kobe 8
Nike
This is rarefied air. Engineered mesh made every Kobe that came before it obsolete in terms of comfort, breathability and flexibility. Lunarlon is always going to be considered “not Zoom Air so booooo” by those who prefer Zoom Air for their basketball kicks, but the cushioning was good enough for both on and off the court. The colorways were striking and set a standard that the Nike Kobe 9 and Nike Kobe 10 never surpassed. If there was such a thing as the perfect basketball shoe in 2012, it was the Nike Kobe 8. If Tinker Hatfield really is mind behind the Nike Kobe 11, I hope Eric Avar sent him a pair of these along with a broken microphone.
Dave White‘s love of Nike Air Max sneakers is well documented through his incredible paintings that capture the sleek design and flashy colorways of some of Nike’s most iconic releases. Part pop-art, part sneakerhead homage to his personal grails, Dave White’s artwork took off and even landed him collaborative efforts with the Swoosh years down the road. Today we get a brief preview of his latest effort – the Dave White Nike Air Max 95 No-Sew.
The Nike Air Max 95 No-Sew saw countless releases in 2014, as the modern update to Sergio Lozano’s iconic creation ditched the sewed-on side panel waves for a new seamless Tape construction for a lightweight ride. The modern twist allowed for the wavy aesthetic to stay but in a completely new form. Now the Dave White Nike Air Max 95 is here to twist one of the lesser heralded version of the Air Max 95 into its own work of art inspired by rabbits in the countryside.
So far, two different colorways have been leaked featuring bold brush strokes and paint splatter on the side panel waves. A vibrant orange colorway showcases the new technology that went into the No-Sew AM95 while the more subtle of the two, a Light Bone and Tan version, displays original rabbit artwork by White which matches a preview video posted to the artist’s Instagram a few hours ago.
Check out the video teaser below and stay tuned for more updates right here on Sneaker News.
You saw a black and white colorway earlier today, and it appears that version of the Air Max 90 that combines a woven upper and icy outsole is not alone. The contemporary look for the timeless silhouette with a stylish modern upgrade any fan of Nike’s woven sneakers should definitely approve of will also come in an “Iron Ore” colorway, providing a lighter option for the premium rendition. From the woven paneling down, the Iron Ore colorway matches the black version exactly, with a white leather weave and the iciest of icy outsoles. Preview the new-look Air Max 90 here, and expect them to arrive at Nike Sportswear retailers this fall.
The Nike Kobe 11 Elite 4KB Mambacurial Releases On September 8th
By SoleInsider
Kobe’s love for the beautiful game is well documented. We’re not talking about basketball either, as a lot of Kobe’s signature footwork and attention to detail was inspired from his time growing up in Italy playing soccer and not from the AAU circuit or pickup games. Nike Basketball is paying homage to Kobe and soccer’s love story through a brand new Nike Kobe 11 Mambacurial release inspired by one of the Black Mamba’s favorite teams: FC Barcelona.
The Nike Kobe 11 Elite 4KB “Mambacurial” will release on September 8th featuring a beautiful Flyknit upper comprised of a navy and red woven construction. Premium leather details land on the Swoosh branding in yellow to pay homage to Barcelona’s signature striped uniforms while a classic gum outsole adds a lifestyle finish perfect for any occasion. What do you think of the Nike Kobe 11 Mambacurial and the latest Barcelona inspired take? Be sure to check out more detailed shots below and head over to our release dates page for more of the latest updates.
The Nike Air Force 1 Mid With Black Python Is Available
By SoleInsider
It looks like a new snakeskin version of the Air Force 1 is now slithering onto the sneaker shelves. This time it’s the Air Force 1 Mid that gets a stylish snakeskin makeover, featured in an all-black python leather wrapped around a standard smooth leather base for some texture contrast all above a white sole unit. The “Black Python” Air Force 1 Mid is available now at select Nike Sportswear retailers internationally, so expect them soon here in the states.
Nike is ready to bring back another classic basketball sneaker out of the vaults: the Big Nike Low. A contemporary of the Nike Dunk, the Big Nike was seen on the courts at the college and pro levels of basketball around 1986?most notably worn by the unforgettable 7’7″ Manute Bol near the beginning of his NBA career. Although Manute helped make the mid-top version famous, it’s the low cut that’s soon hitting the shelves. With a very similar construction to the Dunk, the key difference is the oversized “NIKE” text on the heel?hence the name Big Nike. The shoe returns in original colorways including the white/red and white/grey leather constructions you see here very soon at select Nike Sportswear retailers internationally.
The Nike Roshe Two was officially unveiled last week and will be arriving at retailers on September 1st in both the original and Flyknit fashions.
In addition to the upcoming tonal looks, next month we’ll also be seeing a Print Pack release exclusively for the ladies. The Nike WMNS Roshe Two Print Pack will features three graphic options of the lifestyle runner in either Gamma Blue, Light Crimson, or Stealth. All three are built with neoprene uppers as well as contrasting white sole units.
Ladies can look for the Nike Roshe Two Print Pack to release some time in September. What are your thoughts?
After getting an official introduction at this upcoming colorway of the Nike Kyrie 2 last week, we’re now presented with the full set of official images.
Part of the Nike Basketball Summer Pack, this new colorway of the Kyrie 2 features a Light Bone upper with White, Reflect Silver, and Red detailing throughout. The highlight of this colorway is without a doubt the gum outsole that gives the shoe some lifestyle appeal. Will you be adding this Kyrie 2 to your collection? Look for the Nike Kyrie 2 Summer Pack at select Nike retailers beginning on August 31st for $120.
The Nike LeBron 13 Low Gets Added To The Nike Basketball Summer Pack
By SoleInsider
The Nike LeBron 13 Low will be joining the Kyrie 2, KD 9, and Kobe 11 as a part of the Nike Basketball Summer Pack.
Since it is a pack intended for Summer wear, Nike decided to go with the LeBron 13 Low instead of the original and features a Stealth Grey upper with White detailing on the Nike branding and the midsole. Bright Crimson appears on the heel pull tab while a gum and teal outsole finish off the look.
Look for the Nike LeBron 13 Low Summer Pack at select Nike retailers beginning on August 31st for $150.
Not a bad colorway of the LeBron 13. I actually like all of the sneakers from this Summer Pack. The addition of gum soles on every silhouette is a good look.
The Nike Zoom Vick III Retro Returns In Triple Black
By SoleInsider
Michael Vick is a hard figure to pin down. Is he an NFL Hall of Fame inductee? Do his past transgressions prevent him from being remembered as one of the most electrifying athletes to ever play the quarterback position? Nike Sportswear is busy bringing back one of his most popular silhouettes, the Nike Zoom Vick III in a number of lifestyle colorways just in time for the upcoming NFL season.
The Nike Zoom Vick III “Triple Black” should hold down those of you looking for a way to wear Vick’s signature model for any occasion, as a tumbled black leather pairs with an updated pre-aged leather cracking pattern on the midfoot strap overlay. The sleek design utilizes contrast White Swoosh branding on the midsole and toecap. Embossed ‘Vick’ work marks hit the ankle strap so there’s no doubt as to whose signature model this is.
Be sure to check out more photos after the break and grab this Triple Black Vick III retro today from select spots like Oneness for $160 USD.
Made famous by Charles Barkley in 1992, the Nike Air Force 180 is no doubt an all-time classic of Nike Basketball history. You saw the “Olympic” colorway worn by Barkley during his dominant stint with the Dream Team come back earlier this summer, and now another essential look is back: the original black, white, red, and blue version. Originally created as a color scheme by for Sir Charles to wear with the Philadelphia 76ers, the red, white and blue accented colorway was barely used by Barkley after being traded to the Phoenix Suns at the beginning of the ’92-93 season. Whether Chuck wore them much or not, there’s no doubt this classic look should be in any true Nike Basketball sneaker fan’s collection. The OG Air Force 180 is in stores once again right now.
