Jordan Brand or adidas? It’s a testament to how far adidas has come in terms of perception in the sneaker community that a bevy of non-signature, general release adidas NMDs can overshadow an Air Jordan retro WITH GOLD on it. But that’s our new era now and sneakerheads are making their choice by buying NMDs in droves while only the most hyped Jordans sell out, allowing those might otherwise not have a shot to cop a pair. As recently as two years ago, this Saturday’s Air Jordan 5 Olympic would be gone in minutes. Now? It’s hard to tell…

In this week’s edition of Buy, Pass, Wait, we take a look at the Jordans and NMDs of the world, but we also check out the latest Nike KD 9 release and share our thoughts on the just officially revealed Nike Roshe 2.

Air Jordan 5 Olympic (Gold Medal)

Juan Martinez, Editor-In-Chief: (PASS) They’re white, black and gold. I should love this and I want to love them simply based on the, in my opinion, near-perfect color blocking, but I have to pass on these. Maybe it’s because my affection for the Air Jordan 5 mostly starts and ends with only a handful colorways (none of which are OG now that I think about it) or maybe it’s because my focus is on the Air Jordan 11 Low Gold next week, but I don’t see myself copping these unless they go on sale.

Renz Ofiaza, News: (BUY) I’m all for the color coordination. I also like how the gold accents was placed more specifically on the toe and how the all-white upper gives it a really clean look.

Juan Carrillo, News: (PASS) I’ve been on the fence with this colorway for quite some time now, but the more I think about it, it’s basically a White pair of 5s with a Gold tongue. Granted, I love Gold on my sneakers, I just with it had a little bit more of it. It’s definitely a good-looking pair of 5s, but if I’m going to get a White and Gold Jordan, I’d rather have it be the upcoming Air Jordan 11 Low.

Andres Carrillo, News: (PASS) I’m almost sure I would have bought this pair of 5s if the gold on the tongue wasn’t glossy/patent leather. I’m just not a fan of the shiny look.

adidas NMD Day (Part 2)

EIC Juan: (GOT ‘EM) A few pairs are on the way so you can say I’m still on board the NMD hype train. Look for them in a few days…

Renz: Out of the entire drop, I’m really into the XR1 Triple White. I haven’t purchased that silhouette yet, and this colorway is a great way to start.

News Juan: I did not get any, I did not want any. I got off the NMD hype train quite some time ago, although I do admit that the adidas NMD XR1 does look pretty sweet especially in that Olive Green colorway. Maybe down the line I’ll get a pair, but I’m not in any kind of rush to do so.

Andres: Tried getting the all black pair with the red eva inserts but I overslept and missed out. Damn. I guess I’ll just have to wait a bit longer to pick up my first pair of NMDs.

Nike KD 9 Birds Of Paradise

EIC Juan: (BUY) It’s the best Nike KD 9 I’ve seen so far, which isn’t saying much because there’s only been a handful of KD 9s out there, but they had me at teal and the $150 price point. It’s almost an impulse purchase. Yes, I just said $150 qualifies as almost an impulse purchase. I’m not normal…

Renz: (PASS) I’m a big fan of teal/black colorways, but, I’m not really too big on this silhouette. It’s still a solid design, although, I’m not too tempted.

Andres: (PASS) This colorway of the KD 9 is ok but not a pair that I’d be willing to wear myself. I’ll pass on keep waiting on something I like.

Thoughts On The Nike Roshe Two

EIC Juan: I haven’t cared about Roshes in years. It was a fun novelty when they first came about because we haven’t seen a Nike shoe go that mainstream in a long time with its minimalist take and affordable price. That being said, while the Roshe still has plenty of fans in the general public, there are lots of people who have moved on to Ultra Boosts, Pure Boosts, Nike’s obsession with bringing Flyknit to every shoe and a lot more. These will do well because Roshes still name value, but I don’t expect them to come back to prominence like it has in the past.

Renz: I really like the minimal upper. The technicalities of the new construction seems promising for everyday wear and comfort too. The flyknit iteration however, looks cool, although, I’m not that inclined on the striped construction. Maybe in a colorway that I like, I’ll appreciate it more, but so far, I’m all for the new and simple Roshe Two.

News Juan: It looks as if a lot more thought was put on the Roshe 2 compared to the Roshe 1. The technology behind the shoe appears to be way better than its predecessor. I love the extra stability, cushion and flexibility that the new sole unit provides, and the new look on the upper is very sleek. The sock-like upper is dope as long is it’s not a pain to put on. It’s kind of like the Chuck Taylor 2 in the way that the shoe manages to keep the original aesthetics of the OG pair but as the same time manages to improve the overall quality of the shoe. I can dig it.

Andres: It’s about time Nike unveiled the Roshe Two! I feel like we’ve been seeing leaks of this shoe for almost a year now. I’m not a fan of the price increase to start off. Although it seems like there’s actually some technology to this pair of Roshes, I’d have to see them in person to decide if the $90 (or $130 for Flyknit) is worth it. So far I like the Flyknit version better than the mesh. I was a big fan of the Roshe Run/One so I’ll definitely give the Roshe Two a chance.

The post Buy, Pass, Wait: Air Jordan 5 Olympic Gold, adidas NMD Day, Nike Roshe 2 Thoughts appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Hiroshi Fujiwara’s fragment design imprint has been all over the Nike Sportswear release slate, whether it be upping the lifestyle credibility of the likes of performance basketball models in the Nike Hyperrev 2016, releasing Air Trainer 1 after Air Trainer 1, or returning to the basics with a fragment favorite in the Nike Tennis Classic.

Today we get a look at an updated collaboration between the Japanese lifestyle imprint in what appears to be one of Fujiwara’s favorite silhouettes as a clean white tumbled leather upper is perfect for any occasion. The perforated side panel branding adds a refined aesthetic to the Tennis Classic while embossed lightning bold logos hit the lower heel. An updated tongue branding features a vintage Nike Swoosh with that flowing cursive script indicative of early era Nike releases.

The fragment design x Nike Air Tennis Classic will release at select international retailers on August 25th. Check out more photos below and stay tuned for more updates right here on Sneaker News.

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September will be kicking off with the long awaited arrival of the Nike Roshe Two. Nike has decided that they’ll be making up for lost time and will release the original and Flyknit versions the same day.

Up above are three of the first colorways that will be made available for the ladies. The Nike Roshe Two combines three layers of cushioning with a soft, stretch upper for comfort and streamlined simplicity. The three color options include Light Iron Ore, Atomic Pink, and Copa.

Look for all three styles to arrive at select Nike retailers on September 1st for $90 each.

via: Nike

Author’s Take

All of these actually look like women’s only colorways except for the grey pair. I’ll leave these for the ladies.

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Finally!!!

That’s what most of us said to ourselves yesterday when the Nike Roshe Two was officially introduced. Up above are three of the first colorways that will be releasing for men, all which seem to be modified/altered colorways that we’ve already seen on the Roshe One. The color options include Iguana/Black, Gym Red/Black, and Midnight Navy/Black. All three are finished with Sail midsoles to provide some contrast.

Which pair will you be going after? The Nike Roshe Two will release on September 1st for $90.

via: Nike

Author’s Take

I already have pretty much the same exact colorways of the Roshe One. I’ll wait for more colorways to drop in the future or pick up a Flyknit version instead.

The post Official Images Of The First Few Colorways Of The Nike Roshe Two appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

A new colorway of the Nike Kobe 11 has just surfaced and its already beginning to arrive at select retailers.

Covered in a white breathable mesh throughout the upper, this Kobe 11 is than accented by royal blue on the branding, inner liner, and the Flywire cables. According to a user on Nike Talk select House Of Hoops retailers already have these available which means that more stores should be getting them in the near future.

What are your thoughts on this colorway of the Kobe 11? Do you plan on picking up a pair when they get a wider release?

via: NT

Author’s Take

Pretty clean colorway of the Kobe 11, but I don’t really mess with white mesh/Flyknit. If the colors were reversed and the shoe was covered in blue then maybe I would have considered buying these.

The post A Nike Kobe 11 In Kentuky Colors appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

One of the most sought-after sneakers in history is returning this year. We’re referring to the “Linen” Air Force 1, the low-top AF1 drop from 2001 that impeccably paired a luxurious light-tan hue with an elegant shy pink on the Swoosh, sole, and AIR branding on the heel. Now the question is – will Nike get the materials and the shape right? We’ll just go ahead and say anything short of the quality of the Air Force 1 re-issues will not be tolerated! Stay tuned for more updates, because TSG reports that the Linens are dropping this Holiday season. Read more about the OG pair here.

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Nike reaches into their vault to revisit an important but often overlooked subdivision of their basketball footwear history, the outdoor line. Created to make sure those that played basketball predominantly outside on hard, unforgiving asphalt had durable sneaker options, Nike began their outdoor-specific basketball line in 1992 with the birth of the Air Raid.

Designed by Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith, the Air Raid became the first Nike basketball sneaker designed specifically for the blacktop, featuring a bold cross-strapped upper and extra durable outsole that was made entirely flat to ensure complete contact with the pavement. A landmark model in Nike Basketball history, the Air Raid was the brand’s first and still most iconic outdoor basketball sneaker ever.

Tinker Hatfield’s early sketches of the Air Raid, which was originally slated to be named the Air Jack.

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The Nike Kobe 11 continues to make full use of summer, as team-centric general releases should be on the way in the near future. According to NikeTalk, stores like House of Hoops are starting to stock this decidedly “Kentucky” like look slowly but surely so expect a release in the coming weeks.

This Kobe 11 Team ditches the Flyknit for a special TPU-coated mesh with underlying Dynamic Flywire cables adding a lightweight support system. What results is a breathable yet durable ride that may lack the flexibility of its Flyknit counterpart but comes with a price cut that’s worth your while. Throw in a Lunarlon midsole for a boost in the return of energy and a traction pattern that boasts natural motion inspired tooling, and you’ll have no problem cutting to the basket in the Nike Kobe 11.

Be on the lookout for more Team-centric Kobe colorways in the near future and know that we’ll keep you updated right here on Sneaker News via our release dates page.

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Earlier this Summer Kobe Bryant visited the city where he grew up as a youth and honed his skills as a menacing basketball player. During that trip, the Black Mamba unveiled a new colorway of the Kobe 11 signature shoe that features a very “Italian” color-scheme of white, red, and green wrapped up nicely with a gum sole. This official look at the Nike Kobe 11 “Summer” Pack, which releases alongside a KD 9, Kyrie 2, and HyperShift, actually features color tones that deviate slightly from the traditional colors, what with “washed teal” and “bright crimson” giving these a spin on Kobe’s hometown colors. Expect these in stores at the last day of August.

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The Nike Flyknit Racer Multi Color is as iconic a sneaker as any offering in the 2010s era thanks to a woven construction, beautifully interlaced rainbow splashes, and unparalleled breathability perfect for the summer season. Those familiar with the legacy know that the Flyknit Racer “Multi-Color” restocked recently, but came with the new addition of a grey tongue. That minor tweak wasn’t a major issue but showed that Nike Sportswear wanted to make a few changes to the Multi-Color lineage along the way.

Now the Flyknit Racer Multi Color is back once again for those of you that missed out the first, second, and third time from Nike SNKRS in a surprise restock right before summer ends. The grey tongue returns but the real standout feature is that multi-color rainbow woven upper that rests atop a black and white midsole unit. You’ll have to act fast if you want to grab your pair today. Check out more photos below and purchase your size via Nike SNKRS for $150 USD.

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For Nike, 2016 has been the year of the Retro runner. Talarias and Spiridons has kept some Nike Running fanatics happy, but the re-issue of the Air Max 96 might not conjure up feelings of nostalgia due to the re-designed midsole. Instead of bringing back the original Air Max unit, Nike opts for the multi-compartment unit used in the Air Max 95 Ultra, which unfortunately deems the 2016 edition of the Air Max 96 not a true Retro release. The Nike Air Max 96 Retro is available now on Nike SNKRS in both the OG “Concord” and “Scream Green” colorways for $175 and hits select retailers overseas tomorrow, August 20th.

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While the GS sizing was previously featured, this forthcoming variation of the Nike KD 9 is actually part of the Swoosh’s Summer Pack to celebrate the end of the warm season.

Essentially a cleaner iteration of the recent Unlimited pair, the model sports a clean white flyknit construction, with vibrant tones of volt and bright crimson adorning the majority of the component for its distinctive look. In addition, accents of grey are implemented on the Swooshes and tongue tabs, as it?s all adhered atop a versatile gum outsole.

You can find this standout Nike KD 9 Summer Pack at select Nike retailers starting August 31st, for a retail price tag of $150.

Images: Nike

Author’s Take

One of the nicest and simplest colorways on the silhouette so far. The gum outsole makes the model a lot better looking too.

The post The Nike KD 9 Summer Pack Is Releasing Soon appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Last offered in orange and black colorways, the NikeLab Air Safari Royal is now introduced in dark grey for its latest iteration to cap off the summer season.

Simply a premium rendition of the iconic runner, that first released in 1987, the silhouette is defined by its exotic pattern that adorns along the collar, heel and toe cap. Dipped in the subdued hue for its primary makeup, the model receives complementing accents of vachetta tan leather across its midsole unit, in addition to a leather-welded heel wrap that serves as a stabilizer.

Emitting lifestyle appeal, the sneaker is topped off with a clean white sole unit. You can find this pair at select Nike accounts overseas now, while a stateside release is imminent.

Images: hanon

Author’s Take

A timeless classic that you can’t go wrong with. The colorway and construction is just a plus overall.

The post Dark Grey Colors The Latest NikeLab Air Safari Royal appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Following its official reveal, new detailed images of the NikeLab Air Force 1 Low in Maroon is featured once again.

The iconic low-top silhouette is essentially treated in the defining hue across its premium leather upper, while the monochromatic tone is perfectly juxtaposed against crisp white rubber sole unit for a bold, yet simplistic two-tone colorway. Additionally, an icy outsole rounds out the composition.

You can find this pair at select Nike retailers overseas now, while a stateside release is imminent.

Images: footpatrol

Author’s Take

The Vachetta Tan colorway was the best offering so far, but this iteration is a close second. I’m just into the palette though.

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Official imagery of the upcoming Nike Kobe 11 Summer Pack have now released, as it was previously spotted on the Black Manba himself during his tour in the Netherlands and Italy earlier this month.

Flaunting a clean color palette, the model’s distinctive finish is inspired by the Italian flag respectively. Pristine white dominates its engineered mesh upper, while pops of teal adorn the Swooshes and inner lining, alongside bright crimson accents gracing the sheath logo on its tongue tab and lower eyelets to pronounce its overall build.

Topped off with a versatile gum outsole that also complements the aesthetically pleasing color scheme, you can find this standout pair at select Nike retailers starting August 31st, for a price tag of $160.

Author’s Take

I’ve always liked the design of the sneaker. This colorway is another solid variation as well. You can’t go wrong with the silhouette.

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