Nike Huarache Free 2012 – Spring 2012

Most people would prefer Nike to release the original Air Huarache runner, but next year Nike will introduce the upgraded Air Huarache called the Nike Huarache Free 2012. The OG Air Huarache model received a Nike Free cushioning makeover, and four colorways will release come Spring 2012. Retail is $100. via CK & The Shoe Game

Scottie Pippen: LeBron ‘may be the greatest player to ever play’

At the ripe age of 26, LeBron James has won two MVP awards, he has two NBA Finals appearances, several All-Star berths, and his Miami Heat team will be the odds-on favorite to win the NBA title next week as they prepare to take on the Dallas Mavericks. He also has zero NBA titles.

At the same age, NBA legend Michael Jordan had just as many titles, just as many MVP awards, and his Bulls weren't even the favorites (despite home court advantage) as they prepared to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals.

All this was enough for Jordan teammate and guy-who-should-know Scottie Pippen to toss this out, while appearing on ESPN Radio Friday morning:

"Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to ever play the game. I may go so far as saying LeBron James may be the greatest player to ever play the game."

Whoa, guy. Seriously?

(And is he actually wrong?)

No, James hasn't surpassed Jordan in any meaningful way yet. He hasn't won jack, in comparison to MJ's six titles. He hasn't simultaneously won a Defensive Player of the Year in the same season he led the NBA in scoring, though that might be Dwight Howard's fault more than anything else. And because James joined the Miami Heat midway through his career, he'll never be looked at as the singular drive behind any championships he earns. After all, when Jordan won his first ring in 1991, Pippen hadn't even made an All-Star team by then.

But parsed correctly, tossing in a "might be" before "the greatest player to ever play the game," and following that with a "when all is said and done," Pip has to be taken seriously, here. James is 26, and he might be the greatest player to ever play the game when all is said and done. A lot of us have felt that for years.

Pippen, as you'd guess, has been put on the defensive. Fans are getting after him on his Twitter account, and earlier on Friday he posted this:


Ah, Scottie, you don't need to be that defensive. You may be the most versatile defender in NBA history, but you don't need to darken the mood, here. You just need to brighten, and clarify. By any reasonable standard, be they rings or Player Efficiency Ratings or "I seen 'em"-recollections, Jordan is the best ever.

But LeBron James? He has the talent and the time to surpass him. And for those of us, "watching and cheering," that obsessed over every one of Jordan's minutes in his prime? We can understand that.

It's on you now, LeBron. It's not on Scottie. Because he could be right. via Ball Don't Lie

Maloofs 'optimistic' about Kings arena

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof say they are "optimistic" that Sacramento can help finance a new arena after a feasibility study was released at a special City Hall meeting.

The Maloofs said in a statement released by the team Thursday that "the political and public will are here" in Sacramento despite years of failed measures to finance a facility.

The study was only preliminary and didn't outline how an arena would be paid for. The report only called for "significant contributions" from the private and public sectors.

The Kings were close to moving to Anaheim before deciding earlier this month to stay at least one more season. NBA Commissioner David Stern has told Sacramento it must have a new arena plan by March 1 or the franchise will likely relocate.via ESPN

DMX To Be Released From Prison By The End Of This Summer

Troubled rapper DMX has been granted an early release from prison and will be set free July 1. Dark Man… via This Is 50

Why Mike Brown, as Laker coach, could work

Count me in as being more than a little shocked at the negative reaction to Mike Brown's hiring as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. I understand that everything could be set up to fail, here. And if you'll recall, nobody was harder on Brown's work with the Cleveland Cavaliers during his tenure there as I was. From the 2006 playoffs until his final days, I was beside myself at how terrible his offensive sets seemed to be, and save for one breath of fresh air during the regular season in 2008-09, it never really let up.

But it's the offseason for the Lakers, which is strange for them because it's still May. And the offseason is supposed to be full of optimism. Where every team is tied for first, even if four teams are still playing. And, really, why not go glass half-full with this? At least to start?

The thing that comes to mind when you think of Brown's time in Cleveland was the way that he let LeBron James seemingly run roughshod over his offensive sets, his locker room, and the whole Cavalier culture. The entourage was in the building, the ball was in LeBron's hands, and Brown was the first to go when things came crashing down way too early following playoff exits in 2009 and 2010. And all the leaks in the time since have shown Brown to be little more than someone who really wanted to keep his gig while currying favor with his best player, despite the 2008-09 Coach of the Year's formidable basketball smarts.

So, that wouldn't seem to be the sort of player you'd want to toss into the mix with the Los Angeles Lakers. A team featuring a player whose will and persona runs way stronger than LeBron's, which is made even worse by the fact Kobe Bryant isn't anywhere near the player James is these days (or next year), and complicated even further by the knowledge that Bryant wanted Brian Shaw to take over as the next Laker coach.

But hear me out. You too, Kobe.

You've never had a dork before. And I say this harboring the upmost respect for Mike Brown, a cool guy that could possibly beat me in arm wrestling (certainly this week, with my vertebrae in shambles), and a man who probably could not spend 35 minutes prattling on about Steely Dan demos while involving the works of E.B. White and Thoreau, as yours truly did to some poor soul last week.

Kobe's had, frankly, a bit of a dull sort in Del Harris. He's had an ex-player who was in over his head in Kurt Rambis, an ex-player who was in everyone's heads in Phil Jackson, an ex-player whose heart just wasn't in it in Rudy Tomjanovich, and a career assistant who knew that he wasn't long for the job in Frank Hamblen.

But he's never had a dork, before. This isn't to say that the fine men listed above didn't spend hours burrowing through game tape, but Brown is a younger guy that appreciates a good bit of Synergy in the same way that Phil Jackson appreciated "synergy situations." There is a relationship to be had, here.

Does Brown's hiring shove the triangle offense out of the picture, while rending someone like Derek Fisher useless? Well, Fish was pretty useless this year as it was, but that doesn't have to be the case. Nobody has abused the triangle more than Kobe, and his work in shattering its precepts this season and parts of last was akin to an art crime in my eyes.

But no NBA player, perhaps in history save for Scottie Pippen, understands the triangle better. And all Kobe did in 2004-05, with Phil Jackson gone, was lament its loss. And that's with Chris Mihm in the pivot. Not Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol.

So why can't Kobe, the player-coach if we ever saw one, run things offensively? Why can't he have the voice he's always wanted to have? Why can't those annoying sportswriter storylines come to life? "Away from Phil's shadow, Kobe Bryant grows up." Stuff like that. With, yes, the groundhog reference.

Geez, I'm such an appalling optimist sometimes.

Give it a whirl, Lakers fans. It's not like your team was listening to its last coach, anyway. via Ball Don't Lie

Picture Of The Day: 05.27.11

June 18 2011!!!

Air Jordan 2.0 – Cool Grey/ Black/ White- Maize

While we just previewed an all new colorway of the Air Jordan 2.0, another colorway has popped up for your eyes to feast upon.

This pair featured cool grey uppers and elephant print toe rand. White presents itself on the tongue and outsole while black and maize hits are seen throughout.

No official release information is currently available at this time but we will update you as soon as we have confirmation. via Sneakerfiles

Billionaire Boys Club – Nothing Camo

BBC has just brought out another new colorway for their low top casual model which is now available in limited quantities at select retailers including CaliRoots. With its low top silhouette and camo styled canvas upper, these gum bottomed sneakers are ready for the warmer Summer months. via Sneakerfiles

Barkley says Nike asked him to go easier on LeBron

Ever since LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003, he's stuck out as a player with an impressive -- some would say improper -- sense of his own personal brand and legacy. Nike has been his major partner in building that image, whether in ad campaigns or by supporting his decisions in every way possible.

Still, most people would not expect Nike to police commentators who criticize LeBron for some of his worst decisions, like, oh, "The Decision." But that's apparently what they did with Charles Barkley. From Barry Jackson in the Miami Herald (via PBT):

About his comments tweaking the Heat, Barkley said: "I don't know if Dwyane's upset with me, but I don't sit around and worry about it." He said LeBron James hasn't said anything to him. "These athletes today are all wussified," Barkley said. "I've been saying LeBron's been the best player in the league for three years. And I say one thing criticizing The Decision, and I get a phone call from Nike saying why don't I like LeBron? It's interesting how this [expletive] works. These groups today, if you don't say 100 percent positive about their guy or their team, they overreact."

It's a little ridiculous to criticize a pundit famous for his controversial statements for not being totally on board with a display of arrogance like "The Decision." LeBron was hit hard in the wake of that event, and for Nike to single out Barkley for his comments seems bizarre.

On the other hand, it's easy to see why Nike would want to protect the reputation of James considering how much money they stand to gain from his popularity. When Barkely speaks, people pay attention, and it's worth doing everything possible to get in his good graces. LeBron isn't just a basketball player for Nike; he's a major part of their business, too.

Plus, Nike helped create Chuck's brand as a no-nonsense guy with ads like the famous "I am not a role model" spot. Criticizing LeBron may appear to them like the act of someone who doesn't appreciate everything the company has done for him over the years. And while it's weird for Nike to get upset over a former endorser exercising the personality that they helped cultivate and popularize, it's somewhat understandable. When money's involved, people don't always act rationally. via Ball Don't Lie

Air Jordan 2.0 (Max) Black Red Green

Following up on my first post on these from earlier this week, new and more detailed pics of the Black/Red/Green Air Jordan 2.0 have hit the Net. As we saw in that first post, the Black/Red/Green Air Jordan 2.0 features a Black nubuck and python textured upper with Red accents and Green accents sitting on a Red Visible Air Unit and White outsole. via Kix And The City

Nike Air BW Gen II ‘FFF’ – Grey – White – Ice

We just got a look at the third Air Max 90 ‘CBF’, but that doesn’t mean the Brazilians have the edge over the French. Just two days after Sneaker News showed you images of two classic runners done as part of the same collaboration, here’s a brand new Nike Air BW Gen II created with the French Football Federation in mind. These new BW Gen IIs aren’t Tricolored like the FFF retro runners we saw Tuesday, but instead opt for the tonal grey look that seems to be among the most popular in the sneaker world these days. A translucent sole reveals a soccer ball geometric on the bottom. Grab your own ‘FFF’ Air BW Gen IIs, check with select Nike Sportswear retailers like Shelta. Via Sneaker News

Nike Air Force 1 Low – ‘Beige Suede’

The Nike Air Force 1 is a classic Summer time shoe, and this all beige suede AF1 will make a great colorway for Summer. Featuring an all beige suede upper, with a beige leather heel tab and swoosh adding a nice touch. The midsole is also done in beige sitting on top of a dark brown outsole, dark brown can be found on the tongue and heel tab branding as well. A nylon tongue is added to the mix giving it a sorta vintage looking pair of AF1s. Available now at Nike retailers. via BXSports & Sneakerfiles

Nike SB ’94 – Unreleased Sample

Last year Nike SB and skate brand Supreme did a collab unlike their past ones, this one involed Supreme designing their own Nike SB model. The Nike SB ’94 was the out come of this Suprem collab, the shoe design was inspired by the early basketball sneakers that skaters worn, like the Air Jordan 1 and Foamposite One. Only four colorways were released, this black, blue and white pair wasnt one of them. With a black leather upper, featuring a blue foam type heel counter on top of a white mid and outsole. Sucks these are scrapped samples, and will never drop. Via Sneakerfiles

Nike Air Max Skyline – Black – White – Grey – Neon

The Nike Air Max Skyline was one of the first models to mark Nike Sportswear’s surge toward hybridization and modular design back in 2009, but we’ve only seen a single new colorway so far this year. Make that two thanks to this new Air Max Skyline, a mostly black model with white and grey accents plus a burst of energy from select neon accents. The Skyline already had that early ’90s look down pat and with the AM95-leaning neon incorporated this is far-reaching pastiche. Grab a pair from SNS. Via Sneaker News

Nike Air Foamposite Pro Retro – Varsity Red/ Black- Black

This July there is yet another Foamposite Pro Retro confirmed to hit retail.

The Varsity Red/ Black Foam Pro’s are due back out, no word on any changes being made from their original.

Nike Air Foamposite Pro
Varsity Red/ Black- Black
Style # 624041-600

Via Deftronic & Sneakerfiles

Breaking News: Air Jordan 1 High Banned Hits Nike Outlet

The long awaited Air Jordan 1 Banned has been a mystery shoe since photos first leaked. After the initial leak, rumors quickly spread that the shoe was scrapped by Jordan Brand. Just recently, new images of the Air Jordan 1 Banned were floating around the web, with a rumored Holiday 2011 launch.

Jordan Brand has yet to announce official release details about the Air Jordan 1 Banned. However, the Air Jordan 1 Banned just arrived at a Nike Factory Outlet, with the pairs marked as B-Grades. This also marks the first reappearance of Nike Air branding on a Jordan Retro, but no word if the rumored retail version will feature Nike Air on the tongue. The suggested retail is $125, but the outlet price is $109.99. The particular Nike Outlet is now sold out, so out of common courtesy, we will not mention the exact store location.

This breaking news is still developing, but one can only imagine how pairs ended up at the Nike Outlet before the official launch? Also, if they arrived at one Nike Factory Store, it’s possible they have or will be arriving at other locations. Stay tuned for more details and let the hunt begin!

Imagine If… Via The Shoe Game

Nike SB Blazer CS Low – Bison – White – Sport Red

In a skating world where vulcanized and cup soles are the chocolate and vanilla of sneaker bottoms, the Nike SB Blazer CS Low is the delicious ‘twist’. The SB Blazer CS features vulc aesthetics and overall board feel with the extra cushioning of a cup sole plus Zoom Air in the heel for one of the most rideable designs yet from Swoosh skateboarding. The latest CS Blazer SB is a lowtop in Bison brown suede with Sport Red and white accents that’s sufficiently neutral to stick around for pretty much every season, and you can find them at select Nike SB retailers like Flatspot. Via Sneaker News

Air Jordan 5 Quai 54 – New Image

Jordan Brand’s Quai 54 basketball tournament is going down next month in Paris. Sticking to the pattern of the previous years, Jordan Brand created an Air Jordan to coincide with the tournament. This year, Jordan Brand gave the Air Jordan 5 Quai 54 treatment. The Quai 54 Air Jordan 5 will be released to the public in limited quantities. Stay tuned for release details, and enjoy the new image. Via AR & The Shoe Game

Picture Of The Day: 03.21.11

June 4th 2011!!!

Rappers Line Up To Celebrate Tupac's 40th Birthday In June

(AllHipHop News) A variety of top name rappers and celebs will join Afeni Shakur in celebrating the 40th birthday of Tupac Shakur this June.

Rappers Bun B., 8 Ball and MJG, Too $hort, DJ Drama will join with R&B singer Erykah Badu in celebrating Tupac's birthday on June 16th in Atlanta.

Comedian Mike Epps has been tapped to serve as host of the celebration, which comes as DeKalb, County, Georgia honors Tupac on June 16th, which officials have officially declared "Tupac Shakur Day."

"I am greatly honored to have been invited by Afeni Shakur to celebrate her
son's 40th birthday. I do not take this honor for granted," Erykah Badu said in a statement.

The third annual celebration will take place at the Atlanta Symphony Hall in Atlanta on June 16th.

“I’m looking forward to another year of preserving Tupac’s legacy by celebrating his life with his fans and furthering his causes by supporting his organization,” Mike Epps said. Via All Hip Hop

Jordan CMFT Air Max 10 – July 2011

The Jordan CMFT Air Max 10 made its debut in April 2011. Three bright colorways, dubbed the Candy Pack, hit Jordan Brand retailers in April. Brand Jordan will be releasing additional Jordan CMFT Air Max 10 colors in July. Two colors are currently slated to release July 2011: Cool Grey/White and White/Metallic Gold-White.

Retail is $135. Via The Shoe Game

Nike SB Dunk Low “Aqua”

We’ve already informed our readers of the fact that the “Aqua” Nike SB Dunk low has been made available for purchase through select online Nike SB carriers. In case you need a closer look at this colorway before deciding to purchase a pair of these, you can take a look at this set of images, giving us a good look at the Nike SB Dunk low “Aqua” from a number of different angles. Via Sneakerfiles

Super Mario Bros. x Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

Converse Chuck Taylors have been around long enough to see every single generation of home video games and the latest collaborative release reaches back some twenty-five years to honor one of the industry’s pioneers. The Super Mario Bros. x Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars brings back memories of the late ’80s for anyone alive back then, their all-over 8-bit print capturing Nintendo‘s resident plumber in a variety of poses. And Mario’s faithfully reproduced on the special edition box as well, his run along the ground on the side of the box enough to have you searching for the ‘B’ button to make him go faster. These hit retail in Japan this July. Via Kenlu & Sneaker News

Nike SB Dunk Mid – Black – Orion Blue

New for the Summer 2011 season is this Nike SB Dunk Mid colorway in Black/Orion Blue, similar to the 2006 release of the Nike SB Dunk High ‘Send Help’. The upper on this new release features a black suede with orion blue on the swoosh, inner lining, and laces, and mirrors the simple color-blocking seen on an earlier SB Dunk Mid release (the Brickhouse Red upper with gum sole). Nike SB has gained a bit of steam recently with its limited release outputs, but don’t count out these simpler, more generic colorways, as these types of releases are what put Nike SB on the map early on! Look out for these at Nike SB retailers soon. via Dunk & Sneaker News

Nike Air Max Light – Obsidian Denim – White

The Air Force 1 Premium stands to be Nike Sportswear’s single biggest denim sneaker release in May 2011, but is it the best? Check out this impressive new Nike Air Max Light that looks to have been done with a very similar material as the AF1s. They come off quite differently, though, thanks to the omission of Metallic Bronze stitching in favor of a clean tonal look that feels even crisper thanks to white hits on the sockliner and midsole. Click through to get a better look and let us know how these compare to the upcoming ‘Denim’ AF1 Low and the black denim Air Max Light that just touched down, and if you’re feelin’ this pair of AM Lights, grab yours from the only place that sells ‘em: Britain’s JD Sports. Via Sneaker News

Gunplay, Red Cafe, Cuban Link Join Urban Wrestling Federation; PPV Debuts In June

(AllHipHop News) The Urban Wrestling Federation (UWF) will officially launch this June in New York City with a number of top rappers involved.

Gun Play from Rick Ross' Maybach Music label, Brisco, Red Cafe, Big Block, Uncle Murda, Brisco, Gorilla Zoe, Billy Blue and Cuban Link have all signed onto UWF.

The rappers will back "professional wrestling thugs" like Homicide, Scorpio Sky, Ricky Reyes, Eddie Carnage, Grim Reefer and Lowlife Louis Ramos during UWF's "First Blood," which is being filmed for PPV.

“By combining urban music and professional wrestling, we’ve created the ideal opportunity for dynamic and exciting entertainment while opening an avenue that guarantees higher attendance with new marketing and sponsorship opportunities,” said UWF's founder, Steve Karel.

Karel, who has worked in professional wrestling for over 30 years, was one of the original producers of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1989.

The wrestling mogul said that he planned to bring the same, over the top wrestling style that made ECW famous, to the UWF.

The UWF is also positioning itself to promote the music of the rap artists involved with the organization as well.

The company has tapped Bob Chiappardi of Concrete Marketing to handle the promotions of the UWF and the music.

“Music, typically heavy metal or rock & roll, has always been a part of wrestling entertainment”, said Chiappardi. “As opposed to matches of the past where music has filled the background, the UWF will bring music to the forefront showcasing established urban stars and rising talent."

First Blood will tape on Friday, June 3rd and will air on PPV on Sunday, June 26th at 8:00PM on iN DEMAND, DirecTV, TVN Ent. and others. Via All Hip Hop

Nike Air Max Barkley – Spring 2012

This new Nike model takes on a close resemblance of the Nike Air Max 2 CB 94, but this revised model is called the Air Max Barkley. If you take a closer look at the shoe, you can see that Nike made a few changes. However, the overall shape of the silhouette is still the same, and Nike mainly focused on taking away some materials which results in a lighter shoe. via CK & The Shoe Game

Derrick Williams thinks he’d be a good replacement for LeBron

This year's draft is universally considered to be the worst in several years, if not a whole decade. There are two players with potential star appeal, though: Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams. Irving is generally thought be the top pick, but several teams like Williams's combination of power foward strength and shooting ability.

After the Cleveland Cavaliers won the lottery, Irving immediately distanced himself from LeBron James, saying that he's a different kind of player. Williams, though, was not quite so shy. From Greg Esposito of ArizonaSports.com (via PBT):

"I think I'm the No. 1 pick because I have more star quality I would think," the small forward said. "I'm just a bigger person. Just trying to fill in for a big star like LeBron like they're missing. That missing piece. I think that's me."

Williams is unlikely to actually be picked by the Cavs, so he can afford to posture in a way that Irving can't. If Irving goes to Cleveland and proves to be something less than a star, then any comparisons to LeBron on his part would end up looking foolish. The same would go for Williams, but it'd be less of an issue with a franchise like Minnesota or Utah. For him, it's an act of self-promotion, not a move that will set himself up for failure even if he ends up being a pretty good player.

The public instinct in a case like this is usually to get on a player for being arrogant, but Williams is really proving that he understands his context as a prospect. Humility is important when a player already has a team. Prospects can afford to be a little selfish. Via Ball Don't Lie

Nike Air Trainer SC II – White/Dark Grey-Chlorine Blue

2011 has a great lineup of Nike Air Trainer SC II colorways, including “citron” as well as other colorways from an expected Holiday collection. We can now add to this list the white/dark grey-chlorine blue colorway pictured here. Could these be the best pair we’ve gotten a preview of yet?Via Sneakerfiles

Nike Foamposite One Black Green HOH Harlem Release Info

The Black/Green Nike Foamposite One is officially set to release tomorrow, 5/19, at HOH accounts. The HOH Harlem will be releasing their Foamposites tomorrow at 4pm as opposed to the usual release at store opening. If you are looking to scoop a pair, make sure to check in with your local HOH to get the most up to date release time. Good luck. Via Kix And The City

Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke ‘South Beach’ by All Day

His Gore-Tex camo Nike Air Force 1 Bespokes were among the notable sightings at Tuesday’s Sneakerpedia launch in NYC, but you know ATF founding member All Day won’t be resting on his successes. Check out All Day’s latest AF1 Bespoke, an ultra-premium leather take on a colorway that’s been sweeping the sneaker scene since LeBron James headed to Miami. The ‘South Beach’ colorup looks dope with a clear sole and you can’t go wrong with a personalized tongue that matches the laces to tie the whole look together. Via Sneaker News

Reebok Insta Pump Fury – Black – White – Cherry

Save the upcoming Prince Pack, all of its high-profile collaborative releases are Asia exclusives, so will the new Reebok Insta Pump Fury pictured above hit US retailers? We sure hope so, because its dope black, white and Cherry colorway would be a welcome addition to the summer catalog. And given Reebok’s rival status with Nike in the early and mid ’90s, its surprising that this un-Infrared colorway didn’t pop up during the two companies’ arms race, but we’re fine with them coming out soon as a totally new look. Via atmos & Sneaker News

MF DOOM x Nash Money x Puma Sneaker Speakers

Sneaker customizer NASHMONEY is known around the globe for his crazy one-off designs and more recently collaborative releases with major brands, and his latest work manages to combine the two. NASH had submitted a white Nike Air Force 1 for the Havana Club’s Inspired Ingenuity design competition, its sole routed to make room for a tweeter for his ‘sneaker speakers‘. And it looks like that groundbreaking work caught the eye of a couple of other entities with close ties to street level beats, and the rest, as they say, is history. You can also call it the NASH x MF Doom sneaker speakers, a pair of Puma Giant Suede lowtops that integrate sick features like LED lighting and a custom amp enclosure. Via Sneaker News

Packer Shoes x Reebok Court Victory Pump ‘French Open’

Whether you’re a tennis fan or not, the variety of looks found within the Packer Shoes x Reebok Court Victory Pump ‘Grand Slam Pack’ offer something for everybody. If you’re partial to a bolder style, the wildest design in the bunch comes by way of the French Open edition, featuring a white canvas upper splattered with simulated clay stain graphics. Offset by hits of green and the neon yellow tennis ball Pump on the tongue, the French Open installment of the “Packer Slam” has had the sneaker world buzzing ever since pics first surfaced a few months back. Now, with the Roland Garros festivities about to swing into action, you can finally get your hands on a pair. The shoe will be released in limited quantities toay at Packer Shoes in Teaneck, NJ with an additional allocation of stock to be sold through their online pop-up store. If you’re in the Tri-State area swing by Packer Shoes to pick up your French Open Pumps along with some t-shirts and other goodies to be included with purchase while supplies last. Via Sneaker News

Air Jordan V Retro – Black – Metallic Silver | Available Early

Believe it or not, this is the second release in 2011 of an Air Jordan V in Black/Metallic Silver. Of course the first of such releases was the Premio version that dropped in February, but for those who were unable to cop one of the roughly 2,000 pairs in existence, a general release version modeled after the original release in 1990 (like the OG pair we showed you recently) is set for a wide drop later this year. A few changes to be noted; the upper features a softer nubuck, the Jumpman on the outsole is red and not the OG black, and the stitching on the outsole returns once again, carrying over from the 2007 Retro version. These are set for a Fall 2010 release, but SneakerApe is glad to share that they have a full size run available for purchase now. Via Sneaker News

Jordan Brand Signs Maya Moore

With Dwyane Wade now wearing his first Jordan Brand signature sneaker, we’ve been curious who might take over the Air Jordan 2011 duties and when/if the AJ2011 Quick Fuse will see the NBA hardwood. Perhaps the answer to both of those queries lies in JB’s first female signing, former UConn star Maya Moore. Moore was only the second woman in NCAA history to earn first team All-American honors in each of hour four years at Storrs and now she’ll be wearing the Jumpman as a member of the Minnesota Lynx. Via Sneaker News

Air Jordan XI IE Low – White – Black

Are these a precursor to the upcoming release of the Air Jordan XI ‘Concord’? A white and black upper paired with a translucent outsole is fairly accurate description of the Concords, but what we see here is an all-new colorway of the Air Jordan XI IE Low that Michael wore during the 1995-96 NBA Season. Michael displayed a penchant towards low-cut sneakers towards the latter end of his career and the XI IE Low is one of the few original low-top Air Jordan renditions that actually released (with a plethora of low-tops that followed during Retro releases). The new White/Metallic Silver-Black colorway is slated for a July 2011 release with a price-tag of $120 so take a look at these new images below and look out for these early from air-randy on eBay. Via Sneaker News

Supra Vaider ‘Rasta Pack’

Here’s a new release from Supra that much like the Cheech & Chong Dunk High SB that recently had the sneakerhead community abuzz, probably would have been best suited for an April 20th release date. But the Supra Vaider ‘Rasta Pack’ still finds itself well-timed, its vibrant high contrast colorway a welcome addition to the summer smorgasborg. Both pairs (Vaider Low and Mid) feature neutral woven hemp uppers plus red, yellow and green leather accents (along with laces in those shades), all atop a gum rubber vulcanized sole. Look for these at your local mall; they’re a Zumiez exclusive. Via Sneaker News

Air Jordan Retro 1 Phat Mid June 2011 Releases

After taking a backseat for a quick minute, the Air jordan Rdtro 1 is back for the Summer with two colorways set to release in June. The teo colorways include a White on White which features a mix of leather and patent leather and a White and Obsidian colorway which features a mix of leather and nubuck.

Both colorways are set to release in June. Via Kix And The City

Nike Air Diamond Turf 2 Retro White Grey Teal Spring 2012

After showing a lot of love to the Diamond Turf 1 over the years, Nike is dipping back into their vault to pull out the Diamond Turf 2. The Diamond Turf 2 is set to return during the Spring of 2012. As of now we that Nike will release the White/Grey/Teal colorway pictured in this post and DT2 fans can start hoping for an OG colorway or two to grace shelves next Spring. Via Kix And The City

Nike Air Max 95 – Black – Stealth – Photo Blue

The last Air Max 97 issued by Nike Sportswear featured a rarely-seen construction with patent leather along its swooping mudguard. And here’s a case where its predecessor is also being released in a curious combination of materials, one that’s not typical of the Nike Air Max 95. These new Ninety-Fives are done in almost all black with Photo Blue accents, but the real story is in the ‘muscle fiber’ tiers where you see the somewhat-more-common-to-95s patent leather contrasted by nubuck and denim. Buy a pair the only place you can: JD Sports.

Air Jordan III Retro ‘Stealth’ – Available on eBay

2011 thus far has been the year of the Air Jordan III with great releases like the White/Cement, Black History Month and upcoming releases like the ‘True Blue’ and Black/Cement III’s on the way. Another Air Jordan III that is slated to release this year is the AJ III ‘Stealth’. This rendition of the III features a colorway yet to be used on this classic model. Regardless of the colors used on an Air Jordan III, they always seem to be a must-have. Will the ‘Stealth’ Air Jordan III’s fall into that category? Images courtesy of AGS and if you can’t wait until the September 2011 release date, then grab your pair early from eBay. Via Sneaker News

Picture Of The Day: 05.12.11

Picture Of The Day: 05.11.11

Nike Air Royal VT Mesh Pack Sport Red and Tech Grey

In addition to the [Grey Nubuck Nike Air Royal VT that I posted earlier], Nike is also set to release a Mesh pack of Air Royals for the Summer. The Nike Air Royal VT Mesh Pack features two colorways of the Air Royal that both feature mesh based uppers. The colorways include a solid Sport Red and a solid Tech Grey. Both colorways sitting on matching midsoles and full length icy outsoles.

The Nike Air Royal VT Mesh Pack is set to release later this Summer. Via Kix And The City