Wednesday, December 4, 2013

SNEAKER STORE SPOTLIGHT: JD SPORTS


Being a Sneaker Fiend over 20 yrs, I've come across many hidden gems.  From mom and pop stores to slept on sneaker chains, JD Sports is a great combination of both.  Located in the UK, I've been a consumer of theirs for a couple years now.  


I was recently asked to select an item to try out from the store and I chose Nike Air Max 1. Introduced in 1987, the Air Max 1 has been a favorite of Sneaker Fiends like myself which made my choice a no brainer. Air Max's are one of the most comfortable silhouettes that Nike makes and always stylish as far as the colorway goes.  The package arrived a little over a week from the order date, a big plus knowing about international shipping horror stories that has taken a month or more.




One thing that JD Sports offers are "only at JD" items, which are items that are exclusive to store. Some Sneaker Fiends like to have "exclusives"......still getting the joy of being asked "where'd you get those?!". Another handy lil tidbit being a buyer of international stores, JD has one of the lowest international shipping charges.  

With Christmas around the corner, check out JD Sports.  The website is easy to navigate and if you're in the UK there's several retail locations.  There's something for everyone from sneakers to apparel & accessories and you'll get your package in time for the holidays.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

MELODY EHSANI x REEBOK PUMP "LOVE"


Back in August, designer Melody Ehsani posted the above pic on her instagram and I instantly got excited. This will be Melody's second collaboration with Reebok and it's scheduled to release early 2014. Having seen in person what seems like the final revision on Wednesday, November 6th at a Reebok focus group, I must say the pics do not do these babies any justice!   

When I first saw the pic, it instantly reminded me of one of my favorite artists Piet Mondrian because of the colors used.  The pair has a gum colored pump accentuated by a gum sole and features "Love" lace locks.  However, if you're a fan of the gold spikes they were m.i.a on the pair that I saw, which most likely won't be on the released version.  



Until the release of these beauties, you can copp the current "Love" gold sneakers  ON SALE HERE for $100 with sizes 6-11w available.    

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

ADIDAS ORIGINALS x JEREMY SCOTT HOLIDAY BEARS


With the holiday season fast approaching, Jeremy Scott and Adidas Originals will be releasing a Holiday Bears pack.  Seemingly inspired by Christmas, the pack features gold and silver colorways with an upper reminiscent of  tinsel and a glittered sole.









The pack drops Friday, November 15th, at Adidas Originals retail stores and ADIDAS.COM 

PUMA x RIME LUXE SKY WEDGE


Our friends over at Rime have teamed up with PUMA for their first collaboration to create the Luxe Sky Wedge.  Rime's owner Susan Boyle teamed up with PUMA to create a dope pair of sneakers that the women would love and the men could appreciate.


The Luxe Sky Wedge features an upper constructed of buttery gold foiled leather, two lace options of subtle sparkle and chevron, and golden PUMA lace locks. Double gold straps allows for versatile styling, there's a chevron detailed lining and my personal favorite part, the gum sole which turns almost any sneaker into an instant classic. 







Available in limited quantities December 6th at Rime in NYC, the PUMA x Rime Luxe Sky Wedge retails for $130 and is available for pre-order here.

Pics & info via: RIME 

Friday, November 1, 2013

NIKE RUNNING UPPER EAST SIDE GRAND OPENING


On Wednesday, October 30th, Nike opened it's newest running store on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, NY.   Located at 1131 3rd Ave, the store has all the accoutrements a runner may need and then some.  In addition to viewing the ribbon cutting, merchandise and the store's layout, I got to see the warm-up chant that even got me charged up and ready to go!  

Energy bars, pedometers, 3m backpack, sweatbands etc.

The store has two columns that's a visual collage of scenes, runners and Nike programs.



The store has an exclusive line dedicated to the 2013 NYC marathon.


If you're in the area and would like to go for a quick jog but have a few bags, stop by the store and use one of their lockers.  Your items will be safe while you dodge pedestrians and poodles on your run.


All over 3m jacket. A useful item for runners but it's a must have for lots of sneaker fiends.

One of the awesome features of the store, is the custom tailoring of the sports bras and jogger pants.  Something a short(5'2) person like myself can appreciate, having trouble finding something that fits just right.  You can be fitted and pick up your garment(s) within a few hours!

The women's wall not only features running sneakers but there's some wedges for the fashionistas!

Also on hand were the upcoming Nike Fuelband SE, featuring 3 new colorways.  They will be available for purchase November 6th. 



Friday, September 20, 2013

FEMALE SNEAKER FIEND interviews RAC owner of racPOP




If you're a fan of YouTube's racTV or a follower of @racstagram, you know of the dope items that Rac have been dropping.  I caught up with the man himself on the release of his new product the "J Watch" to get a little insight on how he got into creating these products and where he gets his inspiration.

Introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello readers! My name is Anthony Racaniello, but most just call me Rac.  I am the owner of racPOP and the man behind racTV on YouTube.  Major sneaker enthusiast, creative professional, and general man-child.

1. How and/or when did you become a sneaker fiend?
I became a sneaker fiend as kid, watching Jordan, loving basketball- to me the kicks were an extension of the game.  So since Basketball was everything to me, I loved them.  As an adult it's the only part of the game that doesn't make my knees sore, so I love it even more!

2. What brand(s) are you into?
In terms of sneaker brands I try and be as open minded as possible- I wear a ton of different stuff from Jordan to Keds! I believe in “wear what you like” and while I may have a bit of a Nike preference my collection is very diverse and I will wear anything that catches my eye.

3. What sneaker is in your top five regular rotation?
Right now I’d say the Anniversary Jordan 3, Aqua Jordan 8, “Knicks” Jordan 13 Low, “West Coast” Lebron 3, and Kobe 8 “Easter.”



4. How did you get into making the sneaker related items?
Its the same old story, right? I am a creative dude, always loved that kind of stuff and always loved sneakers… when I went to look for products only to find they didn't exist I set out to make them a reality.
At first for myself and soon after for every one else too.



5. What's your process when coming up with an idea?
Its just like back when this whole thing started, it usually begins with me really wanting something, forcing it into reality and then asking my following if its something they would like too- if it is, I start making phone calls to make a release happen.

6. Have you ever came up with an idea that you wanted to keep all to yourself?
The JWatch we just put out, today, was something I definitely wasn't sure I wanted to share, lol.  They were expensive to make, I damn near lose money selling them, but in the end it has been worth it to put such a unique product out to the community and watch them get so excited about it.

7. Where do you see racPop 5yrs from now?
Hopefully not much different than it is now, right now its me, and that makes it intimate.  My favorite thing about my brand is that it lets me interact with so many like minded people, I'd hate to grow to a point where it became too much for me and I'd lose that experience.




8. Do you have any celebrity clients?
I do have some yes.  In fact I just finished a custom racPOP order for NFL superstar Darrell Revis!  Very cool guy, cool of him to support, pillow came out awesome!

9. For the people that would like to follow you personally, are you on any social media?
I am all over the place!  Probably most active on YoTtube at Youtube.com/WatchRacTV, Instagram @racstagram, and twitter @racattacktweets!  I'd love to chop it up with the readers, get at me!

Parting words for our readers.....
Really want to say thank you for taking the time to check out racTV and racpop.com.  Like I mentioned, I am my brand so whenever you do it's you connecting with me and that's the best part about being a part of something like the sneaker community. I hope you readers get in touch, and wish your blog all the luck in the world, I'll be reading!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

JEREMY SCOTT x A$AP ROCKY



If you're a fan of the Jeremy Scott 2.0 and looking to get your hands on the limited edition A$AP Rocky/Black Flag pair, Adidas has an exclusive online pre-sale registration that ends on Sept. 23rd.  
The collabo between friends Scott & A$AP resulted in an all black canvas JS 2.0, one side featuring stars and the other with stripes.  


Sign up for the online pre-sale here
Pic & info via ADIDAS 

NIKE SNEAKERBOOT 2013


With the fall and winter seasons fast approaching and mother nature getting ready to pass the reins over to Jack Frost, Nike introduces their Sneakerboot collection.  With the exception of the Air Force 1 that has already been done, Nike has taken the silhouette's we fell in love with over the summer and added height, traction and weatherproofing.  In a nutshell, they winterized your summer favorite!  

 NIKE AIR FORCE 1 DUCKBOOT
The original SneakerBoot, the Nike Air Force 1 Duckboot's WaterShield technology and padded wool collar upgrade an icon for the outdoors. Aggressive lugs on the original Air Force 1 outsole–with its classic pivot point design– provide extra traction. The molded vamp on the reinforced toe is made to take on the elements with ease, accompanied by a full-grain leather upper. Metal eyelets and hooks lock down the foot for total warmth and security, but the instantly recognizable AF1 DNA is still present in every element of the Nike Air Force 1 Duckboot design.



NIKE AIR MAX 90 SNEAKERBOOT
The Nike Air Max 90 SneakerBoot gives the groundbreaking Air Max 90's sense of speed an internal neoprene collar that holds and protects the ankle for warmth and support without restriction. Fewer stitched panels offer a clean, modern look, while a winterized outsole provides traction on a variety of surfaces. Reflective accents increase visibility, and the Nike Air Max 90 SneakerBoot still carries the bold color pops that made the original Nike Air Max 90 legendary.



NIKE FREE RUN 2 SNEAKERBOOT
The Nike Free Run 2 SneakerBoot combines the barefoot-like benefits of Nike Free technology with a winter boot height. The deep flex grooves of the Nike Free 5.0 sole and the molded sockliner allow for an optimum range of motion. A full inner sleeve construction covers the ankle for sock-like comfort, while a reflective underlay and color-blocking on the heel make this unique shoe even more eye-catching.



NIKE LUNAR LDV SNEAKERBOOT
The Nike Lunar LDV SneakerBoot updates a pioneering long distance runner from the 1970s with plush Nike Lunarlon cushioning and a more aggressive Waffle traction system. The ankle collar gives this silhouette a fresh dynamic, and the reflective mesh underlay shines through the laser cut upper, giving this outdoor-inspired remix the capabilities to go the distance like never before.



NIKE ROSHE RUN SNEAKERBOOT
The Nike Roshe Run SneakerBoot turns the instantly iconic Roshe simplicity into a fall-winter standard. The Nike Roshe Run's zen-like ease of wear translates to a mid-cut, with a quilted nylon textile at the tongue and forefoot, and ripstop ankle collar for resilience, warmth and support. The unique heel tape detailing and premium boot-inspired eyelets work perfectly alongside the injected unit sole's incredibly lightweight feel and natural motion patterning for the ultimate performance-informed everyday wear.



NIKE ROSHE RUN HI SNEAKERBOOT
Taking the Nike Roshe Run's innovative simplicity and transforming it into an expression of comfort and protection, the rugged but feminine Nike Roshe Run Hi SneakerBoot can be worn up or rolled down for an alternate look. Boot-inspired webbing unite with the ultra-lightweight Phylon midsole/outsole for the ultimate in cushioned comfort.



NIKE DUNK SKY HI SNEAKERBOOT
Nike's first winterized wedge, the Dunk Sky Hi SneakerBoot is a boundary-blurring, feminine twist on 1985 basketball DNA. Featuring a duckboot-style protective toe, WaterShield technology that keeps out moisture, and a quilted collar for comfortable warmth. With a gum rubber sole, this is chic meets street.


The SneakerBoot Collection will be available beginning in early October. Follow @nikesportswear on Twitter for more details related to release timing.


Info & pics via NIKE, Inc.