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.

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. 

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!

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.

HAVE AN OPEN MIND

I came across this old post of Sn'eads by artist Tyree Dillihay that in my opinion reflects today's state of the sneaker game.  There's some folks that are so committed to one specific sneaker brand that they refuse to give other's a try.  There are so many great brands out there.  I've heard some people complain about a certain brand hurting their feet yet they refuse to try another.  

Don't be a follower!  Create your own lane by wearing what you like and not just what's the current popular pair at the moment.  

Not to be preachy and lighten things up a bit, here's a hidden message crossword puzzle.  

If you find the hidden message, comment below.  Enjoy!

#PLEASEJUSTDOIT: PURPLE UNICORN PLANET'S CAMPAIGN FOR SMALL SIZES

Are you a Female Sneaker Fiend that wears a size 6 or smaller, saw a dope pair of sneakers that you wanted but was unable to get them because they're only made in men's sizes?  I know this plight, and so does Emily Hodgson and Emilie Riis.

After writing letters to Nike and getting disappointing answers, Emily & Emilie teamed up to create Purple Unicorn Planet.  A fantasy online boutique featuring sneakers we'd love to own but are only available in men's sizes.  

I caught up with the ladies to find out how they became sneaker fiends and how Purple Unicorn Planet came about. 

Please introduce yourselves

Emilie Riis:   27 years old. My passport is Danish but I've been living in London since I moved over to study. I have always worked in advertising and currently work at 18 Feet & Rising as a Strategist.   I have been looking for that perfect pair of trainers and my search took me to Miami (the capital of cool trainers). Needless to say I returned empty handed. Talking to friends, searching online I realized that I wasn't alone on my quest and joined forces with Emily. We see a gap in the market, and we want to close it. It’s a very simple question – why are all women’s trainers always so bland? – with a very simple solution – make the cool men’s trainers in our sizes. If we succeed with this, and Nike changes it up, we would be really happy and excited about the fact that we, and all the people who support our mission, helped bring cool trainers to the girls.

Emily Hodgson:   I'm a 25 year old Creative Producer from London born and bread.  I work at 18 Feet & Rising in integrated advertising. Still can’t drive.  What a great time to be young – with the internet at your disposal.  I feel infiltrated with data overload, and constantly feel like I've had a hunch or had a feeling about something – and not acted on it.  From talking with Emilie, we worked out we had similar frustrations with fashion - why could we not buy the trainers we wanted to in our sizes?  Fed up of sitting back and watching things play out, you can talk something to death, but actually making it and getting it out there was important to me. And it doesn't hurt that its about fashion…

1. How did you become sneaker fiends?

Working in advertising you often run in and out of offices, back and forth between meetings and there is no point in making it harder for yourself by wearing 12 inch heels. Sneakers are the perfect footwear for a day in and out of the office as you are comfortable but keeping it fashion and on trend. Working in the creative industries we are both instinctively drawn to good design. Nike has a lot of well designed shoes. For men.

2. What brands are you into?

Of sports retailer brands, Nike has been a favorite of ours for a while.  We also like the high-street brand Cos, and was also very excited about And Other Stories when they opened.  Of more high-end brands, Stella McCartney always manages to high-end luxe with a London/sports edge.  And the French brand A.P.C is doing some really nice pieces for women too – clothes and sneakers.

3. When Purchasing a sneaker, what do you look for?

Colourways and trainers style. We are all about the darker colourways and mixing patterns and textures in new and inventive ways.  Not just pink and purple.  We love all the sneakers of PUP – we’re particularly keen on the city pack… only available to men.

4. What are some advantages in being a female sneaker fiend?

Hmm. Sadly at the moment there are probably more drawbacks than advantages.  But that is something we are trying to change with PUP.

5. What are some disadvantages being a female sneaker fiend?

We don’t have enough cool sneakers. The sneaker market caters to the guys and spend less time making nice stuff for us girls. It’s quite frustrating that all the sneakers we like don’t come in our size, and never will. It’s a boys club, which we hope will open up soon.

6. What/when was the final straw that led you to start Purple Planet Unicorn?

We went to a trainer release in an underground Nike shop in London. It said that the shoes would be released in women’s sizes but after queuing for an hour we found out that the shoes only went down to a UK size 5.5.  We were so disappointed, and by that time we had already started talking about doing something big, but this was the weekend we decided to actually go ahead with it.

 7. What kind of reaction have you received since starting the site?

Empathy and support. We have received personal email from women supporting out cause and cheering us on. They are offering their support in any way they can, from spreading our message on their blogs to putting us on radio shows.  It has been great to see how we girls can get together and support each other, even if it’s just to get some cooler trainers in our sizes.  Maybe this can teach us to stand together more in general.

 8. Other than the obvious of Nike making smaller sizes, are there any other sneaker related issues you'd like to tackle?

No, we think that is our main goal and where we want to focus on generating a change.

10. For people that would like to follow you personally, are you on any social media?  If so what are your names?

We are both on Twitter!  @EmilieRiis @emilyjh13

11. Any parting words for the readers?

Keeping on supporting Purple Unicorn Planet with the #PLEASEJUSTDOIT campaign.  Send it to your friends, family or even local radio stations!  We can only change the status quo if we stand together and show Nike how big our voice is.

There you have it folks!  Emily and Emilie are on a mission that I understand and totally support.  In question 3, they also highlight another issue most Female Sneaker Fiend's have that we at fsf coined "shrink & pink".

Be sure to tell a Friend to tell a friend.  Repost and don't forget to use the hashtag #PLEASEJUSTDOIT. You can also follow the Purple Unicorn Planet movement via twitter @PUnicornP.

FTYA - FRSHR THAN YOUR AVRGE x SOLEXCHANGE EVENT REMINDER

The folks responsible for the FRSHR THAN YOUR AVRGE sneaker battle is back at it again! Saturday, July 27th it's going down and they're doing it big by shutting down Rutgers UNIV. They've teamed up with the good folks of The Solexchange to host an even bigger event with more vendors, more heat, more giveaways and most importantly.....the FTYA Sneaker Battle.  The winner goes home with what some call the Heisman trophy of sneaker battles.  A trophy which Female Sneaker Fiend's founder Lori Lobenstine had the pleasure of winning in the very first FTYA sneaker battle.

So if you're in the tri-state NY/NJ/CT area or DE/PA, swing by and enjoy the festivities.  For more information, you can follow them on instagram @FTYA_SNKBATTLE and @THESOLEXCHANGE.  And to my Female Sneaker Fiends, please rep for us fiends that are unable to make it and do it like you're doing it for TV!!!

Purchase tickets here


DIRECTIONS
From New York Penn Station:
Take New Jersey Transit train towards Trenton, NJ
Get off at New Brunswick stop (approx 45 min.)
Walk to 126 College Ave (approx 12 min) or take a cab

From NJ Turnpike S:
1. Follow signs for New Jersey Turnpike S and merge onto I-95 S/New Jersey Turnpike S Partial Toll road - 29.0 mi
2. Take exit 9 to merge onto NJ-18 N toward US-1/new Brunswick Partial toll road - 3.4 mi
3. Take the George Street exit toward Rutgers University - 0.3 mi
4. Sharp left onto George St - 0.1 mi
5. Take the 1st right onto Seminary Pl - 0.2 mi
6. Turn right onto College Ave
Destination will be on the left - 0.2 mi
126 College Ave
New Brunswick, NJ, 08901

NIKE FREE FLYKNIT

Combining two of their innovative technologies, Nike introduces the Nike Free Flyknit.  

“Nike Free Flyknit is the ultimate expression of natural performance principles, combining a supportive, sock-like upper and a flexible midsole and outsole that move with the body,” says Sean McDowell, Creative Director for Nike Running. “The compression fit brings the foot closer to the sole for enhanced lockdown and propulsion.”

Available in 7 women colorways, the Free Flyknit is available for pre-order for $160.  There's also 6 men colorways available starting at a sz.6, equivalent to a womens 7.5.

Pics and info via: Nike.com and Nikeinc.com

NIKE WOMENS AIR MAX 1 VAC-TECH "VACHETTA PACK"

Pictures of the mint green Nike Air Max 1 VT have been floating around for a couple weeks with mixed reviews.  Come to find out, mint has a two sisters to complete the Vachetta Pack.  

While the top colors differ, what's unique about these pairs is that they come wrapped in a Vachetta leather midsole.  As Nike explains it, "Vachetta leather upper is untreated and prone to creasing, staining and darkening in the sun.  As the shoe ages, it develops a unique distressed patina and becomes personalized to the wearer."  So in a nutshell, if you and several of your friends have the same color, they will each look different after a few wears.  Hmmmm......interesting!  Keep in mind that the VT (colored) part of the shoe will remain relatively unchanged.  The Vac-Tech top and the Vachetta mid, sit atop a gum outsole.  

 

The Womens Nike Air Max 1 VT Vachetta Pack will be available at Nike Sportswear retailers beginning June 29th.  

Pics & info via Nike, Inc.