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.

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 

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!

PUMA SKY WEDGE

Sneakers for the girl who loves her heels! -Puma-

While some of us have grown tired of the sneaker wedge trend, there's still a market for them and there's no slowing down.  Puma is at it again with the newest release of the Sky Wedge Chambray.  It features a soft leather and chambray upper, dual strap details with hook & loop closures at the collar, all on a grippy leather outsole.  Priced at $100, the Puma Sky Wedge Chambray is just as dope as the higher priced brands....maybe even sexier!  

Pics via PUMA

CINCINNATI SNEAKER SHOWCASE

It's that time of year again and the Cincinnati Sneaker Showcase is back!  Taking place Sunday, June 2nd from 12pm-4pm with exhibitors and vendors in the building, this will be a great way to kick off the month of June.  For tickets go to Cincyticket.com. There's also a hotel discount at Kingsgate Marriott when you mention the showcase.

Further info can be found on Cincy Sneaker Showcase

Another Undefeated X Puma Collab canvas edition

Undefeated has teamed up with Puma again to release a canvas version of the Puma Clyde. They didn't completely leave the the whole shoe canvas though. There is a nice touch of leather on one side of the Puma stripe. Definitety feeling the material change and I'm also feeling the blue ones. These are slated to release on Friday June 10th.

I need more Sneaker Variety

This past week I was thinking to myself that I have way too many Nikes in my closet. Now there is nothing wrong with having a lot of items by your favorite brand, but it's also good to spice up your life with a little variety. So as a promise to myself I'm definitely gonna start switching things up. First on my list is this Puma Suede aka Clyde Aqua/Purple

I'm really not down for low top sneakers, but the Puma Suedes get a pass. The color combo really caught my attention because I'm such a sucker for aqua/teal and purple. Definitely want to get these!

Next on my list is the Vans Zebra sk8-hi. I don't know why I didn't pick these up when they released a few months ago but these are a perfect fit for me! Zebra print on the sides and it's all black. I should have been on this sneaker since like yesterday. If you know of a store or anybody who's selling these in a wm sz 8/men 6.5, please leave a comment in this post.


Last on my list is a pair of Keep sneakers. I know I have mentioned this brand and how much I like them and I still can't believe I haven't gotten a pair yet! Smh! Hopefully I can get my act together a get a pair.

PUMA Presents: GAME TIME - UNDFTD "Clyde" Lanuch

It was a night of sneakers, Hip Hop, and FUN! PUMA knows how to make their sneaker lovers happy! A 3 hour open bar also helped! The event was brought to us by DIGIWAXX & hosted by Power 105.1's Angela Yee in Midtown at GOOD UNITS. When I arrived they tried to say it was shut down due to overcapacity, but yall already know how I move so I got in after 20 minutes! As soon as you came in there were Clydes on display in glass cases along with the seamless, premium leather white & black UNDFTD pairs. The Clyde is historic from Walt Frazier going hard in the paint with them on, and there was also an autographed pair from the man himself!

Hip Hop was in full effect with DJ's Kid Capri, Scratch, Kenny Dope, and a few others spinning classics, while rappers like Parrish of EPMD, Mysonne, Red Cafe, Mos Def, Beatnuts, Biz Markie, & radio personality Steph Lover. We were also able to take a pic with a huge Clyde sneaker which was a highlight of the night! Overall I had such a great time and look forward to the next PUMA event! Check out more pics HERE

Puma Announces Project Pink Winner

Puma announces the winner of it's Project Pink Initiative...and more chances to join in!



This won’t be the last we’ll see of Project Pink. The initiative, developed as a long-term commitment by PUMA, will continue in the 2011 WPS season with refreshed product, new faces, and additional opportunities for young women – soccer fans, and beyond – to get involved. For program updates, as well as more information about PUMA’s partnership with WPS, visit wps.pumafootball.com.

Become a fan of PUMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/puma. Follow PUMA on Twitter @thepumastore and watch PUMA on YouTube at www.youtube.com/puma.

Puma gets down with the fur

Hopping next on the fur trend is Puma with their first round "worker". These come in two colorways mustard & black and they are made with a nice butta suede. Not diggin' these to tough or the whole fur inside the sneaker trend rather. But if I had to chose out of this latest sneaker trend, I would pick these in black. Out now at Shelta

Sister 2 Sister Footwear Design Seminar RECAP!!!

It was a great weekend in Boston! Nearly 20 females from NYC & Boston participated in this 1st ever, historic event! Ranging from girls still in HS & college, to customizers, & experienced designers, we all came together sharing our love of kicks & learned from some of the best female designers in the industry! Lori got together with D'Wayne Edwards of Jordan Brand, as well as top women designers from Sperry Top Sider, Reebok, Puma, Converse, and Nike to make this special event happen.

We started off with introductions & sketching what our vision of our very own sneakers would look like, and we couldn't use logos or similarities from existing brands. As a customizer I truly thought the process wasn't too tedious since I already design, but on already put together sneakers. I was wrong! My initial sketch had the shape of a griffey max and it really wasn't what I was aiming for. However, with some help from the designers, I was able to create a better form for the sneaker as well as details like piping, canvas and textured leather!

Each presentation was as unique as the participant behind it! We all took on a foreign task and came out on top!

Thank you to all of the designers who took their time out for us and shared priceless technique and tips! Welcome Sarah Sabino aka "S4" to our Boston team, and a very special extra thanks goes to you Lori for always representing & being a voice for the ladies!

MORE PICS HERE

Puma's Project Pink initiative

Puma is teaming up with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) to raise awareness of breast cancer through their new Project Pink initiative. Games will be played in the Project Pink unis, merchandise will be available for sale (100% of profits going to support the cause) and players will speak out on the impact of breast cancer. Launching July 31, PUMA is hosting a forum at wps.pumafootball.com/projectpink that invites interaction with the Project Pink initiative. The site allows for the nomination of breast cancer charities with nonprofit status; supporters can then log on to vote for the winner, who will ultimately receive a donation consisting of 100% of the profits from the sale of PUMA Project Pink product. The nomination period will open on August 7; voting will begin on September 13. The crowd favorite will be announced and the donation made in late October.

WPS teams including the Boston Breakers, Washington Freedom, FC Gold Pride, Philadelphia Independence, and Sky Blue FC have joined with PUMA to rally behind Project Pink, designating matches in July and August to help raise awareness for the cause. The home team will be wearing the Project Pink unis and the game will use the Project Pink ball...

Project Pink info and dates: pumafootball.com
Shop Project Pink (starting 7/31): shop.puma.com
Facebook: facebook.com/puma
Twitter: #projectpink

p.s. Dunno why they didn't do pink cleats...

Puma Soles 4 Soles Event

Puma is once again supporting Soles 4 Soles, a charity that gives sneakers to folks around the world who will really use them... not keep them in a box on the shelf like some people, um, yea. =) (Guilty as charged.) So if you have any slightly worn ones that you can part with (or even unworn ones that won't bring in too many pennies on ebay), bring 'em down to a Puma store or outlet near you. You'll get 30% off at a Puma store and 15% at an outlet. Not bad! It doesn't matter what brand they are, by the way.
Now 'til July 11th.

SALE SALE SALE

This is a members only treat, so if you're not a member sign up today!!!
SHOP HERE

Going back to the archives: Puma Mostro

Since I haven't really been feeling some of the releases that have been coming out lately, I think its time for me to go back into the sneaker archives. One of my favorite pairs from back in the day is the Puma "Mostro" in all white. I used rock the hell of these in the summer of 03!




So fiends, what sneaker from the archives will you be rocking this summer?

Puma Imani Mesh

What do you all think of these? The Puma Imani Mesh is designed for Spring and Summer, the colors are rich and the kicks look light enough to pack in your carry on! Inspired by running shoes, something tells me these are more for chillllllllling....... They might look real cute with a skirt too, if you're the type to rock kicks that way!


Launched exclusively at Nordstrom locations nationwide and Nordstrom.com, the Imani retails for $75.