New Balance: a brand with a long, rich history. Known for their premium materials, quality craftsmanship, iconic silhouettes, and long-standing partnerships with legendary sneaker boutiques, the Boston-based brand founded over 110 years ago boasts a loyal following both in the U.S. and abroad. But New Balance’s story stretches far beyond just high quality in-line releases: they’ve also been part of many a legendary collaboration.
Their massive collaborative success draws from two things: the no-holds barred approach they bring towards any collaborative effort and their boutique partners. When it comes to a collaborative shoe, New Balance isn’t the type of company to call up one of their high-profile retailers, slap two logos and a “new” colorway on an in-line model and call it a day. Their collabs come equipped with a backstory and design inspiration that is meaningful to both them and their collaborative partner, and the raw authenticity (and extremely high quality) of the finished product is typically what makes it special.read more
“If Nike ain’t have Drizzy man, they wouldn’t have nothin!”
Hours before the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 2015, Kanye West released “Facts,” a now-legendary diss track with most of its venom and vitriol aimed at Nike, his former creative partner. He mentioned that they “treat employees just like slaves,” mocked them for having to give LeBron James a billion dollars not to “run away,” and most memorably stated that if Nike didn’t have partnerships with Drake and his close personal friend Donald “Don C” Crowley (of Just Don fame), they wouldn’t have any relevance in street or hip-hop culture.read more
It’s the undisputed truth: No brand in the world produces better accessories or lifestyle items than Supreme. Season after season, year after year, Supreme brings clever, funny, ironic, and (occasionally) surprisingly useful items to market, all adorned with their signature touch, and usually sporting their iconic logo and infamous red/white colorway. There’s a lot of excitement around their S/S ’18 clothing but there’s even more anticipation around the accessories, as this season presents a wide variety of great trinkets and knit-knacks, from small to gigantic.read more
The Jordan III: arguably the greatest sneaker of all time. An iconic silhouette, crafted by a masterful designer for the best basketball player to ever set foot on the hardwood, it boasts a rich history both on and off the court and still speaks to sneakerheads around the world today, 30 years after its initial release in 1988.
Yes, the Jordan III is legendary in more than one way. The first Jordan sneaker to feature the now-ubiquitous Jumpman logo was also the first to use elephant print and offer an exposed heel air bag. Even more importantly than that, the Jordan III was also the shoe that saved Michael Jordan’s relationship with Nike. After the first two models, Jordan was thinking of jumping ship from the Swoosh, but the wizardry of a young Nike designer named Tinker Hatfield reeled him back in. The Jordan III’s unique design and luxurious materials were unlike anything ever seen before in sneakers, and frankly there would be no Jordan Brand as we know it without Tinker’s touch. It’s safe to say: sneakerheads around the world owe him a debt of gratitude.read more
The New York-based brand founded by former Supreme creative director Brendon Babenzien offers everything you could ask for: a refined and consistent aesthetic inspired by the sea, music, and New York’s culture (we spot cues from Babenzien’s time Supreme and 90’s Polo in the designs as well), tasteful collaborations that are meaningful both to the people behind the brand and their core audience (The Cure, Dover Street Market), excellent quality (you can check out an extensive archive of all their fabrics here) and a great deal of transparency behind how the products are made and why the price points are what they are (Babnzien once penned an in-depth article explaining exactly why their Two-Tone Parka cost $448).read more
When you think of something that’s quintessentially New York, what comes to your mind? Taxicabs? The subway? Bagels? Dollar slices? Pigeons? The classic navy-and-white Yankees cap? There’s many things in New York that have become larger than what they physically are, and over time have come to represent the ethos and spirit of the city. What comes to mind for us when we think of New York? Air Force 1’s and Supreme.
Why? Both have a rich history with the city: the Air Force 1 has been a New York style mainstay since its inception in 1982, coming to be affectionately known as the “Uptowns” due to its popularity in the uptown neighborhoods of the city, most notably Harlem where they grew into the cultural juggernaut that they are today. Supreme was established on Lafayette Street in Soho circa 1994, and his since grown to become one of the biggest and most influential brands in the world of fashion.read more
Brendon Babenzien, the new creative director of Billionaire Boys Club’s Bee Line
Billionaire Boys Club: one of the most well-known and storied brands in streetwear history. Since the brand’s inception in 2005, it’s managed to fuse Japanese and American street culture in an authentic manner that most brands could only dream of, due to Pharrell and Nigo (of Bathing Ape fame)’s unique space-inspired aesthetics.
Pharrell and Nigo wearing BBC and holding their “Diamond and Dollars” collaborative Reebok sneaker
The brand has released several legendary designs (who could forget the classic crest logo or the Diamonds and Dollars print?) and lived many lives since then, and even though it’s significantly more available (and less expensive) than it was when it was founded, BBC still stands strong in 2017 … and is now aiming to revive a mostly forgotten sub-label, their Bee Line.read more
More than any other major industry in the world today, fashion moves in cycles. Styles and trends that are old become new once again with the passage of time, and what’s considered cool one year can be damned to languish in mall chain-store obscurity the very next year until it completely collapses in on itself, and then inexplicably storms back to the forefront of cool yet again, aided by a timely celebrity co-sign or a fierce wave of nostalgia.
It certainly is an interesting time to be following fashion. If “less is more” was a saying most abided by a few years ago when monochromatic, low-key outfits were all the rage in the streets and on the runway, “more is more” would be the perfect way to describe the popular style of the past year-plus.read more
The day I knew would come around sooner or later is finally here. I’d often thought about it, especially during the past few months, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’m still struggling with this, but you’ve gotta do what you gotta do.
Tomorrow will be the first day in almost 3 years that there won’t be a new article on KicksOneTwo at 8AM CST.
Fear not, the site’s not going anywhere. I’m just taking a break.
When I started KicksOneTwo, I did it because I love sneakers, and I love to write. Fast-forwards to now, and I still love both. A major goal of mine was to get paid for writing … and that was a goal I achieved last summer when I got a job at Piff, the best store in the whole fucking world.read more
There’s nothing quite like a Jordan DMP pack. Two great shoes in one set celebrating a dope part of Michael Jordan’s career? Yeah, they’re just as much of a winner as they sound like, and the newest DMP release continues that tradition.
It consists of a XIII and and XIV done up in a white/gold and a black/gold colorway to commemorate MJ’s last championship in 1998. Quick backstory for those of you who might not be familiar: Michael wore the XIII’s for the first five games, and then switched to the XIV’s (marking the first time they’d ever been seen by the general public) for the last two.read more
Each and every year, Nike releases their “Be True” collection to support and honor the LGBQT community in sports and beyond. It’s always bright and colorful, and usually sells out quickly.
It’s looking like it’ll be as hyped as ever this year too, as Nike has announced that the VaporMax (their best shoe out right now, fight us) will be releasing as part of the pack. It features a blue and purple Flyknit upper over a VaporMax sole that’s a shockingly beautiful 8-color pattern. We can’t say for sure, but we wouldn’t be terribly surprised if these colorful jawns were the most sought-after VaporMax since the Comme des Garçons collab.read more
Lavarr Ball and herpes have a lot in common. They’re both annoying. They both won’t ever go away (just disappear for a little while) … and they both have a bad habit of popping up when you really don’t want to see them.
We’re exaggerating a little bit. Lavarr isn’t quite as bad as herpes. Sure, we dragged him a few weeks back when it was announced that none of the major shoe companies wanted to sign Lonzo (guess they weren’t going for the $1 billion package deal with LiAngelo and LaMelo that LaVarr wanted), and then we shook our heads in disbelief when he released his own $495 shoe. That was some of the most ridiculous sports-related news of the whole year. But even so, we’ve got to give LaVarr his props. Sure, he’s annoying as all hell .. but he’s managed to keep his sons in or around the headlines for the better part of a year, and shows no signs of slowing down. That’s impressive, if nothing else.read more
There was a good amount of disappointment in the sneaker world this weekend. Sure, that’s something that’s bound to happen whenever there’s a hyped release, but the disappointment was twofold these last couple days.
Many a sneakerhead took an L on the “Arctic Orange” Just Don II’s. That’s the common part. The uncommon part? Many a sneakerhead didn’t even get the chance to try and cop. The shoes were a infant, pre-school, and grade school exclusive, so anyone with a medium to large size foot was totally out of luck. With a shoe that’s as hyped as these bad boys, you already know there was some salt involved for a sneakerhead or two.read more
Ever since the Nike SNKRS app was first made available as an exclusive, invite-only way to get kicks, the game changed. Sneakerheads all over the world thirsted for an invite, and Nike proved once again that they were ahead of the curve.
Then, the app opened up to all, and it became an easy way to purchase kicks on the go. Now, things are changing up again. Nike recently announced the newest updated to SNKRS, SNKRS Stash. Wondering what it is? It’s pretty much the Pokemon Go of sneakers.read more
When you see a sneaker collab, especially a performance footwear collab, it’s usually a very high-profile thing. A brand links up with an A-list athlete for a heavily marketed, highly technical, “revolutionary” sneaker. It’s a song and dance that we’ve all see before, and as dope as it is, it’s great to see some new things every so often. Thankfully, BrandBlack is bringing us a new thing with their latest collaboration.
They’re not collaborating with a professional athlete (even though they’ve got names like Jamal Crawford on their roster). They’re collaborating with noted shoe review group WearTesters, headed up by Chris Chase … better known to most as Nightwing 2303.read more
We’re hyped on the Pure Money IV’s. We think that they’re a great sneaker, and will be killer this summer. Even though the hype for Jordans isn’t what it once was, we still think that these will be a banger, and we were so gassed when we first heard the news that we even wrote an article about them. They drop next week, and we’re still hyped.
However, you might not want to wait for the drop. That’s understandable. When you’re looking for a fire pair, sometimes playing the waiting game isn’t something that you’re interested in doing. But paying extra for an early pair isn’t going to be something you want to do either (unless you’ve got money to blow like that). Thankfully, Stadium Goods has got you covered.read more
It’s a good time to be a Cavs fan. Your team’s doing well in the playoffs and look like they’re primed to repeat. You’ve got the best player in the game (yeah, we said it), an elite point guard, and a strong supporting cast. Your team’s on the up-and-up like usual … and their shoes are selling too.
Forbes.com recently reported that LeBron James and Kyrie Irving’s signature shoes are the #1 and #2-selling signature basketball shoes on the market, and even in a down market for signature sneakers, this is something to be proud of. LeBron’s recent price drop on his shoes (they’re no longer $200) appears to have worked in his favor, and Kyrie’s lightweight, affordable and well-designed shoes are clearly moving just as well as always.read more
Matt Powell’s been writing about sneakers for years.
He works for NPD Group, a company that analyzes trends in retail and sales (Powell handles athletic footwear), and breaks down why things happen the way they do. He just released his report on the first quarter of 2017 in footwear … and it’s interesting to say the least.
Nike had 4 of the 5 best-selling shoe models in the first quarter (the Jordan IV, the Jordan VI, the Jordan XII and the Huarache) but still saw a sales loss in the high single-digits, while adidas only had one model in the top 5 (the classic Superstar), but adidas’s sales grew close to an incredible 85%. You probably weren’t wondering about Under Armor, but in the event you were, their footwear sales declined in the double digits.read more
We’re geeking out over here at KicksOneTwo. Yes, it’s about Jordan I’s. Can you blame us? Just look at the beautiful shoes in the image above. The clean, smooth all-black colorway. The buttery looking leather. These are reminiscent of the 2001 Japan-exclusive Jordan I’s that have gained legendary status among sneaker collectors all over the globe, with the only real difference being the red “Nike Air” hit on the tongue.
We stated in yesterday’s article that I’s have either been blowing off the shelves or sitting around recently … and we’re of the opinion that these jawns will blow off the shelves before you can say “perfect fall and winter shoes”.read more
Jordan and Converse. Two brands that fall on opposite ends of the spectrum … but both started out serving the same market. Both were originally manufactured as athletic shoes, and both have branched out to become much more. Both have iconic models and loyal fanbases, and on the business side, both are owned by Nike.
One thing they have in common that you might not know about? Their association with Michael Jordan. That’s right, MJ used to wear Converse while he was at North Carolina, hitting his iconic championship-winning shot in a pair of Pro Leathers. He’s got history with more than one brand, believe it or not. Jordan even came together with Converse for a limited-edition Pro Leather in 2012 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the historic shot.read more
It’s that time of year again. A time that only comes around twice every 365 days, once in the fall and once in the spring. The 9th edition of TCSAX (Twin City Sneaker Art Xchange), Studiiyo23’s long-running sneaker exchange will be taking over the Cabooze from 12-6 PM today to bring you a sneaker and art experience like none other.
$12 will get you in the door, and will bring you all the sneakers, clothes, art, music, and more that you can handle, plus you can bring three pairs of your own kicks to buy, sell, or trade (we hear you might even be able to get beer at the Cabooze bar too). There will be plenty of great vendors, from sneakerheads with their own tables to local brands plying their wares and it’s one of the few times a year that the whole community gets together, so you’ll have a chance to both see familiar faces and meet new ones.read more
Air Max frenzy is still just as real as it was in February and March. Air Max Day is almost a month behind us already, but the hype for Nike’s most famous technology hasn’t died down one bit yet as evidenced by the hype behind the Silver Bullet 97’s and other Nike Sportswear releases.
One Air Max that’s always been somewhat of a cult favorite (especially with the roadman set) is the Air Max Plus. The slightly goofy yet somewhat futuristic design has always had a following, and has usually been released in loud and crazy or simple monochromatic colorways.read more
Yeezy SZN (and the madness that always surrounds it) is almost upon us again. Ever since the announcement of the “Cream White” 350 Boost V2, the sneaker interwebs have been going nuts … but now we’ve got an official date, so you can expect things to be ramped up to the next level.
April 29th is the official date, and as before the shoes will be priced at $220 for adult’s sizes and $140 for infant sizes. It appears as if the “Cream White” jawns will be more readily available than the last few Yeezy 350 Boost releases too, as more stores than usual will be participating in the adidas Confirmed App raffle.read more
Here in the Twin Cities, we’ve got a tight-knit sneaker/streetwear community. Everybody knows everybody, and everyone tries to help out when misfortune befalls someone in the community.
Unfortunately, misfortune struck our good friend Matt (or LMNO as many call him), the store manager at Phenom (a Minneapolis streetwear/sneaker shop) earlier this week, as he was stabbed while at work.
Anyone who knows Matt will tell you he’s a stand-up guy. He loves his kicks and gear, is always quick with a smile and a dap, and he’s someone you can always count on for a good conversation. What happened to him is terrible. He had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, and will likely be away from work for quite a while.
Matt’s Phenom family has set up a GoFundMe to help him with his expenses while he recovers (as we all know, life doesn’t stop for anything), and any amount you can spare would be a great help. Matt’s a father, brother, and good friend, and could use a hand in this situation. Hit the link here to check out Matt’s GoFundMe, and donate if you can. Trust us when we say it couldn’t be going to help out a better person.
We’re happy to help out in any way we can too, so we’ll be donating a portion of our profits from this next week to the GoFundMe as well. Get well soon Matt! Our thoughts are with you.
-KicksOneTwo
We greatly enjoy Complex’s “Sneaker Shopping” episodes. No matter if the guest is oblivious, or well-versed, the episodes always make for some great entertainment. The recent episode with Allen Iverson was fantastic (even though we all know that he didn’t pay a damn dime for those Reeboks, he’s got a lifetime contract), and the new episode with Jesse Williams of Grey’s Anatomy (lol) fame is quite interesting too.
Remember how we mentioned above that the guests on Sneaker Shopping range from uninformed to knowledgable and opinionated? Jesse definitely falls in the latter category. The man knows his stuff, and clearly has a passion for sneakers, which is a lot of fun to watch. When guests on Sneaker Shopping have opinions, it’s much more fun to listen to them even if you don’t necessarily agree with what they’re saying.read more
There’s no shame in admitting it: you took a major L when the KAWS Jordan IV’s released. It’s cool … we did too. With all the bots, trickery, fuckery, and confusion surrounding the release (just like any other hyped release), it was bound to happen.
Maybe you’ve moved on. Maybe you’re still salty. No matter how you’re feeling, we’re sure you’ll be glad to know what you can get a second crack at grabbing these beautiful shoes, and for retail (not $1,500 +) nonetheless.read more
If you grew up in the 90’s, there are certain things that were undeniably a part of your childhood. Saturday morning cartoons. Backyard Sports computer games. Having to call your homies on the house phone when you wanted to kick it. Yeah, the 90’s were a great time to be a kid, and there’s a good chance that you tromped through at least a part of them with a pair of Airwalks on your feet.
That’s right, Airwalk. The skate shoe brand that was the coolest of the cool, and then wound up in Payless Shoe Source, essentially completely folding. You never thought you’d see them again, did you? Well, they’re back.read more
There’s no shoe in the running market more ubiquitous than the Nike Free. From hardcore runners to weekend warriors to folks who just like wearing running shoes casually and don’t actually do any running (people like us), the Free is by far the most popular shoe on the market.
It’s lightweight. It’s comfy. It’s (somewhat) stylish. It’s one of Nike’s highest-grossing models year after year after year, and deserves your respect off the strength of consistency alone. And we’ve gotta say, Nike is good about updating the Free every so often to keep it fresh.read more
Collaborative Jordan I’s are always hyped up. From Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment I’s to Don C’s charity-bennifiting BHM I’s, they reach crazy high resell prices and whip the sneaker world at large into a frenzy. Understandable. The I is a terrific shoe (as you probably already know, it’s our personal favorite), and when it’s touched by a designer outside of Nike/Jordan the results are usually somewhat spectacular.
Earlier this week, images leaked of a sample pair of OFF-WHITE Jordan I’s that look to be an interesting take on a Chicago colorway. They feature a strange and unique deconstructed look with the Swoosh held to the shoe with blue thread, and raw edges around the ankle collar, and as expected with anything OFF-WHITE, they’ve got large, bold text both on the inside panel and on the outside midsole.read more
When it comes to any business, companies are always trying to out-innovate one another. Whoever can push out the latest, greatest, and most tech-filled products will capture the attention (and the pocket money) of the general public.
This is no different in sneakers. The two biggest athletic footwear companies in the world, Nike and adidas are engaged in a constant battle to see who can innovate more and bring the most futuristic technology to the general public, and adidas has struck a big blow in that battle with the recent announcement of their Futurecraft 4D sneaker.read more
There’s a good chance you’re a fan of the adidas NMD. Since their initial release back in 2015, the NMD has become the go-to shoe for many a sneakerhead owing to its lightweight comfort and versatility (the hype around adidas helped too). It’s available in a multitude of colors and styles, and there’s an NMD out there for just about anyone.
The rough thing about the NMD though is it can sometimes be hard to cop. Due to its popularity, it tends to sell out fast, so if you’re not on top of things, you won’t be getting your pair. You’re in luck today though: adidas will be restocking 19 (that’s right, 19) colorways of their most popular shoe in men’s and women’s sizes.read more
Spring is here … and the gawd Ronnie Fieg is back. He’s been quiet on the sneaker front since he blessed us with the adidas City Sock 2 a few weeks back, but gawds only stay quiet for so long, and Ronnie has spoken loudly with his latest collab, this new Asics Gel Diablo.
There’s a good chance that you have never heard of the Gel Diablo before, but that’s what Ronald does: he pulls old models out of the Asics vault and breathes new life into them. He’ll take a shoe that you’ve never heard of before, and make it relevant for the current day and age.read more
It’s been a decade since we discovered a new love. A new love for a dope Jordan I Mid (never thought you’d hear “dope” and “Jordan I Mid” in the same sentence, did you? that released way back in 2007 as part of the “Old Love, New Love” pack.
Yes, the “New Love” I mids are getting a retro, and we couldn’t be more hyped. The re-release isn’t 100% true to the original (of course), as it doesn’t feature the transparent plastic Wings logo on the ankle color, just a regular embossed one, and it doesn’t come laced up with the yellow strings … but at least that’s an easy fix.read more
Reigning Champ: purveyors of the finest sportswear and fleece you’ll find anywhere. Simple, high-quality, garments are their specialty, and they do it better than anyone (their classic hoodies and sweatpants are a game-changer).
adidas: the brand that’s on top of the sneaker world right now. Boost is as big and bad as ever, and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. A brand that’s pushing the envelope with their designs, innovation, and collaborations.
And collaborations are what’s being discussed today. The long-awaited adidas and Reigning Champ collab was announced earlier this week. It consists of an Ultra Boost and an Alpha Bounce, both done up in simple, clean colorways with premium details.read more
The Flyknit Racer: a legendary sneaker in Nike’s catalog. A shoe that pushed the boundaries of innovation when it was released, and a shoe that still holds a strong place in the culture today.
Within the last week, we’ve seen a few shoes that are clearly Flyknit Racer-inspired pop up, like the casual Dualtone Racers (which we didn’t care for very much) and these new Flyknit “Mariah” racers.
Keep in mind that these bad boys are just a sample (there’s been no official release, price date, or even final model just yet), but there’s a good chance that they’re the follow-up to the OG’s. They offer a similar midsole, a very similar woven upper, and just enough tweaks from the original (a plastic heel cage and a sock-like upper reminiscent of an uncaged Ultra Boost) that it would be logical to assume they’re the follow-up to the classics.read more
We’ve been talking about the Jordan I “Royal” release for a long while now. We’re hyped for the release, as we’re sure you are too. The thirst for these is going to be very real.
However, there’s a much more serious thirst than a thirst for shoes going on in our world, and that’s in Flint, MI, where clean water is still not available. It’s pretty awful … so thankfully one sneaker shop is doing what they can to help out with the Flint water crisis.read more
Newsflash: you can’t escape the madness of Yeezy SZN.
Sure, you may be able to catch a respite every so often in between releases, but you know in the back of your head that no matter what, Yeezy SZN is always approaching, and you’ll have to steel yourself for the hype, the thirst, and the endless L’s that you’ll take (it happens to the best of us).
It’s been blissfully quiet since the release of the Zebras, but Yeezy madness will be kicking up again, soon, as it was announced yesterday that the “Triple White” 350 Boost V2’s will be dropping April 29th.read more
The Ultra Boost has done what few other shoes manage to do: stay relevant in a market that’s changing and evolving by the day. Many new models will come out, get hot and be extremely popular for a short while … and then just fade into the ether, never to return to their previous levels of hype.
That didn’t happen to the Ultra Boost though. We’re on the third version (can you believe it?), and it’s still just as popular as ever. adidas has managed to keep it hot … and it’ll only get hotter with the recent announcement of its addition to adidas’s customization system, miadidas.read more
As adults who wear full-size sneakers, we get lucky a lot. We have a plethora of sneaker options … and it’s every rare that we can’t find a style or color that we want. However, that’s not always the case for the kids.
Shoes that are released in full adult sizes don’t always see a grade school size release. The kids (or adults with smaller feet, shouts to everyone who can fit grade school sizes) sometimes have to take an L because the shoe they want simply isn’t available in their size. It’s a rough world out there.read more
There’s been a wave of 80’s-90’s nostalgia taking over the sneaker and streetwear community. What’s old is new again … and anything that looks vintage is hot.
One thing that’s enjoyed a revival is the WWE. Wrestling is more popular than it’s been in a long time , and it appears that the WWE is ready to cash in on the footwear market.
We’d assume that you missed out on the recent release of the OG Air Max 1’s. It’s cool. We did too. We’re not really even that mad … they’re a very classic shoe, and it’s cool to see that the demand for them is still high.
We’d also assume that you probably missed out on the Air Max 90 Hyperfuse USA pack back in 2013. That’s also OK. We missed those too. We snoozed on them for a while (just like most sneakerheads), and then Kanye wore them and they were gone before we could even turn our heads. Hype happens sometimes, and there’s nothing that you can do about it.read more
We’ll say it for what seems like the 100th time in the past 6 months: adidas is gassed right now. They took the Kanye West wave, used it to establish their cool factor, and spun off a bunch of other great products, and in doing so solidified their place at the top of the sneaker game. Nobody can touch them right now when it comes to innovation and cool factor.
However, there were still some naysayers. Some who said that cool factor doesn’t equate to sales and market value in the major way that it needs to in order to affect a company’s bottom line.read more
Here at KicksOneTwo, we stick to our promises. We promised we’d bring you important updates on the Kaws x Jordan IV, as we’re extremely excited for their release (how could anyone not be??). As the release date (still not specified yet, but we’ve got a hunch it’ll be coming soon with all the info that’s leaking) draws closer, more and more influencers are showing off the shoe … and earlier this week, the infamous Don C posted the first image of the box.
The lid features Kaws’ iconic XX graphic, and also is covered in a light tonal companion hands print. If that wasn’t enough, the Don also blessed us with an on-foot pic of the upcoming shoe.read more
There’s nothing in the sneaker game quite like a DMP pack.
Two Jordans, the numbers of which add up to 23, full of meaning, great details, and excellent packaging. DMP packs were arguably the high point of sneakers when they initially released, and Jordan wisely shelved them for a few years, enabling them to maintain their iconic status.
But it’s that time again. The DMP pack is back in a big way, and sneakerheads around the world are rejoicing. There’s a few differences this go-around, but thankfully in this case, change is a good thing.read more
Coogi and Puma. Two brands that have a great history and have established their place in street culture history, Coogi for their loud and colorful sweaters, and Puma for their classic footwear silhouettes.
Since both brands have such a strong heritage, it seems only right that they came together for a collab on one of Puma’s most iconic models, the classic Clyde.
The collection consists of two different Clyde colorways, and co-branded apparel, set to drop sometime later this summer. The first sneaker to release will be the all-over print Clyde pictured at the top of the article … and it’s extremely unique.read more
You might have someone who gets you kicks, and can help you cook on limited releases, but we’re sure of one thing: you don’t have the plug like the man, the myth, the legend, the Nature Boy himself Mr. Ric Flair does.
The above photo was posted by Ric himself on Twitter yesterday, after he supposedly received all the 350’s from Kanye and adidas themselves. We’d like to mention that nobody knows for sure if Kanye himself actually had anything to do with Ric receiving the shoes … but for the sake of a great story, we’d like to think that he did.read more
Our home-grown hip-hop festival has become one of the biggest and best in the world in its first decade of existence, and for their 10-year anniversary they may very well have pulled together their best lineup yet. From major names to underground legends, from some of the best artists of our generation to newcomers, there’s truly something for everyone this year, and we think it just may be safe to say that this is the very best Soundset lineup yet.
Let’s start with the headliner, Travis Scott. Travis is more popular now than he’s ever been, with the recent release of his first #1 album, Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight. He’s a true A-list hip hop superstar and a great choice to headline the festival.read more
We love Vans, especially the classic Sk8-Hi. We love Supreme (and have for years, don’t get it twisted). We really love leopard print. It’s nothing if not a head-turner.
Because we love all that, you’re probably already came to the conclusion that we love the new Supreme Vans … and you’re 100% correct.
Announced yesterday, this season’s Vans collab arrives on the not-often-used Sk8 Mid (we wish they were Sk8-Hi’s, but beggars can’t be choosers), and comes in yellow, blue, black, and pink.read more
Pharrell’s Human Race NMD’s were without a doubt one of the best shoes of 2016. In typical Skateboard P fashion, they were unique, colorful, and turned heads wherever you went. They were very desirable … and very valuable, as most pairs still easily go for $500.
Now it’s 2017, and Pharrell’s back for another go-around with the Human Race, as evidenced by these leaked images courtesy of someone who refers to themselves as “spicy chicken wings”. Great name, right? Well, at least as long as they’re bone-in. The KicksOneTwo squad doesn’t really rock with boneless wings, unless we’re at Buffalo Wild Wings or a similar establishment where you really can’t taste the difference.read more
The madness will descend upon us again this Friday, February 25th.
Feelings will be hurt. Credit cards will be loaded up with pending charges. Complaints about a complete and total lack of luck will be made. The resell market will be booming.
Yup, it’s Yeezy release day again … and this weekend’s release is the best Yeezy V2 yet for our money. It’s clean. It has just enough flair. It’s mostly white, something we haven’t seen on a 350 just yet. It’s perfect for summer, and it’s nicknamed the “zebra”.read more
We’re assuming you’ve seen The Godfather before. If you haven’t, we’d recommend you close your computer or turn off your phone, and go watch it right now. If you don’t have the time (it is a pretty long movie after all), here’s a quick synopsis of the beginning: the Don can’t refuse any favor he’s asked for on his daughter’s wedding day, but anyone who asks him for a favor may need to repay it some day in the future.
The old-school Italian mafia isn’t really a huge thing anymore in 2017, but there is a Don who’s doing favors this weekend: Just Don’s own Don C.read more
We’d like to start today’s article off by apologizing for the blurry lead image. We wouldn’t usually post an image with quality that poor, but this is a special circumstance. This is Kanye West’s new Calabasas Runner, unveiled at his Yeezy Season 5 fashion show yesterday, and it’s currently the talk of the sneaker world.
A quick background on the sneaker for those of you who might not be familiar: the Calabasas Runner was originally unveiled (unofficially) back in January 2016 when Kanye was spotted wearing a pair in a white/teal/orange/black colorway while leaving his office in … Calabasas. An all-black colorway and a white/teal pair were revealed in the fashion show yesterday, and images of a white/gum colorway (that wasn’t included in the show) have been making the rounds on the Internet as well.read more
When it comes to sneaker collabs, you could make a strong argument that nobody in the game has a higher batting average than Fragment.
Year after year, Hiroshi Fujiwara’s design imprint comes together with Nike (sometimes regularly, sometimes as part of HTM) and Converse for clean, well-thought out shoes that stand the test of time … and they’ve certainly done just that with their new collaborative Converse Chuck 70, inspired by tuxedos (hence our self-given “Chuxedo” nickname).read more
Today marks the day that I publish my thousandth personal post on KicksOneTwo (and also post a rare picture of myself). That’s almost three years of a brand-new article every single day at 8AM, be it an opinion piece, a list or an event recap.
KicksOneTwo has done a lot for me. When I conceptualized it while sitting at a desk at my shitty office job in December of 2013, it was just something I wanted to do for fun because I enjoyed writing about the culture I love. I never thought that it would open new doors, introduce me to great new friends, teach me so much about dedication and hard work (do you really think that over the course of writing an article for a thousand days straight, I never once had a day when I didn’t want to write at all?), and least of all, land me a paid writing gig at the very best shop in Minneapolis (shouts to PIFF, my favorite place in the whole world).read more
J Balvin: a name you might not have heard unless you’re a fan of reggaeton music, but a name that holds a lot of weight. He’s released a lot of hit records, made a lot of money, and copped a lot of fly kicks … something he does in spades in Complex’s latest installment of their famous “Sneaker Shopping” series.
He discusses everything from his Columbian upbringing to his friendship with Pharrell (of course he cops a pair of Human Race NMD’s), and states that he gets his Yeezys before even Kanye does thanks to his grade-A sneaker plug.read more
The adidas Superstar. One of the most classic athletic sneakers ever made. A favorite of multiple generations, cultures, and unique individuals. A shoe that has staying power that other kicks only dream of (do sneakers dream? If so we’d assume it’s about staying power. Or maybe being cleaned. Apologies, we digress). A sneaker that just received a super-ill, futuristic update.
Unlike the also-released Superstar Boost that keeps most of its original shape and detailing, the Superstar Bounce Primeknit offers a sleek, futuristic look made possible by an all-Primeknit upper (except for the classic rubber toe cap of course), and a Bounce midsole for upgraded comfort and support.read more
Here at KicksOneTwo, we’ll always show love to our homies that are doing something dope, especially when it’s sneaker or sneaker culture related. We love to see people create, push themselves, and take their hobby or passion and turn it into something awesome. And recently, nobody’s been killing it more than our homie Brady, a young Twin Cities sneakerhead.
He’s got a YouTube channel called Tomo Talk, in which he discusses his sneaker and clothing pickups, vlogs on his trips to Chicago, tells stories, and shares his thoughts and opinions on happenings in the sneaker game. He’s got an impressive sneaker collection for someone his age, and a passion for the game as a whole.read more
We’ve enjoyed a nice little break through January, but Yeezy madness will be striking us again in a little under two weeks.
The next Yeezy 350 Boost V2 drops on the 11th of February, and the first official images just hit the Internet yesterday. We’ve all already seen the shoe at this point, but getting some more in depth and detailed shots is never a bad thing. We’re a firm believer that you can’t pass a judgement on a shoe until you’ve seen it from every angle, and now with these images, our judgement has been passed.read more
If you’re in Kanye West’s inner circle, you’re winning on some front. Virgil Abloh has got Off-White. IBN Jasper went from cutting Ye’s hair to collabing with major brands and growing a large social media influence. And Don C, one of Ye’s oldest friends and the creator of Just Don, a luxury hat and accessory brand is about to release his third collaborative Jordan II.
Don C’s footwear collaborations focus on quality and luxury, with a soft quilted leather upper, premium detailing and packaging, and a high-fashion inspired look, which is only right seeing as the model he focuses on was originally made in Italy, the home of the finest leather goods in the world.read more
When you’re discussing legendary East Coast sneaker resell shops, a name that’s gotta be at the top of your list is Stadium Goods. They’ve got some of the rarest sneakers and apparel you’ll ever lay your eyes on, and even though some would say their prices are a touch on the high side, they’ve established quite a name for themselves over their years in business … and now they’re using that name and reputation to help give back.
They’re hosting a shoe drive and encouraging their customers to “show love the Stadium Goods way” by donating their new and lightly worn shoes so they can deliver them to families in need. As sneakerheads, we all know that we’ll have pairs sitting in our closet that we really don’t need and won’t wear … and a drive like this gives us the opportunity to give back.read more
Here at KicksOneTwo, we always rock with dope new Minneapolis music, and SPVCE diffusion group TVKERS, composed of SPVCE members GoodKarmaNiles and RP Hooks have released one of our favorite songs of 2017 thus far, “Ghost & Gordan”, produced by Savage Randy, RP Hooks’s alter producer ego.
The song is brooding, sinister, and somewhat menacing. The “don’t make me shoot, I’m just here for the loot” and “open the safe and we cool” refrains in the chorus let you know what time it is, and bridge the vicious verses from GoodKarmaNiles and RP Hooks perfectly. The spaced-out beat from Savage Randy is a welcome change from all the bass-heavy Soundcloud rap that seems to be the flavor of the month nowadays too. An official video for the song shot by SPVCE’s own Mixie will be dropping soon, and a snippet was recently premiered on Twitter.read more
RSVP Gallery and Anti Social Social Club: two entities with great success and vastly different aesthetics. RSVP Gallery is one of the best-known retailers in the fashion world, stocking everything from Off-White to Bape to Stone Island. Anti Social Social Club is a brand greatly loved by the Internet, and known for their clever graphics and themes of social awkwardness and paranoia.
They’re not two brands you’d think would come together for a collab, but they have, and it’s interesting to say the least. Inspired by the Mercedes G-Wagon, they dropped an intro video last week, which you can check out below.read more
2003. The stage was set for a new era in the NBA. LeBron James, fresh out of St. Vincent-St. Mary Highschool in Akron, OH had been selected with the first pick in the draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he made his presence felt on the court from his first day in the league with his jaw-dropping athleticism and uncanny court vision.
Nike knew a star when they saw one, and they inked LeBron to a large deal before his rookie season … then blessed him with his first ever signature shoe, the Air Zoom Generation. A classic mid-00’s Nike Basketball release, it came in 4 colors, and sold quickly across the nation, setting the stage for LeBron’s later releases.read more
Adidas Consortium. The branch of Adidas that engages in collaborative efforts with the best shops in the world, from Kith to Slam Jam to Nice Kicks. They’ve worked on some of the most limited and very best releases from the Three Stripes in the last few years, and their efforts in 2016 lived up to the high standards that they’ve set for themselves in the past.
Maybe you were lucky, and were able to get your hands on a few of these jawns. Maybe you were like most of the general populace, and didn’t even come close. No matter what category you fall into, there’s a good chance you appreciated and wanted to cop at least one or two of these pairs.read more
It’s been a while. Since September, to be exact. Welcome back to Sunday Sneaker Ramblings, where we briefly share our thoughts on everything that went on in our culture this past week, from rumors to releases to drama and more. Let’s get right to it.
First off: Pure Money is back. It was announced on Friday that the Pure Money IV’s would be re-releasing in May, just in time for the summer months. These are one of the cleanest Jordan IV’s ever … and are absolutely perfect for warm weather, so you already know we’re excited.read more
There’s no lookbook or official release date for S/S 17′ yet … but Supreme is still in the news, thanks to yesterday’s official images of the Supreme Uptempo (or Suptempo) hitting the Net. They’re clean. They’re wearable. They’re uniquely Supreme, and like usual they’ve got the internet goin’ nuts (word to Paul Wall).
The Uptempo’s signature “Air” branding on the midfoot is replaced with “Sup” on the left shoe and “Eme” on the right shoe, with an “R” adorning the heel on both pairs. This black-on-black colorway is the only pair that we’ve seen thus far, but if we had to guess we’d guess that there’s going to be a quintet of colors: black, red, blue, and one other unrelated color (camo possibly?) That’s a guess, but just know you heard it here first if it happens.read more
G.O.O.D. Music: a stylish, musically-talented group of individuals. Several of the biggest rappers in the game reside on the G.O.O.D. Music roster … and a good amount (no pun intended) of them had shoe deals with Adidas. One team, one dream, one shoe company. Until now.
Detroit’s finest, Big Sean has left Adidas to sign with Puma, on the heels of Puma signing The Weeknd. It appears as if Puma is gearing up for a big, celebrity-endorsed, star-powered 2017, and Big Sean is a great addition to their roster.read more
We’re not even two weeks into 2017 … and it’s already a crazy year for release announcements.
Following yesterday’s leak of what appeared to be a Kaws x Jordan IV (which was later confirmed by Kaws himself on his Instagram), it’s now been announced by reliable sources that Nike and Supreme will be collaborating on an Air Uptempo for the S/S 2017 line.
There’s not a ton of solid info on what colorways the shoes will release in, exactly when they drop, or what little details Supreme will slap on them, but one thing that has been confirmed is that the Uptempo’s iconic “Air” branding on the side will be replaced with Supreme’s “Sup” logo.read more
Kaws. A street art legend. A man who started out painting trains and adding his special touch to billboards and ads in and around New York City, and now has works (including giant sculptures) displayed in museums around the world. A man who’s tremendously important to street culture as a whole, and has collaborated with everyone from Supreme to Bape as well as had his own brand, Original Fake. Yeah, he’s a big deal.
And he just might be collaborating with Jordan Brand. Images of what appears to be a Kaws-branded Jordan IV sole hit the Internet yesterday, and needless to say, the sneaker world is rife with speculation. Is this a sample, or will it be released? What’s the colorway like? How many pairs will be available?read more
Sneaker companies spend a ton of money on advertising and marketing. They hire agencies who profess themselves as the best and brightest marketers in the world to create content that appeals to their target audiences. It’s big business, and has spawned some memorable marketing, from Mars Blackmon telling Mike that it’s “gotta be the shoes” to And 1’s KG and Styles P commercial to Nike’s “Freestyle” dribbling commercial.
Well there’s a great new sneaker commercial … and the craziest thing about it is that it’s not even an official company-sponsored endeavor. Eugen Merher of Germany, a film student, created an unofficial Adidas ad for a school project called “Break Free”, in which an aging runner stuck in a dull retirement home begins running again after finding his old pair of Adidas running shoes.read more
FRAGMENT I’S HAVE BEEN SPOTTED IN A MINNESOTA MARSHALLS.
Yes, you read the headline right. The Fragment Jordan I’s that have been popping up for a mind-bogglingly low price of $59.99 at Marshalls have came to the North, as a few pairs were spotted at the Mall Of America yesterday.
The sneakerhead (who’s name will remain anonymous to protect his privacy) who found them walked into the store Thursday morning, and happened upon three pairs chilling on the shelves, for the low price of $59.99. Needless to say, he immediately purchased all three and had them flipped a few hours later, as they weren’t his size.read more
From their early days, Air Jordans have always taken a lot of inspiration from fighter planes. From the P51 Mustang inspiration on the V’s to the stealth jet-esque look on the XV’s, the rulers of the sky have always held weight when it comes to the thought process behind Jordan designs.
It should come as no surprise then that the three-shoe “Take Flight” pack releasing in early 2017 is heavily inspired by flight and flying as well. The black IV’s and their stealth-jet inspired design lead off the pack, while the V’s and the VIII’s (with am upper incorporating neoprene for the first time ever) are inspired by old-school olive bomber jackets worn by pilots.read more
Pardon us for the terrible Aubrey Graham reference … but we’re gassed on all the Jordan VI’s that are releasing in 2017. It seems that Jordan Brand picks a shoe to focus on every year, and as the VI is one of our favorite models, we couldn’t be more stoked that it’s their pick for 2017.
The releases will be coming in fast and furious starting in January, and both men’s and grade school sizes will receive an abundance of new heat. New colorways of Jordans have been sub-par recently, so it’s good to see Jordan Brand getting back on track with the schemes and designs.read more
The NBA lost a great personality on Thursday. A man who loved the game of basketball. A man who was ready to interview at any given moment. A man who was as known for his loud and crazy outfits (that he somehow managed to make work time and time again) just as much as he was known for his interviews.
Craig Sager, the legendary NBA On TNT sideline reporter passed away at the age of 65 due to complications from his battle with cancer.
The outpouring of love and support from the NBA family was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Sager left a great impact on the players as well as his NBA On TNT co-workers, and was as much a part of the game as anyone else.read more
You can’t not love Matthew Dellavadova. He’s a grinder. He’s a hard worker. He doesn’t quit. He’s a guy who gets by more on sheer will and hard work than athleticism. He can shoot pretty well too. He stepped up in the 2015 NBA Finals when Kyrie Irving went down with an injury and helped a battered Cavs team take two from the Warriors by playing tough defense and hitting threes. He signed a 4-year, $38 million dollar deal with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, an extremely impressive achievement for any NBA player … especially one who wasn’t drafted.read more
We’re huge Carrots By Anwar Carrots fans here at KicksOneTwo. Anwar’s brand has developed an unmistakable signature aesthetic (with a whole lot of orange), has been rocked by everyone from Lil Yachty to Madeintyo, has collabbed with everyone from Alt Med to Rare Panther, and is truly on the come-up.
However, their most recent power move might just be their biggest yet. Anwar and Brooks have come together for a collaborative Beast (one of Brooks’s most iconic running shoes) done up in an orange, navy, and white colorway. It’s classic retro runner style meets modern streetwear … and it looks absolutely great. Anwar’s done it again.read more
You read the title right. The Question is back … and it’s not just another overdone new colorway. It’s back in its first and very best color. The color Allen Iverson wore during his Rookie Of The Year season in 1996. The color he took the NBA by storm in. The color he wore while crossing over Michael Jordan, in arguably the most famous moment of his career. It’s a must-cop for any AI fan.
The shoe has aged quite well. It brings back classic mid-90’s nostalgia but still looks fresh enough for the streets or sturdy enough for the courts in 2016, 20 years after the original release (can you believe it’s already been that long? We can’t).read more
Vans and Opening Ceremony. Two powerhouses. Two brands that do what they want, even if some people don’t rock with it (remember when Nick Young said Opening Ceremony should be called Closing Ceremony?). Two brands that just came together for a fire collab. Two brands that just came together for a “Mono” pack, consisting of Old Skools, Sk8-Hi’s and Prison Issues.
All the shoes in the pack are clean, wearable, and dressed in high-quality monochromatic leather. Even though they were born as skate shoes, Vans have always managed to look very high fashion-esque when dripped in premium materials. You can’t tell us that these don’t look like a high-end shoe!read more
Our good friend, designer Chris Bailey has released another capsule collection of Gucci Mane-inspired merchandise to follow up his first two Gucci pop-ups/capsule collections.
This third effort is very holiday-themed and features the East Atlanta Santa himself surrounded by “presents” to help you ring in the holiday season in a festive spirit. The design is inspired by Bape’s Baby Milo characters, and lends itself well to Gucci’s flashy appearance.read more
Black Friday: A day of steals, deals, and sales. A day where any and every jawnz lover hits the streets (or the internet) in pursuit of some new fire.
It’s safe to say that Piff had a crazy Black Friday sale this year. Everything from OG Jordans to Nike SB’s to Lebrons to Supreme and Bape were available for deeply discounted prices, and anyone who was at the store will vouch for the fact that it was absolute chaos all day long.
Miss out? Had to work? Didn’t feel like shopping? No worries. You’re still in luck … because the sale continues all through the weekend.read more
Adidas. The NMD. Bape. Yeah, that’s a whole lot of hype. The most hyped shoe brand, the most hyped model, and arguably the most hyped brand of the whole year. A trio enough to make any hypebeast get a thin film of sweat above their upper lip. Yeah, everyone wants them, and the matching jacket too.
They’re going to be a hard cop … and recent news indicates they might be even harder to cop than you originally thought, no matter how fast your bot may be, how slick your copy/paste game is, or how much good karma you have on your side on release day.read more
Concepts makes a strong case for the “best sneaker retailer in the U.S.” crown. Deon Point and the rest of the team changed the game with their vision, unique style, and product presentation (nobody comes up with better … well … concepts for releases than they do).
Starting off with a retail location in Boston, and then expanding into a highly successful New York shop as well, Concepts is certainly on the up-and-up, but they’ll be making their biggest power move yet, as their brand-new store in Dubai will be opening this week.read more
The Hundreds and Death Row Records are two brands that have a powerful name and a lot of history. They each have an ardent following and a great backstory, so it makes a lot of sense that they’d come together for a collab to celebrate Death Row’s 25th anniversary.
Yes, that’s right. It’s been 25 years since Death Row was founded and gave us acts such as Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. The legendary record label hasn’t had any real clout in quite a while, but the name is still as strong as ever, and their logos still bring hip-hop heads back to another time.read more
If you had to pick one sneaker to put in the history books that best represented 2016, it would have to be the Adidas NMD. The lightweight, casual, comfy sneaker ran the game in a way that sneaker companies can only dream of. Everyone from the fashion-forwards set to the high school kids loved it, and it shows no signs of losing steam. Adidas could sit pat on it (just like Nike did with the Roshe), and it would continue to sell.
But they’re not doing that. They’re innovating, like they’ve been doing so well the past few years. The NMD R2 was officially unveiled this week, and it expands on what was so great about the first model. Gone are the plugs on the midsole. In is heel padding, a tighter ankle, and woven-in laces. Yeah, we’re bout it.read more
You might not want to spend any extra money this weekend.
Sure, we imagine you’ll go out and grab a beer or two. You might even cop yourself a pair of kicks. We feel it. We’ve been known to do the same. But don’t do anything like pick up a few rounds or have an excessively expensive dinner … you might want that money for what’s going down next Tuesday.
There’s gonna be a restock on Foot Locker’s website, and it’s gonna be a good one. Two of the most hyped Jordan I’s of the year, the Black Toes and the Reverse Shattered Backboards will be dropping. Miss out on em’ the first time around? Here’s your second chance. Need a second pair? You’re in luck. If you like I’s, this is like Saturday coming on a Tuesday for you. You’ve got a choice between two great shoes, and who knows? Maybe you can find a way to really cook and get both.read more
We’re ready to turn the page on 2016. It’s been a weird year, and got even weirder with the results of the election earlier this week. Thankfully 2017 appears to be off to a good start … in terms of sneakers at least.
Adidas recently announced that we’d be getting blessed with 5 new colors of the Ultra Boost in 2017 … and there’s something for everyone. From light, tonal colorways to loud, colorful jawns … there’s a plethora of options avalible. No matter how particular your tastes are, you’re bound to find something that you like among these 5.read more
We’re taking a break from sneakers today to bring you an important message. Fear not, sneaker-related content will be coming back your way very shortly. We’re just letting you know (for your own good) that you need to get out and vote.
We know, we know. This isn’t the best election on the books. There’s a good chance you don’t support either candidate. Believe us, we feel your pain. You still should hit the polls, either to cast a preventive vote (the lesser of two evils) or vote for a third party candidate who aligns with your beliefs.read more
The classic saying “all good things come to an end” isn’t quite as true these days. Sure, it still holds a lot of weight, but in the case of Kobe Bean Bryant’s signature Nike Basketball line, it’s meaningless.
Everyone knows Kobe is retired. How could you not? You know he went out with a bang in his final game, scoring 60 points with the same killer instinct he always had. But what you might not know is Nike won’t let his signature shoe line die, as a new model, the Kobe AD will be releasing on November 22nd.read more
Supreme is no stranger when it comes to voicing their political opinions.
Even though those opinions are usually on the anti-government, anti-establishment (that’s why we love them!) end of the spectrum, they have been known to share their opinion on a particular candidate, like they did in 2006 with their famous “Fuck Bush” box logo stickers.
Anyone who watches the NBA (we’re assuming this is at least 95% of KicksOneTwo readers) knows Craig Sager. The sideline reporter who’s known for his crazy mis-matched outfits. The much-loved personality who announced this previous spring that his leukemia was no longer in remission and that his doctors gave him 3-6 months to live (which he’s thankfully beat).
Many teams around the NBA, from the Celtics to the Warriors paid tribute to him on opening night yesterday, and Bleacher Report has linked up with NikeID to do the same. They came together to create 100 pairs of Air Force I’s (and two matching t-shirts) with crazy, mis-matched patterns and colors inspired by Sager’s colorful suits, with part of the proceeds going to the SagerStrong foundation, which donates all their proceeds towards cancer research and education.read more
Nobody in music is able to whip the Internet into a bigger frenzy than Drake, and he’s gone and done it again with his recent diss of Kid Cudi.
In case you weren’t up-to-date on the story, here’s the Cliff’s Notes version. Kid Cudi went on a Twitter tirade a few weeks back, with what many believed to be a jab at Drake included:
Everyone thinks they're soooo great. Talkin top 5 and be having 30 people write songs for them
We’re big A$AP Rocky supporters here at KicksOneTwo. We love his music and sense of style, so we were hyped when we heard he’d be putting out a short film through his AWGE collective in preparation for the release of “Cozy Tapes, Vol. 1”, a commemorative mixtape that was originally initiated by A$AP Yams (R.I.P.)
Well, the film is here, and it’s a must-see. Entitled “Money Man”, it tells the tale of Rina, a youth trapped in a dark world rife with all kinds of negative energies. Rocky takes a large role in the film (obviously), and it also features A$AP Nast, A$AP Bari and Skepta. There’s also a cameo from Said Taghmaoui, who starred in “La Haine”, a 1995 film that “Money Man” draws most of its inspiration from.read more
Here at KicksOneTwo, we’re fairly openly critical of Jerry Lorenzo’s brand, Fear Of God. We think that Lorenzo receives far more credit than he deserves as a designer, and that Fear Of God isn’t the ground-breaking brand the hype machine (and Justin Bieber) would have you believe it is.
That’s a story for another article though. Today we’re here to sing Lorenzo’s praises … not for his designs, but for his heart. He recently stopped by LA’s Skid Row to hand out shoes and clothes to the homeless who couldn’t afford them. Here’s the video below if you’d like to see for yourself.read more
Here at KicksOneTwo, we’re fiercely loyal to the shoes we like. If some new heat releases, we’re always with it … but the classics always have a special place in our hearts.
So when two of our favorite classic shoes release in tonal colorways perfect for the fall, you already know we’re behind it 100%. Vans has just released 6 killer tonal kicks, 3 brand-new Sk8 Hi Lites, and 3 brand new Old Skool Lites.
This is really the double whammy for us. The Sk8-Hi and the Old Skool are our two favorite Vans shoes by a long shot, and all 6 colorways are great. The Sk8-Hi Lites come in black, a medium royal blue, and burgundy, while the Old Skool comes in a dark navy, a washed brown, and a blue-grey. All are constructed of a premium nubuck, and all are inherently wearable.read more
We’re all sneakerheads. We’ve all got a damn good amount of shoes. This is what we do after all, right? We collect.
However, sometimes in our search for the ever-elusive pair to add onto the 20+ pairs we already have, we can forget that there are those who are less fortunate than us. Those who’d be happy to have one good pair of shoes. Those who buy shoes because they need them, not because they want them.
Thankfully, Foot Locker doesn’t forget those kids. This year marks the 28th straight year they’ve linked up with Fred Jordan Missions in Los Angeles to give away 4,000 pairs of kicks to needy kids. They gave those kids the shot to step out feeling like a million bucks in a new pair of kicks … which we all know is a feeling everyone should be able to have.read more
We’ve officially made it back to the future. The power-lacing Nike Mag is finally upon us.
That’s right, the shoe that originally captured hearts and minds in 1989 is back again (it released in 2011 as well) … but this time it even comes with the infamous power-lacing system that the film made so popular.
And we’ve got to say: this is a release that’s being done right.
When the Mags release, the proceeds are donated to the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson’s research. The beloved actor (and Back To The Future star) suffers from the disease, and is at the forefront of fighting it with his foundation. Nike graciously gives the Mag money to the foundation to help. That’s awesome.read more
We’ve been writing about collabs a whole lot here at KicksOneTwo recently. Can you really blame us? The sneaker game has been getting blessed with a bunch of great ones recently, from the official Adidas x Bape announcement, to Kith x Captain Crunch. However, the collab we’re discussing today is special in its own way, and as 90’s babies we’d be remiss to not talk about it.
Toy Story x Vans. Classic Vans silhouettes, from the Sk-8 Hi to the Old Skool to the Authentic. There’s a lot of variety in this pack, and with all that variety comes a lot of memories.read more
Ronnie Fieg: a man of many tastes. A man who loves running shoes. A man who loves athletic-inspired streetwear. A man who loves cereal.
Yes, cereal. The breakfast food that we all know and love. Fruity Pebbles. Froot Loops. Count Chocula. Cap’n Crunch. The man loves cereal so much, he even opened a revolutionary cereal treat bar inside his own Kith store, entitled Kith Treats.
However, he’s just taken it to the next level, and possibly pulled off the biggest flex of 2016. He’s leveraged Kith’s name and marketing muscle … and somehow managed to secure a collaboration with one of the biggest names in cereal … Cap’n Crunch.read more
The day every hypebeast, fashionista, sneakerhead, Kanye fan, reseller, and wanna-be cool guy has been waiting for. Yes, it’s release day for the Yeezy Boost 350 V2.
There’s a good chance you didn’t cook on any in-store raffles (and if you did, good for you! Your luck must really be great). However, you’ve got one more chance before you either give up or drain your savings account to pay resell: there are a few online releases today, and we’ve listed them right belowread more
Over the past several months, the Jordan OVO XII’s have been a hot topic of conversation. A shoe that seems to get delayed over and over again and has never really had a solid release date, sneakerheads and Drake fanboys (there’s more overlap than you might think) always seem to be discussing when the shoe might be dropping, and what they hope it’ll look like. Well now they don’t have to wonder about the latter anymore.
The first official images of the OVO XII’s (and the shoe’s style number) hit the Web earlier this week, leading to speculation that we’ll see a release sometime in the next few months (the current popular rumor is early 2017).read more
Here in the Twin Cities, we’ve got a tight-knit sneaker/streetwear community. Everybody knows everybody, and everyone tries to help out when misfortune befalls someone in the community.
Unfortunately, misfortune struck our good friend Matt (or LMNO as many call him), the store manager at Phenom (a Minneapolis streetwear/sneaker shop) earlier this week, as he was stabbed while at work.
Anyone who knows Matt will tell you he’s a stand-up guy. He loves his kicks and gear, is always quick with a smile and a dap, and he’s someone you can always count on for a good conversation. What happened to him is terrible. He had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, and will likely be away from work for quite a while.
Matt’s Phenom family has set up a GoFundMe to help him with his expenses while he recovers (as we all know, life doesn’t stop for anything), and any amount you can spare would be a great help. Matt’s a father, brother, and good friend, and could use a hand in this situation. Hit the link 
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